Science and Environment Minister descend on MDCEs

17-06-2013          

 

Hon Joe Oteng-Adjei Minister ESTI

Ms Loree Semulek, Rep from CIDA

MDCEs

The Minister of Environment Science, Technology and Innovation, Joe Oteng –Adjei has warned that government  officials that overlook  and connive with  individuals and groups to embark on illegal small scale mining popularly known as ‘galamsey’ will found themselves wanting when  identified. Addressing participants at the celebration of the World Day to Combat Desertification in Navrongo, the sector minister also challenged  the various security agencies to clamp down on such illegal mining operators whose activities are undermining the country’s efforts to protect forest and other natural resources particularly  freshwater resources. This, he explained should be executed upon the directive of government to halt the said activities embarked by local and foreign nationals.  Mr Oteng-Adjei, therefore advised the MDCEs to play a watch dog role in exposing illegal miners at their areas of jurisdiction. He strongly warned  that MDCEs that fail to stop illegal mining operations should consider their positions vacant since government is serious on the matter. Stressing on the dangers of illegal mining, Mr Oteng-Adjei, said the use of cyanide and mercury in harnessing gold produces toxic substances that are harmful to  humans, citing multiple myeloma cancer as one of the deadly diseases that emanates from toxic exposure of mercury due to its prolong stay on land after its use. According to him, about 780 million people lack access to clean water whilst,  3.4 million people die each year from  water related diseases globally. The figure, he revealed translates into one person  dying  every ten (10) seconds.  Such deaths he further lamented were as a result of water pollution, blaming it on  illegal mining operations. He was emphatic  that the World Day to combat desertification and drought which is on the theme: “Don’t let our future dry up’ was  awake up call for all to support governments quest to protecting the country’s land and water resources. He said despite the gradual depletion of vegetation cover in parts of Northern Ghana, the Upper East Region  in recent times has become notorious for the pollution of water bodies and called on residents particularly the youth to complement the effort of EPA in reversing the trend. In a statement the Executive Director of EPA, Daniel Amlalo,  said the world day to combat desertification and drought has been observed since 1995 to draw attention to the problems of land degradation and desertification. This among other interventions sought to promote public awareness on the dangers of drought and desertification on the environment with focus on sustaining healthy soils as part of Rio-20 and  post -2015 sustainable development agenda. He however implored the public  to take action to promote preparedness and resilience to water scarcity as well as land and water conservational use. The national event jointly organized by the MESTI and EPA  with support by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) was attended by relevant key stakeholders including chiefs and selected junior and senior high schools among other government functionaries. The occasion witnessed the  planting of commemorative trees  to mark the beginning of tree planting in the area. 

Story by Isaac Asare GBC, Bolga.

GBC pensioner enskined chief of Wakii

                  

A former staff of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Maam Balang of Wakii  near Tongo in the Talensi District has been enskined  chief of the traditional area with the skin name Naaba Maahen Somnatear-Zeedib. He was enskined by the Paramount chief of Tongo Traditional Council, Naaba Sabalug Namalteng. Naab Somnatear-Zeedib expressed gratitude to the paramount chief for the enskinment which he contested with other eight personalities and therefore commended them for the cordial support they rendered to him after the event. He pledged an open door policy and indicated his resolve to liaise with elders, teachers and the assembly member of the area to propel the development of the area particularly in the area of education.  Naab Somnatear-Zeedib also entreated his subjects both home and abroad to contribute their quota towards the development of Wakii, which he noted had suffered under development for years. The Tongo- Rana for his part cautioned against backbiting and other negativities in the society and urged the newly enskined chief to work closely with all residents of the area irrespective of religious, ethnic and political affiliation to assist in the development  the area and Talensi as a whole.

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MOFA/IFA dialogue on the Way Forward to Improving Agriculture

Section of participants at the forum

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Regional Director MOFA, Cletus Achaab

Agricultural experts at a day’s dialogue session in Bolgatanga has requested government to relax the policy ban imposed on the recruitment of new Agricultural Extension Agents(AEAs) and consider reviving the country’s Agricultural Training institutions, which he noted, are at the verge of collapse. They argued that the production of AEAs coupled with the resuscitation of the existing colleges will enable the country produce the requisite human and managerial resource necessary to advancing modern agricultural technology. More so, the production of more extension agents would help augment the work of women volunteers engaged by MOFA to support farmers in their farming activities. The dialogue session organised between an Integrated Farmers Network (IFA) and heads of selected Municipal and District Assemblies also addressed issues on fertilizer smuggling, accessibility of water for all year round farming, operations of SADA, and decentralisation of buffer stock and resourcing of NADMO among others. The rationale of the forum with funding from Action Aid Ghana was to enable farmers contribute their quota towards the attainment of the MDGs 1 and 7, which sought to address the problem of extreme poverty and hunger and of ensuring environmental sustainability by 2015. Participants at the function raise serious concerns on building community resilience to disasters since their farming activities are often distracted by persistent flooding and bush fires. They however tasked officials of NADMO and the various security agencies to play their expected roles so that farmers will not be found wanting anytime disaster occurs. They moreover challenged NADMO to deliver on their mandate of providing prompt assistance to farmers when the need arises. A representative from NADMO Mr Joseph Aserekama, in response to allegations made disclosed that NADMO is under resourced to deliver on its mandate, adding that there is no fixed planning and budgeting for disaster activities since most disasters occur naturally. He said NADMO could function as expected if government ensures the adequate release of relief items for onward distribution to disaster victims. Touching on governments seed subsidy programme, the Regional Director of MOFA, Cletus Achaab, identified lack of storage facilities as one major challenge facing the distribution of improved seed for planting, which he noted, are occasionally kept away from poor farmers in remote areas. According to him, MOFA will work out modalities to ensure that farmers get easy access to seeds and advised seed growers on the proper handling of seed to sustain its quality for higher yield.  Mr  Kusi Boamah who represented Action Aid provided some  recommendations to improve the wellbeing of farmers  and challenged MOFA to sell some of their  interventions to government for consideration.

