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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St. Peter and Paul Primary to get a 3-unit classroom block

30-05-13      

A ground breaking event for the construction of a three unit classroom block for pupils of St. Peter and Paul Primary school has taken place at Atulba Daboo in the Upper East Region. The project which will be funded by the country’s biggest retailed outlet Melcom, will help improve the school’s infrastructural deficit which has been a major challenge bedeviling effective teaching and learning at the school. The Joint Managing Director of Melcom, Ramesh Sadhwani said his outfit as the largest chain retail outlet has  for years given priority attention to education in the country and has for this reason developed an action plans to see to the infrastructural needs of less endowed schools in the country.  In view of this the company intends to facilitate the construction of schools in remote and peripheral areas of the country as a way of given back to the community. The intended projects, he moreover, said will be pursued under a project dubbed Melcom Care Foundation. According to Mr Sadhwani told Radio Ghana that the ground breaking ceremony of the 3 unit classroom block symbolizes the beginning of the foundation which he indicated will be replicated in other areas of the country particularly remote communities of the Northern Ghana. The Headmistress of the school, Maragaret  Ayarik bemoaned the deplorable nature of structures at the school describing it as death trap. For her the successful construction of the project will go a long way to increase school enrolment and also ease congestion at the school. Madam Ayarik, was therefore grateful to Management of Melcom for the gesture, and promise to accommodate the project as their own in order to ensure its safety. She however urged other institutions to support the school with other educational facilities to enhance academic performance of pupils. Meanwhile, the Joint of Melcom in the company of other dignitaries including chiefs and other government officials facilitated the opening of a new Melcom branch for the people of Bolgatanga. Present at the function included the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Edward Ayagle, and the Paramount Chief of Bolga Traditional Area, Naba Martin Abilba among other functionaries. The official opening of the new edifice stocked with variety of goods and services ranging from household wares and electrical gadgets witnessed an appreciable patronage by a section of the public who were there to grace the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Director of Communications Melcom Group of Companies, Godwin Avernogbo, said Melcom has for years brought a whole new shopping experience to Ghanaians due to its adopted policy of low prices and high volumes for the general public. This, he noted, has undoubtedly contributed to bringing the cost of living down as people benefits from their reduced prices.  He therefore encouraged the public to continue shopping with Melcom in order to reap much benefit. Mr Avernogbo in his late submission urged staff of the new branch to prioritize customer care since it was key to enhancing the company’s financial obligations which will in turn open greater job opportunities for them.

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U/E RM orders the closure of all illegal mining Sites

17-05-2013                    

Following government’s resolve to flush out Ghanaians and foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining in the country, all mining sites in the Upper East Region particularly those with or without prospecting license from the Minerals Commission (MC) had been asked to close down with immediate effect. The Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Mohammed–Muniru, who gave the directive during a tour to some mining areas in the Bawku West and Nabdam District, warned that the influx of foreign nationals operating in illegal gold mining was against the laws of the country, therefore such group of individuals is considered as invaders and should not be entertained. Accompanied by some government officials and a combined police and immigration officers, Alhaji Muniru, instructed owners of all illegal mining sites to seek for the necessary permit and authorization from the offices of the various Municipal and District Assemblies as well as the MC  before operations can continue. Moreover, all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDAs) and their respective District Security Committees (DISEC) have been tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that all small scale mining activities possess the requisite authorization since such activities pose a serious threat to the nation’s natural resources including water bodies, forest and farmlands. According to him, the two institutions would be held accountable for any illegal mining activity in their areas of jurisdiction. Alhaji Muniru told Radio Ghana that considering the dangers associated with the practice coupled with retaliation tendencies by Ghanaians and some Chinese nationals, it has become imperative for government to take drastic measures to keep the activity in check in order not to jeopardise the country’s peace. He was emphatic that any activity that was in contravention with the mining laws of the country was regarded as illegal, adding that persons that flout these laws were liable to arrest and prosecution. Alhaji Muniru therefore appealed to small scale mining operators to respect the mining laws and attach much importance to the safety aspect of those laws. Areas visited by the Regional Minister and his entourage include Zoog, Yakote, and Nangode all in the Nabdam District. In the Bawku West District, the team also toured a concession owned by the Widnaba Youth Association at Widnaba. At Zaronga which was the last point of call, Alhaji Muniru cautioned owners of the site not to recruit children to undertake any mining activity since it was against the laws of Ghana and warned that the government have the power to revoke licence acquired if found involving children in their operations and also subleasing their concession to foreign nationals. He was accompanied by the DCE, Alhaji Adam Moro, the Presiding Member, Mr Moses Aduk- Pam and the Regional Police Commander DCOP Isaac Alex Quainoo.

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Women advocates wish for speedy passage of the Affirmative Action Bill

15-05-13 

RM Alhaji Mohammed Muniru

Ms Sophia Ackumey reading the communique

Group Photo wit RM

Women advocates in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital are challenging government to as soon as practicable speed up the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill into law. The passage of the said bill backed by its effective implementation will mean that women would be empowered enough to take their rightful position in society. More importantly, women will be given a fair representation in the governance of the country. At a day’s durbar to advocate for the passage of the bill, the women drawn from NGOs and Civil Society Organisations among other stakeholders emphasized the need for all to empower and alleviate the plight of women both financially and economically to enable them reach their desired goals and aspirations. They also challenged women who have positioned themselves in leadership and has become role models to reflect, identify and support the girl child to develop their potentials. They described as false the widespread notion that women are their own enemies, explaining that most women due to cultural and political dimensions are made to succumb to certain principles that refrain them from participating in decision making process of any kind. For her part, the President of the Past and Present Assembly Women’s Association (PPAWA), Agnes Atayila, entreated women to be confident in themselves since they have all it takes to compete with their men folks. She was optimistic that with the little support and determination women will be able to aspire for any leadership position they desire. The Manager of Action Aid Ghana, Kusi Boamah said the affirmative action is intended to promote the opportunities of defined groups within a society, therefore the passage of the bill, whose final draft was validated in koforidua last month, will make it mandatory for recruitment of women into key leadership and decision making positions in the country. He however asked government to prioritize the bill and fast track its process. The Chairman of the Regional Inter Sectoral Gender Network (RISEGNET) D.J Abang-Gos expressed grave concern about the low participation and representation of women in decision making in the region and urged women to rise up to the challenge. The Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Limuna Mohammed–Muniru, said in as much as we advocate for the speedy passage of the bill, there was the need to ensure that the girl child is inculcated with the values of positive attitude in her outlook of life and also be oriented to rise against barriers in attaining her goals as an individual. In his late submission, Alhaji Mohammmed Muniru, concluded that government was in the process of speeding up the passage of the bill, stressing that government has consulted key stakeholders including women groups and considered their inputs.  At the end of the durbar, Sophia Ackumey, a women advocate presented a communique to demand the speedy passage of the bill into law. It was received by the Minister for onward presentation to the President for consideration. The durbar organised by RISEGNET with support from Action Aid was on the theme: ‘Affirmative Action: A tool for Women Development.

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