Afrikids School of Night Rabbits graduates 41 registered street children

Afrikids restore hope to the hopeless

Narration: As part of efforts aimed at giving vulnerable children on the streets the chance to access free and quality education, Afrikds Ghana, a child right NGO has for the third year running ensured the successful passing out of 41 registered street children enrolled at the school of Night Rabbits in Bolgatanga. The graduants who are between the ages of 8 and 15 were identified and picked from the streets of Bolgatanga and offered the opportunity to taste education as required of every school going child. At a brief graduation ceremony supported by Afrikids representatives from the UK, the graduants were assisted with learning materials to aid them in their further studies. Isaac Asare was at the ceremony and has more for Radio Ghana.

CUE IN

END CUE

ANCR V/O

 Report

The School of Night Rabbits is one of Afrikids core projects aimed at giving street children roaming on the streets of Bolgatanga the chance to access quality education for free. The project dates back to 2003 when some partners of Afrikids began what was then known as the ‘schools of Hard Knocks’. It was an informal regular gathering of street children where two ladies offered health support and some basic lessons to the street children. In 2005 when Afrikids became a fully registered NGO, they collaborated with a local orphanage, Mama Laadi Foster home, to take over the lessons, which later compelled them to put the children into a proper classroom where they were offered free tuition by community teaching volunteers.  The children were made to rely on syllabus produced by the GES and also supported with a wider set of social and health lessons, which include basic hygiene techniques and environmental cleanliness among other disciplines.  This was done with the view to increasing their sanitary and dietary needs. The school between 2009 and 2011 has passed out one hundred and one children, several of whom have been made to enroll into formal school. Out of the number, 48 are back in school while sixteen of them for the year 2011 have abandoned the street to resettle with their families. The success story he claimed follows Afrikds numerous interventions such as educational talks and counseling as well as purchasing and distribution of goats to each beneficiary child. This year’s graduation is the third in the series since the school was restructured in 2009. According to the Bolga Area Program Manager of Afrikids, Cletus Anaya, the school is meant to be a transitional one where street children are taken off the streets with the idea of whipping up interest in them to enroll in school while their health needs are provided in addition to the counseling lessons given them. In view of this, beneficiary children have been registered to benefit the NHIS. As a possible long term solution, beneficiaries are linked up with the Next Generation Home, where they are able to feel safe for further studies. Mr. Anaya commended Afrikids partners for their contribution towards the sustainability of the project and called on parents to make the wellbeing of their children their number one priority. A teacher at the School of Night Rabbits, Miss Salamatu Abubakari, said the establishment of the school has impacted positively of the lives of beneficiary children because all hope was lost until they were identified and made to enroll in the school. Kids, she explained takes to the streets to engage in non profit ventures hoping that life will be better than living in poverty in the homes, but often they find that things are much worse when they are on the street. On the streets, children are susceptible to a wide range of threats and pitfalls, which sometimes retards their general development. This, she further noted has informed Afrikids commitment to forestalling hope on the less privileged through school. Miss Abubakari disclosed that graduants did not only underwent nine month lessons but also embarked on field trips, which he observed have broadened their outlook and thanked the management of Afrikids for making those trips possible. She said Afrikds will not relent on its determination to help vulnerable children realize their potentials in life. One of the beneficiaries, Adompika Lucy on behalf of her colleagues thanked Afrikids for their assistance and used the opportunity to advice other children to stay off the streets. Books and pens were later presented to the beneficiaries. 

                                                         END

Fire outbreak on the bungalow of Tempane SHS headmaster blamed on poor electrical wiring