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MMDAs challenged to institute by-laws to protect the right of children

(Left) Talensi DCE, Edward Awunnore, Mr  Syme U/E  Dep Min (Middle)

Pupils displaying their plight

The various Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Upper East Region have been charged to institute by-laws that will ensure the protection and wellbeing of children. This way, every child of school going age will have the opportunity of developing his or her God given talent to benefit society. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Daniel Syme, who made the call at the commemoration of the World Day Against Child labour at Pwalugu, said government acknowledges the role of the youth in nation building and has therefore placed the youth at the core of its development agenda. Nevertheless, government has appointed a good number of youth to occupy viable and key ministerial positions. The move, he reiterated has empowered the youth to assume leadership positions, attributing the cause to the numerous programmes and policies of government. Mr Syme, who was grateful to Afrikids and its collaborative NGOs for their effort in advancing the cause of children, encouraged other stakeholders to intensify their advocacy work in ensuring that children enjoy all the available interventions set by government to alleviate their plight and suffering. The Talensi District Chief Executive, Edward Awunnore, described the theme for the day ‘No Child Labour in Domestic Work’ as relevant since it deals with the plight of children in homes that engages them in hazardous work under the pretext of domestic chores. For him, the education of the girl child requires priority attention as much had not been achieved especially at the upper level of the educational ladder. Mr Awunnore, therefore reminded all to put a stop to all cultural practices and beliefs that are inimical to their wellbeing. Harmful practices meted out to girls, he indicated are unacceptable adding that perpetrators should be prosecuted to deter others. Delivering a speech on his behalf, the Country Director of Afrikids, Mr Nicholas Kumah, said though the country has witnessed a tremendous decline in child labour cases, the situation in the district and Northern Ghana is different.  His outfit he assured will not relent in delivering on its core mandate but rather remain committed towards  eradicating worst forms of child labour in the region. Furthermore, Afrikids would continue to promote child rights through community and child engagement forums in the district. He however called on the support of all stakeholders including the media to heighten awareness on issues affecting children. Moreover, government he suggested should be made accountable in ensuring that all forms of domestic labour, which is one 0f the hidden forms of child labour is eliminated.

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MAREDES encourages girls to develop interest in mathematics

14/6/13    

Beneficiaries holding their maths sets

Sir Knight Eddie Pra delivering his speech

Nabdam DCE, Madam Vivian Anafo

About 200 selected pupils in the Nabdam District have received educational support from the Marshallan Relief and Development Services (MAREDES), a Catholic based NGO committed to charity, peace and fraternal relations. The pupils, mainly girls took delivery of mathematical sets to whip their interest in mathematics education. It was also aimed at promoting girl child education in the district and the region in general.   At a symbolic presentation held at Kongo and attended by senior officers of the Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshal, the Chairman Board of Directors of MAREDES, Sir Night Eddie Pra, emphasised the need for broader support for girls in mathematics education. Accompanied by members of the Board of Directors, Sir Knight Pra, announced that MAREDES through financial backing by ECOBANK aim to reach out to about 2 million girls in the next four years. When this is achieved, more girls would be able to overcome fears in mathematics as a subject. He urged the girls to ignore stereotype and develop greater interest in the subject. Adherence, he observed will go enhancing their educational career, which he noted, was essential in breaking the shackles of poverty which is the number one enemy bedeviling girl child education. Sir Knight Pra, were of the fervent view that if parents are able to cater for their girls through education, they would reap the full benefit as compared to boys and called on parents to do their best in promoting the education of the girl child since it was the best legacy they can bequeath them. During the presentation of the mathematical sets, Sir Knight disclosed that his outfit will on regular basis assess and monitor the performance of the beneficiaries at their various schools and urged the teachers to offer them priority attention. The District Director of Education, Mr Farrah Joacquim, emphasized his resolve to push for the expansion of the School Feeding   Programme (SFP) to cover more deprived schools in the area. Additionally, the existing girl child clubs would be intensified to ensure their educational wellbeing. Mr Joacquim, thanked MAREDES for their show of concern and assured them of excellence delivery in the performance of girls in the district. He said despite the challenges facing students in the area, academic performance of students have increased tremendously, an indication that the district educational directorate was up to task.  The District Chief Executive for Nabdam, Vivian Anarfo, who was the guest of honour lamented on inadequate classroom infrastructure and called on the assistance of MAREDES to complement the effort of government. The presentation ceremony brought on board key personalities including Sir Knight Samuel Zan Akologo of SEND Ghana and Sir Night Peter Banahene, a key player in the area of  GETfund.

