SUPPORTERS of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper West Region reaffirmed the stronghold accolade of the party in the region when they poured out in their numbers to welcome the party's flag bearer, Prof John Evans Atta Mills, to Wa.
Prof Mills, whose visit was preceded by that of the former President and founder of the NDC, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, came on the heels of that of the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Prior to his arrival, enthusiastic supporters of the NDC met the convoy of Prof Mills on the Wa-Jirapa road and led it through the Wa Market area to the rally grounds.
From teenagers to potential voters and the very old supporters and sympathisers of the NDC from all walks of life kept faith with their most-loved party as they followed the flag bearer through the principal streets of the town.
The crowd was so thick that the police and other security personnel on duty had a hectic time controlling it and in what is gradually becoming a ritual during visits of presidential candidates to the Wa municipality, some motorcycle riders who rode recklesslessly were involved in accidents and were rushed to the hospital.
On arrival at the rally grounds, Prof Mills was greeted with thunderous cheers and responded with the "yereseseamu" symbol, which was simultaneously replicated by the supporters.
Addressing the crowd, a former Regional Minister of the Upper West Region, Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, told the crowd that "We are only asking for a change".
He said the NPP had left all the schools, electricity projects and road projects in the Upper West unattended to and, therefore, they must change the government for the NDC to come and continue with its good works.
The National Womens Organiser of the NDC, Madam Ama Benyiwa Doe, asked the people to examine their lifestyle and see if there had been any improvement since the NPP came to power.
She said the NPP used that message in the past elections, but because it realised it had failed Ghanaians, it was not using it anymore.
She stressed the need for the people of the Upper West Region to give the NDC the chance to come and improve their living standards.
For his part, Prof Mills promised to re-construct the roads linking the Upper West and the Upper East regions as well as the one linking the Upper West to the Northern Region.
He assured them of a truthful, honest and sincere leadership when he became President, and thanked the people for the overwhelming reception accorded him and his entourage.
That, he said, was a clear manifestation that come December 7, 2008, the NDC was going to win the elections.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
CAMPAIGN TRAIL OF NPP SHAKES WA
For the first time in sixteen years, the campaign trail of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) shook the foundations of Wa, the Upper West regional capital, with a rally held at Timdamba JHS park.
The rally, which attracted a large crowd, also ignited the hitherto low key political activity in the region and close to an hour after the rally, Wa experienced one of its worst vehicular traffic jams, especially between the roads from the Wa central market traffic lights through to the junction linking the main Wa-Kumasi road.
Around 12 noon, supporters of the NPP and other sympathisers clad in the party colours, could be seen in almost every part of the municipality, many of them on motorcycles.
Others also sat on top of vehicles fixed with musical gadgets and danced through the principal streets to the rally grounds where they waited anxiously for the flag bearer and his running mate.
Then came the moment they were all waiting for, when Nana Akufo-Addo, followed by his running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, drove in open top vehicles with smiles on their faces as they waved to the crowds amidst cheers from their supporters.
After a brief Muslim prayer, the Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohamadu Abdul Aziz, set the ball rolling and told the supporters why they had gathered there and why they should vote for the NPP on December 7, 2008.
A Minister of State at the Office of the Attorney General and parliamentary candidate for the NPP in the Lawra/Nandom Constituency, Mr Ambrose Dery, educated the crowd on the ballot paper.
He said the NPP is number one on the ballot paper and that they must be vigilant and always look out for the elephant emblem.
The crowd roared when Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo preceded his speech with some youthful dance. He stressed the need for all to guard the peace the country was enjoying.
He said politics and elections were about different ideologies and choices and not about war and, therefore, as pacesetters in violence-free democratic elections on the continent there was the need to prove to the entire world that Ghana could also hold democratic elections devoid of violence.
He reiterated his resolve to improve conditions through the Northern Development Authority, which would be supported with seed money of one billion cedis.
This, he said, was the only way to bridge the widening development gap between the north and the south which had compelled most of the youth from the north to migrate to the south to seek non-existing jobs. Nana Akufo-Addo addressed a similar rally at Tumu in the Sissala East District.
Other speakers included Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, Godfrey Bayoung Tangou and Mr Yaw Boakye Agyarko.
The rally, which attracted a large crowd, also ignited the hitherto low key political activity in the region and close to an hour after the rally, Wa experienced one of its worst vehicular traffic jams, especially between the roads from the Wa central market traffic lights through to the junction linking the main Wa-Kumasi road.
Around 12 noon, supporters of the NPP and other sympathisers clad in the party colours, could be seen in almost every part of the municipality, many of them on motorcycles.
Others also sat on top of vehicles fixed with musical gadgets and danced through the principal streets to the rally grounds where they waited anxiously for the flag bearer and his running mate.
Then came the moment they were all waiting for, when Nana Akufo-Addo, followed by his running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, drove in open top vehicles with smiles on their faces as they waved to the crowds amidst cheers from their supporters.
After a brief Muslim prayer, the Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohamadu Abdul Aziz, set the ball rolling and told the supporters why they had gathered there and why they should vote for the NPP on December 7, 2008.
A Minister of State at the Office of the Attorney General and parliamentary candidate for the NPP in the Lawra/Nandom Constituency, Mr Ambrose Dery, educated the crowd on the ballot paper.
He said the NPP is number one on the ballot paper and that they must be vigilant and always look out for the elephant emblem.
The crowd roared when Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo preceded his speech with some youthful dance. He stressed the need for all to guard the peace the country was enjoying.
He said politics and elections were about different ideologies and choices and not about war and, therefore, as pacesetters in violence-free democratic elections on the continent there was the need to prove to the entire world that Ghana could also hold democratic elections devoid of violence.
He reiterated his resolve to improve conditions through the Northern Development Authority, which would be supported with seed money of one billion cedis.
This, he said, was the only way to bridge the widening development gap between the north and the south which had compelled most of the youth from the north to migrate to the south to seek non-existing jobs. Nana Akufo-Addo addressed a similar rally at Tumu in the Sissala East District.
Other speakers included Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, Godfrey Bayoung Tangou and Mr Yaw Boakye Agyarko.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
CULTIVATE SORGHUM IN LARGE QUANTITIES — BENSON (PAGE 20)
THE Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, has advised farmers in the region to cultivate the new sorghum variety (Kapaala) in large quantities to meet the demands of the brewery industry.
He said the advice had become imperative as Guinness Ghana Breweries had indicated its readiness to purchase more of the cereal.
Mr Benson was addressing the 24th farmers’ day celebration at Lawra.
He stated that the preparedness of Guinness Ghana Breweries to buy the cereal, the perennial problems of post harvest losses and lack of market for the crop would be a thing of the past.
Touching on methods needed to improve crop yield in the coming year, Mr Benson urged farmers to do away with activities which led to the destruction of farmlands, such as bushfires and the wrong application of agricultural chemicals.
“We are entering the harmarttan season so I urge all farmers and non -farmers to desist from indiscriminate bush burning with its attendant negative impact on the national economy,” the regional minister stressed.
He said the advice had become imperative as Guinness Ghana Breweries had indicated its readiness to purchase more of the cereal.
Mr Benson was addressing the 24th farmers’ day celebration at Lawra.
He stated that the preparedness of Guinness Ghana Breweries to buy the cereal, the perennial problems of post harvest losses and lack of market for the crop would be a thing of the past.
Touching on methods needed to improve crop yield in the coming year, Mr Benson urged farmers to do away with activities which led to the destruction of farmlands, such as bushfires and the wrong application of agricultural chemicals.
“We are entering the harmarttan season so I urge all farmers and non -farmers to desist from indiscriminate bush burning with its attendant negative impact on the national economy,” the regional minister stressed.
NYC TO PROMOTE DIALOGUE AMONG RCCs AND YOUTH (PAGE 20)
THE National Youth Council (NYC) intends to create forums for consultations and dialogue in all the ten regions of the country.
The forums, which would be between the Regional Co-ordinating Councils (RCCs) and the Federation of Youth Associations of Ghana (FEDYAG), would enable them to share knowledge on the implementation of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The Upper West Regional Youth Co-ordinator, Mr Mumuni Suleimana, announced this at a dialogue meeting among the RCCs, the district assemblies and various youth groups in Wa.
The key objectives of the meeting were to promote peer-led, community-driven development initiatives and create information sharing opportunities for the participants to enable the youth to make well-informed choices and decisions.
Mr Suleimana said in spite of the fact that the youth constituted 45 per cent of the country's population, there were inadequate structures in place for effective youth participation in the implementation of national development policies.
"More so, there is little encouragement on the part of government gatekeepers to consult the youth on matters affecting them, especially in poverty reduction strategy efforts," he observed.
Mr Suleimana was therefore hopeful that the meeting would go a long way to generate a high sense of partnership in the national development process.
On the forthcoming general election, he urged youth groups in the region to remain steadfast and not to fall prey to dirty tricks of some politicians.
For his part, the Regional Co-ordinating Director, Mr David Yakubu, called on district assemblies to show more commitment to youth activities.
He commended the NYC for organising the meeting, since it would sensitise the youth to government policies and programmes.
The forums, which would be between the Regional Co-ordinating Councils (RCCs) and the Federation of Youth Associations of Ghana (FEDYAG), would enable them to share knowledge on the implementation of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The Upper West Regional Youth Co-ordinator, Mr Mumuni Suleimana, announced this at a dialogue meeting among the RCCs, the district assemblies and various youth groups in Wa.
The key objectives of the meeting were to promote peer-led, community-driven development initiatives and create information sharing opportunities for the participants to enable the youth to make well-informed choices and decisions.
Mr Suleimana said in spite of the fact that the youth constituted 45 per cent of the country's population, there were inadequate structures in place for effective youth participation in the implementation of national development policies.
"More so, there is little encouragement on the part of government gatekeepers to consult the youth on matters affecting them, especially in poverty reduction strategy efforts," he observed.
Mr Suleimana was therefore hopeful that the meeting would go a long way to generate a high sense of partnership in the national development process.
On the forthcoming general election, he urged youth groups in the region to remain steadfast and not to fall prey to dirty tricks of some politicians.
For his part, the Regional Co-ordinating Director, Mr David Yakubu, called on district assemblies to show more commitment to youth activities.
He commended the NYC for organising the meeting, since it would sensitise the youth to government policies and programmes.
WOMEN LEADERS REVIEW PERFORMANCE ON SKILLS TRAINING (PAGE 20)
A DAY’s workshop for women leaders in the three northern regions has been held in Wa in the Upper West Region.
The Upper West Rural Women Association (UWRWA) in collaboration with the Department of Women and the Public Affairs section of the United States Embassy in Ghana, organised the workshop.
The aim of the workshop was to review the performance of the women leaders after a skills training workshop had been organised for them last year.
In an address, the Executive Director of the UWRWA, Mrs Cate Bob-Milliar, called for periodic training for women in order to build their confidence level to an appreciable level.
That, she said, was critical for women leaders from the three northern regions, since they still lagged behind their counterparts in southern Ghana.
Mrs Bob-Millar commended the United States Embassy in Ghana for its continuous support for the UWRWA.
"Many workshops, mostly skills training ones have been sponsored by the embassy. They have also funded other programmes for beneficiaries of the International Visitors Programme to share their packages with their colleagues on their return," she added.
Mrs Bob-Milliar noted that the training the women acquired last year had improved their living conditions.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Co-ordinating Director, Alhaji Issahque Alhassan, stated that empowerment was the most viable venture for sustainable development.
He urged the women leaders to let the experience acquired at the workshop trickle down to other women’s groups.
The Upper West Rural Women Association (UWRWA) in collaboration with the Department of Women and the Public Affairs section of the United States Embassy in Ghana, organised the workshop.
The aim of the workshop was to review the performance of the women leaders after a skills training workshop had been organised for them last year.
In an address, the Executive Director of the UWRWA, Mrs Cate Bob-Milliar, called for periodic training for women in order to build their confidence level to an appreciable level.
That, she said, was critical for women leaders from the three northern regions, since they still lagged behind their counterparts in southern Ghana.
Mrs Bob-Millar commended the United States Embassy in Ghana for its continuous support for the UWRWA.
"Many workshops, mostly skills training ones have been sponsored by the embassy. They have also funded other programmes for beneficiaries of the International Visitors Programme to share their packages with their colleagues on their return," she added.
Mrs Bob-Milliar noted that the training the women acquired last year had improved their living conditions.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Co-ordinating Director, Alhaji Issahque Alhassan, stated that empowerment was the most viable venture for sustainable development.
He urged the women leaders to let the experience acquired at the workshop trickle down to other women’s groups.
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SANITATION MARKED AT WA (PAGE 20)
This year's International Year of Sanitation has taken place in Wa, with a procession by schoolchildren.
They carried placards some of which read: “Keep our surroundings clean”; “Don't litter”; “Build more places of convenience”; “Save children from environmental pollution”.
Plan Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), supported the programme.
In a petition presented to the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mrs Winifred Dy-Yaka, the children recognised the role of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a waste management company, in helping to improve sanitation in the region.
They, however, regretted that the region placed last as far as sanitation was concerned in the country.
"Landlords build houses without latrines and the situation has resulted in indiscriminate defecation by residents”, they lamented, adding that lack of water at the Wa abattoir and indiscriminate disposal of waste, especially plastic bags, were appalling.
