31-05-2011
A 42 - member Interdisciplinary Committee of the NDC had been officially inaugurated in the Upper East Region to instill discipline within the rank and file of the party. This involves selected regional disciplinary committee members of the party. The inaugural ceremony led by the Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo brought together top party executives drawn from the various constituencies across the region. Mr. Woyongo in a brief remark described the move as necessary since it would help in ensuring sanity and discipline among party faithfuls, especially in the round up to the upcoming primary to elect its flag bearer to lead the party come 2012. He drew members’ attention to the recent political struggle in the NDC describing it as a ‘storm in a tea cup. The unfortunate trend, he emphasized serves as a demonstration of the party’s democratic principles. He moreover said the party despite its internal political struggle would come out stronger and more united after the primary to reaffirm ‘the democratic credentials and supremacy of the NDC. He therefore urged party executives to alley all fears on the matter but rather explore healthy avenues to attract more people into the party particularly, those belonging to the other political divides to ensure victory in the upcoming general elections. Mr. Woyongo further challenged them to remain united and committed to the ideals and principles of the party in achieving their desired objectives. According to him the establishment and composition of the disciplinary committee members represented by 3 selected executive members each from the constituency level, would help address the petty internal wrangling pertaining in the party and expressed the hope that members would be up to the task of instilling discipline within the party. He also charged party members to resolve to pursue the right channels in their quest to seeking redress instead of resorting to turmoil and agitations at the least provocation. The Regional Secretary of the party, Donatus Akamugre for his part, said the formation of the committee can be guaranteed under chapter (7) of the party’s constitution which he noted is different from the ‘Special Complains Committee’ enshrined under chapter (6) article (38) of the same constitution. He expressed total confidence in the committee members and encouraged them to exercise their mandate with fairness and objectivity to attain the confidence repose in them. Mr. Akamugre also seized the opportunity to caution party members against unnecessary violent behaviours, stating that any member found engaging in acts of indiscipline would be made to face appropriate sanctions as stipulated in article (40) clause (9) of the constitution. Reacting to questions from the media, Mr Akamugre said any member found culpable irrespective of his position and influence in the party is liable to disciplinary actions including sanctioning, expulsion, fines and suspension among others. He therefore charged party members to ensure discipline at all times. The 42-members executives were later sworn into office to begin their official duties.
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Monday, 30 May 2011
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Residents of Nandom offered free medical Care
29-05-2011
Residents of the Nandom Traditional area have been offered free medical care as part of their Annual Health Outreach Programme organized by the Nandom Youth Forum, a non-profit organization based in the Upper West Region. This initiative forms part of efforts aimed at alleviating the deplorable medical situation in the community and also reach out to the poor and the aged who are most at times denied medical attention due to their poverty situation. This year’s health outreach was the eighth in the series to be organized in the community. During such events, medical practitioners who are natives of Nandom but resident in different locations of the country are brought on board to assist in providing free medical screening and treatment to the people. A team of five health professionals led by the Medical Superintendent of the Bimbilla Hospital, Dr Alex Ire, handled cases in Malaria, High Blood Pressure, Hepatitis B and other ailments to over 900 people. In the course of the exercise, some minor and major surgeries were performed by the doctors. Dr. Juventus Ziem, a Lecturer at the University for Development Studies Medical School in Tamale, Dr Mohammed Bukari and Dr. Nana Kwame Boa-Antwi both Senior House Officers of the Tamale Teaching Hospital and Dr. Susan Dontwi, a House Officer of the same hospital were among the few doctors that took part in the exercise. And for the very first time, three (3) of the House Doctors who do not hail from the area volunteered their services free of charge. It was also the first time a female Doctor participated in the programme. Dr. J. Ziem in an interview with Radio Ghana indicated that the idea of bringing doctors who do not hail from the area was to expose them to the Nandom hospital to assist in providing quality health care to the people. This, he said could generate their interest towards working in the area. Dr Ziem said though Nandom produces many qualified doctors, majority of them have refuse to stay back and offer their services to the people and attributed the unfortunate development to family pressures, financial and lack of adequate medical equipments among other challenges. According to him, exposing more doctors to the improved health facilities at the hospital, and the hospitable and social nature of the people is to encourage them to opt to work in the Nandom hospital. Members of the forum later paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Nandom Traditional area, Naa Puo-ure Puobe Chiir at his palace. Naa Puobe Chirr in his brief remark commended the team for the kind gesture and assured them of his unflinching support in their quest to improving the health status of the people.. Mr. Vitus Ninfaakng who spoke on behalf of the forum noted that his outfit is not only concerned with the health welfare of the people, but were also working at providing support for education and the agricultural activities in the area. He said in line with their set objective, the forum last year donated some reading and learning materials to most second cycle schools in the district. Mr. Ninfaakng therefore thanked relevant stakeholders including the Interior Minister,, Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor, Eximguaranty Company, Ghana, the Ghana Medical Stores, and the Pharmacy Council other individuals for their continues support over the years.