20-10-2011        

Officials from the Bawku Fire Station has blamed the recent fire outbreak on the bungalow of the headmaster of the Tempane Senior High School on poor electrical connection and the use of inferior electrical cables used in wiring. This was disclosed by the headmaster of the school, Issah Sannie Mahama during an interview with Radio Ghana at Bolgatanga. He said after careful assessment by the Bawku Fire Officials, it was detected that the materials used in wiring and other fittings were not up to quality standard. The said bungalow he said was too big to have only one phase electrical connection because fire officials confirmed that one phase wiring was not able to supply power to numerous electrical gadget that were in the room. According to the VRA Officials, the house needed 3 phase wiring. It could be recalled that on October,11,2011 at about 1.00pm,firegutted the bungalow of the Tempane SHS headmaster which resulted in a stampede at the senior block of the one storey 12-Unit classroom block with students shouting for help as smoke gashed out of windows and flames penetrating through the roof.  Some of the students got injured in the process as they crashed with each other at the exit points in the various classrooms.  One student according to reliable source jumped from a story building to the ground and was rushed to the nearby clinic for medical attention. Though no life was lost during the fire outbreak, properties running into thousands of Ghana Cedis including certificates and other school documents were destroyed.  Students and staff at the school exhibited high skill of responsibility by attending to the incidence, thereby bringing the fire under control before the late arrival of the fire tender from Bawku. Asked whether he was aware of the poor electrical connection, the headmaster said at any point in time there was thunder, the lights in the house goes off. Subsequently, the power supply in the school is low and leads to constant fluctuations. This situation he revealed occurred on October, 9 when it rained the previous night. According to him, they all left for their individual work places and at exactly 1.00pm, the fire started.  The Headmaster and his family have since moved to settle in Garu, whiles commuting to school at Tempane which is a distance of 3 miles. The Headmaster later expressed his appreciation to the District Chief Executive, NADMO officials from Garu, officers from the Garu Education office, members from the various religious groups, the police and all those who came to sympathize with him. He also showed gratitude to students and staff of the school for their show of concern and urged them to keep it up. Mr. Mahama used the medium to appeal to all concern to help connect all the classrooms and administration block to three phases to avoid further outbreak. He moreover called on government and all stakeholders to come to the aid of the school by putting up a very decent house for him to enable him stay and have full control of the school.

GBC                                                          END                                                                         IA/

300 NPP Supporters in the Navrongo Central Constituency defects to NDC

Some staunch and card bearing members of the opposition New Patriotic Party ( NPP) in the Navrongo Central Constituency of the Upper East Region have officially declared their decision to defect to the ruling National Democratic Congress(NDC). The defectors numbering about 300 made their intention known when they called on the Upper East Regional Minister at his residence in Bolgatanga. The defectors led by  a former NPP Secretary for Nayagnia, Cornelius Oscar Kogana and Issah Bukari, Chairman of the Navrongo Lorry Station, explained that their decision to defect to the NDC was informed by the massive infrastructural development in the constituency and the region in general, which to them is unprecedented since the creation of the constituency. Explaining further, Mr. Kogana said they have been following the speedy development in the constituency and have come to the realization that more would be achieved if they join hands with the party to retain power come 2012. Mr. Kogana on behalf of his colleagues pledged to work towards victory for the party.  He hinted that there were hundreds of NDC supporters in the various communities within the constituency who had also decided to abandon the NPP and throw their weight behind the incumbent NDC in the upcoming elections. One of the defectors who used to be a card bearing member for the NPP, Osman Sandow recounted the tireless effort of the government in its quest to bring development in the country, particularly in deprived areas. He said the Navrongo Constituency over the period of two and a half years has witnessed massive infrastructural development in the area of road rehabilitation, construction of schools and provision of sheds for market and lorry stations. Additionally, school enrolment has increased tremendously in deprived areas of the constituency due to government’s intervention on the distribution of free school uniforms and exercise books among others. He described the move by government as laudable since it has contributed in enhancing effective teaching and learning in schools. The group, he assured would work closely with their constituency executives and also respect the rules and ideals of the party. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo who was elated on the latest development welcomed the defectors and called for their unflinching support for the party ahead of the 2012 elections. While acknowledging the relevance of the defection, Mr. Woyongo was of the strong conviction that the NDC was poised to winning the Navrongo seat and encouraged the defectors to assist in ensuring that the NDC wins massively in the constituency. The defection, he said was an indication that the NDC was on its way to victory come 2012 and therefore urged them to work hard so as to entice more people into the party. Mr. Woyongo disclosed that tenders have been opened for the construction of roads networks in the area, notable among them are Katui-Kayoro road, Navrongo-Nawognia road as well as Mirigu-Nayagnia road ,which is ongoing. He said the NDC since assumption of power has changed the landscape of the constituency, stating that more projects would be rolled out for the region in the coming years.