The children, therefore, called for re-introduction of monthly clean-up exercises in the region, stressing that bye-laws on sanitation should be enforced.
They also suggested that the use of plastic bags be banned and possibly alternatives that were more friendly to the environment be found.
"Honourable Minister, we believe that if sanitation is tackled seriously, it will promote good health for children in the region and make Upper West the neatest region in the country," they stressed.
Receiving the petition, Mrs Dy-Yakah commended the children for their concerns. She urged them to be ambassadors of a clean environment.
They carried placards some of which read: “Keep our surroundings clean”; “Don't litter”; “Build more places of convenience”; “Save children from environmental pollution”.
Plan Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), supported the programme.
In a petition presented to the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mrs Winifred Dy-Yaka, the children recognised the role of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a waste management company, in helping to improve sanitation in the region.
They, however, regretted that the region placed last as far as sanitation was concerned in the country.
"Landlords build houses without latrines and the situation has resulted in indiscriminate defecation by residents”, they lamented, adding that lack of water at the Wa abattoir and indiscriminate disposal of waste, especially plastic bags, were appalling.
The children, therefore, called for re-introduction of monthly clean-up exercises in the region, stressing that bye-laws on sanitation should be enforced.
They also suggested that the use of plastic bags be banned and possibly alternatives that were more friendly to the environment be found.
"Honourable Minister, we believe that if sanitation is tackled seriously, it will promote good health for children in the region and make Upper West the neatest region in the country," they stressed.
Receiving the petition, Mrs Dy-Yakah commended the children for their concerns. She urged them to be ambassadors of a clean environment.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
KEEN CONTEST EXPECTED IN UPPER WEST (PAGE 15)
This year's general election in the Upper West Region promises to be keenly contested as various political parties have stepped up their political campaigns.
The intensity of campaigning by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is so visible, in comparison with other parties who are working on the quiet, but striving to make their presence felt in the region.
While the NPP has targeted at least four seats, the NDC has sworn to retain all their seats and reclaim Sissala West as well as Sissala East, which were won by the People's National Convention (PNC).
The confidence of the NPP is high due to the fact that the party has since 1992 been increasing its voting percentage.
From 11.19 per cent in 1992, the party has moved to 32.23 per cent in 2004, and has now targeted 50 per cent of the valid votes to be cast.
In the parliamentary elections, the battle ground is the Lawra-Nandom Constituency where old friends square each other up for the second time. They are Dr Benjamin Kumbuor and Mr Ambrose Dery of the NDC and NPP respectively. During the last election in 2004, Dr Kumbuor defeated Mr Dery with 19,306 votes representing 62 per cent as against 10,549.
Although Mr Dery increased the votes of the NPP from a mere 2,000 in the year 2000 to 10,549, it was the belief of the people that he would have done better if he were visiting home regularly. People in the constituency at that time did not know him very much.
Therefore, when he was made the Regional Minister, Mr Dery worked hard to consolidate and improve upon his performance, hence the high level of confidence of his supporters.
Another dimension that has boosted this conviction is the candidature of Mr Bede Ziedeng, a former member of the NDC, Deputy Upper West Regional Minister and now the General Secretary of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), a break-away party from the NDC. With Mr Ziedeng, also a prominent citizen of the constituency, he is likely to take a chunk of the NDC votes for Mr Dery to sail through.
However, a staunch supporter of the NDC, Mr Stephen Kpen, dismissed the assertion and described Dr Kumbuor as an old fox with a wealth of experience to dismiss the bluff of all opposition.
"We do not fear them and come the election day, their supporters will sleep early," he told the Daily Graphic.
In the Wa East Constituency, which, incidentally, was the only seat won by the NPP in 2004, Mr Godfrey Tangu comes face to face with Ameen Salifu, based in the United Kingdom.
Tangu won 10,947 votes to beat the then NDC incumbent Alhaji Issahaque Salia, who had 9,275. The NDC attributed the defeat to a lack of effective campaign on the part of their candidate. Mr Salifu, is therefore, moving to every part of the constituency to sell his message to the people.
The Wa Central Constituency is a straight fight between NDC's Rashid Pelpuo and the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Clement Eledi. In 2004, when the popular choice of the NPP supporters was defeated at the primary by Mr Adama Keglah, his supporters voted ‘skirt and blouse’ for President J.A. Kufuor in the presidential elections and Mr Bernard Mornah, the parliamentary candidate for the PNC. Keglah had 7,249 as against Mornah's 12,280 votes.
President Kufuor had a little over 19,000 votes, Dr Edward Mahama 3,000, and Professor Evans Atta Mills 22,000.
The argument by NPP supporters is that but for the confusion, Mr Rashid Pelpuo's 21,272 would not have been enough for him to win. With their confidence level rising by the day, NPP supporters are optimistic that this time around, Wa Central would fall to them. But there is one major issue which may militate against Eledi's dream and this is tribal.
Eledi is a Dagao from Cherrie in the Wa Municipality and Pelpuo is a Wala. The argument of some Wala people is that, since their tribe is mainly found in the Wa Municipality, which, incidentally, is the Wa Central Constituency, a Wala man should represent them or else there would be no Wala tribesman in the Legislature. They also contend that the Dagao's have a lot of constituencies in the Upper West Region. Although this may sound simplistic, it is one issue that has dominated most informal discussions.
The battle for Sissala West is too close to call. The present Regional Minister, George Hikah Benson, who is contesting for the second time, would have tough customers in the incumbent MP, Mr Bayirga Haruna of the PNC and Mr Robert Wavei of the NDC. Wavei replaces Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, who lost with only29 votes to Mr Bayirga 4,788; George Hikah Benson 4,419 and Alhaji Amidu Suleimana 4,759, while an independent candidate, Mr Peters Kale, polled 1,677.
The votes of Mr Peters Kale, who was then a renegade member of the NDC, made Alhaji Amidu to lose, but currently he is back in the camp of the NDC and the expectation is that he would convince his Fielmua community, which is an NDC-dominated area, to vote for the NDC parliamentary candidate.
However, never be shocked to see George Hikah Benson springing a surprise. Moses Dani Baah is very likely to retain his seat, despite the NPP putting up a candidate, for the first time, to contest. The NDC candidate was no match for Mr Dani Baah. He could poll only 4,943 as against 14,186 by Mr Dani Baah.
Lambussie and Nadowli East present an open contest where any of the parties can win the seats. However, Wa West, which will have been a close contest between the NPP and the NDC candidate, had seen a new dimension following the nomination of Major Edward Yirimambo (retd) as an independent candidate. Major Yirimambo contested on the ticket of the NPP and lost to Mr Yieleh Chireh of the NDC in 2004.
Therefore, it is the view of some NPP activists that Major Yirimambo would spoil the party for the NPP candidate, Mr Dan Dari.
As for Jirapa and Nadowli West, the NPP and other parties should forget about them because of Edward Salia and Alban Bagbin. They seem too strong to be defeated by the NPP, unless the unexpected happens anyway.
The intensity of campaigning by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is so visible, in comparison with other parties who are working on the quiet, but striving to make their presence felt in the region.
While the NPP has targeted at least four seats, the NDC has sworn to retain all their seats and reclaim Sissala West as well as Sissala East, which were won by the People's National Convention (PNC).
The confidence of the NPP is high due to the fact that the party has since 1992 been increasing its voting percentage.
From 11.19 per cent in 1992, the party has moved to 32.23 per cent in 2004, and has now targeted 50 per cent of the valid votes to be cast.
In the parliamentary elections, the battle ground is the Lawra-Nandom Constituency where old friends square each other up for the second time. They are Dr Benjamin Kumbuor and Mr Ambrose Dery of the NDC and NPP respectively. During the last election in 2004, Dr Kumbuor defeated Mr Dery with 19,306 votes representing 62 per cent as against 10,549.
Although Mr Dery increased the votes of the NPP from a mere 2,000 in the year 2000 to 10,549, it was the belief of the people that he would have done better if he were visiting home regularly. People in the constituency at that time did not know him very much.
Therefore, when he was made the Regional Minister, Mr Dery worked hard to consolidate and improve upon his performance, hence the high level of confidence of his supporters.
Another dimension that has boosted this conviction is the candidature of Mr Bede Ziedeng, a former member of the NDC, Deputy Upper West Regional Minister and now the General Secretary of the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), a break-away party from the NDC. With Mr Ziedeng, also a prominent citizen of the constituency, he is likely to take a chunk of the NDC votes for Mr Dery to sail through.
However, a staunch supporter of the NDC, Mr Stephen Kpen, dismissed the assertion and described Dr Kumbuor as an old fox with a wealth of experience to dismiss the bluff of all opposition.
"We do not fear them and come the election day, their supporters will sleep early," he told the Daily Graphic.
In the Wa East Constituency, which, incidentally, was the only seat won by the NPP in 2004, Mr Godfrey Tangu comes face to face with Ameen Salifu, based in the United Kingdom.
Tangu won 10,947 votes to beat the then NDC incumbent Alhaji Issahaque Salia, who had 9,275. The NDC attributed the defeat to a lack of effective campaign on the part of their candidate. Mr Salifu, is therefore, moving to every part of the constituency to sell his message to the people.
The Wa Central Constituency is a straight fight between NDC's Rashid Pelpuo and the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Clement Eledi. In 2004, when the popular choice of the NPP supporters was defeated at the primary by Mr Adama Keglah, his supporters voted ‘skirt and blouse’ for President J.A. Kufuor in the presidential elections and Mr Bernard Mornah, the parliamentary candidate for the PNC. Keglah had 7,249 as against Mornah's 12,280 votes.
President Kufuor had a little over 19,000 votes, Dr Edward Mahama 3,000, and Professor Evans Atta Mills 22,000.
The argument by NPP supporters is that but for the confusion, Mr Rashid Pelpuo's 21,272 would not have been enough for him to win. With their confidence level rising by the day, NPP supporters are optimistic that this time around, Wa Central would fall to them. But there is one major issue which may militate against Eledi's dream and this is tribal.
Eledi is a Dagao from Cherrie in the Wa Municipality and Pelpuo is a Wala. The argument of some Wala people is that, since their tribe is mainly found in the Wa Municipality, which, incidentally, is the Wa Central Constituency, a Wala man should represent them or else there would be no Wala tribesman in the Legislature. They also contend that the Dagao's have a lot of constituencies in the Upper West Region. Although this may sound simplistic, it is one issue that has dominated most informal discussions.
The battle for Sissala West is too close to call. The present Regional Minister, George Hikah Benson, who is contesting for the second time, would have tough customers in the incumbent MP, Mr Bayirga Haruna of the PNC and Mr Robert Wavei of the NDC. Wavei replaces Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, who lost with only29 votes to Mr Bayirga 4,788; George Hikah Benson 4,419 and Alhaji Amidu Suleimana 4,759, while an independent candidate, Mr Peters Kale, polled 1,677.
The votes of Mr Peters Kale, who was then a renegade member of the NDC, made Alhaji Amidu to lose, but currently he is back in the camp of the NDC and the expectation is that he would convince his Fielmua community, which is an NDC-dominated area, to vote for the NDC parliamentary candidate.
However, never be shocked to see George Hikah Benson springing a surprise. Moses Dani Baah is very likely to retain his seat, despite the NPP putting up a candidate, for the first time, to contest. The NDC candidate was no match for Mr Dani Baah. He could poll only 4,943 as against 14,186 by Mr Dani Baah.
Lambussie and Nadowli East present an open contest where any of the parties can win the seats. However, Wa West, which will have been a close contest between the NPP and the NDC candidate, had seen a new dimension following the nomination of Major Edward Yirimambo (retd) as an independent candidate. Major Yirimambo contested on the ticket of the NPP and lost to Mr Yieleh Chireh of the NDC in 2004.
Therefore, it is the view of some NPP activists that Major Yirimambo would spoil the party for the NPP candidate, Mr Dan Dari.
As for Jirapa and Nadowli West, the NPP and other parties should forget about them because of Edward Salia and Alban Bagbin. They seem too strong to be defeated by the NPP, unless the unexpected happens anyway.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
50 CANDIDATES FILE IN UPPER WEST REGION (PAGE 15)
Fifty parliamentary candidates have filed their nominations to contest in the 10 constituencies in the Upper West Region.
Out of the number, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the People’s National Convention (PNC) filed candidates in all the constituencies.
The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) will contest in six constituencies while the Convention People’s Party (CPP) will contest in nine. The CPP had all along indicated its readiness not to put up candidates in Sissla East and Sissala West which were being occupied by another Nkrumaist party, the PNC. However, after the close of nomination, the CPP had put up a candidate in Sissala West.
Only one person, namely Mr Issahaque Dapilah, a businessman, filed to contest as an independent candidate.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic later in Wa, the Upper West Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Mr Yahaya Mahama, said nobody was disqualified in the filing process as all the candidates met the EC's requirements.
He advised the political parties to educate their supporters to avoid acts of violence in the run-up to the elections. The Upper West Region had 10 constituencies, namely Wa Central, Wa West, Wa East, Nadowli West and Nadowli East. The rest are Jirapa, Lambussie, Lawra-Nandom, Sissala West and Sissala East.
Out of the number, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the People’s National Convention (PNC) filed candidates in all the constituencies.