Residents of the Nandom Traditional area have been offered free medical care as part of their Annual Health Outreach Programme organized by the Nandom Youth Forum, a non-profit organization based in the Upper West Region. This initiative forms part of efforts aimed at alleviating the deplorable medical situation in the community and also reach out to the poor and the aged who are most at times denied medical attention due to their poverty situation. This year’s health outreach was the eighth in the series to be organized in the community. During such events, medical practitioners who are natives of Nandom but resident in different locations of the country are brought on board to assist in providing free medical screening and treatment to the people. A team of five health professionals led by the Medical Superintendent of the Bimbilla Hospital, Dr Alex Ire, handled cases in Malaria, High Blood Pressure, Hepatitis B and other ailments to over 900 people. In the course of the exercise, some minor and major surgeries were performed by the doctors. Dr. Juventus Ziem, a Lecturer at the University for Development Studies Medical School in Tamale, Dr Mohammed Bukari and Dr. Nana Kwame Boa-Antwi both Senior House Officers of the Tamale Teaching Hospital and Dr. Susan Dontwi, a House Officer of the same hospital were among the few doctors that took part in the exercise. And for the very first time, three (3) of the House Doctors who do not hail from the area volunteered their services free of charge. It was also the first time a female Doctor participated in the programme. Dr. J. Ziem in an interview with Radio Ghana indicated that the idea of bringing doctors who do not hail from the area was to expose them to the Nandom hospital to assist in providing quality health care to the people. This, he said could generate their interest towards working in the area. Dr Ziem said though Nandom produces many qualified doctors, majority of them have refuse to stay back and offer their services to the people and attributed the unfortunate development to family pressures, financial and lack of adequate medical equipments among other challenges. According to him, exposing more doctors to the improved health facilities at the hospital, and the hospitable and social nature of the people is to encourage them to opt to work in the Nandom hospital. Members of the forum later paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Nandom Traditional area, Naa Puo-ure Puobe Chiir at his palace. Naa Puobe Chirr in his brief remark commended the team for the kind gesture and assured them of his unflinching support in their quest to improving the health status of the people.. Mr. Vitus Ninfaakng who spoke on behalf of the forum noted that his outfit is not only concerned with the health welfare of the people, but were also working at providing support for education and the agricultural activities in the area. He said in line with their set objective, the forum last year donated some reading and learning materials to most second cycle schools in the district. Mr. Ninfaakng therefore thanked relevant stakeholders including the Interior Minister,, Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor, Eximguaranty Company, Ghana, the Ghana Medical Stores, and the Pharmacy Council other individuals for their continues support over the years.
Stakeholders Workshop on 3-Dimensional Mapping held at Bolgatanga
29-05-2011
Narration: A Regional Stakeholder’s Workshop aimed at ensuring food security and empowerment of the disadvantaged has taken place in the Upper East Regional capital, Bolgatanga. The workshop dubbed: ‘Participatory 3-Dimensional Mapping is expected to serve as an effective tool for active participation and effective collaboration among development agencies and beneficiary communities in the country, particularly the three regions of the north to achieving the desired results. Relevant stakeholders including Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) as well as representatives from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and the Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) among other reputable NGOs, attended the one day function. Isaac Asare was at the meeting and has filed this report for Radio Ghana.