05-05-13          Agric   experts  recommends  Mucuna for farmers

Mucuna (bean-like leguminous crop)

Farmers in the three regions of the north have been advised to prioritize the production of Mucuna for the purpose of improving agricultural production and food sucurity. Its production on a larger scale can help to fight against extreme hunger since it has positive characteristics and attributes necessary to improve soil fertility in agricultural activities. Moreover, its economic importance far outweighs other leguminous plants such as cowpea and groundnut because it can withstand draught due to its high level of nitrogen and medicinal value. Highlighting its advantages to Radio Ghana in Bolgatanga, an officer in charge of communications at the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FA0), David youngs said his outfit places high premium in the cultivation of Mucuna, which he observed, could contribute to the global food crisis. Citing Africa and Northern Ghana as an example, Mr Young suggested the cultivation of Mucuna to farmers emphasizing that Ghana’s quest to achieving food security and eradicating hunger in the north would be a mirage if we do not act beyond the stipulated time of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG). He noted that Mucuna as compared to other legumes grows faster and has the ability to control soil loses on the farm. Additionally it has the potential of surviving even in harsh climatic conditions except for water logged areas. Mr Youngs therefore called for strong partnership between MOFA and FAO to deepen farmer’s awareness to adapting to the cultivation of the plant. The media he pointed out should play a role in educating farmers on the need to adapt to the cultivation of Mucuna. An officer at the  Bolgatanga Municipal Agric Development Unit of MOFA, Samuel Ayaburi, who attested to the relevance of the Mucuna plant said the plant had been tried and tested and has performed in some African Countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger where we  share similar climatic conditions. The plant, Mr Ayaburi further stressed had been piloted in five district of the region namely Kassena-Nankana East and West, Bongo, Bolgatanga and Builsa North.  Its performance since its introduction in 2011 had proven to be one the best legumes capable of destroying certain harmful weeds and bacteria in crops. He however advised farmers to cultivate the plant on large scale to sustain their livelihood especially in dry season. According to him, due to its potential in generating biomas biomass has become an  alternative means to build organic matter in the soil and encouraged farmers to visit any of the Regional MOFA office for any information  on the plant.

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Rev. Min bemoans low representation of men in churches

03-05-13   

Rev Dr Peter Yisazua (middle) yet to dedicate the church

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One growing phenomenon that have characterized almost all churches in the country is that most men due to reasons best known to them feel reluctant going to church to worship God. More than 60 percent of Christ believers who are women have taken over the various churches in the country with the men forming the minority. This notwithstanding has affected the growth of churches in Ghana since their absence discourages other believers to distance themselves from God. The Upper East Regional Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Rev Dr Peter Yisazua who made the observation suggested that if men as leaders of the

New church building

household are converted, there is the likelihood for the rest of the family to live a transformed Christian life. He however encouraged men to get closer to God. Rev Dr Yisazua was delivering a sermon at the dedication of the Navro Pungu Kingdom of Life Assemblies of God Church in the Kassena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region. The chapel constructed to serve the people of Navro Pungu and its adjoining communities was dedicated to the late Dr Francis Boachie who was instrumental in advancing the cause of the building. A minute silence was therefore observed to pay growing tribute to him for the sacrifices made towards the successful completion of the new building. The new building engineered by the Navrongo Central Church under the leadership of Rev Joseph Sapio was dedicated to the glory of God on the theme: ‘‘The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength’’. Dedicating the church, Rev Dr Yisazua advised the congregants to take ownership of the church and ensure that more souls are won and transformed for God. He also encouraged them to rally behind management of the church and also follow the trails of Christ by living exemplary lives to entice unbelievers. The Senior Pastor of the church, Rev. Abraham Ayiakwo, said the church since its inception in 1993 has fulfilled its corporate social responsibilities and has over the years partnered friends to embark on numerous medical outreach programmes, which he indicated, has benefitted about 600 people in Nimbasinea and Tekuru. Other activities including seminars on poverty reduction and environmental cleanliness have also been undertaken by the church as part of its vision of restoring hope to the poor and vulnerable in society.  According to him the church is in the process of constructing an educational centre, whilst plans are afoot to tackle water problem in the locality through the drilling of boreholes. He therefore called on the support of government and other benevolent organisations to contribute for a worthy cause. Rev. Ayiakwa thanked members of the church for their continuous support over the years and urged them to live above reproach. The dedication of the church attracted some ordained gospel ministers as well as a section of community members.

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