Dazungu Community Benefits from a new school project

29-10-2012        

An ultra modern 3-unit classroom block build at the cost of GHc136, 364 has been completed and handed over to the chiefs and people of Dazungu community, a suburb of Sumbrungu in the Upper East Region. The new JHS block engineered and put up by  Amsterdam-Bolgatanga Foundation is to augment the only existing 6-unit classroom block in the community and would facilitate effective teaching and learning as most pupil from outside the community are expected to enroll at the school. Supported by CESRUD, a community based NGO operating in the Sumbrungu area, the Dazungu junior high school has under its construction an office facility backed with other ancillaries to ensure smooth administration of the school. The school can also boast of a library facility stocked with school materials including text and exercise books for primary and JHS pupils.  Addressing a durbar of the chiefs and people of Dazungu, Mr Herman Huijmans, President of Amsterdam –Bolgatanga foundation said the school came into being following series of request made by authorities of the area led by Mr Rex Asanga, Director of CESRUD. Mr Huijman stated that the construction of the school will help increase school enrolment in the area, adding that its existence will entice parents to send their wards to the school since it has the necessary classroom infrastructure needed for conducive teaching and learning. Among the facilities are science equipments with computers and other ICT tools for studies. According to Mr Huijman, Amsterdam-Bolgatanga Foundation is committed to tackling the educational needs of the people and would go all length to improve education in the area and called on the authorities to contribute their bit to ensuring the safety of the school. Mr. Rex Asanga, of Trias Ghana and the brain behind the project said education of the people was one of his major priorities, emphasizing his resolve to bring education to their doorsteps. Giving the background as to how the school came about, Mr Asanga said his past experiences as a native of the community gave him the zeal to lobby for a school because school drop-out rate in the area was high and pupils commute long distances to attend school. Children that commute to the school, he noted were exposed to various dangers. The school, he moreover stated will ease congestion at the only existing school in the area. Mr Asanga however entreated parents to prioritize their wards education, most especially the girl child and make sure that their educational needs are met. The Deputy Regional Director for Monitoring and Inspection at the GES, Mark Nabia thanked the donors for the gesture and encouraged the SMC/PTA to take the school as their own since basic schools are community based. Mr Nabia further urged them to collaborate with the teachers and staff to come out with strategies of maintaining the new edifice. 

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U/E Police Command Demonstrates true Commitment to ensuring peaceful election

As part of its sustained effort to maintain law and order in the upcoming December polls, the Upper East Regional Police Command has rounded up its intensive Public Order Management Training at Bolgatanga. The one week training course involving 130 police personnel and two senior police officers drawn from the region demonstrated their preparedness to combat violent activities during elections. They exhibited professional skills in tactical movement, riot control by angry demonstrators and tactics in dispersing violent mob and dismantling of unlawful road blocks by rioters with arrest of ring leaders. The skills acquired were to enable them carry out their duties strictly on procedures and not ion trial basis.  The closing ceremony for the Public Order Management Training forms in line with series of training organized in the region. In line with its effort at ensuring maximum security on Election Day, the Regional Police Command with the support of the Police Administration has embarked on other field activities with the aim of equipping personnel with requisite skills, knowledge and professional approach to cater for any unforeseen event during election. Additionally, personnel are adequately trained as a way of making them physically, mentally and psychologically fit to provide the requisite security on crowd related violence before, during and after elections. This is to ensure a successful electioneering process come December, 7. Demonstrating their skills in respect to the public order act 491/94, personnel of the service engaged the public through various professional tactical interventions on how to disperse violent mob, dismantling of unlawful road blocks and how to prevent demonstrators from entering into prohibited premises with long batons and shields. The Deputy Regional Commander of Police, DCOP Ofosu Gyeabour,  said the training acquired by personnel of the service will undoubtedly provide crowd control security before, during and after election and would be done dutifully to the admiration of all Ghanaians and the international community. According to him,  the protection of electoral officers are assured since personnel are being trained on how to protect electoral officials and materials with strategies of diffusing tension through identification of early warnings. DCOP Gyeabour asserted that the police administration was ready to handle crowd related violence in accordance with international standards of policing and called on the general public to cooperate with the police to ensure that this year’s elections become free, fair and transparent devoid of any violent activity. The Upper East Regional Police command has in recent times embarked on series of activities aimed at ensuring a violent free election. With this, a regional election security task force was inaugurated to provide security at the various flash points in the region. The task force involving personnel of sister security agencies will cater for all the 1,118 polling stations in the region.

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Suspected Robber Wanted By the Police

                   

The Upper East Division of  the Ghana Police service are in search of 3 suspected highway robbers who attacked a Metro Mass Transport bus at the Karimenga bus terminal at about 8:30pm on 17/10/12. According to a release signed by the Assistant Superintend of Police, the three suspected robbers who were riding on their unregistered motorbikes attacked the faulty bus. Upon a tip off, the police were dispatched to the scene which subsequently resulted in a shootout between the two parties at the outskirts of Arigu. In the process, the three suspects sustained severe injuries and two were arrested by the police. Meanwhile the 3^rd suspect who has been identified as Sunday Atia kwaku 5050 is on the run. According to the release the suspect Sunday Atia might have reported to a health facility for treatment.  The Upper East Police Command therefore wishes to inform members of the general public, especially the Regional Health Directorate, Management and staff of all health facilities, Herbal centres as well as the media to be on the lookout and report to the nearest police station any information that would lead to the Arrest of the suspected robber believed to have gunshot wounds all over him. Meanwhile, any one with relevant information about the said suspect should contact the police via the following numbers 0244331936/ 0202775813 , 0273251769/0277483579/0244078424.