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The 3-Dimensional Mapping Model is an innovative technology practiced in most Asian countries. it is used as a powerful communication tool that captures the vast complex landscape resources into an incredible, concise and solid terrain model, understandable to the learned and unlearned. The model, thus serves as an effective communication tool that enables government and communities identify their positions in the country’s landscape for the purpose of resource management. The model which is also aimed at addressing issues of climate change, food security, disaster management, people’s empowerment and intellectual property rights, had proven to support agriculture and collaborative planning and research among others. With the concept of this innovative model, communities particularly, the disadvantaged, would be empowered to be able to take control of their own lives as it gives a fair understanding as to how best resources and the environment could be managed sustainably. Moreover, its integration with weather forecasting and social crop calendar concept developed by MOFA will therefore be a powerful tool to ensure food security and relatively, empower the underprivileged in the region. The Participatory 3-Dimensional Modeling workshop was therefore organized for relevant stakeholders with the view to fostering active participation and effective collaboration among development agencies and beneficiary communities in the region to help achieve the desired goals. A resource person from the VSO, Ernest Dwamena, in a brief presentation challenged stakeholders to take advantage of the new model to improve upon their livelihood. He said with the aid of the model, high collaboration of institutions could be enhanced whilst the majority will have a fair idea about the weather terrain, soil texture and characteristics and as well know the expected amount of rainfall to receive in a year. Community members will also be able to identify whether they are living in disaster or flood prone areas. The model, he further noted, will help empower communities to collaborate and coordinate activities with external organizations that enter their territories to ensure total development. The Regional Director of MOFA, Mr. Emmanuel Eledi expressed the hope that the new dimension will assist in lessening the perennial flooding situation experienced in Northern Ghana and subsequently enhance food security in the country. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo for his part said the innovative technology will impact on the lives of the disadvantaged only if all stakeholders adapt to its use consistently. He therefore appealed to the implementing agencies to work towards its sustainability. Mr. Woyongo also charged the various MDCEs to prioritize the construction of 3D maps and use it as a tool for encouraging participation in the development process. Stakeholders in the course of the workshop were introduced to the 3-Dimensional Model Map designed to represent the country’s entire landscape.
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Narration: A Regional Stakeholder’s Workshop aimed at ensuring food security and empowerment of the disadvantaged has taken place in the Upper East Regional capital, Bolgatanga. The workshop dubbed: ‘Participatory 3-Dimensional Mapping is expected to serve as an effective tool for active participation and effective collaboration among development agencies and beneficiary communities in the country, particularly the three regions of the north to achieving the desired results. Relevant stakeholders including Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) as well as representatives from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and the Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) among other reputable NGOs, attended the one day function. Isaac Asare was at the meeting and has filed this report for Radio Ghana.
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The 3-Dimensional Mapping Model is an innovative technology practiced in most Asian countries. it is used as a powerful communication tool that captures the vast complex landscape resources into an incredible, concise and solid terrain model, understandable to the learned and unlearned. The model, thus serves as an effective communication tool that enables government and communities identify their positions in the country’s landscape for the purpose of resource management. The model which is also aimed at addressing issues of climate change, food security, disaster management, people’s empowerment and intellectual property rights, had proven to support agriculture and collaborative planning and research among others. With the concept of this innovative model, communities particularly, the disadvantaged, would be empowered to be able to take control of their own lives as it gives a fair understanding as to how best resources and the environment could be managed sustainably. Moreover, its integration with weather forecasting and social crop calendar concept developed by MOFA will therefore be a powerful tool to ensure food security and relatively, empower the underprivileged in the region. The Participatory 3-Dimensional Modeling workshop was therefore organized for relevant stakeholders with the view to fostering active participation and effective collaboration among development agencies and beneficiary communities in the region to help achieve the desired goals. A resource person from the VSO, Ernest Dwamena, in a brief presentation challenged stakeholders to take advantage of the new model to improve upon their livelihood. He said with the aid of the model, high collaboration of institutions could be enhanced whilst the majority will have a fair idea about the weather terrain, soil texture and characteristics and as well know the expected amount of rainfall to receive in a year. Community members will also be able to identify whether they are living in disaster or flood prone areas. The model, he further noted, will help empower communities to collaborate and coordinate activities with external organizations that enter their territories to ensure total development. The Regional Director of MOFA, Mr. Emmanuel Eledi expressed the hope that the new dimension will assist in lessening the perennial flooding situation experienced in Northern Ghana and subsequently enhance food security in the country. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo for his part said the innovative technology will impact on the lives of the disadvantaged only if all stakeholders adapt to its use consistently. He therefore appealed to the implementing agencies to work towards its sustainability. Mr. Woyongo also charged the various MDCEs to prioritize the construction of 3D maps and use it as a tool for encouraging participation in the development process. Stakeholders in the course of the workshop were introduced to the 3-Dimensional Model Map designed to represent the country’s entire landscape.