Call to elevate Binduri Constituency to a district

21-10-2011      

An Aspiring Parliamentary Candidate for the Binduri constituency of the Upper East Region, Stephen Atubiga has on behalf of the chiefs and people of the Binduri constituency appealed to the government through the Local Government Ministry to consider making Binduri a district. Mr. Atubiga who is vying under the ticket of the NDC told Radio Ghana that elevation of the Binduri constituency into a district status will ensure massive development which will as well bring governance to the doorsteps of people. He said Binduri which is one of the oldest constituencies in the Bawku Municipality has the required human and infrastructural resources to stand on its own in the area of health, agriculture, education and road network. With a current population of about 72,000, Binduri since its creation in 1954 has produced a number of parliamentarians some of whom are alive and are worried about government’s failure to elevate the constituency into a district. Mr. Atubiga revealed that Binduri has the capacity of generating enough revenue to develop the area because they have the needed market structures capable of mobilizing much revenue to ensure massive development. He said owing to the peaceful nature of the constituency, government have found it necessary to strategically install a military barrack at Bazua, a suburb of Binduri, which he observed, was an indication that the area was the safest place to be used in restoring peace in Bawku and its immediate environs. Additionally, Binduri can boast of a health facility that can be converted into a district hospital if upgraded to a district status. Asked whether it was even necessary for government to create new districts to add up to the existing ones, Mr Atubiga boldly answered that it was one of the surest ways development could reach other constituencies of the country, especially in deprived areas where development is stagnant. Creation of districts, he said, will ensure speedy development, increase in revenue and infrastructure, improvement in goods and service as well as ensure job creation for the teeming youth among other opportunities. He described the move by government as laudable though concerns have been raised as to the basis of government’s decision to create new districts. He debunked minority’s assertion that the creation of new district fall within NDC strongholds with a majority of the districts in the Volta and Northern regions. He said although minority has described the move by government as gerrymandering, the intension was not to influence electorates or score political points but rather ensure the proper demarcation of constituencies for speedy development.  He was grateful to government for taking the bold step in the creation of 42 new districts nationwide, and further stressed the need for government to factor the request of the chief and people of Binduri by making the constituency a district.

GBC                                                      END                                                             IA/

Chiefs and People of Nabdam Commends Gov’t

18-10-2011                   

The Member of Parliament for the Nabdam Constituency of the Upper East Region, Moses Asaga on behalf of the chiefs and people of the area has express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the government through the Local Government Ministry for elevating the Nabdam constituency into a district with Nangodi as capital. The new development, he said will pave way for massive infrastructural development in the area. The spokesperson for Hon. Asaga, Ben Sove, who disclosed this to Radio Ghana, said the people of Nabdam are overwhelmed with the latest action taken by the government and wish to assure the President; Prof John Evans Atta Mills of their unflinching support to enable him execute the better Ghana agenda for the betterment of all. He said the Nabdam area which is noted for its mining activity is poised to experience a new era of development now that their request has been considerably granted. Mr. Sove however appealed to the people of the area to exercise restraint whilst government takes steps to seek parliamentary consideration, the appropriate Legislative Instruments to give legal backing to the proposed new districts including Nabdam. 

GBC                                                             END                                                                IA/

Upper East is the most food insecure region in Ghana

18-10-2011            

Narration: About 1.2 million people representing 5 percent of Ghana’s population are food insecure with Upper East Region identified as the most food insecure region, according to World Food Programme survey conducted in 2009. The survey further reveal that 34 percent of the population in Upper West and 10 percent of people in Northern Region, amounting to approximately 453,000 people faces severe food crisis and experience the longest food shortage period of up to 6 months after harvesting. This came to light at a joint celebration of World Rural Women’s Day, World Food Day and Global call of action against poverty at Bawku in the Upper East Region. The Executive Director of Trade AID Integrated, Nicholas Apokerah who made the revelation said poverty account for the major cause of food insecurity of which women are the hardest hit due to their vulnerability.  He said success to feed increasing number of people will hinge on increased recognition and support for women’s vital role both in increasing food production and in stabilizing population growth. Isaac Asare has more for Radio Ghana.

