Bongo Traditional Council challenges DA to develop land boundaries

   

Bonaba, Naba Salifu Alemyaarum

 

The Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Salifu Alemyaarum has tasked the Bongo District Assembly to expedite action by developing land boundaries to pave way for effective development and to help curtail land litigation and conflict in the area. Naba Alemyaarum threw the challenge when he invited the newly elected District Chief Executive, Alexis Ayamdor to his palace to introduce him to his 42 divisional and sub-divisional chiefs. He used the opportunity to announce to the DCE elect, who was accompanied by the Acting District Coordinator, the existence of a Customary Land Secretariat, which he pointed out, was made possible via the effort of the traditional council. Naba Alemyaarum, however requested the assembly to furnish the facility with logistics and other training support for staff to enable it function effectively.  He added that his outfit was collaborating with the office of the Regional Lands Commission to ensure that it decentralized their operations in the district and impressed upon the DCE-elect and the assembly to ensure that the process was sped up. He disclosed to the DCE that the traditional council under his able leadership had also acquired a land at Gorugu for the building of an ultra- modern hospital for the district and entreated Mr Ayamdor to facilitate the process to acquire a proper land documents for the project to commence. One major problem he indicated has to do with the increasing spate of teenage pregnancies often recorded in the area. To that effect, a joint effort by the traditional council and the Ghana Health Service had been initiated to sensitize the various communities on the issue and again called on Mr Ayamdor to support the process. Naba Alemyaarum, urged the assembly to revisit the system, where people of 18 years and above in traditional homes were made to pay taxes, and additionally empower traditional rulers to collect cattle rates and other property rates for the assembly and the district in general. The DCE in response to the requests made thanked the chiefs for the honour done him and appealed to them to guide him with wisdom and cooperation to run the affairs of the district. He said at the appropriate time, he would liaise with the assembly members to find practical and pragmatic solutions to concerns put before him. Mr Ayamdor, assured the district of massive development during his four year term. Plans, he added, are afoot to visit the communities and interact with the authorities to know their problems and see how the assembly could intervene to address those concerns.

GBC                                                       END                                                                   IA/

Mass Media urged to eschew sensationalism

               

Eagle fm, a community radio station at Walewale in the Mamprugu West District of the Northern Region has been inaugurated with a call on the mass media to eschew sensationalism in the course of their work. Sensationalism in recent times has characterised the noble media profession and has therefore become the bane generating unhealthy verbal conflict and other related negativities by the people in the society. This notwithstanding has defeated the purpose of the profession as the practice goes contrary to the set ethical standards governing the journalism practice. The Northern Regional Information Officer, KhassimMedjida, who gave the caution expressed worry over the unfortunate trend and advised media practitioners to go beyond their expected role and used their platforms to promote issues that directly affect the people. Moreover, practices such as defamation of character,  contemptuous statements as well as deliberate and misleading stories tend to drag the name of the profession into disrepute and should be guided at all times. Mr Medjida cited instances of the Supreme Court verdict, where some journalists were summoned and prosecuted for making certain unguided statements that sought to undermine the authority of the court. He however challenged radio presenters and their host to always be abreast with issues regarding their work and that of others. Mr Medjida, who was emphatic about the invaluable role of the media in the nation’s development, further implored management, staff and host of the new station to constantly devote more time for development issues especially in the area  of  education, health, agriculture and infrastructure among others. The Chief Executive Officer of Eagle fm, Alhaji Ibrahim Shaibu, said the station which came into being in 2012 is targeted at promoting the culture of the people of Mamprugu. The effort of the station, he added, is bent on educating the people on developmental issues. Alhaji Shaibu, mentioned misunderstanding between management and board of directors of the station as the major challenge, and assured to resolve the issue in no time. He commended the information officer for his advice and pledged to heed to his call of employing professionals to run the station. The DCE for Mamprugu West, Mr Yusif Adam for his part commended management and board of the station for their role in the establishment of the station. He urged management to allow both Christians and Muslims to use their medium to propagate the gospel of their respective religions.