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Saturday, 28 May 2011
Regulatory bodies challenged to halt the importation and sale of unapproved malaria drug
28-05-20111 s
Narration: The Food and Drugs Board among other regulatory bodies have been entreated to be extra vigilant in ensuring that unapproved malaria drugs are not produced nor imported into the country. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Lucy Awuni who made the call at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region said the use of such unapproved malaria drugs by consumers poses a serious health challenge to health service delivery in the country since they are costly and ineffective medicines for simple malaria treatment. Mrs. Awuni, who was speaking at the Regional launch of the affordable medicines facility for Malaria, also recommended the use of Artemisinin–based Combination Therapies (ACTs) as the first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Isaac Asare has the rest of the story for Radio Ghana.
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Malaria still remains one of the leading causes of deaths in the country accounting for over 38 percent of total Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) in public health institutions. It is also the leading cause of workdays lost and school absenteeism among others. The diseases since its discovery has been at the top of the agenda of the Ministry of Health , the Ghana Health Services and other development partners since it has caused the death of many particularly pregnant women and children under five years. In the Upper East Region 53.3 percent of the OPD cases at both public and private health facilities were due to malaria and its related cases in 2010. It also constitute 41.4 percent of the total admission in health facilities in the region thus calling for immediate interventions to curb the menace before it assumes an alarming proportion. A number of initiatives as part of efforts to combat the disease has been implemented and integrated into the various communities across the country. Notably among them is the Roll Back Malaria Initiative, which is a malaria control strategy based on the principle of early recognition of the disease and prompt treatment using appropriate and effective anti-malaria drugs. The regional launch of the affordable medicines facility for malaria on the theme: “ACTs Affordable and Quality Medicines for Malaria” was organized to draw the attention of the public on the usage of ACTs as the first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria as compared to the conventional way of treating the disease with mono-therapies such as ‘chroloquine’ among other ineffective drugs. Addressing participants including chiefs, departmental heads, health professional s and representatives from the health Ministry, the Deputy Upper Regional Minister, Lucy Awuni, recommended the use of ACTs in the treatment of malaria. The drugs, she noted are a combination of Artesunate and Amodiaquine, which also comes in two forms, namely, Artemether Lumefantrine and Dihydroartemisinin Piperaquine. These effective malaria drugs, she further said, are being introduced into the country to eliminate the ineffective mono-therapies in the system since they are of better quality and above all affordable for public use. Mrs. Awuni, moreover drew the attention of the public not to buy the drugs above the approved price of Gh¢1.50 pesewas. She said about 1.7 doses of the ACTs have arrived in Ghana and can be purchased in all pharmacy and chemical shops throughout the country. Mrs. Awuni later charged the various regulatory bodies to halt the sale and importation of all unapproved malaria drugs into the country.. The Deputy Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. James Akpablie, touched on the preventive methods of treating malaria through the proper use of bed nets and the adoption of good sanitary practices and called on the public to focus on the prevention of malaria rather than spending time and money to fight the disease. He also encouraged the general public to stick to the use of the ACTs since they stand as the preferred and approved drug for treating uncomplicated malaria. Dr Akpablie in his later submission urged the public to properly monitor and ensure that the prices and use of these drugs with green leave logo are not abused.
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Narration: The Food and Drugs Board among other regulatory bodies have been entreated to be extra vigilant in ensuring that unapproved malaria drugs are not produced nor imported into the country. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Lucy Awuni who made the call at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region said the use of such unapproved malaria drugs by consumers poses a serious health challenge to health service delivery in the country since they are costly and ineffective medicines for simple malaria treatment. Mrs. Awuni, who was speaking at the Regional launch of the affordable medicines facility for Malaria, also recommended the use of Artemisinin–based Combination Therapies (ACTs) as the first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Isaac Asare has the rest of the story for Radio Ghana.