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NSTF in dire need of new vacuum pumps

25-10-12                           

The Northern Star Tomato Factory (NSTF) formerly the Pwalugu Tomato factory is in dire need of vacuum pumps to facilitate its operation in December 2012. The existing pumps which serve as the heart of the company’s plant has become obsolete and dysfunctional making the plant to run at a slow pace in terms of puree production. Though the company is currently out of operation due to shortage of raw materials, the absence of new vacuum pumps to replace the existing faulty ones would to larger extent create problems not only for the company but farmers as well. The reason, management explains is because tomatoes produced by farmers to feed the company would be left to rot since the pumps cannot function as expected. Outlining the company’s challenges to Radio Ghana during a visit of the new DCE for Talensi, Mr. Samuel Adu, an official of the company said the company is set to become fully operational should government intervene in providing new pumps to facilitate its work. He however reiterated the urgent need for the procurement of new pumps to enable the company begin operation in December as publicly announced in the media. Mr. Adu said management of the company on numerous platforms has appealed for the replacement of the old vacuum pumps and was looking forward to a favourable response from government through the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The provision of the pumps, which he noted could be procured in South Africa, could help in addressing the hullaballoo’s associated with the operations of the company as it has in recent times come under constant criticism from various quaters including a section of the media. The DCE for the newly created Talensi District, Edward Ayanore, in reaction to the concern raised said he will liaise with the appropriate authorities for prompt action to be taken. According to him, government places much premium in the area of industrialization and would leave no stone unturned in reviving all defunct factories in the country. Efforts, he however assured, would be made to tackle the urgent needs of the company. Mr.  Ayanore entreated farmers to exercise restraints as government takes prudent steps to improve their farming activities. He moreover appealed to management of the NSTF to consider increasing the pricing level of tomatoes produced for the company by farmers since bargaining price pegged for farmers in the region is nothing to write home about as compared to prices tagged at the various market centers. Mr  Ayanore was optimistic that with equal and fair pricing level,  tomato farmers were sure of reaping the benefit of their  labour. 

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Ghana likely not to achieve the MDGs in 2015: Health Dev’t partners predict

24-10-2012    

Narration: Looking at the current health situation in the country, Ghana is far from achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, a target set out by the UN in achieving remarkable improvement in the area of health and sanitation. Whilst other countries are recording appreciable gains in the area of maternal health reduction, Ghana is still recording high maternal mortality at our various health facilities, particularly in remote areas of the country. Contrary to the UN target of achieving 175,000 per 100,000 live births for African countries, Ghana is still running 350,000 live births per 100,000 live births, an indication that should we continue to record high maternal deaths, our effort to reaching the MDG 5 would be a mirage. This was made known by an official of Oxfam, Mrs Clara Valentine Tigenoah at a political parties dialogue on maternal health held at Bolgatanga. Correspondent Isaac Asare has sent this report for Radio Ghana.

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Giving an overview and state of maternal health situation in Ghana, Mrs Tigenoah said the country health sector needs to redouble its effort to help improve maternal health since access to maternal health continue to be a major challenge confronting most pregnant women, especially those in remote areas of the country.  She said though maternal health is free most people still find it difficult to visit the various health facilities notwithstanding the benefits accrued from its accessibility. She however appealed to stakeholders to assist the various community health volunteers as well as the Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in the discharge of their duties. Traditional authorities, she moreover appealed, should serve as advocators in the fight against maternal death. The Country Director of Oxfam, Sebastian Tiah, said Oxfam as a humanitarian NGO has over the years championed the cause of rural empowerment and had since its inception tailored its activities towards bridging the gap between the north and south through sustainable agricultural livelihoods, and free universal quality health care among others. In the Upper East Region Oxfam has made tremendous progress in the area of maternal health. Activities on maternal health he noted are exercised in six communities in 3 districts of the region, namely Zuarungu, Sumbrungu, Sapeliga, Tanga, Naaga and Gea. This is a result of high maternal death recorded in such areas.  As an interventionary measure, Oxfam adopted some workable approaches to enable them enhance access to maternal health. With this approach, Oxfam in 2011 recorded a massive reduction in maternal death and is working hard to overcome poverty in the region.   During an open forum, participants identified poor road network and non availability of trained midwives as some challenges bedeviling maternal health in the region. According to them, the various MMDAs should consider providing financial support for qualified students seeking admission into the health training institutions, particularly the midwifery training colleges, so that after completion they can stay back to support the  TBAs in the communities.  Moreover, parents should also encourage their wards to enroll at the region’s health training institutions since those down south are already chocked with facilities far overstretched. This way, more qualified midwives will be stationed in the region to assist in skill delivery as a way of reducing maternal and infant mortality. Political party representatives present included the NDC, CPP, NPP, and the PPP. The meeting organized by Oxfam in collaboration with PADA and the Ghana Health Service and attended by chiefs and community health volunteers sought to engage the various political party representatives to bring to the fore their policies and programs aimed at improving maternal health in the country.