The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) will contest in six constituencies while the Convention People’s Party (CPP) will contest in nine. The CPP had all along indicated its readiness not to put up candidates in Sissla East and Sissala West which were being occupied by another Nkrumaist party, the PNC. However, after the close of nomination, the CPP had put up a candidate in Sissala West.
Only one person, namely Mr Issahaque Dapilah, a businessman, filed to contest as an independent candidate.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic later in Wa, the Upper West Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Mr Yahaya Mahama, said nobody was disqualified in the filing process as all the candidates met the EC's requirements.
He advised the political parties to educate their supporters to avoid acts of violence in the run-up to the elections. The Upper West Region had 10 constituencies, namely Wa Central, Wa West, Wa East, Nadowli West and Nadowli East. The rest are Jirapa, Lambussie, Lawra-Nandom, Sissala West and Sissala East.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
TRO-TRO SERVICE INTRODUCED IN WA (PAGE 20)
FOR the first time in the history of Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region, trotro service has been introduced in the municipality.
The development, for some people, is not new but for those of us working in the region, especially in Wa, this is big news. For the benefit of those who do not know, this is the only part of Ghana, where taxi services are for ‘dropping’ or chartering only.
Unlike Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and other parts of the country where one can pay 50Gp for a short distance, the reverse is the case in Wa.
The new development is the result of the increase in student population of the Faculty of Integrated Studies of the University for Development Studies (UDS).
Taxi drivers have had a field day charging exorbitant charges ranging from GH¢5 to GH¢10 because of the situation.
The hardships experienced by the students have compelled some kind-hearted individuals to put their Urvan buses at their service.
For a journey of about seven kilometres, that is, from downtown Wa to the new campus of the university, the Urvan buses charge a flat rate of 50Gp.
The gesture of the Urvan bus drivers has brought so much relief to the students that they are calling on more people to get into the trotro business in order to break the monopoly of the taxi drivers.
“Just as the introduction of the Metro Mass Transport broke the monopoly of the Neoplan buses, the same thing can be done by individual transport owners,” Stephen Ablekpe, a Level 100 student of the university told the Daily Graphic.
So far, only three of such Urvan buses are in the business. According to Mr Abu Issa, one of the drivers, more transport owners would soon join the fray.
He described the business as very lucrative, since he was able to break even with his daily sales.
“I use four gallons of petrol a day which amounts to about GH¢22, yet at the end of the day, my sales range between GH¢40 and GH¢50,” Mr Issa stated.
The establishment of the Wa Campus of the UDS is now being described as a blessing. Within a period of about five years, the infrastructural development in Wa Municipality can be described as encouraging.
With the support of the government, the quiet and relatively peaceful town of Wa would be emerging as one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the country.
Currently, a lot of people have invested in the building of hostels. But for their gesture, students would have found nowhere to lay their head. The speed at which some of those hostels are being constructed is phenomenal. Uncompleted houses have all of a sudden become beautiful edifices.
On average, a single room accommodates four students with each of them paying between GH¢150 and GH¢200 depending on the location and proximity to the scattered campuses.
Consequently, many rich people have emerged. One landlord who pleaded anonymity, said but for the coming of the students into the system, especially those in their first year, he never thought he could have continued work on his building, the construction of which had stalled for numerous reasons.
To all intents and purposes, the establishment of the Wa Campus of the UDS is contributing immensely to the urbanisation of Wa.
There is, therefore, the need to put in place measures to avert the attendant problems of urbanisation in this historic town.
The development, for some people, is not new but for those of us working in the region, especially in Wa, this is big news. For the benefit of those who do not know, this is the only part of Ghana, where taxi services are for ‘dropping’ or chartering only.
Unlike Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and other parts of the country where one can pay 50Gp for a short distance, the reverse is the case in Wa.
The new development is the result of the increase in student population of the Faculty of Integrated Studies of the University for Development Studies (UDS).
Taxi drivers have had a field day charging exorbitant charges ranging from GH¢5 to GH¢10 because of the situation.
The hardships experienced by the students have compelled some kind-hearted individuals to put their Urvan buses at their service.
For a journey of about seven kilometres, that is, from downtown Wa to the new campus of the university, the Urvan buses charge a flat rate of 50Gp.
The gesture of the Urvan bus drivers has brought so much relief to the students that they are calling on more people to get into the trotro business in order to break the monopoly of the taxi drivers.
“Just as the introduction of the Metro Mass Transport broke the monopoly of the Neoplan buses, the same thing can be done by individual transport owners,” Stephen Ablekpe, a Level 100 student of the university told the Daily Graphic.
So far, only three of such Urvan buses are in the business. According to Mr Abu Issa, one of the drivers, more transport owners would soon join the fray.
He described the business as very lucrative, since he was able to break even with his daily sales.
“I use four gallons of petrol a day which amounts to about GH¢22, yet at the end of the day, my sales range between GH¢40 and GH¢50,” Mr Issa stated.
The establishment of the Wa Campus of the UDS is now being described as a blessing. Within a period of about five years, the infrastructural development in Wa Municipality can be described as encouraging.
With the support of the government, the quiet and relatively peaceful town of Wa would be emerging as one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the country.
Currently, a lot of people have invested in the building of hostels. But for their gesture, students would have found nowhere to lay their head. The speed at which some of those hostels are being constructed is phenomenal. Uncompleted houses have all of a sudden become beautiful edifices.
On average, a single room accommodates four students with each of them paying between GH¢150 and GH¢200 depending on the location and proximity to the scattered campuses.
Consequently, many rich people have emerged. One landlord who pleaded anonymity, said but for the coming of the students into the system, especially those in their first year, he never thought he could have continued work on his building, the construction of which had stalled for numerous reasons.
To all intents and purposes, the establishment of the Wa Campus of the UDS is contributing immensely to the urbanisation of Wa.
There is, therefore, the need to put in place measures to avert the attendant problems of urbanisation in this historic town.
Friday, October 10, 2008
TECHNOSERVE SUPPORTS 240 FARMERS (PAGE 31)
Technoserve, an American non-governmental organisation, has supported 240 farmers in the Upper West Region with farming inputs this year.
The inputs, which include seeds, fertilisers and extension services, are to enable the farmers to plant maize, groundnut and soya bean.
Mr Tom Bonney, the Senior Project Manager of Technoserve, announced this at a farmers Field Day at Kpongu in the Wa Municipality.
He said the strategy was to facilitate the adoption of improved maize production technology among farmers.
He said farmers receiving the inputs support would also be assisted to market their produce through an inventory credit programme.
Mr Bonney said after demonstrating the productivity potential of "Mamaba," a new variety of maize, Technoserve intended to support selected seed growers to produce more seeds of the improved crop varieties to be supplied to farmers.
"We look at how best we can work with the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and other institutions in this regard," he added.
Mr Bonney encouraged the farmer whose farm was used for the demonstration and those who had received input support to share their experiences with others.
For his part, the Food Aid Specialist of USAID, Mr Alfred Osei, urged farmers to adopt the new varieties and their accompanying production technologies in order to reap maximum benefits from their high yields and nutritional qualities.
"This is the time for Ghana to produce enough to take advantage of the increasing food prices," he stressed.
He thanked Technoserve and all their development partners for the continued support in addressing the food security needs of the people of the Upper West Region.
The inputs, which include seeds, fertilisers and extension services, are to enable the farmers to plant maize, groundnut and soya bean.
Mr Tom Bonney, the Senior Project Manager of Technoserve, announced this at a farmers Field Day at Kpongu in the Wa Municipality.
He said the strategy was to facilitate the adoption of improved maize production technology among farmers.
He said farmers receiving the inputs support would also be assisted to market their produce through an inventory credit programme.
Mr Bonney said after demonstrating the productivity potential of "Mamaba," a new variety of maize, Technoserve intended to support selected seed growers to produce more seeds of the improved crop varieties to be supplied to farmers.
"We look at how best we can work with the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and other institutions in this regard," he added.
Mr Bonney encouraged the farmer whose farm was used for the demonstration and those who had received input support to share their experiences with others.
For his part, the Food Aid Specialist of USAID, Mr Alfred Osei, urged farmers to adopt the new varieties and their accompanying production technologies in order to reap maximum benefits from their high yields and nutritional qualities.
"This is the time for Ghana to produce enough to take advantage of the increasing food prices," he stressed.
He thanked Technoserve and all their development partners for the continued support in addressing the food security needs of the people of the Upper West Region.
Friday, October 3, 2008
NDC, NPP MUST DISCOURAGE SUPPORTERS FROM FIGHTING ...Bishop Arrongo urges (PAGE 13)
THE Anglican Bishop of Tamale Diocese, Right Reverend Emmanuel Arrongo, has called on leaders of the National Democratic congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to discourage their followers from fighting and accusing each other.
This, he said, was because none of them would be vindicated, since there would be no third party to act as witness in such cases.
He made the call at the fifth diocesan synod of the church in Wa in the Upper West Region.
Right Reverend Arrongo observed that the behaviour of the two parties was not helpful and did not teach the youth good public behaviour.
"The two parties should publicly and sincerely pledge never to crash each other,” he added.
Quoting Matthew chapter 26 verse 52, he pointed out that when Jesus Christ was under threat and Saint Peter wanted to defend, Him "our Lord commanded him to stop for peace to prevail. Put your sword back in place, for all who draw the sword, will die by the sword".
"This is the mark of a leader who is sincere and serious about what he says and about his mission. It is high time our leaders were sincere and serious about their mission and what they say. Action speaks louder than words," he stressed.
The Anglican Bishop charged all political parties, candidates of parties and independent candidates to avoid name calling, insinuations, insults and all kinds of cynical behaviour during their campaign sessions.
Bishop Arrongo further passionately appealed to politicians to be law-abiding, honest to themselves and have the political will to reprimand their supporters, adding that "politicians, particularly those who have nothing to offer, should leave us alone in peace and nothing should be done to cause trouble".
He condemned politicians who encouraged minors to register and yet turned round later to accuse the Electoral Commission of allegedly bloating the voters register.
This, he said, was because none of them would be vindicated, since there would be no third party to act as witness in such cases.
He made the call at the fifth diocesan synod of the church in Wa in the Upper West Region.
Right Reverend Arrongo observed that the behaviour of the two parties was not helpful and did not teach the youth good public behaviour.
"The two parties should publicly and sincerely pledge never to crash each other,” he added.
Quoting Matthew chapter 26 verse 52, he pointed out that when Jesus Christ was under threat and Saint Peter wanted to defend, Him "our Lord commanded him to stop for peace to prevail. Put your sword back in place, for all who draw the sword, will die by the sword".
"This is the mark of a leader who is sincere and serious about what he says and about his mission. It is high time our leaders were sincere and serious about their mission and what they say. Action speaks louder than words," he stressed.
The Anglican Bishop charged all political parties, candidates of parties and independent candidates to avoid name calling, insinuations, insults and all kinds of cynical behaviour during their campaign sessions.
Bishop Arrongo further passionately appealed to politicians to be law-abiding, honest to themselves and have the political will to reprimand their supporters, adding that "politicians, particularly those who have nothing to offer, should leave us alone in peace and nothing should be done to cause trouble".
He condemned politicians who encouraged minors to register and yet turned round later to accuse the Electoral Commission of allegedly bloating the voters register.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
POLICE DESTROY 50-ACRE 'WEE' FARM (BACK PAGE)
The Upper West Regional Police Command has dispatched a team of policemen to Wuling, a farming community in the Jirapa District, to destroy a 50-acre Indian hemp farm discovered there over the weekend.
The destruction, which started at the weekend, followed a tip-off by an informant. The exercise by the police has led to desertion of Wuling by the local residents.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kwasi Appiah-Boateng, said following a tip-off last Saturday, he led a team of policemen to the farm.
He said upon arrival the team discovered about 10 acres of Indian hemp farm at different locations interplanted with maize and millet.
He said the team could destroy only about two acres with the intention of continuing the following day.
"To our dismay we discovered about 40 more acres on a large tract of land," he added.
According to ACP Appiah-Boateng, from preliminary investigations, it seemed the hemp was for export because of the proximity of Wuling to Burkina Faso.
He advised the people of the area to go into food production instead of cultivating Indian hemp, which had the potential to destroy the youth of the area.
He commended the officers and men for their quick response and dedication to duty. Meanwhile seven persons including two schoolboys have been arrested and are assisting in investigations.
They are Dour Nanwana, 23; Kofi Timbele, 45; Dan Daukou, 35; Paul Kofi Ellara, 25; Donya Timbile, 48, and Eriyo Gogo, 19.
The schoolchildren are Emia Eliata, 14, and Sowuah Nanwana, 16.
The destruction, which started at the weekend, followed a tip-off by an informant. The exercise by the police has led to desertion of Wuling by the local residents.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kwasi Appiah-Boateng, said following a tip-off last Saturday, he led a team of policemen to the farm.
He said upon arrival the team discovered about 10 acres of Indian hemp farm at different locations interplanted with maize and millet.
He said the team could destroy only about two acres with the intention of continuing the following day.
"To our dismay we discovered about 40 more acres on a large tract of land," he added.
According to ACP Appiah-Boateng, from preliminary investigations, it seemed the hemp was for export because of the proximity of Wuling to Burkina Faso.
He advised the people of the area to go into food production instead of cultivating Indian hemp, which had the potential to destroy the youth of the area.
He commended the officers and men for their quick response and dedication to duty. Meanwhile seven persons including two schoolboys have been arrested and are assisting in investigations.