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Malaria still remains one of the leading causes of deaths in the country accounting for over 38 percent of total Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) in public health institutions. It is also the leading cause of workdays lost and school absenteeism among others. The diseases since its discovery has been at the top of the agenda of the Ministry of Health , the Ghana Health Services and other development partners since it has caused the death of many particularly pregnant women and children under five years. In the Upper East Region 53.3 percent of the OPD cases at both public and private health facilities were due to malaria and its related cases in 2010. It also constitute 41.4 percent of the total admission in health facilities in the region thus calling for immediate interventions to curb the menace before it assumes an alarming proportion. A number of initiatives as part of efforts to combat the disease has been implemented and integrated into the various communities across the country. Notably among them is the Roll Back Malaria Initiative, which is a malaria control strategy based on the principle of early recognition of the disease and prompt treatment using appropriate and effective anti-malaria drugs. The regional launch of the affordable medicines facility for malaria on the theme: “ACTs Affordable and Quality Medicines for Malaria” was organized to draw the attention of the public on the usage of ACTs as the first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria as compared to the conventional way of treating the disease with mono-therapies such as ‘chroloquine’ among other ineffective drugs. Addressing participants including chiefs, departmental heads, health professional s and representatives from the health Ministry, the Deputy Upper Regional Minister, Lucy Awuni, recommended the use of ACTs in the treatment of malaria. The drugs, she noted are a combination of Artesunate and Amodiaquine, which also comes in two forms, namely, Artemether Lumefantrine and Dihydroartemisinin Piperaquine. These effective malaria drugs, she further said, are being introduced into the country to eliminate the ineffective mono-therapies in the system since they are of better quality and above all affordable for public use. Mrs. Awuni, moreover drew the attention of the public not to buy the drugs above the approved price of Gh¢1.50 pesewas. She said about 1.7 doses of the ACTs have arrived in Ghana and can be purchased in all pharmacy and chemical shops throughout the country. Mrs. Awuni later charged the various regulatory bodies to halt the sale and importation of all unapproved malaria drugs into the country.. The Deputy Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. James Akpablie, touched on the preventive methods of treating malaria through the proper use of bed nets and the adoption of good sanitary practices and called on the public to focus on the prevention of malaria rather than spending time and money to fight the disease. He also encouraged the general public to stick to the use of the ACTs since they stand as the preferred and approved drug for treating uncomplicated malaria. Dr Akpablie in his later submission urged the public to properly monitor and ensure that the prices and use of these drugs with green leave logo are not abused.
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Rainstorm causes extensive damage to properties in Upper East
27-05-2011
Narration: Three recent rainstorms that swept through parts of the Upper East Region are said to have caused severe havoc to properties running into several millions of Ghana Cedis. A substantial amount of 2.9 million Ghana Cedis is therefore needed for rehabilitation. The said amount came to light after the Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo in the company of the acting Regional Director of Education, NADMO and officials of the Regional Architectural Engineering Limited (AESL), had gone round to asses the extent of damage caused by the rainstorms. A detailed report by the team was therefore submitted to the Upper East Regional Minister for onward submission to the Ministry of Education and NADMO head office in Accra for assistance. Here is report by Isaac Asare
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The recent rainstorms are said to have caused extensive damage to schools and private houses in the affected areas across the region. Though no death was recorded, most of the communities in all the nine districts across the region were reported to have been severely hit by the rainstorms as most of the roofs of affected houses were ripped off while a quite number of high tension poles were affected, thereby disrupting the flow of electricity to most parts of the region. In all, 3,639 houses and 123 schools in the region were greatly affected by the rainstorm, which according to authorities could be described as one of the worst disasters recorded in the region after the devastating floods experienced in 2007. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo at a press briefing in Bolgatanga, indicated that some victims living in the affected areas have sought refuge with friends and relatives looking for assistance from government agencies and individuals whilst others have migrated down south to seek greener pastures as a result of their predicaments. According to Mr. Woyongo, a passionate appeal has been made to the Ministry of Education to that effect, noting that the ministry as part of its contribution to addressing the problem has pledged to assist the region with an amount of 1.5 million Ghana Cedis to rehabilitate the affected schools and private properties. The Ministry, he further indicated, are seeking additional funds elsewhere to assist in that regard. Mr. Woyongo however called on all individuals and well meaning Ghanaians to come to the aid of the affected victims so as to sustain their livelihood. He implored the assistance of other stakeholders to contribute in bringing relief to affected victims by providing them with temporal sheds and roofing materials to re-roof their houses. Mr. Woyongo also appealed to heads of first and second cycle institutions to take the issue of afforestation seriously to help avert such calamities. This, Mr. Woyongo explained is vital in building a strong defence against rainstorms. He moreover stressed on the urgent for residents to reinforce and build parapet around their roofs to withstand stormy eventualities. The Media as part of their contribution also bemoaned the haphazard way at which buildings are put up with impunity and without proper assessment and supervision by the Town and country planning officials. This they lamented had contributed to indiscipline from the public as houses are erected even on waterways. They however challenged officials of the Town and Country Planning Authority to exercise their duties with professionalism taking into account the implications of indiscriminate erection of unapproved structures. The DCEs on the other hand were also charged to take oversight responsibility over activities performed by officials of the Town and Country planning and importantly call them to order to answer questions on things that are not done right. The media also tasked the various DCEs to explore the possibility of providing quality seedlings for plantation.