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Gov’t is keen in partnering private organizations: Says Woyongo

Gov’t is keen in partnering private organizations:  Says Woyongo

Government in its quest to accelerate the pace of development in the effective management of the country’s resources is keen on partnering private organizations. Government in this regard seeks to leverage the strength of the public sector as a way of complementing its effort geared at bringing development to the doorstep of the people. In a speech read on his behalf at the annual awards night of Afrikids Ghana, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo said government over the past few years has been working tirelessly in creating a level playing field for Private Public Partnership (PPP), a tool by which value for money could be clearly demonstrated. The continuous call for policy on PPP he noted, is to facilitate the socio-economic development of the country, taking into consideration the need for increased availability of basic infrastructure and services. Mr Woyongo lauded the effort of the private sector especially NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working in the area of youth empowerment and called on them to work towards the sustainability of their core projects. This, he observed, was key to achieving sustainable economic growth via their activities. Whilst outlining the expected gains of PPP, Mr Woyongo proposed the urgent need for close collaboration between the government and private sector and appealed to NGOs to help introduce programmes tailored at bringing development to the people. He commended management and staff of Afrikids for their invaluable contribution towards the development of children in the region and encourage them to intensify their effort at building the capacity of the disadvantaged in society.  The Country Director of Afrikids Ghana, Nicholas Kumah showed gratitude to partners of Afrikids for their immeasurable support over the years. He also extended appreciation to staff of the organization and its partners in the UK for their outstanding contribution and urged them to work hard to impact the lives of project beneficiaries. The Board Chairman of Afrikids for his part expressed his outfit’s determination of working to become a self sustained organization by the year 2018. In line with the 10^th anniversary of Afrikids UK which took place UK last month, deserving hard working staff of Afrikids, were honoured for their invaluable contribution towards the growth of the organization. In all 9 categories of awards were given out with Beatrice Abugumzio emerging as the best core project staff. The Kassena Nankana Area Project (KNAP) was adjudged the best core project whilst Next Generation Home emerged as best partner project. Two special awards were given to some deserving  media practitioners and staff of Afrikids ICT Academy.

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Electorates are assured of maximum security in the upcoming polls: ASP Nbonwura

19-10-2012       

ASP Abdul Latif Nbonwura of the Navrongo Police command says the police administration is bent on ensuring maximum security at the various polling centres come December,07, and would with no hesitation, deal ruthlessly with individuals and groups of persons that attempt to interfere and forment trouble to disrupt  the electoral process. Addressing a section of the youth at the Navrongo lorry station, ASP again sounded a word of caution to electorates, urging them to refrain from electoral violence. According to him, strong energetic personnel of the service would be deployed at ‘flash points’ to make sure that people exercise their franchise peacefully devoid of threats and intimidation. ASP Nbonwura noted that the police with assistance of other security agencies would be highly equipped to take up the task, calling on all to collaborate with the police.  ASP Nbonwura, was speaking at a youth forum organized by Youth Alive, a child right NGO with support by Star Ghana, the NCCE and the GPRTU. The forum attended by representatives of the various political parties attracted stakeholders including selected students from the various second cycle schools in the district.  ASP Nbonwura deplored the use of intemperate language and politics of insults on the airwaves and advised offenders to be wary of their utterances so as not to spark off violence. What is expected of electorates, he said was the urgency to protect the hard won reputation of the country in terms of multi party democracy. Speaking on the relevance of Political tolerance, the Navrongo Municipal Director of the NCCE, Paul Kwame Ganvu, said though Ghana has gone through series of successful elections, what is expected of us is to protect and maintain the current peace prevailing in the country. Mr. Ganvu said the show of maturity exhibited over the years goes ahead to confirm the progress made with respect to our maturity in democracy. With this, Ghana has become the envy of many African nations with the international community lauding our effort in that regard. Mr Ganvu however stressed the need for Ghanaians to engage in health debates necessary in bringing about absolute peace and development. Politics for him was about issues and ideas and not acts of insult and violence. Backing his submission, the Principal Field Officer of the NCCE, Helen Adisa entreated Ghanaians to live above reproach and refrain from electoral malpractices. A final year student of Awe Senior High, Constance Kwoyire, who emphasized the need for political tolerance advised electorates not to allow themselves to be used and influenced by selfish politicians who have nothing to offer Ghanaians.  Politicians she moreover advised should take into consideration the welfare of the people at the forefront of their core policies and programmes. the Programmes Manager of Youth Alive, Conrad Balig in an interview with Radio Ghana said his outfit is committed to bringing peace in the upcoming elections and indicated their resolve to pursue that agenda to the latter.