GBC                                         END                                                                     AS/IA

NHIS Organises health walk

             

New Regional NHIS office

Dep Min, Mr Daniel Syme (Right) Reg NHIS Boss, Mr Roger Ayine ( Left)

          

The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Daniel Syme and the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Edward Ayagle yesterday joined in a health walk organised by the Regional Office of the National Health Insurance Scheme as part of activities marking its decade of existence. They were joined by a local based keep fit club among other personalities including some departmental heads. The health walk would be followed by series of programmes of which a float would be organised by the regional office on September 28, 2013. It was engineered at the national level to signify the existence and sustainability of the scheme amidst its numerous financial and managerial challenges.  At a brief gathering to climax the health walk, Mr Syme showed gratitude to the government for making effort to sustain the scheme. According to him many African countries has drawn lesson from the scheme and have come to understudy our progress to boost and strengthened their existing ones. This, he observed signifies the gains chalked since its implementation. Mr Syme commended staff of the scheme for being part of the success story and charge them to dispel all public misconceptions that seeks to challenge the image and credibility of the scheme. The Regional Scheme Manager, Mr Roger Ayine, in an interview with Radio Ghana, said the scheme over the last 10 years has grown from strength to strength and was putting in place workable measures to surmount some of its numerous challenges. According to him, management has drawn up a number of programmes, including a biometric registration scheme to enable the scheme issue cards instantly so as to tackle its distribution process. Accordingly, a capitation programme would be put in place whilst measures are being considered to introduce claim policies as a measure of ensuring that people’s claims are submitted to the authority on time to address the problem in the submission of claims. The scheme, he lauded, has so far attained a utilization membership of 52.28 percent in the region, describing the said achievement as remarkable. Mr Ayine, thanked its collaborators for the successes chalked and assured the people of a more vibrant and effective service delivery in the years ahead.

GBC                                                              END                                            IA

Farmers embrace Pannar Quality Seed by Wienco Ghana

25-09-13    

Pannar Quality seed and products

Staff of Wienco Ghana briefing Community members 

Pannar quality seed, a combination of improved maize seeds produced by Wienco Ghana had received massive endorsement by majority of farmers in the Upper East Region. At a field day to highlight the competitive production of maize using improved seed and environmentally safe agro-chemicals, farmers emphasized their preferred choice of Pannar quality seed over other maize variety seedlings. The demonstration field activity held at Kalbeo in the Bolgatanga Municipality attracted farmers involved in mechanized and manual farming including input dealers and sale agents of Wienco Agriculture. It is a USAID/Ghana’s ADVANCE project aimed at promoting high production of maize using modern and well advanced technologies. The joint initiative by USAID/ADVANCE and Wienco is targeted at addressing shortfalls in maize production as farmers over the years have complained of poor harvesting  periods due to poor farming practices and low variety of seed as well as animal and pest attack. The use of Pannar quality seed will curtail some of the farming defects and improve crop yield when properly used. In an interview with Radio Ghana, some beneficiary farmers drawn from Kalbeo and its adjoining communities maintained that their experience with Pannar improved maize seeds as comparably given high rise in crop yield contrary to the use of other ordinary maize seedlings. To them, is the best variety of seed that could contribute to reducing poverty among farmers, with particular reference to those in the three northern regions. A one-time national best farmer, Hajia Teni Tia, attested to the potency of the seed and advised farmers to prioritize its use for expected crop yield. Her submission was backed by the chief of Kalbeo, Naba Apaa Panga Ayuuseyine, who explained its introduction would serve as a source of livelihood to the people since one has to spend less in its entire production. Naba Ayuuseyene, indicated his resolve to market the products to farmers within his jurisdiction.  The Regional Coordinator for USAID ADVANCE Program, Paa Kwesi Awuku Darko, who took farmers round the field said his outfit had set up a number of demonstration fields in the region with the objective of increasing production and productivity in the cultivation of rice, maize and soya bean. In all, 28 maize demonstration fields have been set up with 14 being rice and 9 soya bean fields.  The project, Mr Awuku-Darko, explained was a special arrangement by Wienco Ghana with financial support by USAID ADVANCE. The joint initiative, he stated, was an opportunity for Wienco to introduce their quality seed to the value chain actors they are dealing with. He observed that beneficiary farmers are impressed with their products and was hopeful that with good agronomic practice coupled with the  effective use of Pannar quality seed,  farmers can move from the 3 bag per acre to about20- 25 per acre during harvesting.