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Narration: Three recent rainstorms that swept through parts of the Upper East Region are said to have caused severe havoc to properties running into several millions of Ghana Cedis. A substantial amount of 2.9 million Ghana Cedis is therefore needed for rehabilitation. The said amount came to light after the Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo in the company of the acting Regional Director of Education, NADMO and officials of the Regional Architectural Engineering Limited (AESL), had gone round to asses the extent of damage caused by the rainstorms. A detailed report by the team was therefore submitted to the Upper East Regional Minister for onward submission to the Ministry of Education and NADMO head office in Accra for assistance. Here is report by Isaac Asare
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The recent rainstorms are said to have caused extensive damage to schools and private houses in the affected areas across the region. Though no death was recorded, most of the communities in all the nine districts across the region were reported to have been severely hit by the rainstorms as most of the roofs of affected houses were ripped off while a quite number of high tension poles were affected, thereby disrupting the flow of electricity to most parts of the region. In all, 3,639 houses and 123 schools in the region were greatly affected by the rainstorm, which according to authorities could be described as one of the worst disasters recorded in the region after the devastating floods experienced in 2007. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo at a press briefing in Bolgatanga, indicated that some victims living in the affected areas have sought refuge with friends and relatives looking for assistance from government agencies and individuals whilst others have migrated down south to seek greener pastures as a result of their predicaments. According to Mr. Woyongo, a passionate appeal has been made to the Ministry of Education to that effect, noting that the ministry as part of its contribution to addressing the problem has pledged to assist the region with an amount of 1.5 million Ghana Cedis to rehabilitate the affected schools and private properties. The Ministry, he further indicated, are seeking additional funds elsewhere to assist in that regard. Mr. Woyongo however called on all individuals and well meaning Ghanaians to come to the aid of the affected victims so as to sustain their livelihood. He implored the assistance of other stakeholders to contribute in bringing relief to affected victims by providing them with temporal sheds and roofing materials to re-roof their houses. Mr. Woyongo also appealed to heads of first and second cycle institutions to take the issue of afforestation seriously to help avert such calamities. This, Mr. Woyongo explained is vital in building a strong defence against rainstorms. He moreover stressed on the urgent for residents to reinforce and build parapet around their roofs to withstand stormy eventualities. The Media as part of their contribution also bemoaned the haphazard way at which buildings are put up with impunity and without proper assessment and supervision by the Town and country planning officials. This they lamented had contributed to indiscipline from the public as houses are erected even on waterways. They however challenged officials of the Town and Country Planning Authority to exercise their duties with professionalism taking into account the implications of indiscriminate erection of unapproved structures. The DCEs on the other hand were also charged to take oversight responsibility over activities performed by officials of the Town and Country planning and importantly call them to order to answer questions on things that are not done right. The media also tasked the various DCEs to explore the possibility of providing quality seedlings for plantation.