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“We will prioritize and pursue polytechnic education to the latter” Bawumia tells Ghanaians.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Running mate to the NPP  Flagbearer

Dr Bawumia responding to cheers from enthusiastic NPP supporters

14-10-2012     

Running mate to the NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has chastised the ruling NDC for downplaying the relevance of polytechnic education in nation building. He said for the country to consolidate the gains in the industrialized sector of the economy, polytechnic education which is the pinnacle of industrial and technological research must be given the full recognition to enable it produce the requisite human manpower to drive the developmental needs of the country. More so, the role of polytechnic education would be a mirage if the development agenda is disjoined, inconsistent and made partisan, hence the need for national development agenda aimed at reviving the country’s polytechnics. The NPP, Dr Bawumia assured, will prioritize and pursue polytechnic education to the latter whilst the 3 campuses of the UDS would be converted into separate independent universities. This, he explained, will involve massive expansion on infrastructure coupled with improved facilities as well as teaching and learning materials. Dr Bawua who was addressing TESCON members at the Bolgatanga Polytechnic said the NPP when given the mandate, will transform the country’s polytechnics and universities to enable them realize their set objectives.  According to him, polytechnic education will be one of the specialized areas of education aside the free SHS, which he assured will become feasible and practicable as captured in the NPPs manifesto. He said under the proposed free SHS agenda, the NPP in its first term of office, was going to ensure the successful completion of 350 new SHS backed with teacher quarters’ to enhance effective teaching and learning. Additionally, existing schools will be renovated to accommodate more students and called on Ghanaians to rally behind the NPP to help realize its vision of ensuring quality and affordable education at all levels. Touching on the economy, Dr Bawumia said the NPP in 2000 inherited a HIPC economy with an inflation rate of 40 % and interest rate pegged over 60 percent. He said with bad economic management policies implemented by the NDC, the country’s economy size was nothing to write home about, adding that with the coming of the NPP in 2000 the economy via prudent economic management   went through major economic expansion with the size of the country’s economy increasing from 5 million dollars to 28 million dollars. Dr Bawumia was optimistic that with an improved financial sector characterized by a strong and vibrant private sector, the country was sure of creating a brighter future for the youth through job creation and advised the youth to support the ideals of the NPP to help transform their lives for the better. He said with or without oil, priorities must be set right, urging the NDC to move away from propaganda in the management of the economy.  What needs to be done, he noted, was for Ghanaians to realize the remarkable achievements of the 8 years of the NPP and vote them back to power. He said the NPP government under Akuffo Addo was committed to tackling the problems bedeviling the country’s economy.

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Zoom Alliance launches Sanitation Task Force for the U/E

Waste bins full to the brim

Recruits of Zoon Alliance in action

14-10-2012      

Narration: Zoon Alliance, a new private sector initiative and a subsidiary of Zoom Lion Ghana has officially launched a three months clean- up campaign in the Upper East Region to rid the city of filth. The inauguration of the task force which forms in line with government’s intervention aimed at addressing poor sanitary practices in the country sought to foster close collaboration between waste management contractors to effectively collect and dispose waste in the region and the country at large. At a ceremony held at Bolgatanga and attended by dignitaries including chiefs and personnel of the various security agencies, members of the newly inaugurated taskforce were charged to be committed to task given them. Correspondent Isaac Asare has the rest of the story for Radio Ghana.

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The Upper East Region and for that matter, Bolgatanga municipality was once adjudged as the cleanest district in the country. The same interestingly cannot be said of today, because the municipality has in recent time  being engulfed with filth, thus posing various health risks to residence in the area. Therefore the launch of the taskforce encompassing the National Sanitation task force aims at ensuring that the municipality retains its past glory. Launching the project on the theme: “A clean Ghana is a better Ghana: A shared Responsibility”,, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Edward Ayagle expressed regret at the behaviour of certain individuals whose activities poses major threat to the environment, particularl,y those who litter indiscriminately without considering the long term implications. He described the intervention of government and Zoom Alliance as timely and laudable, emphasizing that their effort has come at an opportune time when the municipality is being faced with sanitation crisis with indiscriminate littering in public places being the order of the day. The Assembly, Mr. Ayagle, pointed out is committed to the three month exercise and would partner Zoom Alliance in providing the necessary human resource and logistic to help augment their activities, adding that residents on regular basis would be engaged to undertake clean up exercises whilst the assembly takes additional steps to embark on clean-up educational campaign to salvage the problem of poor environmental sanitation. Mr Ayagle urged the taskforce members to exercise fairness in the discharge of their duties; bearing in mind that clean environment was a shared responsibility and not the responsibility of government and duty bearers alone. Concerned citizens, he indicated, has an equal task of reporting offenders of sanitation to the appropriate quarters for necessary action against them and further appeal to other stakeholders including chieftaincy institutions to play their role accordingly by driving home the message of clean environment to their subjects.  The Regional Zonal Manager of Zoom Lion, Mr. Laud Mike Tagoe expressed optimism that the collaboration of government and Zoom Alliance was bound to make an impact.  He said his outfit was determine to whip up the interest of the general public as far as good sanitary practice is concern and hinted that Zoomlion was committed to ensuring the proper execution of the exercise. According to him, members of the tasked force would be supported with the needed tools and logistics by Zoom Alliance to enable them carry out their services effectively and with ease. Under the three month project, 800 unemployed youth under the NYEP would be engaged to carry out the task. 50 taskforce members would be recruited in each district of the region. Meanwhile a joint clean- up exercise under the launch was carried out in the business district of the municipality involving handful of patriotic citizens including the MCE, Mr Ayagle. Heavily chocked drains and gutters were desilted whilst heap of with waste collected with trucks. The exercise is said to be replicated simultaneously in each district.