CUE IN AT

ENDCUE AT

ANCR V/O

Report

The Upper East Region remains one of the poorest regions in Ghana. An estimated 70 percent of the entire populace lives in abject poverty as compared to other regions of Ghana. Though agriculture is the main driving force of the people in the region, available statistics have it that 15 percent of the population is food insecure.  A thorough assessment by the 2007 UNDP Human Development report outlines reasons accounting for the high poverty level in the region. These include single cropping season, environmental degradation, inadequate economic and employment opportunities, and high population as against resources, harsh climatic conditions as well as poorly developed informal sector among other challenges. This year’s joint event organized by Action AID Ghana with other supporting local NGOs including the Women and Orphans Ministry (MOM) was therefore held to engage stakeholders in addressing issues of food insecurity in the region and assess its impact on the wellbeing of affected individuals.  Touching on the topic: ‘”Food Crisis-From Crisis to Stability, the Executive Director of TradeAID Integrated, Nicholas Apokerah said issue of food security affects the majority of people in Upper East Region, especially women and yet women are disadvantaged in all aspects of life, thus making them poor and vulnerable.  He said though women plays a vital role in agricultural production access to resources continue to be a big challenge thereby limiting their productivity. Though various studies suggest that land plays central role in positioning and shaping the livelihoods of various interest groups, women in the region are denied access to land inheritance but can only access family land for use. This, he said has implication for investment, hence the need to give women the right to owe land for farming. According to him, there cannot be any meaningful development in the country without active participation of women in the economic process. On the way forward in addressing the challenges of agriculture, Mr. Apokerah emphasized the need to assist women with financial aid, logistics and farm inputs, as well as assurance as ready market for their produce.  This, he maintained, would ensure the production of more food to curb hunger and poverty. Relatively, there should be a well structured national effort to educate farmers on the handling of agro chemicals and the need to prioritize irrigated agriculture to respond to climate change. The Acting Programmes Officer of Action AID, Mr. Gregory Dery said the joint annual event is being celebrated to put to the fore issue of women empowerment, food security, hunger, and poverty for redress by duty bearers and world leaders to enable them deliver on their MDGs targets and give clear headlines for improving the lives of the world’s poorest people in 2015. 

He said issue of rural women empowerment and food security should be a major priority concerns to all, hence the need to support initiatives that are directed to addressing those concerns. The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Musa Abdullai on his part encouraged NGOs and CSOs to consider timing when embarking on advocacy programmes. He said advocacy issues should be put before the assembly for consideration and not when the assembly had completed its budget. Mr Abdullai renewed government’s commitment in ensuring that rural farmers produce enough to feed their family and the country at large.

                                                    END

Garu District poised to exceed its revenue target for 2011

16-10-2011     

The Garu-Tempane District of the Upper East Region is determined to exceed its Internal Generated Fund (IGF) by the end of this year, though it was able to chalked tremendous success in its revenue generation for the year 2009/2010. Out of the projected revenue target of GH¢280,597.00 for the year 2011, it has been able to bagged GH¢131,356.57 as at January to June, representing 46.81 percent. The District Chief Executive for the Area, David Adakudugu who made the disclosure during a presentation of the district’s 2012 composite budget statement at Garu said the district through revenue inflows from other sources, is poised to meet its revenue target by the end of 2011. He said 80 percent of the major projects undertaken in the district have been completed whilst the few are at its completion stage. The projects he said include the rehabilitation of dams, provision of educational and health infrastructure, and the extension of water supply and boreholes to deprived communities among others. Mr Adakudugu mentioned the completion of a 1No Police Station at Woriyanga, construction of Health Insurance Office at Garu which is near completion, and the rehabilitation of dams at Basyonde, Karateshie, Woriyanga, Songo, Gbanterago and Tempane as some of the projects executed under the District Development Fund (DDF) and the Government of Ghana (GOG). Other projects he added are being funded through the District Assembly Common Fund, the District Wide Assistance Project, Small Town Water System Project and HIPC with support from other development partners including Ibis. Though Mr Adakudugu lamented on the numerous implementation challenges confronting the district, he was hopeful that the district with the support of the government, will ensure a remarkable improvement in its revenue generation which he said will pave way for more developmental projects and called on the people to cooperate with the assembly by fulfilling their tax obligations. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo and a Principal Economic Planning Officer from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) , Mr. Joseph Antwi commended the assembly for their sterling performance and urged them to initiate new strategies to improve their revenue generation. They also entreated the assembly to team up with the MOF to identify and wipe out all ghost names from governments pay roll since it was taking a toll on of governments expenditure because government spends so much money on the payment of workers salary especially at the time that efforts are being made to hook all public sector workers onto the Single Spine Salary Structure. This they indicated has become necessary because monies saved by the government could be used to finance other developmental projects. Mr Woyongo later charged the assembly to prioritize the collection of property rates and other levies to enhance their revenue mobilization base.

GBC                                                               END                                                                  IA/