GBC                                                         END                                                                             IA/

Popular participation is key to achieving rapid development at the grassroot level- Bongo DCE

DCE for Bongo, Mr Alexis Ayamdor

The newly elected District Chief Executive for Bongo, Alexis Ayamdor says his major priority will be to strengthen and support the operationalization of the sub-district structures with the aim of ensuring popular participation at the grassroot level. This, he noted forms part of his strategic development plan to promote participation in the decision making process of the assembly since citizens participation on issues of the assembly is not encouraging. He however announced plans to create social accountability platforms, particularly at the area council level. With this, communities would be empowered to make inputs with regards to government policies and programmes for consideration. Beyond that, decisions made at the town and area council level could be fed into the district development plan in consultation with relevant stakeholders at the assembly. Mr Ayamdor also touched on the need for effective and efficient public service delivery and called on the support of the people in executing his development agenda, particularly in the area of education. Quality education as a result will be vigorously pursued with collaboration with key stakeholders. This, he added, would be done through effective monitoring and supervision as far as teachers and students are concerned. Quality education, he further stressed was the bedrock to eradicating poverty and challenged the people to prioritize education. On water and sanitation, Mr Ayamdor underscored the urgent need to revisit the existing work plan contained in the assembly’s strategy documents. The move, he assured would assist in identifying the key stakeholders in both sectors, and by so doing, the idea would be set before them for workable solutions to be provided.  The high fluoride content in water bodies of the district Mr Ayamdor indicated will also be given the needed attention as plans are afoot to deepen external collaboration with donor partners in providing workable mechanisms to solve the problem. Mr Ayamdor moreover seized the opportunity to appeal to the Ministry of Water Resources to also show interest in resolving the challenge. With his vast experience on local governance issues, Mr Ayamdor is poised to put his expertise to bear and tackle the developmental deficiencies affecting the district.

GBC                                                           END                                                                  IA/

Construction work on Melcom financed school block progressing

On-going construction work on a three classroom block with an office and a store for pupils of St Peter/Paul Primary school at Atulba-Daboo in the Bolgatanga Municipality is progressing steadily. The project which is being financed by the nations’ biggest retail outlet, Melcom is said to cost over GHc 7,000. The successful completion of the project which is currently at the foundation stage, will go a long way to help improve the school’s infrastructural deficit which has been a major challenge bedeviling effective teaching and learning at the school.  The contractor spearheading the project, Mr Philip Awadzi–Red, disclosed this when, a member of the school management committee (SMC) Mr Sylvester Azaare inspected the on-going project. He commended the citizens of the area and the teachers for their invaluable contribution shown towards the construction of the project. Mr Awadzi-Red, who is also the Director of Civicom MPA Construction firm based in Accra was optimistic that with the level of support and cooperation, he was poised to meet the expected timeline scheduled for the completion of the project. Mr Azaare for his part showed gratitude to the entire management of Melcom Group of Companies for the kind gesture and urged them to extend their support to other deprived schools to enhance and promote quality education at the basic level.