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“Reconsider our decision and accept us as prodigal sons and daughters” NDP defectors plead with NDC

symbol of the NDP 

President Mahama

13/10/12          

Three Regional Executive of the newly formed National Democratic Party (NDP) in the Upper East have officially announced their resignation from the party to reunite with the NDC. At a press conference held in Bolgatanga, the defected NDP executive members pledged their unflinching support for the NDC under the leadership of  President Mahama in the 2012 election, recounting on his character traits as akin to the humility of the late president Mills. According to them they will have themselves to blame if they miss the victory train of the NDC because it was obvious from all indication that President Mahama was poised for victory in the upcoming December polls. For them, there was a new atmosphere in Mahama led NDC, adding that Ghanaians who are not even members of the NDC are hailing  the candidature of President Mahama due to his vision for the country. When asked about their reasons for their sudden defection, they responded that their decision was informed by the fact that they were misled into joining the NDP with the intention of destroying the NDC. According to them they were recruited to be used as agents of destruction because they felt abandoned by the party in the past. In a statement signed by James Atenga, General Secretary of the party, some NDC members who were misled into the NDP are themselves hiding away and are refusing to show their faces because they know the NDP is a bad idea. Some he moreover noted are secretly pleading to be accepted by the new leadership of the NDC.  He therefore called on his fellow disgruntled party members throughout the country who think they can find solace in the NDP to rescind their decision and join the NDC before it is too late.. A leading NDC youth activist, Siddii Musah Abubakar, on behalf of the regional executives of the NDC accepted the defectors of the NDP back into the party. Mr Musa Abubakar told Radio Ghana’s Isaac Asare  that defectors of the NDP can assume their positions they held when they were with the NDC. In all 32 members of the NDP across the region announced their defection to the NDC

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Depression cited as the major cause of mental disorder-Studies reveal

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"There can never be health without mental health" 

A man depressed state

Depression has been identified as one of the major causes of mental disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Studies conducted in 2004 by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that unipolar depressive disorder ranks as the third leading cause of the global burden of disease, and will move into the first place by 2030, if stringent measures are not marshaled to reduce its rate of affection. Moreover, a person with depressive disorder or clinical depression finds himself in a state of sadness, thus affecting his state of reasoning. Therefore, people in depressive mood require urgent care, attention and counseling to help them recover from their destabilized minds. Speaking at a durbar to mark the World Mental Health Day in Sandema, the Programmes Coordinator, Presbyterian Community Based Rehabilitation Programme, Maxwell Akandem cautioned the general public against excessive intake of alcoholic beverages, drug use and peer pressure since such practices are major contributing factors to mental illness. The rippling effect of alcoholism and drug addiction, he advised  has devastating effect not only on a person’s life but on the society as well, urging all to be involved in efforts at reducing  such bad practices. Mr.  Akandem on the lighter note, appealed to government and NGOs to invest and prioritize issue of mental health with the seriousness it deserves and called on both institutions to help establish counseling centres at the district levels and additionally engage the services of clinical psychologists at such centres to enable people with psychosocial disabilities have easy access to services at the very early stage. This, he explained, will help prevent fresh cases from developing into acute and chronic stage. Mr Akandem also advised Ghanaians not to be aggressively hostile towards persons with mental illness but rather show interest in their welfare by treating them with dignity and respect. This way, we will be creating conducive environment for inclusive development in society devoid of stigma and discrimination. In his later submission, Mr Akandem appealed to the international community to re-strategize by moving beyond the production of yearly leaflets to guide countries and organization on strategies to reduce the menace of mental illness and epilepsy without financial resource for implementation. According to him, the WHO should expedite action by providing financial support for the appropriate mental health institutions and agencies to enhance their activities on mental health as it is done in the area of Malaria control as well as HIV/AIDS.   Speaking on the theme: “Depression: A Global Crisis”, Dr. Kenneth Nwaubani, of the Methodist Church in Abia State of Nigeria, encouraged Ghanaians and Africans in general, to do away with westernization, since it was having a toll on our traditional value system. According to him, it high time Africans revisit its rich culture by prioritizing the extended family system to help alleviate the depressive state of members in the family. A route march through the principal street of Sandema was carried out to herald the day.

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Consider increasing 2% allocation of the disability fund to 5% : Gov’t urged

12-10-2012       

Government as a matter of concern has been asked to consider increasing the current disability fund from 2 percent to 5 percent since the current allocation is inadequate to meet the needs of persons with all forms of disabilities. This way, persons with mental illness who have recovered from their conditions would have the opportunity to benefit from the fund. In an interview with Radio Ghana in Bolgatanga, the Programmes Coordinator, Presbyterian Community Based Rehabilitation Project, Maxwell Akansas said the allocation of the district assembly common fund meant for persons with disability has to some extent worsened the plight of beneficiaries. This, he explained, is because funds given to beneficiaries are sometimes underutilized though they are suppose  to ensure the proper use of the fund through investment activities capable of improving their livelihood. Moreover, beneficiaries are not thoroughly educated by the assembly as to how the funds should be utilized. Also contrary to article 42 of PWDs 2006, which mandates the various Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), disbursement of the allocated percentage is properly not disbursed with elements of impersonation distracting the course of disbursement. The funds, he indicated was created to help empower PWDs through income generating activities including the acquisition all necessary tools and equipments needed to enhance their respective jobs. Mr. Akansas advised beneficiaries to use the fund to venture into long term business activities that can sustain their livelihood and not for enjoyment spree. Whilst commending government for increasing the disability component of the common fund from 2% to 3% in the 2012 national budget, Mr. Akansas appealed passionately to government to consider increasing the present percentage to enable beneficiaries maximize the full benefit to improve their lives. Mr. Akansas equally appealed to the international community, particularly the WHO to help provide financial support for activities on mental health embarked upon by NGOs and agencies working in that regard.