They are Dour Nanwana, 23; Kofi Timbele, 45; Dan Daukou, 35; Paul Kofi Ellara, 25; Donya Timbile, 48, and Eriyo Gogo, 19.
The schoolchildren are Emia Eliata, 14, and Sowuah Nanwana, 16.
Monday, September 29, 2008
PAYMENT DELAYS AFFECT U/W PROJECTS (PAGE 20)
Delays associated with the payment of contractors’ invoices have been identified as one of the major challenges affecting the implementation of projects in the Upper West Region.
Consequently, an appeal has been made to the authorities to expedite action on contractors’ invoices to enable them to execute their work on schedule.
The Upper West Regional Director of the Ghana Highway Authority, Mr Ernest Arthur, made the appeal in Wa during a meeting with members of the Ghana Road Fund Board.
He told the meeting that the long distances that some road construction materials, such as chippings, had to cover also contributed to the problem.
According to Mr Arthur, two contracts for the upgrading of the 88 km Nadowli-Lawra-Hamile road have been awarded to Messrs P and W Ghanem Limited at a cost of GH¢23.3 million.
In addition to that, 135 km of gravel roads was also undergoing spot improvement and regravelling at a cost of GH¢7,308,115.00.
These roads include the Wellembelle-Santijan, Downwini-Nandom, Lawra-Han, Wa-Bulenga-Yaala, Wahabu-Funssi and Tumu-Gwollu-Hamile roads.
Mr Arthur expressed regret at the lack of an adequate number of technical personnel to undertake efficient supervision of contracts.
The Regional Engineer of the Department of Feeder Roads, Mr Seidu Ibrahim, said the Road Fund was currently financing a number of projects estimated at GH¢29,217,206.00.
He noted that the current heavy rainfall being experienced would worsen the condition of roads in the region.
The acting Director of the Ghana Road Fund Secretariat, Mr George Aidoo, said payments for periodic maintenance had been made as of June 2008.
He advised contractors to put in monthly invoices to make payments easier.
Consequently, an appeal has been made to the authorities to expedite action on contractors’ invoices to enable them to execute their work on schedule.
The Upper West Regional Director of the Ghana Highway Authority, Mr Ernest Arthur, made the appeal in Wa during a meeting with members of the Ghana Road Fund Board.
He told the meeting that the long distances that some road construction materials, such as chippings, had to cover also contributed to the problem.
According to Mr Arthur, two contracts for the upgrading of the 88 km Nadowli-Lawra-Hamile road have been awarded to Messrs P and W Ghanem Limited at a cost of GH¢23.3 million.
In addition to that, 135 km of gravel roads was also undergoing spot improvement and regravelling at a cost of GH¢7,308,115.00.
These roads include the Wellembelle-Santijan, Downwini-Nandom, Lawra-Han, Wa-Bulenga-Yaala, Wahabu-Funssi and Tumu-Gwollu-Hamile roads.
Mr Arthur expressed regret at the lack of an adequate number of technical personnel to undertake efficient supervision of contracts.
The Regional Engineer of the Department of Feeder Roads, Mr Seidu Ibrahim, said the Road Fund was currently financing a number of projects estimated at GH¢29,217,206.00.
He noted that the current heavy rainfall being experienced would worsen the condition of roads in the region.
The acting Director of the Ghana Road Fund Secretariat, Mr George Aidoo, said payments for periodic maintenance had been made as of June 2008.
He advised contractors to put in monthly invoices to make payments easier.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
BAGBIN INAUGURATES STREETLIGHT PROJECT AT KALEO (PAGE 23)
The Minority leader in Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin, has inaugurated a GH¢20,000 streetlight project at Kaleo in the Nadowli District in the Upper West Region.
The project, initiated by the Kaleo Optimists Club, was supported by the Minority Leader, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nadowli West.
In an address, Mr Bagbin assured his constituents of his commitment to the improvement of their standard of living.
As a result of that, he said, more assistance had been provided to the Kaleo Senior High/Technical School.
Mr Bagbin mentioned some of the assistance as donation of computers, sponsorship packages for brilliant, needy students including the overall best student of the school and the provision of plastic chairs to the school.
“I have also contributed GH¢2,000 to support the community towards its water project and rehabilitated an old school block furnished with chairs,” he added.
The Minority Leader expressed his gratitude to his constituents and assured them that he would never rest on his laurels.
“I am for people and will use my last pesewa to develop my people, that is why I don’t have a house in Wa but in my village Sombo,” he told the gathering.
Mr Bagbin urged residents of Kaleo to maintain the project and make good use of it.
An official of Kaleo Optimists Club, Mr Eddie Kaleo-Naa, thanked Mr Bagbin for his support towards the projects.
He told the people that the club was a non-partisan one and, therefore, urged them not to read political meaning into its activities.
The project, initiated by the Kaleo Optimists Club, was supported by the Minority Leader, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nadowli West.
In an address, Mr Bagbin assured his constituents of his commitment to the improvement of their standard of living.
As a result of that, he said, more assistance had been provided to the Kaleo Senior High/Technical School.
Mr Bagbin mentioned some of the assistance as donation of computers, sponsorship packages for brilliant, needy students including the overall best student of the school and the provision of plastic chairs to the school.
“I have also contributed GH¢2,000 to support the community towards its water project and rehabilitated an old school block furnished with chairs,” he added.
The Minority Leader expressed his gratitude to his constituents and assured them that he would never rest on his laurels.
“I am for people and will use my last pesewa to develop my people, that is why I don’t have a house in Wa but in my village Sombo,” he told the gathering.
Mr Bagbin urged residents of Kaleo to maintain the project and make good use of it.
An official of Kaleo Optimists Club, Mr Eddie Kaleo-Naa, thanked Mr Bagbin for his support towards the projects.
He told the people that the club was a non-partisan one and, therefore, urged them not to read political meaning into its activities.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
NPP, NDC ELECT ASPIRANTS TO CONTEST UPPER WEST SEATS (PAGE 15)
THE Upper West Regional branches of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have completed electing their parliamentary aspirants in all the 10 constituencies in the region.
For the NDC, they are Rashid Pelpuo, Ameen Salifu and Yieleh Chireh for Wa Central, Wa East and Wa West respectively.
Sissala West and Sissala East have Robert Wavei and Madam Rawufatu Dubie, respectively, while Alban Bagbin and Matthias Puozah will contest the Nadowli West and Nadowli East seats respectively.
The aspirants for Lawra-Nandom, Jirapa and Lambussie are Dr Benjamin Kumbour, Edward Salia and Mrs Alice Boon, respectively.
For NPP are Clement Eledi, Daniel Dari and Godfrey Tangu for Wa Central, Wa West and Wa East respectively.
Others are George Hikah Benson, Sissala West; Ahmed Issah, Sissala East; Wing Commander Eric Dakurah (retd), Nadowli West, and Ekor Dassah, Nadowli East.
The rest are Lawra-Nandom, Ambrose P. Dery; Justin Dakorah, Jirapa, and John Balooru, Lambussie.
Meanwhile, the hitherto dull Wa municipality is gradually coming alive with some political activities, with party vans noisily blaring out party songs.
As usual, the dominant parties are the NDC and the NPP. Also seen is the campaign van of the Convention People’s Party, although it does not play out any of the party's songs.
The presence of other parties, namely, the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the People's Convention Party (PNC) is not being felt, for unknown reasons.
For the NDC, they are Rashid Pelpuo, Ameen Salifu and Yieleh Chireh for Wa Central, Wa East and Wa West respectively.
Sissala West and Sissala East have Robert Wavei and Madam Rawufatu Dubie, respectively, while Alban Bagbin and Matthias Puozah will contest the Nadowli West and Nadowli East seats respectively.
The aspirants for Lawra-Nandom, Jirapa and Lambussie are Dr Benjamin Kumbour, Edward Salia and Mrs Alice Boon, respectively.
For NPP are Clement Eledi, Daniel Dari and Godfrey Tangu for Wa Central, Wa West and Wa East respectively.
Others are George Hikah Benson, Sissala West; Ahmed Issah, Sissala East; Wing Commander Eric Dakurah (retd), Nadowli West, and Ekor Dassah, Nadowli East.
The rest are Lawra-Nandom, Ambrose P. Dery; Justin Dakorah, Jirapa, and John Balooru, Lambussie.
Meanwhile, the hitherto dull Wa municipality is gradually coming alive with some political activities, with party vans noisily blaring out party songs.
As usual, the dominant parties are the NDC and the NPP. Also seen is the campaign van of the Convention People’s Party, although it does not play out any of the party's songs.
The presence of other parties, namely, the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the People's Convention Party (PNC) is not being felt, for unknown reasons.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
8 SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION OF WA HOSPITAL (PAGE 47)
Each of the eight district assemblies in the Upper West Region has contributed GH¢32,525.00 toward the construction of a regional hospital in Wa.
The amount has already been deducted from the second quarter share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
The Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Abdul Aziz, announced this at the second ordinary meeting of the assembly in Wa.
He expressed the hope that members of the assemblies in the region would take keen interest in the project in order to ensure its successful completion.
He said with the establishment of the Health Assistant Training School in Wa, the assembly had taken a number of measures to turn its fortunes round.
Mr Aziz said the school was currently seeking to rehabilitate and partition an old classroom structure to accommodate fresh students.
"We have sent a proposal for support from the Ministry of Health while we start working on the rehabilitation to enable the students to begin classes as soon as possible," he added.
He announced that the small town water projects at Busa and Charia were on course and commended the assembly members of the towns for their diligence and supervision of the technical team’s activities.
Mr Aziz said some non-governmental organisations, namely Plan Ghana, Pronet-North and Concern Universal, had offered to assist the assembly to address the chronic water problem in Wa, which has been compounded by the presence of a large number of students of the University for Development Studies (USD) and the Wa Polytechnic.
He said the assembly together with the NGOs would work towards providing each area with a water system to be operated and managed by the people themselves.
The MCE said the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) was assisting all assemblies in the region to prepare their water and sanitation plans, which would be marketed to the donor community.
On this year's general election, Mr Aziz urged the assembly members to educate their people against acts of violence during the run-up to December 7, 2008.
The Presiding Member of the assembly, Mr Adams Seidu, commended the assembly members for their commitment towards the improvement of the standard of living of their people.
The amount has already been deducted from the second quarter share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
The Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Abdul Aziz, announced this at the second ordinary meeting of the assembly in Wa.
He expressed the hope that members of the assemblies in the region would take keen interest in the project in order to ensure its successful completion.
He said with the establishment of the Health Assistant Training School in Wa, the assembly had taken a number of measures to turn its fortunes round.
Mr Aziz said the school was currently seeking to rehabilitate and partition an old classroom structure to accommodate fresh students.
"We have sent a proposal for support from the Ministry of Health while we start working on the rehabilitation to enable the students to begin classes as soon as possible," he added.
He announced that the small town water projects at Busa and Charia were on course and commended the assembly members of the towns for their diligence and supervision of the technical team’s activities.
Mr Aziz said some non-governmental organisations, namely Plan Ghana, Pronet-North and Concern Universal, had offered to assist the assembly to address the chronic water problem in Wa, which has been compounded by the presence of a large number of students of the University for Development Studies (USD) and the Wa Polytechnic.
He said the assembly together with the NGOs would work towards providing each area with a water system to be operated and managed by the people themselves.
The MCE said the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) was assisting all assemblies in the region to prepare their water and sanitation plans, which would be marketed to the donor community.
On this year's general election, Mr Aziz urged the assembly members to educate their people against acts of violence during the run-up to December 7, 2008.
The Presiding Member of the assembly, Mr Adams Seidu, commended the assembly members for their commitment towards the improvement of the standard of living of their people.
PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOSTELS TO STUDENTS (PAGE 11)
THE acting Vice Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Professor Kaku Sagary Nokoe, has appealed to estate developers to consider as a matter of business prudence to develop affordabe hostels around the campuses of the university.
In the same vein, he also passionately appealed to the Ghana Hostels Limited, a subsidiary of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), to consider putting the Wa campus of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies on its list given the growth of student numbers, saying that the university was prepared to co-operate on mutually agreed terms.
He made the appeal at the 16th matriculation of the university at Wa.
In all 3,500 students were admitted to pursue various courses at the Wa campus.
Prof. Nokoe, noted that admissions for the 2008-09 academic year had been challenging but the university had demonstrated its commitment towards providing education for all by ensuring that all qualified applicants from deprived communities, remotely located schools from all parts of Ghana and all qualified females were offered admission for various programmes.
He said 20 per cent of the total applicants could not gain admission to the university.
He said with the introduction of post-diploma and direct degree programmes in community development studies and limited specialisation into the integrated development studies, a substantial percentage of students were admitted to the Wa campus of the university.
On infrastructural development, Prof. Nokoe mentioned that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) continued to provide immense support towards the construction of physical infrastructure including lecture halls, offices and residential accommodation.
Prof. Nokoe urged the matriculants to acquaint themselves with all regulations governing their stay in the university, as their ignorance of the regulations, or of any public notice shall not be accepted as an excuse for any breach of discipline.
Touching on the forthcoming elections, he advised the students not to allow themselves to be deceived and forced into taking unnecesary actions that could disturb the peace of the country.