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Thursday, 26 May 2011
prioritize the enskinment of queenmothers in Northern Ghana-Chiefs urged
26-05-2011
The Upper East Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, Peter Mensah has said it is appropriate for the chieftaincy institution to admit queenmothers into the various administrative structures including traditional councils and regional and National house of chiefs. This, he said, will help to complement the role of Chiefs in operating the institutions at these levels. This he said is in tune with Article 277 of the Constitution which places both chiefs and queenmothers in the same status of recognition. The Regional Director of the NCCE however noted that the Northern, Upper East and West Regions might not have queenmothers representation in the various Chieftaincy institutions even if the idea is accepted because not all traditional areas have adopted the queenmother idea. Mr. Peter Mensah was speaking at an advocacy meeting with traditional rulers from selected traditional areas across the Upper East Region. Women in the Northern, Upper East and West Regions despite being equally endowed with natural talents and abilities as their male counterparts for some time now have not been given the opportunity to prove their capabilities in most areas of development. Even though women constitutes over 51 percent of the country’s population coupled with the fact that their endowments are needed to complement those of men to produce balance development of society, there were least spoken off in the Northern sector. Culture has been noted as one of the main reasons contributing to their inability to be seen in the spot light. However the universal adoption and institutionalization of the queenmother dimension of chieftaincy in the three regions of the Northern sector was a welcome development for women because it was expected to be a stepping stone for women involvement in decision making. Even though widely accepted in the northern sector, some traditional areas in the Upper East Region are failing to accept and encourage the institution by according it legitimacy and recognition, hence their failure to enskinned queenmothers in their various areas of jurisdiction. The Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional area, Naba Salifu Alemyarum in an interview with Radio Ghana explained that the Chieftaincy institution in the Upper East Region is weighing the implication of this new development on the lives of the people. Naba Alemyarum said even though some traditional areas like Bongo and Bawku have enskined queenmothers, the cultural landscape in the region is undergoing a transformation which needs not to be rushed. He therefore challenged the few queenmothers who have been enskined to let their contributions manifest in society. This, he said, will help to fast track the implementation of the idea in some traditional areas. Touching on the theme: Transforming the Chieftaincy Institution in the North- the Queenmother Dimension”, Mr. Mensah indicated that women’s legitimate representation on the chieftaincy structure as a form of affirmative action can be a critical mechanism for effective and more progressive traditional governance. He therefore called for the formal institutionalization of queenmothership within the chieftaincy tradition in the Northern sector.
The Upper East Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, Peter Mensah has said it is appropriate for the chieftaincy institution to admit queenmothers into the various administrative structures including traditional councils and regional and National house of chiefs. This, he said, will help to complement the role of Chiefs in operating the institutions at these levels. This he said is in tune with Article 277 of the Constitution which places both chiefs and queenmothers in the same status of recognition. The Regional Director of the NCCE however noted that the Northern, Upper East and West Regions might not have queenmothers representation in the various Chieftaincy institutions even if the idea is accepted because not all traditional areas have adopted the queenmother idea. Mr. Peter Mensah was speaking at an advocacy meeting with traditional rulers from selected traditional areas across the Upper East Region. Women in the Northern, Upper East and West Regions despite being equally endowed with natural talents and abilities as their male counterparts for some time now have not been given the opportunity to prove their capabilities in most areas of development. Even though women constitutes over 51 percent of the country’s population coupled with the fact that their endowments are needed to complement those of men to produce balance development of society, there were least spoken off in the Northern sector. Culture has been noted as one of the main reasons contributing to their inability to be seen in the spot light. However the universal adoption and institutionalization of the queenmother dimension of chieftaincy in the three regions of the Northern sector was a welcome development for women because it was expected to be a stepping stone for women involvement in decision making. Even though widely accepted in the northern sector, some traditional areas in the Upper East Region are failing to accept and encourage the institution by according it legitimacy and recognition, hence their failure to enskinned queenmothers in their various areas of jurisdiction. The Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional area, Naba Salifu Alemyarum in an interview with Radio Ghana explained that the Chieftaincy institution in the Upper East Region is weighing the implication of this new development on the lives of the people. Naba Alemyarum said even though some traditional areas like Bongo and Bawku have enskined queenmothers, the cultural landscape in the region is undergoing a transformation which needs not to be rushed. He therefore challenged the few queenmothers who have been enskined to let their contributions manifest in society. This, he said, will help to fast track the implementation of the idea in some traditional areas. Touching on the theme: Transforming the Chieftaincy Institution in the North- the Queenmother Dimension”, Mr. Mensah indicated that women’s legitimate representation on the chieftaincy structure as a form of affirmative action can be a critical mechanism for effective and more progressive traditional governance. He therefore called for the formal institutionalization of queenmothership within the chieftaincy tradition in the Northern sector.