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U/E Regional Health Directorate Launches MEN A Campaign

Dr Akpablie

WHO Country Director, Dr Iddrisu Sow

09-10-12  

Narration:    Between 1996/97, the popular communicable disease, Cerebrospinal Meningitis often referred to as (CSM) was responsible for over 1,300 deaths in Ghana with Northern Ghana, particularly the Upper East recording the highest out of 18,700 cases identified. The disease, notwithstanding the efforts of the Health Authorities, continues to cause regular epidemics, resulting in deaths, disabilities and suffering among those residing within the meningitis belt. As an interventionary measure, the GHS in partnership with the UN Children Fund under WHO,  has introduced a new vaccine to freely immunize persons between the ages of 1-29 to protect them against the disease. To this effect, the Upper East Regional Health Directorate has officially launched a campaign to usher in the new vaccine. Correspondent Isaac Asare has more for Radio Ghana.

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Paga Pio,  Pe Awampaga (left) in your shot

Report

The Upper East Region has for the past decade recorded as high as 18,000 cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) with over 2,000 deaths, an indication that it is just a matter of time to see every household severely affected by the loss of a loved one due to CSM, if drastic measures are not employed to reverse the trend. In the Upper East for instance, over 1,300 people lost their lives between 1996/97, whilst a sizeable number were rendered disabled due to CSM Serotype A. Also at the early part of this year, outbreak of Meningitis resulted in the death of 30 persons, resident in the Kassena-Nankana East and West Districts out of 336 cases recorded, representing 8.2%. It is for this reason, that the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with the Ghana Health Service has rolled out a new conjugate vaccine against Meningococcal Meningitis caused by Neisseria Meningitis Type A (Men A). At an official launch of Men A campaign in Bolgatanga, the Deputy Director of Health Services, Dr. James Akpablie emphasized the relevance of the new vaccine, saying the vaccine offers longer protection than the polysaccharide vaccines used in the past.  According to him, studies conducted on the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine had proven positive and used Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali as case study. The usage of the vaccine, he further explained, had amounted to drastic reduction of CSM cases that were prevailing for several years in the said countries. Dr Akpablie, however allayed all public fears and misconception about the introduction of the new vaccine, indicating that his outfit has fashioned out measures to detect, investigate and ensure the appropriate management of any adverse effect following the intended immunization likely to be recorded in the region. Mass vaccination exercise, he alerted, would be carried out in the region, targeting less than 800,000 vulnerable groups between the ages of 1-29. The exercise which begins today October, 9, ending October, 18, 2012 is estimated to cover 70 percent of the total population of the region. The vaccine, Dr Akpablie re-echoed would additionally offer protection to children under two and pregnant women and called on the targeted group to take advantage of the vaccination exercise since it is expected to prevent deaths and save millions of cedis spent on diagnosis and treatment of meningitis cases, particularly in the three northern regions.  The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo, who represented as the guest speaker charged stakeholders including chiefs and religious leaders to take a leading role in ensuring that all the targeted persons in the region are vaccinated against not only CSM but all vaccine preventable disease. He commended staff of the directorate for their effort over the years and pledged government’s continuous support in addressing their human and infrastructure needs including vaccine and other necessary logistics to help reduce the rate of preventable deaths in the region. Speaking on the theme: “Stop CSM: Get Vaccinated Now, Dr Iddrisu Sow of WHO said his office was happy to be part of the launch since it was the widest national choice implemented by the health sector of the country. Dr Sow said the new vaccine was cost effective and had the ability to reducing reoccurrence of the disease. According to him, the vaccine has comparative advantage over the one used in the past and encourage all within the venerable age group to be part of the exercise. According to him, residents in the three regions of the north are within the meningitis belt resulting in regular epidemics in theses region, hence the need for them to be advocators in ensuring a successful exercise.  The Regional launch of Men ‘A’ Campaign attracted a cross  section of the public including  representatives of health related NGOs as well  students from the various health institutions across the region. 

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Feature on Right to Information (RTI)

Caption:       An informed society: A unifying force for development

The concept human development is based on the expansion of human capabilities which is fundamental to the enrichment of quality of lives through the production of life sustaining necessities and enhances social choices. Human development is therefore possible with enhance capabilities such as the freedom and the ability to choose how they want to live. This choice can only be exercise through participation in governance, a process through which stakeholders’ influence and share control over development initiatives and resources that affect them. The ability to choose means that citizens need to be capacitated through information so as to make informed choices and subsequently qualitatively participate in the process of development.  However, despite the centrality of the phenomena of development in the Ghanaian structure of government, the inability of majority of the citizens to participate not only in the process of development but also in sharing the benefits of development initiatives/programs are rampant and exhibited through high levels of ignorance and poverty in the country. 