On his part, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, appealed to landlords not to take advantage of the situation of students to charge exorbitant rents and called on the people of the region to support the university to address their accommodation problems.
In a related development, Prof. Nokoe disclosed in a speech read on his behalf at the 16th matriculation ceremony of the university at Nyankpala in the Tolon-Kumbungu District in the Northern Region, that a total of 5,592 fresh students were admitted for the 2008/09 academic year, reports Vincent Adedze.
Prof. Nokoe said the students wouls pursue such courses as agriculture, applied sciences, community nutrition and integrated development studies.
Students were also admitted to pursue Master of Science, Philosophy and Doctorate degree programmes, Prof. Nokoe noted.
“We call on business-minded individuals in Tamale and its environs to invest in hostels and the provision of other services around the Tamale campus; the university is prepared to co-operate on mutually agreed terms”, the acting Vice Chancellor stressed.
He expressed concern about the peculiar problems of students at the Wa and Navrongo campuses where most of them live in private homes and community compounds and entreated them to “behave as mature university students and to respect the norms and values of the people you interact with every day”.
Professor Nokoe advised students to adhere to laid-down regulations of the university to avoid sanctions, adding that any student who wished to defer a programme must apply to the Dean of Faculty and give reasons for the deferment.
In the same vein, he also passionately appealed to the Ghana Hostels Limited, a subsidiary of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), to consider putting the Wa campus of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies on its list given the growth of student numbers, saying that the university was prepared to co-operate on mutually agreed terms.
He made the appeal at the 16th matriculation of the university at Wa.
In all 3,500 students were admitted to pursue various courses at the Wa campus.
Prof. Nokoe, noted that admissions for the 2008-09 academic year had been challenging but the university had demonstrated its commitment towards providing education for all by ensuring that all qualified applicants from deprived communities, remotely located schools from all parts of Ghana and all qualified females were offered admission for various programmes.
He said 20 per cent of the total applicants could not gain admission to the university.
He said with the introduction of post-diploma and direct degree programmes in community development studies and limited specialisation into the integrated development studies, a substantial percentage of students were admitted to the Wa campus of the university.
On infrastructural development, Prof. Nokoe mentioned that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) continued to provide immense support towards the construction of physical infrastructure including lecture halls, offices and residential accommodation.
Prof. Nokoe urged the matriculants to acquaint themselves with all regulations governing their stay in the university, as their ignorance of the regulations, or of any public notice shall not be accepted as an excuse for any breach of discipline.
Touching on the forthcoming elections, he advised the students not to allow themselves to be deceived and forced into taking unnecesary actions that could disturb the peace of the country.
On his part, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, appealed to landlords not to take advantage of the situation of students to charge exorbitant rents and called on the people of the region to support the university to address their accommodation problems.
In a related development, Prof. Nokoe disclosed in a speech read on his behalf at the 16th matriculation ceremony of the university at Nyankpala in the Tolon-Kumbungu District in the Northern Region, that a total of 5,592 fresh students were admitted for the 2008/09 academic year, reports Vincent Adedze.
Prof. Nokoe said the students wouls pursue such courses as agriculture, applied sciences, community nutrition and integrated development studies.
Students were also admitted to pursue Master of Science, Philosophy and Doctorate degree programmes, Prof. Nokoe noted.
“We call on business-minded individuals in Tamale and its environs to invest in hostels and the provision of other services around the Tamale campus; the university is prepared to co-operate on mutually agreed terms”, the acting Vice Chancellor stressed.
He expressed concern about the peculiar problems of students at the Wa and Navrongo campuses where most of them live in private homes and community compounds and entreated them to “behave as mature university students and to respect the norms and values of the people you interact with every day”.
Professor Nokoe advised students to adhere to laid-down regulations of the university to avoid sanctions, adding that any student who wished to defer a programme must apply to the Dean of Faculty and give reasons for the deferment.
Monday, September 22, 2008
YOUTH URGED TO ADVOCATE OF PEACE (PAGE 40)
THE Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, has called on the youth of the country to be advocates of peace to accelerate the progress of the nation.
He noted that being the future leaders of the country, they should endeavour to prevent any negative thing that could affect the development agenda of the nation.
The regional minister made the call when opening a three-day workshop for selected teachers in the Upper West Region.
The workshop, which was on the theme: "Consolidating democracy through youth participation", was organised by Project Citizen Ghana, a civil organisation based in Accra.
Mr Benson said with the general election fast approaching, there was the need for tolerance from all stakeholders in order to avoid violence, which is happening in some parts of the country.
He noted with concern that the youth were involved in all the reported violent clashes.
Mr Benson commended Project Citizen Ghana for including the region in all its peace initiatives and expressed the hope that their efforts would go a long way to ensure peace at all times.
The Co-ordinator of the project, Mrs Fanny Kumah, made a passionate appeal to the electorate, the various political parties and their followers to strive to make the upcoming general election violence free.
She also implored them to abide by the political parties code of conduct, which they had signed.
Mrs Kumah explained that the workshop was aimed at training the youth to develop democratic dispositions like tolerance, patriotism, self-respect, that encourage the exercise of fundamental human rights and responsibility.
"If the goals of Project Citizens are deeply rooted in the youth, we are confident that there will be no acrimony or violence before, during or even after the election," she said.
Mrs Kumah thanked the Hanns Siedal Foundation, the Ghana Education Service and other collaborators for their support towards the programme.
The Upper West Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr Kofi Adomah, appealed to Ghanaians to tolerate the views of one another.
He noted that being the future leaders of the country, they should endeavour to prevent any negative thing that could affect the development agenda of the nation.
The regional minister made the call when opening a three-day workshop for selected teachers in the Upper West Region.
The workshop, which was on the theme: "Consolidating democracy through youth participation", was organised by Project Citizen Ghana, a civil organisation based in Accra.
Mr Benson said with the general election fast approaching, there was the need for tolerance from all stakeholders in order to avoid violence, which is happening in some parts of the country.
He noted with concern that the youth were involved in all the reported violent clashes.
Mr Benson commended Project Citizen Ghana for including the region in all its peace initiatives and expressed the hope that their efforts would go a long way to ensure peace at all times.
The Co-ordinator of the project, Mrs Fanny Kumah, made a passionate appeal to the electorate, the various political parties and their followers to strive to make the upcoming general election violence free.
She also implored them to abide by the political parties code of conduct, which they had signed.
Mrs Kumah explained that the workshop was aimed at training the youth to develop democratic dispositions like tolerance, patriotism, self-respect, that encourage the exercise of fundamental human rights and responsibility.
"If the goals of Project Citizens are deeply rooted in the youth, we are confident that there will be no acrimony or violence before, during or even after the election," she said.
Mrs Kumah thanked the Hanns Siedal Foundation, the Ghana Education Service and other collaborators for their support towards the programme.
The Upper West Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr Kofi Adomah, appealed to Ghanaians to tolerate the views of one another.
CO-OPERATE WITH CONTROLLER AND ACCOUNTANT-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT (PAGE 40)
THE burying of the dead in residential premises in some rural communities in the Upper West Region poses a threat to the pollution of boreholes and wells in those communities.
The practice exposes those rural communities to health risks associated with contaminated water sources.
Most rural communities in the region, in particular, and northern Ghana in general, obtain their drinking water from boreholes and wells. Some of the communities even depend on drinking water from unsafe sources such as streams and ponds.
According to the 2004 Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy published in March 2005, 56.2 per cent of poor rural households and 62.3 per cent of very poor households obtain their drinking water from boreholes, while 31.6 per cent of rural households still depend on unsafe sources of drinking water, such as ponds, streams and unprotected wells.
In most rural communities in the region, some family heads and their spouses who die at old age are buried in the courtyards or very close to their houses. The practice is common in the three northern regions and explains the presence of graves in some residential premises.
In such communities, wells have been drilled in some courtyards, while other wells and boreholes have been drilled very close to some houses. In some of the communities, graves are as close as about 50 metres to boreholes and wells. In some instances, the boreholes and wells existed before the graves were made, and vice versa.
In spite of the threat it poses to the contamination of water sources, the burying of the dead in residential premises is prevalent in rural communities in northern Ghana. Several reasons account for the prevalence of the practice.
In the first place, it is an entrenched practice accorded to heads of families for them to be easily remembered.
Second, in some small rural communities, there are no cemeteries and the burying of the dead takes place haphazardly, including in residential premises.
Third, a large segment of the general public, especially the rural dwellers, are not aware of the risk the practice poses to their health.
This stems from the fact that burying of the dead has not been taken seriously as a sanitation issue in water resource management.
Graves that are very close to boreholes and wells pose a threat to the pollution of such water sources and make the users vulnerable to water-related diseases, with immense adverse effects on their socio-economic well-being.
Infiltration from such graves will contaminate nearby boreholes and wells with bacteria and fungi from decomposed corpses.
People who drink from such water sources may contract diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and diarrhoea, which may reach epidemic levels.
For instance, a water quality test conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2003 on a borehole that is about 55 metres from a cemetery in Gwollu in the Sissala West District revealed bacteriological contamination of the water from decomposed human bodies. The EPA, therefore, advised the community to stop using the borehole.
Besides, a borehole near the Wa Meteorological Station has been contaminated by infiltration from a nearby grave and is no longer used for drinking purposes.
Again, the mortality rate in northern Ghana may remain high if water sources get contaminated and users of such water sources contract diseases. This could undermine efforts being made to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing the infant, child and maternal mortality rates by the year 2015.
The inadequate water supply situation in some rural communities in the region could be worsened, as affected communities may be compelled to stop using polluted boreholes and wells.
In communities where such polluted water sources were hitherto the only sources of safe drinking water, the people may revert to the use of unsafe water sources such as streams and ponds for drinking. This could result in guinea worm infestations in those communities. Such a situation is likely to hinder efforts being made to achieve the MDG of reducing by half the number of people without access to safe drinking water by the year 2015.
Furthermore, as rural communities expand, graves may conflict with the laying of water supply pipelines in future as they turn to be scattered about.
If this impending threat to water pollution is not controlled, it will contribute significantly to the impoverishment of the rural poor in northern Ghana. Collaborative action, therefore, ought to be taken by stakeholders in the water and sanitation sectors to ensure that the practice is discontinued.
According to an environmentalist, Mr Emmanuel Lignule, communities that buried dead bodies in residential premises needed to be educated to understand the problem associated with the practice.
He said communities that did not have cemeteries should establish some, as all dead bodies should be buried in cemeteries.
Mr Lignule stated that the construction of boreholes and wells should go through environmental assessment to ensure that their locations were appropriate.
He urged owners of water sources such as boreholes and wells to carry out water quality tests periodically to ensure that contaminated water was not consumed.
Mr Lignule stressed the need for district assemblies in the three northern regions to enact bye-laws compelling all communities to establish cemeteries and bury dead bodies there.
Such bye-laws, he emphasised, must be strictly enforced.
The practice exposes those rural communities to health risks associated with contaminated water sources.
Most rural communities in the region, in particular, and northern Ghana in general, obtain their drinking water from boreholes and wells. Some of the communities even depend on drinking water from unsafe sources such as streams and ponds.
According to the 2004 Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy published in March 2005, 56.2 per cent of poor rural households and 62.3 per cent of very poor households obtain their drinking water from boreholes, while 31.6 per cent of rural households still depend on unsafe sources of drinking water, such as ponds, streams and unprotected wells.
In most rural communities in the region, some family heads and their spouses who die at old age are buried in the courtyards or very close to their houses. The practice is common in the three northern regions and explains the presence of graves in some residential premises.
In such communities, wells have been drilled in some courtyards, while other wells and boreholes have been drilled very close to some houses. In some of the communities, graves are as close as about 50 metres to boreholes and wells. In some instances, the boreholes and wells existed before the graves were made, and vice versa.
In spite of the threat it poses to the contamination of water sources, the burying of the dead in residential premises is prevalent in rural communities in northern Ghana. Several reasons account for the prevalence of the practice.
In the first place, it is an entrenched practice accorded to heads of families for them to be easily remembered.
Second, in some small rural communities, there are no cemeteries and the burying of the dead takes place haphazardly, including in residential premises.
Third, a large segment of the general public, especially the rural dwellers, are not aware of the risk the practice poses to their health.
This stems from the fact that burying of the dead has not been taken seriously as a sanitation issue in water resource management.
Graves that are very close to boreholes and wells pose a threat to the pollution of such water sources and make the users vulnerable to water-related diseases, with immense adverse effects on their socio-economic well-being.
Infiltration from such graves will contaminate nearby boreholes and wells with bacteria and fungi from decomposed corpses.
People who drink from such water sources may contract diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and diarrhoea, which may reach epidemic levels.
For instance, a water quality test conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2003 on a borehole that is about 55 metres from a cemetery in Gwollu in the Sissala West District revealed bacteriological contamination of the water from decomposed human bodies. The EPA, therefore, advised the community to stop using the borehole.
Besides, a borehole near the Wa Meteorological Station has been contaminated by infiltration from a nearby grave and is no longer used for drinking purposes.
Again, the mortality rate in northern Ghana may remain high if water sources get contaminated and users of such water sources contract diseases. This could undermine efforts being made to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing the infant, child and maternal mortality rates by the year 2015.
The inadequate water supply situation in some rural communities in the region could be worsened, as affected communities may be compelled to stop using polluted boreholes and wells.