Government donates Vehicles and motorbikes to Health Centers and Training Institutions in the Upper East
24-05-2011
The Upper East Regional Health Directorate has taken delivery of a number of vehicles and buses to be distributed to the various health centers and training institutions in the region. The gesture which is being spearheaded by the government under the Ministry of Health include 17 brand new pick up and three 30-seater buses including an old bus that has been rebranded to help increase outreach services in the region. A number of motorbikes will as well be distributed to some health personnel manning the various sub districts at the community level. At a brief presentation ceremony held at the premises of the Regional health Directorate, the Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. John Koku Awoonor-Williams charged the beneficiary institutions and health facilities to put the vehicles to good use, since most of them are on hire purchase, and more importantly, ensure their lifespan through regular check and maintenance. He expressed the hope that the donation of the vehicles which are being insured comprehensively will enhance service delivery, output and indicators so that they can justify such investment. Failure in achieving the expected results will mean that the health sector of the region is not up to task, and that there is no justification to complain that the region lack the resources to deliver. Dr. Awoonor-Williams also cautioned beneficiary driver to use the vehicles for its intended purposes since they are not meant for luxury. According to him, the greatest impact of the gesture is to facilitate the movement of health personnel in the course of their duty so that they can have easy access to vaccines and other logistics. This, he noted, will improve their outreach and referral system and moreover improve upon practical training of beneficiary health institutions. The Principal of the Bolgatanga Nursing Training School, Mr. Mark Mumin who received the vehicles on behalf of the beneficiaries described the gesture as a useful one and thanked the government for heeding to their incessant call. The gesture, he further said is another step in making health service workers mobile. Morbidity, he indicated is critical, hence the need for more of such gestures to contribute in the fight against maternal and infant mortality in the region. Mr. Mumin also emphasized that the provision of the vehicles will ensure total promptness in attending to emergencies and work as well as supervision at all times. He seized the opportunity to advised beneficiaries to ensure regular maintenance of the vehicles so that they can benefit from more of such donations. Rev. Fr. Roge Akologo from the Catholic cathedral parish, Bolgatanga, later administered his benediction to officially inaugurate the gesture.
GBC END IA
The Upper East Regional Health Directorate has taken delivery of a number of vehicles and buses to be distributed to the various health centers and training institutions in the region. The gesture which is being spearheaded by the government under the Ministry of Health include 17 brand new pick up and three 30-seater buses including an old bus that has been rebranded to help increase outreach services in the region. A number of motorbikes will as well be distributed to some health personnel manning the various sub districts at the community level. At a brief presentation ceremony held at the premises of the Regional health Directorate, the Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. John Koku Awoonor-Williams charged the beneficiary institutions and health facilities to put the vehicles to good use, since most of them are on hire purchase, and more importantly, ensure their lifespan through regular check and maintenance. He expressed the hope that the donation of the vehicles which are being insured comprehensively will enhance service delivery, output and indicators so that they can justify such investment. Failure in achieving the expected results will mean that the health sector of the region is not up to task, and that there is no justification to complain that the region lack the resources to deliver. Dr. Awoonor-Williams also cautioned beneficiary driver to use the vehicles for its intended purposes since they are not meant for luxury. According to him, the greatest impact of the gesture is to facilitate the movement of health personnel in the course of their duty so that they can have easy access to vaccines and other logistics. This, he noted, will improve their outreach and referral system and moreover improve upon practical training of beneficiary health institutions. The Principal of the Bolgatanga Nursing Training School, Mr. Mark Mumin who received the vehicles on behalf of the beneficiaries described the gesture as a useful one and thanked the government for heeding to their incessant call. The gesture, he further said is another step in making health service workers mobile. Morbidity, he indicated is critical, hence the need for more of such gestures to contribute in the fight against maternal and infant mortality in the region. Mr. Mumin also emphasized that the provision of the vehicles will ensure total promptness in attending to emergencies and work as well as supervision at all times. He seized the opportunity to advised beneficiaries to ensure regular maintenance of the vehicles so that they can benefit from more of such donations. Rev. Fr. Roge Akologo from the Catholic cathedral parish, Bolgatanga, later administered his benediction to officially inaugurate the gesture.
GBC END IA
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