Though in Ghana, every citizen has the right/access to information which is guaranteed by Article 21(1) (f) of the 1992 Ghana Constitution, more often than not majority of the citizens who are beneficiaries of development policies/intervention programs are left in the dark with no information on the allocation, distribution and utilization of resources for implementing such policies/programs. This is particularly the case at the regional and district levels where majority of Ghanaians are located. But how can the country progress if majority of the people on whose behalf development programs are initiated do not access such programs due to lack of information?

(The issue of one’s right of access to information cannot be glossed over considering the benefits that comes along with it. The nation’s constitution guarantees certain rights and responsibilities, therefore it is vital that a law be put in place to streamline which information is available, how it can be accessed and from whom and where. This notwithstanding permeates every individual to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kind. It is gratifying to note that though certain provisions in the constitution pave way for citizen’s right of access to information, there are still bottlenecks militating against such opportunities, thus restricting one’s right to demand accountability from individuals, agencies as well as duty bearers among other personalities occupying high places in government and institutions. This issue brings to the fore the need for the passage of the Right to Information Bill, a bill currently awaiting parliamentary approval. The RTI bill 2009 among other interventions seeks to provide for the implementation of the right to information as enshrined under article 21(1) of the 1993 constitution of the country. Questions on the lips of people relate to the reason accounting for the delay in the passage of the bill though certain provisions and exemptions are given the consideration. It is an open secret that the bill when given parliamentary approval will help corruption at high places and subsequently assist in reducing speculations, anxieties and falsehoods that often arise out of secrecy. It will respect the individual’s right to access information of all sorts, not to mention governance of their affairs especially in the area of food, shelter, portable water, basic health care, education and equitable distribution of the available resources.

 Undeniably the bill will ensure effective regulation in the accessibility of information particularly that which is held by government in all types of retrieval systems.  In a nutshell, the bill when passed into law will also empower ordinary citizens to seek relevant information from public officials and contribute meaningfully to national development.  Despite the gains some public officials have regrettably kicked against the passage of the bill into law because of the level of corruption in the public sector though advocates for the passage of the bill are of the view that since transparency and accountability are key principles of good governance, the Better Ghana agenda will be enhanced if the bill is passed.  He said efforts by successive governments to promote decentralisation and to bring governance to the doorsteps of the people have not been achieved because the local people cannot access information. This indeed calls for collaborative effort by all well meaning Ghanaians including Chiefs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and religious bodies to ensure the successful passage of the bill. The media which is the fourth estate of the realm also has a critical role to play by joining the campaign for the rapid passage of the bill)

Sharing/proactive disclosure of information, for instance about new techniques of farming, health care facilities, hazards of environmental degradation, opportunities for learning and earning, legal remedies for combating gender biases etc is significant contributions to the well being of people. Therefore the campaign for the right to information law is not just a political phenomenon, but touches on the core the national development agenda which is to improve the standard of living of citizens by eradicating poverty. RTI law seeks to set up the framework that will facilitate the process of free flow of information which enhances development due to its ability to promote transparency, accountability and inhibit corruption.

The current Ghana’s right to information Bill drafted in 2002 is not sufficient to facilitate participatory development. The reason is that, it contains clauses that does not make it user friendly and meet international best practises. For instance, under the current Bill, it can take an applicant one hundred and fifty (150) days which is close to half a year to receive information requested. There is therefore an urgent need to comparatively review the current Bill with the aim of meeting international best practises to achieve a law that will go beyond merely giving the citizens the right to access public information but also obligating both the government and private sector players to proactively release most information which are necessary for the public to actively participate in governance as well as make informed choices in their daily endeavours.

It is also important that as efforts are being made to pass an effective RTI Bill into law in the country, attention should also be directed to putting in place pragmatic measures to block all holes that make accessing information very difficult at all levels. To that end, proper record keeping systems and mechanisms should be strengthened nationwide.

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Astute legal practitioners declare intention of contesting Tempane Parliamentary Seat.

An astute private legal practitioner and politician, Joseph Dindiok Kpenka has confirmed his position to contest the Tempane Parliamentary Seat of the Upper East Region. Declaring his intention to Radio Ghana with aplomb, Mr. Kpenka who is vying on the ticket of the NPP says he was confident of winning the seat based on his broad spectrum of knowledge and experience as far as local government is concern.  Mr. Kpenka declaration follows the maturity of C.I 78, paving way for the opening of nomination for potential parliamentary candidates for the 45 newly created constituencies. According to the National Executive of the party, opening of nomination which began yesterday October 4, 2012 is schedule to close on Saturday October, 6 with vetting of candidates beginning October, 9, 2012.  With his vast political experience and a staunch member of the NPP, Mr Kpenka is of the strong conviction that should he be given the nod, he was sure of changing the fortunes of his constituents since he has the development of the area at heart. Highlighting his achievements as a onetime DCE and Presiding Member for the Garu-Tempane District, the area he noted was bent on witnessing massive infrastructural development, indicating his resolve to see to the total transformation and wellbeing of his constituents irrespective of party affiliation and ethnicity.  He promised an open door administration and urged the people to offer him the mandate to enable him continue with his developmental agenda. According to him, the economic emancipation of the people will be one of his local interventions and mentioned education, health and job creation for the teeming unemployed youth as his major priority areas. In the area of education, Mr. Kpenka, 39  said chunk of the allocated common fund would be effectively utilized to benefit the less privileged in society, especially brilliant but needy students through scholarship and called on delegates to assist realize his  potentials. Poverty, ignorance and disease, he moreover assured will be tackled steadily since the trio has been the enemy bedeviling the progress of the people at the grassroots.  For him, he has been in touch with his constituents and can confidently predict smooth victory over his other competitors who are yet to pick their nomination to contest him in the primaries slated to take place on September, 14, 2012. The Tempane Electoral area which was carved from the Garu-Tempane District has 17 electoral areas with 56 polling stations.