GBC                                                           END                                                         IA

Catholic Bishop recommends actions to forestall flood recurrence

17-09-13   

An affected house

Most Rev Alfred Agyenta  in a tit chat with some community members

The Catholic Bishop of the Bolgatanga-Navrongo Diocese, Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, had challenged traditional authorities in Bunkpurugu and its adjoining communities to employ permanent solution to the perennial flooding situation in the area. He observed that the little resources often given to flood victims by NGOs and other corporate organisations were not the best solution in addressing the issue. For him, flooding in parts of Northern Ghana has become an annual ritual that requires preventive interventions to forestall it occurrence. Most Rev Agyenta, made the recommendation when he led a team to assess the flooding situation in the affected areas of the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District. Recent torrential rainfall that hit parts of the district caused extensive damage to properties including large tracks of farmlands. The five day incessant rainfall destroyed portions of the roads making it muddy and inaccessible, whilst many were rendered homeless. The most affected areas included Binde, Jilik, Kparisok and Najong No 1 and 2.  These predominantly farming areas are still counting their loses as most households have run out of food because their livestock and food stuffs were washed away during the downpour. The visit of the team was in response to calls by the affected communities. Their first point of call was at Binde, where Most Rev Agyenta and his delegation accompanied by the District NADMO Coordinator payed homage to the Pib-Rana at his palace.  They were  assisted by the District Information Officer, Charles Wuni as well as members of a youth committee set up to ensure the welfare of the affected victims. Most Rev Agyenta in a message expressed his sympathy to the affected communities and assured the people of the church’s support in alleviating their plight. He asked the chief to liaise with the duty bearers in providing a permanent remedy to the situation rather than depending on relief items in times of flooding and other natural disasters. The Pib-Rana, Banzua Kolugu Mammara, who was inspired by the words of the Bishop commended the catholic diocese for their support over the years and appealed for their continuous support inn tackling the issue. He said efforts would be made to prevent future occurrences. The team later visited Najong No 1 and 2 to assess the extent of damage caused to affected houses. At the end of the visit relief items in the form of food and other materials were handed over to the youth committee members for onward distribution to the affected victims. The items valued at about GHc14,000 included 57 bags of maize, 144 litres of cooking oil and 75 sleeping mats. Based on the statistics provided by the District NADMO Coordinator, Mr Wuni Sugri, about 9,000 persons in 34 communities were affected by the floods. 

GBC                                                              END                                                                        IA/

Development Coordinator of the Diocese, Mr Joseph Ayambilla (in smock)

Some relief items on display

Pib-Rana of Binde

Most Rev Agyenta (Left) and the Parish Priest of Bunkpurugu, Fr Yosef Griday

World Vision intensifies campaign on FMNR

Talensi Area Dev't  Prog Maanager of WV Ghana, Norbert Akolbila

Section of Participants

                  

World Vision Australia has provided a 5-year financial support to sustain the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) Project implemented in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region. The gesture follows a successful execution of the first phase of the project carried out between  2009-2012. The project among other interventions seeks to empower beneficiary communities to prioritize the practice of FMNR to enable them recover the degraded wasteland. The project also intend to build the capacity of communities on how barren fields as well as degraded forests and grazing lands could be reforested without planting a single tree. At the Launch of the second phase of the project at Tongo, participants mainly farmers drawn from 17 beneficiary communities including Gbane and Yamsok were taken through varied economic benefits of FMNR through the harvest and sale of firewood, poles and non-wood products among other tree species, especially those that have the ability to sprout from stumps and roots after they are cut down. They were also taught on the technological knowhow on tree planting procedures among other technicalities. Speaking to Radio Ghana after the launch, the Talensi Area Development Programme Manager of World Vision, Norbert Akolbila, said the implementation of the project in the spate of 2-3 years had contributed in restoring some lost vegetation in some beneficiary communities. This, he said, formed the basis for the implementation of the phase two as a result of successes chalked during the phase one. He said most countries in sub Saharan Africa, particularly Niger has reaped the full economic benefit of the project and has on a large scale spread to over five million hectares of farmland through community advocacy. Mr Akolbila however underscored the need for deprived communities to prioritize the practice. According to him, World Vision intend to expand the project to cover the entire northern zone and most importantly  sell the idea to the SADA and other agencies for consideration since it is cheap and cost effective.  A participant who doubles as the Assembly member for Goroso/Pusu-Namogo, John Yalmon challenged beneficiary communities to complement the effort of world vision by encouraging other farmers to hook to the practice of FMNR. For him the project has brought much relief to his electoral area as it has discourage the practice indiscriminate tree felling and bush burning among other environmental negativities. The District Engineer, Samuel Kwame Tete, who spoke on behalf of the DCE, pledged the assembly's support for the project. 