In communities where such polluted water sources were hitherto the only sources of safe drinking water, the people may revert to the use of unsafe water sources such as streams and ponds for drinking. This could result in guinea worm infestations in those communities. Such a situation is likely to hinder efforts being made to achieve the MDG of reducing by half the number of people without access to safe drinking water by the year 2015.
Furthermore, as rural communities expand, graves may conflict with the laying of water supply pipelines in future as they turn to be scattered about.
If this impending threat to water pollution is not controlled, it will contribute significantly to the impoverishment of the rural poor in northern Ghana. Collaborative action, therefore, ought to be taken by stakeholders in the water and sanitation sectors to ensure that the practice is discontinued.
According to an environmentalist, Mr Emmanuel Lignule, communities that buried dead bodies in residential premises needed to be educated to understand the problem associated with the practice.
He said communities that did not have cemeteries should establish some, as all dead bodies should be buried in cemeteries.
Mr Lignule stated that the construction of boreholes and wells should go through environmental assessment to ensure that their locations were appropriate.
He urged owners of water sources such as boreholes and wells to carry out water quality tests periodically to ensure that contaminated water was not consumed.
Mr Lignule stressed the need for district assemblies in the three northern regions to enact bye-laws compelling all communities to establish cemeteries and bury dead bodies there.
Such bye-laws, he emphasised, must be strictly enforced.
BURYING THE DEAD IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS ...Threat to water bodies in Upper West (PAGE 40)
THE burying of the dead in residential premises in some rural communities in the Upper West Region poses a threat to the pollution of boreholes and wells in those communities.
The practice exposes those rural communities to health risks associated with contaminated water sources.
Most rural communities in the region, in particular, and northern Ghana in general, obtain their drinking water from boreholes and wells. Some of the communities even depend on drinking water from unsafe sources such as streams and ponds.
According to the 2004 Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy published in March 2005, 56.2 per cent of poor rural households and 62.3 per cent of very poor households obtain their drinking water from boreholes, while 31.6 per cent of rural households still depend on unsafe sources of drinking water, such as ponds, streams and unprotected wells.
In most rural communities in the region, some family heads and their spouses who die at old age are buried in the courtyards or very close to their houses. The practice is common in the three northern regions and explains the presence of graves in some residential premises.
In such communities, wells have been drilled in some courtyards, while other wells and boreholes have been drilled very close to some houses. In some of the communities, graves are as close as about 50 metres to boreholes and wells. In some instances, the boreholes and wells existed before the graves were made, and vice versa.
In spite of the threat it poses to the contamination of water sources, the burying of the dead in residential premises is prevalent in rural communities in northern Ghana. Several reasons account for the prevalence of the practice.
In the first place, it is an entrenched practice accorded to heads of families for them to be easily remembered.
Second, in some small rural communities, there are no cemeteries and the burying of the dead takes place haphazardly, including in residential premises.
Third, a large segment of the general public, especially the rural dwellers, are not aware of the risk the practice poses to their health.
This stems from the fact that burying of the dead has not been taken seriously as a sanitation issue in water resource management.
Graves that are very close to boreholes and wells pose a threat to the pollution of such water sources and make the users vulnerable to water-related diseases, with immense adverse effects on their socio-economic well-being.
Infiltration from such graves will contaminate nearby boreholes and wells with bacteria and fungi from decomposed corpses.
People who drink from such water sources may contract diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and diarrhoea, which may reach epidemic levels.
For instance, a water quality test conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2003 on a borehole that is about 55 metres from a cemetery in Gwollu in the Sissala West District revealed bacteriological contamination of the water from decomposed human bodies. The EPA, therefore, advised the community to stop using the borehole.
Besides, a borehole near the Wa Meteorological Station has been contaminated by infiltration from a nearby grave and is no longer used for drinking purposes.
Again, the mortality rate in northern Ghana may remain high if water sources get contaminated and users of such water sources contract diseases. This could undermine efforts being made to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing the infant, child and maternal mortality rates by the year 2015.
The inadequate water supply situation in some rural communities in the region could be worsened, as affected communities may be compelled to stop using polluted boreholes and wells.
In communities where such polluted water sources were hitherto the only sources of safe drinking water, the people may revert to the use of unsafe water sources such as streams and ponds for drinking. This could result in guinea worm infestations in those communities. Such a situation is likely to hinder efforts being made to achieve the MDG of reducing by half the number of people without access to safe drinking water by the year 2015.
Furthermore, as rural communities expand, graves may conflict with the laying of water supply pipelines in future as they turn to be scattered about.
If this impending threat to water pollution is not controlled, it will contribute significantly to the impoverishment of the rural poor in northern Ghana. Collaborative action, therefore, ought to be taken by stakeholders in the water and sanitation sectors to ensure that the practice is discontinued.
According to an environmentalist, Mr Emmanuel Lignule, communities that buried dead bodies in residential premises needed to be educated to understand the problem associated with the practice.
He said communities that did not have cemeteries should establish some, as all dead bodies should be buried in cemeteries.
Mr Lignule stated that the construction of boreholes and wells should go through environmental assessment to ensure that their locations were appropriate.
He urged owners of water sources such as boreholes and wells to carry out water quality tests periodically to ensure that contaminated water was not consumed.
Mr Lignule stressed the need for district assemblies in the three northern regions to enact bye-laws compelling all communities to establish cemeteries and bury dead bodies there.
Such bye-laws, he emphasised, must be strictly enforced.
The practice exposes those rural communities to health risks associated with contaminated water sources.
Most rural communities in the region, in particular, and northern Ghana in general, obtain their drinking water from boreholes and wells. Some of the communities even depend on drinking water from unsafe sources such as streams and ponds.
According to the 2004 Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy published in March 2005, 56.2 per cent of poor rural households and 62.3 per cent of very poor households obtain their drinking water from boreholes, while 31.6 per cent of rural households still depend on unsafe sources of drinking water, such as ponds, streams and unprotected wells.
In most rural communities in the region, some family heads and their spouses who die at old age are buried in the courtyards or very close to their houses. The practice is common in the three northern regions and explains the presence of graves in some residential premises.
In such communities, wells have been drilled in some courtyards, while other wells and boreholes have been drilled very close to some houses. In some of the communities, graves are as close as about 50 metres to boreholes and wells. In some instances, the boreholes and wells existed before the graves were made, and vice versa.
In spite of the threat it poses to the contamination of water sources, the burying of the dead in residential premises is prevalent in rural communities in northern Ghana. Several reasons account for the prevalence of the practice.
In the first place, it is an entrenched practice accorded to heads of families for them to be easily remembered.
Second, in some small rural communities, there are no cemeteries and the burying of the dead takes place haphazardly, including in residential premises.
Third, a large segment of the general public, especially the rural dwellers, are not aware of the risk the practice poses to their health.
This stems from the fact that burying of the dead has not been taken seriously as a sanitation issue in water resource management.
Graves that are very close to boreholes and wells pose a threat to the pollution of such water sources and make the users vulnerable to water-related diseases, with immense adverse effects on their socio-economic well-being.
Infiltration from such graves will contaminate nearby boreholes and wells with bacteria and fungi from decomposed corpses.
People who drink from such water sources may contract diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and diarrhoea, which may reach epidemic levels.
For instance, a water quality test conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2003 on a borehole that is about 55 metres from a cemetery in Gwollu in the Sissala West District revealed bacteriological contamination of the water from decomposed human bodies. The EPA, therefore, advised the community to stop using the borehole.
Besides, a borehole near the Wa Meteorological Station has been contaminated by infiltration from a nearby grave and is no longer used for drinking purposes.
Again, the mortality rate in northern Ghana may remain high if water sources get contaminated and users of such water sources contract diseases. This could undermine efforts being made to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing the infant, child and maternal mortality rates by the year 2015.
The inadequate water supply situation in some rural communities in the region could be worsened, as affected communities may be compelled to stop using polluted boreholes and wells.
In communities where such polluted water sources were hitherto the only sources of safe drinking water, the people may revert to the use of unsafe water sources such as streams and ponds for drinking. This could result in guinea worm infestations in those communities. Such a situation is likely to hinder efforts being made to achieve the MDG of reducing by half the number of people without access to safe drinking water by the year 2015.
Furthermore, as rural communities expand, graves may conflict with the laying of water supply pipelines in future as they turn to be scattered about.
If this impending threat to water pollution is not controlled, it will contribute significantly to the impoverishment of the rural poor in northern Ghana. Collaborative action, therefore, ought to be taken by stakeholders in the water and sanitation sectors to ensure that the practice is discontinued.
According to an environmentalist, Mr Emmanuel Lignule, communities that buried dead bodies in residential premises needed to be educated to understand the problem associated with the practice.
He said communities that did not have cemeteries should establish some, as all dead bodies should be buried in cemeteries.
Mr Lignule stated that the construction of boreholes and wells should go through environmental assessment to ensure that their locations were appropriate.
He urged owners of water sources such as boreholes and wells to carry out water quality tests periodically to ensure that contaminated water was not consumed.
Mr Lignule stressed the need for district assemblies in the three northern regions to enact bye-laws compelling all communities to establish cemeteries and bury dead bodies there.
Such bye-laws, he emphasised, must be strictly enforced.
NADOWLI DISTRICT NCCE ORGANISES FORUM (PAGE 17)
THE Nadowli District office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Upper West Region has organised a forum for political party executives in the area.
The forum, which forms part of the commission’s education programme, attracted representatives from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the People’s National Convention (PNC), the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the Convention People’s Party (CPP).
The Upper West Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr Kofi Adomah, urged the parties to go about their campaigns devoid of insults, insinuations and the use of abusive language.
He called on the political leaders not to incite their supporters to disrupt rallies of other political parties.
"Opponents should tolerate each other’s views instead of jumping on the neck of others on sight," he added.
Mr Adomah pointed out to political parties to accept the outcome of this year’s election by either conceding defeat or congratulating the winners.
He condemned the alleged reports of swearing of oaths through the coercion of chiefs and opinion leaders to convince their people to vote for a particular party.
"These people must refrain from summoning their subjects to threaten them by making them swear oaths to vote for or not to vote for a particular candidate,” he stated.
Mr Adomah asked the electorate to critically analyse the message of the candidates and vote for those who would bring development to their areas.
The acting Nadowli District Director of the NCCE, Mr John Waako, said the forum was the beginning of a number of activities lined up to ensure peaceful elections.
The forum, which forms part of the commission’s education programme, attracted representatives from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the People’s National Convention (PNC), the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and the Convention People’s Party (CPP).
The Upper West Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr Kofi Adomah, urged the parties to go about their campaigns devoid of insults, insinuations and the use of abusive language.
He called on the political leaders not to incite their supporters to disrupt rallies of other political parties.
"Opponents should tolerate each other’s views instead of jumping on the neck of others on sight," he added.
Mr Adomah pointed out to political parties to accept the outcome of this year’s election by either conceding defeat or congratulating the winners.
He condemned the alleged reports of swearing of oaths through the coercion of chiefs and opinion leaders to convince their people to vote for a particular party.
"These people must refrain from summoning their subjects to threaten them by making them swear oaths to vote for or not to vote for a particular candidate,” he stated.
Mr Adomah asked the electorate to critically analyse the message of the candidates and vote for those who would bring development to their areas.
The acting Nadowli District Director of the NCCE, Mr John Waako, said the forum was the beginning of a number of activities lined up to ensure peaceful elections.
Friday, September 5, 2008
NDC MUST STOP USING CPP'S SLOGAN (PAGE 13)
THE Campaign Manager of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Mr Richmond Lamptey, has advised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to stop using the CPP’s “Yere sesamu” slogan as if it was theirs.
He urged the NDC to join the CPP if it believed in the “Yere sesamu” slogan and other messages of the CPP, adding that they would be welcome.
Mr Lamptey, who was speaking to newsmen after a tour of the Upper West Region, said “it is characteristic of the NDC to steal everything and make it their own. They have realised that their slogans are not catching on so they have come for ours”.
He said judging from the high level of support the CPP was enjoying nationwide, the party was poised to spring a surprise in the December polls.
He said the party was currently organising in all polling stations such that when the ballots were counted after the elections, people would be surprised.
“We are working towards having at least 30 per cent of the presidential votes to place second to either the NDC or the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This will make any of the two to support the CPP for the second round,” Mr Lamptey said.
He described as untrue, rumours that a CPP parliamentary aspirant for Walewale had defected to the NPP, because the CPP had not elected an aspirant for Walawale.
He explained that Mr Ahmed Issahaku who is alleged to have defected was the CPP candidate for the 2004 elections.
He urged the NDC to join the CPP if it believed in the “Yere sesamu” slogan and other messages of the CPP, adding that they would be welcome.
Mr Lamptey, who was speaking to newsmen after a tour of the Upper West Region, said “it is characteristic of the NDC to steal everything and make it their own. They have realised that their slogans are not catching on so they have come for ours”.
He said judging from the high level of support the CPP was enjoying nationwide, the party was poised to spring a surprise in the December polls.
He said the party was currently organising in all polling stations such that when the ballots were counted after the elections, people would be surprised.
“We are working towards having at least 30 per cent of the presidential votes to place second to either the NDC or the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This will make any of the two to support the CPP for the second round,” Mr Lamptey said.
He described as untrue, rumours that a CPP parliamentary aspirant for Walewale had defected to the NPP, because the CPP had not elected an aspirant for Walawale.