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Maiden’s heroin Ayieyam makes family proud

Mother of Jane Ayieyam, heroin of the national under -17 female soccer team, Akotilie Ayieyam, has expressed happiness about the exploits of her daughter, Ayieyam in the on-going Fifa Women’s World cup final in Azerbaijan. Madam Ayieyam told Ura Radio Sports in Bolgatanga that watching her daughter play on television and most importantly scoring both goals for Ghana in their decisive final group match against China that enable the Maiden’s to make history in Ghana by becoming the first female side to go pass the group stages of any Fifa world cup competition. Her victory over the weekend, she elated, brings her and the entire family much joy and happiness. Madam Ayieyam told Ura sports that she was always excited about the performance of her daughter, adding that anytime the daughter scores a goal her heart beats with absolute joy, making her to shout uncontrollably. For her, the family is proud of her and is solidly behind her in prayers. Madam Ayieyam called for God’s continuous blessing for the daughter and called on Ghanaians to rally support for the maidens to enable them achieve more laurels for the country. She was optimistic that with the prayers of Ghanaians the maidens were bent of winning against Japan and go as far as winning the trophy for mother Ghana. The mother of the 15 years old maiden striker however admitted that she tried all odds to just to stop her from becoming a footballer, but all attempt failed, saying she is now proud to have her as a daughter. `I use to chase her all over town whenever I see her play football because our tradition do not permit women to play football but along the line, one Abu who was her teacher at the primary school level pleaded with me to allow her continue with her football career, having the firm believe that Ayieyam has all it takes to become a star someday, so I have to let her continue her football, thank God I did not ruin her future.”Mrs  Ayieyam added. Record has it that Jane Ayieyam started her football career with Bolgatanga Ghatel ladies before moving to Ash town ladies in Kumasi. With her sterling exploits’ with the national under 17 female soccer team, the Black maiden,   she is now a household name in Ghana’s football with her name on the lips of many soccer enthusiasts.  The 15- years old have been in sensational form at the on-going Fifa under 17 women’s world cup in Azerbaijan, scoring relevant goals in all of Ghana’s group matches, becoming the third leading scorer of the championship. Maiden’s Jane Ayieyam is poised to increase her tally when Ghana plays Japan on Friday at the quarter-final stage.  Jane Ayieyam s has 7 siblings of which four are ladies.   She is the sixth born, and hails from Sandema in Builsa district of the Upper East Region.

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Chiana-Paga Constituency sets pace for political rally in U/E

The much anticipated ‘mammoth rally’ for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region has began in the Kassena-Nankana West District. The event which is the first political rally to be organized in the region showcased the Parliamentary Candidate for Chiana-Paga Constituency, Abuga Pele, who also doubles as the National Coordinator for the NYEP. Addressing a large enthusiastic supporters and party stalwarts in Paga, Mr Pele who lost his candidature to the incumbent NPP MP, Leo Kaba in the 2008 parliamentary polls, vowed to wrestle power from the sitting  MP to represent his constituents in parliament come, 2013. Chanting in the usual NDC slogan ‘E dey be keke, Mr Pele, said he was on top form and ready to beat his opponent ‘hands down’. He said much is expected of party followers since the upcoming poll was crucial for the country’s democratic dispensation, having being touted as the beacon of peaceful democratic transition in Africa. The smooth transition of power from one government to another, he elated was a clear manifestation of Ghana’s maturity in democracy and  called on supporters of the party to rally behind President Mahama to enable him pursue the developmental agenda of late President Mills, who was a strong ambassador of peace. For him, it was obvious that President Mahama was on his way to victory, urging all to forge a united front into the next election with one purpose in mind, which is victory for the party and Ghana in general. According to Mr Pele, door-to-door campaign strategy was vital in ensuring massive victory for him and President Mahama come, December 7.  He proposed 85 percent victory for the NDC in the upcoming election and further appeal to electorates to work towards the victory of the party for strong vibrant economy, where all Ghanaians will be seen and treated as equal irrespective of party affiliation and ethnicity. Mr Pele commended elders of the party especially the DCE for the area, Thomas Dalu who contested him and lost during the party’s recent primaries for their show of maturity and confidence repose in him. The show of togetherness, he noted, goes ahead to confirm that the party was strong and united as ever.  The DCE, Mr Dalu in a brief statement advised supporters of the NDC to retain the candidature of President Mahama by going all out to vote massively for the NDC in the Presidential and parliamentary slot. He said the Chiana-Paga constituency represented by Mr Pele was set to experience much infrastructural development when the NDC is retained. The Deputy Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni, for her part urged party members to renew and show true commitment during the upcoming polls to ensure one touch victory for the NDC. The rally characterized by musical performances including  as well as traditional drumming and dances attracted some party gurus including the Regional Secretary, Donatus Akamugre and James Agalga, parliamentary candidate for the Builsa Constituency among other functionaries.

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