GBC NEWS                                                    END                                       IA/

Health facilities in Northern Ghana lacks pathologist

13-09-13       

Symptoms of Leukemia

Health facilities in the three regions of the north cannot boast of a single pathologist to examine samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes. The situation coupled with inadequate diagnostic equipment as well as specialised human resource, had resulted in facilities inability to identify certain health conditions that require diagnostic procedures to treat. The Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, Dr John Koku Awoonor-Williams, who confirm this to Radio Ghana said health service delivery in the Northern Ghana, particularly, the Upper East had over the years suffered a major setback and had over time, remained handicapped in producing the needed human resource to man the various health facilities. He said unlike pneumonia, typhoid, and malaria related cases, certain conditions require careful examination to be able to confirm a particular illness. He cited Leukaemia, which is also known in medical terms as the Cancer of the Blood, as one of the conditions since its discovery has to do with blood examination and bone marrow aspirations among other specialised diagnostic processes. Dr Awoonor-Williams admitted losing two of his staff to Leukaemia infection and attributed the cause of their death to the lack of diagnostic equipment and a pathologist specialist to confirm their case. He said though the region’s major health facility could boast of a medical laboratory, research facilities to detect such diseases is absent, hence the need for practical intervention to address the challenge.  For him, it was imperative for the health sector to prioritize the establishment of outreach pathological services to enable them conduct surgery and identify affected tissues and organs. With this, specimens could be sent to bigger health facilities by express means for diagnosis and histology. According to him, consultations to that effect have been held with the Former Director -General of the Ghana Health Services, Prof Badu Akosa, during his recent visit to the region. Prof Akosa, he revealed has expressed his resolve to partner the region attract the needed specialists including surgeons and haematologists to support the few doctors in the region and called on the ministry to assist in that regard. Moreover, strategic plans have also been mapped out to woo doctors into the region, touching on the provision of workable framework within which motivation was the key factor. As a way forwards in dealing with certain conditions, Dr Awoonor- Williams underscored the urgent need for early detection and timely referral and advised residents of the region to report any condition to the nearest health facility for prompt attention. He however cautioned against stigmatization, which he noted had the tendency of worsening the plight of patients, especially persons living with Leukemia and other related illnesses.

GBC                                                           END                                                                IA/

Lawyer kpenka condemns Tsikata’s attack on Justice Anin Yeboah

03-09-13

Lawyer Kpenka

A Legal Practitioner based in the Upper East Region, Joseph Dindiok Kpenka has described as unethical comments made by the lead counsel for the NDC in the just ended election petition, Mr Tsatsu Tsikata. Mr Tsikata is cited to have accused Justice Anin Yeboah, one of the nine Supreme Court Justices of being biased on his judgement.  Nevertheless, Mr Tsikata’s comment indirectly implies that Justice Anin Yeboah’s took an opposing stance against the NDC’s argument and position. However Mr. Kpenka in an interview with Radio , described the actions of Mr Tsikata’s commentary as unfortunate and condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians. According to him, Mr. Tsikata’s argument that Justice Anin Yeboah was doing the bidding of the NPP because he was appointed by former President Kuffour is baseless since all the nine Justices were appointed by various Presidents that have ruled this country. He cited Former President Mills appointed of some of the judges who constituted the nine panel in the just ended petition case.  Mr. Kpenka, added that all the nine justices were vetted by parliament based on their competent and not their political affiliation and that any person who wishes to comment on the verdict is free to comment per the constitution but must guard against personal attacks on any of the judges. He said, Mr, Tsikata went beyond analyzing the legal issues involved to attacking the personality of Justice Anin Yeboah. He however called on all commentators to be circumspect in their comments about the Supreme Court Verdict and not allow their political affiliation to influence them in their commentaries. He also called on producers and hosts of various media houses to exercise high level of professionalism by ensuring that only persons with in-depth knowledge on legal issues are invited to their stations to comment on the verdict.  Mr Kpenka also congratulated Nana Akuffo Addo for his high sense of maturity and responsibility exhibited after the verdict describing him as his ‘Man of the World’. He urged other political leaders to emulate his shinning leadership qualities.