He explained that Mr Ahmed Issahaku who is alleged to have defected was the CPP candidate for the 2004 elections.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
BAWUMIA FACE TO FACE WITH ROADS IN UWR (PAGE 14)
THE New Patriotic Party running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on Thursday came face to face with the bad nature of roads in the Upper West Region during his campaign tour of the region.
On two occasions, the convoy of the running mate had to wade and meander its way through dangerous manholes and potholes, particularly on the Tumu-Gwollu-Lambussie road.
The journey from Wa to Tumu, which should have taken two hours, was done in almost four hours.
No wonder, Dr Bawumia kept assuring the people of the region of the reversal of the situation when the proposed one billion Northern Development Authority (NDA) was established under the presidency of Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo.
Addressing separate durbars at Tumu, Gwollu, Lambussie, Nandom, Lawra and Jirapa, he regretted that after 50 years of independence the northern part of Ghana was still under- developed.
The NPP running mate said, a marketing board for cotton and sheanut would be established just as was done for the cocoa industry.
He, therefore, appealed to the people of the region to vote for the NPP in order to realise these dreams.
"It is time you changed the situation by voting for the NPP and its parliamentary candidates. It is time to send people to parliament to be part of the government to bring you development," he added.
Dr Bawumia asked the people to hold the NPP accountable should it renege on its promises to Ghanaians.
He paid tribute to Chief S.D. Dombo, Jatoe Kaleo, Naa Abeifaa Karbo and Mumuni Bawumia, for championing the cause of northern Ghana in the post independence era, and that he was privileged to step in their shoes.
He was optimistic that come December the NPP would win the elections, and therefore appealed to the people of the Upper West to vote for the party.
"I will not be a vice president for one particular people but a vice president for all Ghanaians. It is the vision of Nana to bridge the northern — southern gap, and you must therefore support us.
The Campaign Director of Nana Akufo Addo, Dr K.K. Apraku, appealed to voters in the region to change their pattern of voting.
On two occasions, the convoy of the running mate had to wade and meander its way through dangerous manholes and potholes, particularly on the Tumu-Gwollu-Lambussie road.
The journey from Wa to Tumu, which should have taken two hours, was done in almost four hours.
No wonder, Dr Bawumia kept assuring the people of the region of the reversal of the situation when the proposed one billion Northern Development Authority (NDA) was established under the presidency of Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo.
Addressing separate durbars at Tumu, Gwollu, Lambussie, Nandom, Lawra and Jirapa, he regretted that after 50 years of independence the northern part of Ghana was still under- developed.
The NPP running mate said, a marketing board for cotton and sheanut would be established just as was done for the cocoa industry.
He, therefore, appealed to the people of the region to vote for the NPP in order to realise these dreams.
"It is time you changed the situation by voting for the NPP and its parliamentary candidates. It is time to send people to parliament to be part of the government to bring you development," he added.
Dr Bawumia asked the people to hold the NPP accountable should it renege on its promises to Ghanaians.
He paid tribute to Chief S.D. Dombo, Jatoe Kaleo, Naa Abeifaa Karbo and Mumuni Bawumia, for championing the cause of northern Ghana in the post independence era, and that he was privileged to step in their shoes.
He was optimistic that come December the NPP would win the elections, and therefore appealed to the people of the Upper West to vote for the party.
"I will not be a vice president for one particular people but a vice president for all Ghanaians. It is the vision of Nana to bridge the northern — southern gap, and you must therefore support us.
The Campaign Director of Nana Akufo Addo, Dr K.K. Apraku, appealed to voters in the region to change their pattern of voting.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
DFP ASPIRANT FOR DADOWLI OPTIMISTIC (PAGE 16)
THE Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) parliamentary candidate for Nadowli East, Mr James Wor, has called on the electorate in the area to vote for him.
According to him, he had the requisite qualification and the ability to lead the constituency out of its present high level of poverty.
“Looking at our policies, the DFP is the best party to solve the problems of the people of Nadowli East”, he told the Daily Graphic.
The 26-year-old parliamentary aspirant expressed regret that despite efforts by various governments, the Nadowli area was still deprived.
Mr Wor promised to reduce poverty through collaboration with other stakeholders by supporting agriculture and education, among others.
Touching on this year’s general election, Mr Wor was optimistic that the DFP would come off victorious.
He said Ghanaians were tired of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and therefore needed a new political party to salvage the economy.
“Let us show both the NPP and the NDC the red card by voting massively for the DFP,” he advised.
He appealed to the hierarchy of the party to allocate resources to the foot soldiers at the grass-roots level to ensure an effective campaign.
According to him, he had the requisite qualification and the ability to lead the constituency out of its present high level of poverty.
“Looking at our policies, the DFP is the best party to solve the problems of the people of Nadowli East”, he told the Daily Graphic.
The 26-year-old parliamentary aspirant expressed regret that despite efforts by various governments, the Nadowli area was still deprived.
Mr Wor promised to reduce poverty through collaboration with other stakeholders by supporting agriculture and education, among others.
Touching on this year’s general election, Mr Wor was optimistic that the DFP would come off victorious.
He said Ghanaians were tired of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and therefore needed a new political party to salvage the economy.
“Let us show both the NPP and the NDC the red card by voting massively for the DFP,” he advised.
He appealed to the hierarchy of the party to allocate resources to the foot soldiers at the grass-roots level to ensure an effective campaign.
Friday, August 15, 2008
131 BENEFIT FROM LEAP IN LAWRA DISTRICT (PAGE 20)
ONE-HUNDRED-AND-THIRTY-ONE beneficiaries of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) in the Lawra District of the Upper West Region have received their cash grants at a ceremony at Lawra.
The beneficiaries received between GH¢8 and GH¢15.
Speaking at a presentation ceremony at Lawra, the Lawra District Social Welfare Officer, Mr Enoch Biliguo, urged the beneficiaries to put the money to good use.
He said the government was determined to reduce poverty in the country, that was why this support was being given to the extreme needy people in the society.
“The amount being given you is to enable you to meet some basic needs and you must, therefore, use it for the intended purposes,” he added.
Mr Beliguo took the opportunity to advise the beneficiaries to send their children to school, by taking advantage of the Capitation Grant.
He observed that the only way poverty could be eradicated was through education.
Mr Beliguo thanked the government for the LEAP initiative since it had come at the right time.
For his part, the District Chief Executive for Lawra, Mr George Sulley, gave the assurance that the government would continue to initiate policies geared towards the improvement of Ghanaians.
He also urged the people to reciprocate the gesture by supporting the government in its activities.
The beneficiaries received between GH¢8 and GH¢15.
Speaking at a presentation ceremony at Lawra, the Lawra District Social Welfare Officer, Mr Enoch Biliguo, urged the beneficiaries to put the money to good use.
He said the government was determined to reduce poverty in the country, that was why this support was being given to the extreme needy people in the society.
“The amount being given you is to enable you to meet some basic needs and you must, therefore, use it for the intended purposes,” he added.
Mr Beliguo took the opportunity to advise the beneficiaries to send their children to school, by taking advantage of the Capitation Grant.
He observed that the only way poverty could be eradicated was through education.
Mr Beliguo thanked the government for the LEAP initiative since it had come at the right time.
For his part, the District Chief Executive for Lawra, Mr George Sulley, gave the assurance that the government would continue to initiate policies geared towards the improvement of Ghanaians.
He also urged the people to reciprocate the gesture by supporting the government in its activities.
LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS ATTEND WORKSHOP AT WA (PAGE 20)
THE Sabogusung Livestock Producers Association in Wa has held a sensitisation workshop for its members.
The purpose of the workshop that was on how to access veterinary services and attended by 50 members of the association, was sponsored by the BUSAC Fund.
In an address, the leader of the group, Mr Mahama Osman, urged the members not to wait for their animals to start dying before calling for veterinary services.
He expressed regret that most often, livestock producers waited too late before seeking help, which did not augur well for them.
“If you want us to reduce poverty, then we must be proactive in the way we rear our animals,” Mr Osman told members of the association.
He urged them to contact the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) for technical advice, to enable them to increase their yield.
He thanked the BUSAC Fund for its support to the association and expressed the hope that, the members would reciprocate through good practices in their businesses.
A consultant of the BUSAC Fund, Mr Dennis Puorideme, encouraged them to advocate for veterinary services.
He urged them to bury their differences and endeavour to dialogue in their own interest.
The purpose of the workshop that was on how to access veterinary services and attended by 50 members of the association, was sponsored by the BUSAC Fund.
In an address, the leader of the group, Mr Mahama Osman, urged the members not to wait for their animals to start dying before calling for veterinary services.
He expressed regret that most often, livestock producers waited too late before seeking help, which did not augur well for them.
“If you want us to reduce poverty, then we must be proactive in the way we rear our animals,” Mr Osman told members of the association.
He urged them to contact the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) for technical advice, to enable them to increase their yield.
He thanked the BUSAC Fund for its support to the association and expressed the hope that, the members would reciprocate through good practices in their businesses.
A consultant of the BUSAC Fund, Mr Dennis Puorideme, encouraged them to advocate for veterinary services.
He urged them to bury their differences and endeavour to dialogue in their own interest.
DAN-IBU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE (PAGE 20)
AMR Ekow Amega, a public servant working with a reputable organisation in the country, was transferred from Takoradi to Wa, the Upper West Regional capital, six years ago as part of his company’s policy.
Mr Amega, being a typical family man, was torn between bringing his family to Wa or leaving them behind at his former station. The reason was how to get a good school to enrol his children who were attending one of the first-class basic schools in Takoradi.
After reflecting over the issue for a month, he decided to relocate the family, damning the consequences.
Little did he know that the first-class school he wanted for his children also existed in Wa. He, therefore, enrolled them in that school and today the first born of his children is attending one of the glamorous senior high schools in the country, in Cape Coast.
Do you want to know the name of the School? It is Dan-Ibu International school.
Established in 1989 by a retired educationist and former Member of Parliament for Wa Central, Mr M. A. Seidu, the school is now a household name in the Upper West Region and some parts of the country.
With the support and encouragement of people like Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Messrs Sumani Yakubu, Issahaque Malik, Amoabeng, Haruna Zakaria, and the late Wa Naa Alhaji Momori Bondiri II and more important an organisation like Takoradi Flour Mills, Mr M.A. Seidu established the school.
The school started its operations on October 10, 1989 with 41 pupils and four teachers in temporary premises. It began at a time when there was not a single private school in the region and very few people had acquired the habit of paying fees.
It was, therefore, a very big gamble for the proprietor, but his attempt has become a big success.
Among Mr Seidu’s objective for establishing the school was to encourage senior civil/public servants posted to the region to accept posting to the region, since their children were assured of quality education.
Presently, the school has grown by leap and bounds. The institution has four divisions, namely, the crèche, kindergarten, primary and junior high schools. At the moment, the total population of the school is 1,100 with a teaching staff of 34 and 29 non-teaching staff.
Since its inception, the institution has always been first among equals, as it has been obtaining 100 per cent passes in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for the past 10 years.
It has also produced seven head of state award winners, winners of the National Science and Kiddie quiz competitions and has also produced a soccer star in the person of Sadat Bukari of the senior national team, the Black Stars.
Currently, more than 20 former pupils of Dan-Ibu are in the medical school and other tertiary educational institutions in the country.
“We are happy to inform you that all our students usually get placement in their first choice senior high schools across the country, including the very endowed schools in the southern sector of the country,” the superintendent of the school, Mr Adam Mumuni, told the Daily Graphic.
On discipline, he said the school management did not compromise any indiscipline on the part of teachers and pupils. “Management does not spare indisciplined staff and pupils.”
According to Mr Mumuni, the situation had to a large extent resulted in maintaining high academic standards in the school.
He said in spite of those achievements, the school still faced some challenges in its efforts to promote and sustain quality education.
Mr Mumuni stated that the school seriously needed a dining hall while the computer laboratory under construction was yet to be completed.
Another big challenge facing the school is the disposal of refuse, which has become the headache of the management of the school.
Mr Mumuni, therefore, appealed to parents, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to go to the aid of the school.
He commended the staff of the institutions for their contribution in raising the level of discipline in the school.
In a spech read on his behalf at the School’s ninth speech and prize giving day recently the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, was happy that Dan-Ibu had emerged as an important educational asset in the region.
“The school has achieved a remarkable standard in the promotion of basic education and continues to attract people who seek quality education in private schools in the region,” he added.
Mr Benson paid tribute to Mr Seidu for being a pacesetter and encouraged others to emulate his example.
“The region would continue to be grateful to Mr M.A. Seidu,” the regional minister stressed.
Mr Seidu told the Daily Graphic about his plans to expand facilities at the institution next year in order to admit more pupils.
“The establishment of Dan-Ibu was my social responsibility to Ghana,” he emphasised.
Mr Amega, being a typical family man, was torn between bringing his family to Wa or leaving them behind at his former station. The reason was how to get a good school to enrol his children who were attending one of the first-class basic schools in Takoradi.
After reflecting over the issue for a month, he decided to relocate the family, damning the consequences.
Little did he know that the first-class school he wanted for his children also existed in Wa. He, therefore, enrolled them in that school and today the first born of his children is attending one of the glamorous senior high schools in the country, in Cape Coast.
Do you want to know the name of the School? It is Dan-Ibu International school.