GBC                                                      END                                                             EMB/IA

President’s Nominee for Bongo receives overwhelming endorsement

Mr Ayamdor in a blissful mood

   

Former Presiding Member (PM) for the Bongo District Assembly, Alexis Ayamdor, has been unanimously endorsed to serve as the new District Chief Executive for Bongo. The president’s nominee, who has worked with the assembly for almost a decade, attained a 100 percent mark as all 52 elected and appointed members voted on his behalf to confirm his candidature. The atmosphere following the outcome of electoral process was all joy and excitement, especially when the result was announced by the EC representative, Mr. Azu Bosco. Mr Ayamdor’s elevation from a presiding member to a DCE has been described by many as historic, since previous elections to approve a president’s nominee in the area has been shrouded in fear and uncertainties. With his new position, Mr Ayamdor will now take over from Mr Akugri Tia, the outgoing DCE, who after a four year term was recently relieved off his post, upon directives by the president. Before his confirmation, the Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Limuna-Mohammed Muniru, was optimistic that the nominee was going to receive a 100 percent approval as expectations were high. Moreover, section of the public that thronged to the premises of the assembly came out with positive predictions, an indication that the nominee was poised to emerge victorious. Mr Ayamdor, in a short message showed gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence repose in him. He however pledged to facilitate the speedy development of the district and called on the support of all to enable him achieve better results. The Regional Minister, who described members of the house as men and women of integrity based on their level of maturity and unity, implored all irrespective of party affiliations to rally behind the nominee in executing his development agenda. Alhaji  Mohammed Muniru also advised the nominee not to use his current position to lord his administrative authority on the people, but rather demonstrate his resolve to tackling the developmental issues in the area in consultation with the elders of the assembly. The oath of office was administered by Her Worship, Vivian Yamusa, of the Bolga/Bongo District court. The assembly meeting attracted high profile dignitaries including the Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Ephraim  Avea Nsoh, MP for Bongo, Mr Albert Abongo as well as the DCE for Talensi, Mr Edward Awunnore, among others invited guests. Radio Ghana has gathered that the confirmation of Mr Ayamdor, adds up to four, the number of DCEs confirmed in the region.

GBC                                                           END                                                                  IA/

Mr Ayamdor receiving cheers from sympathizers

Dignitaries present at the event

  Alhaji Limuna Mohammed Muniru (Middle) and Dr Ephraim Avea Nsoh, RM U/W (Extreme Right)  

MP for Bongo , Albert Abongo (Left) 

President’s nominee for MCE in Bawku rejected amidst heavy security presence

09-09-13       

Minister of State at the Presidency, Alhaji Ahmed Mustapha (Right)

Hon. Assembly members ready for action

Nineteen out of 28 appointed and elected assembly members in the Bawku municipality have overwhelmingly voted against the president’s nominee for the position of MCE. The nominee, Amadu I.W Karimu, whose appointment had received agitations by some members and youth groups in the NDC failed to attain two thirds of the total number of votes cast. Mr Karimu at the end of the voting exercise clinched 9 votes representing 32 percent. Per the amendment of the assembly's model standing orders, the nominee has another chance to be confirmed.  Some Party loyalists gathered around the premises of the municipal assembly received the outcome of the results with wild jubilation inspite the heavy combined military and police presence. The Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Limuna- Mohammed Muniru, who chaired the event said, based on the constitutionally amended assembly model standing orders, there was still room for consideration and charged members of the assembly to iron out all differences and give the nominee a historic confirmation for the sake of development, bearing in mind the establishment and sustenance of peace. According to him, members have to heed to the call of the president by honouring the nominee. The event attracted various dignitaries including a Member of State at the Presidency, Major Rtd Dr Alhaji Ahmed Mustapha among other party functionaries.

 GBC                                                         END                                                 Isaac Asare ( IA)

Policeman found dead whilst on duty post

07-09-13                   

The Upper East Regional Police Command has officially confirmed the death of Patrick Ackah, a Corporal in the service who died whilst on official duty at the premises of the VRA in Bolgatanga. The Regional Police Commander, DCOP Alex Isaac Quainoo who made the confirmation told Radio Ghana that the incident occurred three days ago. According to him, police does not suspect any foul play though the body has since been deposited at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital morgue awaiting post-mortem. The post-mortem, he indicated, will ascertain the circumstances surrounding his sudden demise. DCOP Alex Quainoo said is still investigating the matter and would implore all and sundry to remain calm whilst they come out with their findings on the possible cause of late Ackah’s demise. He moreover dispel some media reports that the deceased was a newly recruit but rather a corporal who has passed through the ranks to become a corporal

GBC                                                                  END                                                             IA/

Pregnant woman murdered in cold blood

     

 

Twenty three year old woman Gladys Weija has been murdered in cold blood at Pungu, a suburb of Navrongo in the Kassena Nankana East of the Upper East Region.  Narrating the incident to Radio Ghana, the Regional Public Relations Officer of Police, ASP Thomas Yaw Agbanyo disclosed that the deceased who was pregnant for four month got stabbed in the stomach by two suspects, Emmanuel Kaba, a 42 year old clerk at Lesken enterprise and Gloria Amena .Kudam, a 24 year old house wife married to one McLean Boya.  ASP Agbanyo explained that  the incident occurred as a result of a  misunderstanding  between, Mr. Boya and his wife, Gloria that compelled him to go into another relationship with the deceased who is said to be staying with the suspect, Emmanuel Kaba. According to the police PRO, Kaba who is believed to be uncle of the deceased was not happy about their secret affair.  ASP Agbanyo, further revealed that on the September 2, 2013,   Boya paid a visit to the deceased at her residence. Kaba upon seeing him quickly contacted McLean’s wife to witness their ungodly act of which, Gloria declined on the basis that she was sick. Out of extreme anger and frustration Kaba then proceeded to Glady’s house and picked her on his motor bike to see things for herself. In view of the situation, the suspects laid ambush on the way to catch a glimpse of them. At that moment the deceased was on her way home after a joyous moment with Kaba at a nearby drinking pub. The deceased was therefore attacked by the suspects led by her uncle Kaba. In the process, Kaba stabbed the deceased severally in the stomach and went ahead to gorge her eyes out of what has been described by the police as gruesome.  Gloria who is said to have had a second thought in the face of the dastardly act, tried stopping Kaba, but could not succeed and in the  process, had a cut on her palm. Gloria, then called the husband on phone to narrate the incident to him. The husband upon the information got alarmed and rushed to the scene and realized the deceased had died and was lying in a pool of blood with some intestines gushed out. The suspects were later apprehended and admitted committing the crime.  Meanwhile, ASP Agbanyo said the two would be arraigned before court for charges of murder and conspiracy.

GBC                                                                  END                                                EMB/IA

U/E Regional Minister pleads for calm in Bawku

06-09-2013      

Participants at the meeting

Alhaji Bonaba, Regional Chairman NDC

Narration: Following the recent disturbances that erupted in Bawku over the President’s nominee for the position of MCE, the Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Limuna Mohammed Muniru has met with constituency party Executives of the NDC as well as the youth wing of the party to deliberate and chart the way forward in addressing the issue. Alhaji Muniru who was accompanied by the Regional Party Chairman and other party stalwarts condemned the September 1, shooting incident that took place in the municipality of what is believed to be connected to agitations by the youth to have the president’s nominee changed. Correspondent Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and has filed this report.

 Report

Since the pronouncement of the President’s nominee for the position of Municipal Chief Executive in Bawku, some agitated youth groups in the party had organized series of press conferences to register their displeasure over his appointment. This notwithstanding had been characterized by counter press conferences leading to the arrest of five persons including the Deputy Constituency Organizer of the party, Tanko Akologo. The President’s nominee Amadu I W Karimu has since his appointment come under constant criticism with some youth groups describing his appointment as a conspiracy. The aggrieved youth some belonging to the Concern Youth of Bawku has questioned the loyalty of the nominee and advised the President to rescind its decision by choosing a suitable party loyalist that has sacrificed for the party throughout the trying times.  The youth also attacked the Regional Minister for his involvement in the selection of Mr Karimu since he failed to communicate effectively to the constituency executives on the vacancy for the position of MCE. According to some members of the party the president also failed in his duty to consult the executives on the procedures for choosing a candidate for the position.  The Regional Minister in reaction to some of the allegations raised   blamed the Regional Chairman of the party for the communication gap since all information with regards to the selection procedure was relayed and properly communicated to him for onward information to the executives and the youth as well.  He debunked allegations of having conspired with the executives to select Mr Karimu for confirmation. According to him the selection was done at the constituency level in consultation with the regional executives and denied his involvement in the process. The Regional Minister appealed to the aggrieved party members to reflect and chart the way forward in tackling the issues rather than using violent means to address their grievance. He moreover advised the youth to lobby for the assembly members to reject the nominee come Monday September 9, the day fixed for his confirmation and not take the law into their hands to disturb the peace in the area. Alhaji  Muniru in his late submission appealed for calm to ensure total peace. The Zonal Chairman of the party, Musa Zidabe, in an open forum appealed to his colleagues to adhere to the law down procedures of the party to address grievances. The Regional Minister later paid a courtesy call on the Bawku Naba to announce his presence and also explain to him the procedures for the selection of the nominee since some have protested against his selection on tribal basis. He was accompanied by MUSEC and DISEC members

                                                                END                                                                  

U/E is set for Measles/Rubella mass vaccination exercise

05-09-2013   

A child with measles

  The Upper East Regional Health Directorate says its planned activities on the impending measles/Rubella (MR) mass vaccination exercise is on course. To that effect, over thousand vaccinators involving health workers and trained community volunteers have received training and would be deployed at strategic areas to embark on the 10-day national exercise schedule to commence from September 11 to 20 this year. In all about 500,000 children between the ages of 9 months and 14 years are expected to be vaccinated against  the two infectious  viral diseases. Briefing newsmen at the launch of the exercise in Bolgatanga, the Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr James Akpablie, said though children remain the targeted group for the exercise, it is considered more dangerous when contracted by pregnant women as it could result in abnormalities often termed as the Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). According to him women with measles and Rubella are likely to experience still birth causing children to be deaf and visually impaired among other deformities. It could also lead to the death of affected children since it causes extensive damage to the respiratory system of the human body. The exercise, he lauded forms part of effort to achieving the MDG 4, which aims at reducing mortality among children under five. It is also targeted at reducing suspected cases of measles outbreak in Ghana and Upper East in general. Dr Akpablie, highlighted the relevance of the vaccination since it was going to consolidate the gains made with regards to measles control in the region. He said between January to June 2010, the region recorded 80 cases of measles out of 704 confirmed cases recorded nationwide. This, he attributed was due to poor campaign strategies and urged the media to play its advocacy role in ensuring that information concerning the exercise are fairly disseminated to the targeted group particularly children in deprived and hard to reach areas. Moreover Ghana is working towards achieving measles elimination status, hence the need for the media to support the health sector in its social mobilization strategies to achieve best results. Speaking to Radio Ghana, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr John Koku Awoonor-Williams, implored the media to go beyond their expected role by partaking in the monitoring process of the exercise though Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) is considered to assess varied reactions towards the vaccine. The combined measles and Rubella vaccine, he disclosed was safe and cost effective as its efficiency and efficacy had been tried and tested. He therefore urged parents to alley all fears and misconceptions associated with the vaccine and ensure that children are send to the designated immunization post for vaccination. The first ever national vaccination exercise against measles and Rubella is on the theme: ‘Prevent Measles and Rubella with one vaccine; vaccinate now’.   

GBC                                                   END                                                                     IA/