Established in 1989 by a retired educationist and former Member of Parliament for Wa Central, Mr M. A. Seidu, the school is now a household name in the Upper West Region and some parts of the country.
With the support and encouragement of people like Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Messrs Sumani Yakubu, Issahaque Malik, Amoabeng, Haruna Zakaria, and the late Wa Naa Alhaji Momori Bondiri II and more important an organisation like Takoradi Flour Mills, Mr M.A. Seidu established the school.
The school started its operations on October 10, 1989 with 41 pupils and four teachers in temporary premises. It began at a time when there was not a single private school in the region and very few people had acquired the habit of paying fees.
It was, therefore, a very big gamble for the proprietor, but his attempt has become a big success.
Among Mr Seidu’s objective for establishing the school was to encourage senior civil/public servants posted to the region to accept posting to the region, since their children were assured of quality education.
Presently, the school has grown by leap and bounds. The institution has four divisions, namely, the crèche, kindergarten, primary and junior high schools. At the moment, the total population of the school is 1,100 with a teaching staff of 34 and 29 non-teaching staff.
Since its inception, the institution has always been first among equals, as it has been obtaining 100 per cent passes in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for the past 10 years.
It has also produced seven head of state award winners, winners of the National Science and Kiddie quiz competitions and has also produced a soccer star in the person of Sadat Bukari of the senior national team, the Black Stars.
Currently, more than 20 former pupils of Dan-Ibu are in the medical school and other tertiary educational institutions in the country.
“We are happy to inform you that all our students usually get placement in their first choice senior high schools across the country, including the very endowed schools in the southern sector of the country,” the superintendent of the school, Mr Adam Mumuni, told the Daily Graphic.
On discipline, he said the school management did not compromise any indiscipline on the part of teachers and pupils. “Management does not spare indisciplined staff and pupils.”
According to Mr Mumuni, the situation had to a large extent resulted in maintaining high academic standards in the school.
He said in spite of those achievements, the school still faced some challenges in its efforts to promote and sustain quality education.
Mr Mumuni stated that the school seriously needed a dining hall while the computer laboratory under construction was yet to be completed.
Another big challenge facing the school is the disposal of refuse, which has become the headache of the management of the school.
Mr Mumuni, therefore, appealed to parents, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to go to the aid of the school.
He commended the staff of the institutions for their contribution in raising the level of discipline in the school.
In a spech read on his behalf at the School’s ninth speech and prize giving day recently the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, was happy that Dan-Ibu had emerged as an important educational asset in the region.
“The school has achieved a remarkable standard in the promotion of basic education and continues to attract people who seek quality education in private schools in the region,” he added.
Mr Benson paid tribute to Mr Seidu for being a pacesetter and encouraged others to emulate his example.
“The region would continue to be grateful to Mr M.A. Seidu,” the regional minister stressed.
Mr Seidu told the Daily Graphic about his plans to expand facilities at the institution next year in order to admit more pupils.
“The establishment of Dan-Ibu was my social responsibility to Ghana,” he emphasised.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
POLITICS NOT A DANCE (PAGE 42)
By George Folley Quaye, Wa
The "kangaroo dance" which has been adopted by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at it’s rallies has led some supporters of the National Democratic Congress in Wa, the Upper West regional capital, to predict a defeat for the NPP.
According to the NDC supporters, it was the same dance which the senior national team, the Black Stars, adopted and failed to win the CAN 2008 which was held in Ghana.
"Our players used the dance anytime there was victory and placed third so the same calamity will befall NPP, come December 7, 2008," a serious-looking Musah Abu, an NDC activist told The Mirror.
This argument had added a lot of excitement to political discussion in the Wa municipality.
As to how a common dance used by footballers to celebrate victory became associated with politics, nobody could tell.
Musah Abu believes that the dance brought bad omen to the Black Stars and once the NPP is using it, the same calamity would befall them as they would place third come the election day.
However, a staunch supporter of the NPP in Wa, Mr Mustapha Goveir, has debunked Mr Abu's assertion.
He asked, "on what scientific basis can a common dance be associated with the political fortunes of the NPP'.
He pointed out that the kangaroo was a friendly animal to man, and therefore the adoption of the dance by the NPP showed that the party was friendly and committed to the improvement of the lives of Ghanaians through its pro-poor policies.
Mr Goveir urged the NDC to prepare for a shocker as the NPP was poised to win the December elections in the first round.
The "kangaroo dance" which has been adopted by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at it’s rallies has led some supporters of the National Democratic Congress in Wa, the Upper West regional capital, to predict a defeat for the NPP.
According to the NDC supporters, it was the same dance which the senior national team, the Black Stars, adopted and failed to win the CAN 2008 which was held in Ghana.
"Our players used the dance anytime there was victory and placed third so the same calamity will befall NPP, come December 7, 2008," a serious-looking Musah Abu, an NDC activist told The Mirror.
This argument had added a lot of excitement to political discussion in the Wa municipality.
As to how a common dance used by footballers to celebrate victory became associated with politics, nobody could tell.
Musah Abu believes that the dance brought bad omen to the Black Stars and once the NPP is using it, the same calamity would befall them as they would place third come the election day.
However, a staunch supporter of the NPP in Wa, Mr Mustapha Goveir, has debunked Mr Abu's assertion.
He asked, "on what scientific basis can a common dance be associated with the political fortunes of the NPP'.
He pointed out that the kangaroo was a friendly animal to man, and therefore the adoption of the dance by the NPP showed that the party was friendly and committed to the improvement of the lives of Ghanaians through its pro-poor policies.
Mr Goveir urged the NDC to prepare for a shocker as the NPP was poised to win the December elections in the first round.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
ANOTHER MP INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT (PAGE 31)
Few days after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Amenfi West, Mr John Gyetuah, was involved in a fatal motor accident, another MP of the same party, Mr Dari Soditey, also nearly lost his life last Saturday in a head-on collision.
He is the MP for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba in the Northern Region. Two people lost their lives in the accident that occurred at Pissi, a few kilometres from Wa, after a VW Passat veered off its lane and collided with the MP’s pick-up.
The deceased have been identified as Quarshie Worlanyo, 46, an employee of the Wa office of the Town and Country Planning Department, and 20-year old Musah Sani, a mechanic.
Confirming the accident to the Daily Graphic in Wa, the Upper West Regional Commander of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Union (MTTU), DSP John Ferguson Dzineku, said Worlanyo was driving a VW Passat from Pissi to Wa, after repair works on the vehicle, with Musa Sani and one Gandaa Gaddafi on board.
He said the MP, who was being driven by James Soditey, 27 years, was heading towards the Pissi area from Wa.
According to him, on reaching a spot at Pissi, the VW Passat veered off its lane and collided with the MP’s pick-up.
DSP Dzineku said Musa Sani died on the spot while Quarshie Worlanyo died later at the regional hospital.
“Gaddafi and all the occupants on the MP’s pick-up sustained injuries and were rushed to the Wa Hospital,” he told the Daily Graphic.
Meanwhile, Mr Dari Soditey and one other casualty were yesterday morning flown from Wa to Accra for further medical attention while Musa Sani has been buried according to Islamic tradition.
The body of Quarshie Worlanyo has been deposited at the regional hospital mortuary.
He is the MP for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba in the Northern Region. Two people lost their lives in the accident that occurred at Pissi, a few kilometres from Wa, after a VW Passat veered off its lane and collided with the MP’s pick-up.
The deceased have been identified as Quarshie Worlanyo, 46, an employee of the Wa office of the Town and Country Planning Department, and 20-year old Musah Sani, a mechanic.
Confirming the accident to the Daily Graphic in Wa, the Upper West Regional Commander of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Union (MTTU), DSP John Ferguson Dzineku, said Worlanyo was driving a VW Passat from Pissi to Wa, after repair works on the vehicle, with Musa Sani and one Gandaa Gaddafi on board.
He said the MP, who was being driven by James Soditey, 27 years, was heading towards the Pissi area from Wa.
According to him, on reaching a spot at Pissi, the VW Passat veered off its lane and collided with the MP’s pick-up.
DSP Dzineku said Musa Sani died on the spot while Quarshie Worlanyo died later at the regional hospital.
“Gaddafi and all the occupants on the MP’s pick-up sustained injuries and were rushed to the Wa Hospital,” he told the Daily Graphic.
Meanwhile, Mr Dari Soditey and one other casualty were yesterday morning flown from Wa to Accra for further medical attention while Musa Sani has been buried according to Islamic tradition.
The body of Quarshie Worlanyo has been deposited at the regional hospital mortuary.
Monday, August 4, 2008
CPP ORGANISING IN ALL CONSTITUENCIES — LAMPTEY (PAGE 16)
The Campaign Manager of the flag bearer of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Mr Richmond Lankwei Lamptey, has given the assurance that the party is organising itself in all constituencies by taking its message to the people.
He said, the party’s message of “change you can feel in your pocket,” had resulted in a lot of people joining them.
“Ghanaians are also queuing to register to become CPP members and are enthused about the CPP going to the Flagstaff House after the December elections, “ he added.
Mr Lamptey was speaking at a press conference in Wa, the Upper West regional capital on Friday, as part of activities to monitor the ongoing voters registration exercise.
He noted that following the inroads being made by the party, the ruling New Patriotic Party had also placed adverts on radio and television asking people to go to the nearest polling station to register.
“They are asking people to register with them whilst in our case, people run to us to register; no wonder the NDC wants to steal our slogan “Yeresesamu” with its accompanying gestures after their slogan “NDC no size” was rejected at a youth explosion programme in Accra a few weeks ago,” said Mr Lamptey.
He was happy with the work done so far by the Upper West regional executives of the party by recruiting people into the CPP with very limited resources, and described the situation as very refreshing.
He advised first-time voters to go and register so that they could vote for their favourite candidate, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, to become the next president of Ghana.
Mr Lamptey disclosed that the party would field candidates in all other constituencies, with the exception of where the People’s National Convention (PNC) had sitting Members of Parliament.
He said, the party’s message of “change you can feel in your pocket,” had resulted in a lot of people joining them.
“Ghanaians are also queuing to register to become CPP members and are enthused about the CPP going to the Flagstaff House after the December elections, “ he added.
Mr Lamptey was speaking at a press conference in Wa, the Upper West regional capital on Friday, as part of activities to monitor the ongoing voters registration exercise.
He noted that following the inroads being made by the party, the ruling New Patriotic Party had also placed adverts on radio and television asking people to go to the nearest polling station to register.
“They are asking people to register with them whilst in our case, people run to us to register; no wonder the NDC wants to steal our slogan “Yeresesamu” with its accompanying gestures after their slogan “NDC no size” was rejected at a youth explosion programme in Accra a few weeks ago,” said Mr Lamptey.
He was happy with the work done so far by the Upper West regional executives of the party by recruiting people into the CPP with very limited resources, and described the situation as very refreshing.
He advised first-time voters to go and register so that they could vote for their favourite candidate, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, to become the next president of Ghana.
Mr Lamptey disclosed that the party would field candidates in all other constituencies, with the exception of where the People’s National Convention (PNC) had sitting Members of Parliament.
Friday, August 1, 2008
EC WILL DELIVER CREDIBLE ELECTIONS ...Says Yahaya Mahama (PAGE 17)
THE Upper West Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr Yahaya Mahama, has given the assurance that the commission will deliver credible, free and fair elections whose results will be acceptable to both the victor and the vanquished.
He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to continue to have trust in the activities of the commission.
"I wish to assure you that the commission will live up to expectation to meet the aspirations of all Ghanaians and also demonstrate to the whole world that Ghana’s EC has, indeed, come of age," he added.
Mr Mahama gave the assurance after a float organised by the EC to create awareness, of the revision of the voters register at Wa.
He said the EC was revising the register in preparation towards the December general election and, therefore, enjoined those who had attained the voting age of 18 and any adult who, for one reason or another, had not registered before to take advantage of the opportunity.
He indicated that it was an offence for anybody who had already registered to register again.
"Besides, the revision exercise is not meant to replace lost voter cards or to transfer votes to enable people who have moved residence to be able to vote at their new or current locations," he said
Mr Mahama entreated all Ghanaians to be ambassadors of the commission by spreading the message encouraging persons who qualified to register.
He advised all individuals, as well as groups, to play their part diligently so that at the end of the day Ghana would be the victor.
He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to continue to have trust in the activities of the commission.
"I wish to assure you that the commission will live up to expectation to meet the aspirations of all Ghanaians and also demonstrate to the whole world that Ghana’s EC has, indeed, come of age," he added.
Mr Mahama gave the assurance after a float organised by the EC to create awareness, of the revision of the voters register at Wa.
He said the EC was revising the register in preparation towards the December general election and, therefore, enjoined those who had attained the voting age of 18 and any adult who, for one reason or another, had not registered before to take advantage of the opportunity.
He indicated that it was an offence for anybody who had already registered to register again.
"Besides, the revision exercise is not meant to replace lost voter cards or to transfer votes to enable people who have moved residence to be able to vote at their new or current locations," he said
Mr Mahama entreated all Ghanaians to be ambassadors of the commission by spreading the message encouraging persons who qualified to register.
He advised all individuals, as well as groups, to play their part diligently so that at the end of the day Ghana would be the victor.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
BAC HOLDS WORKSHOP FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PERSONS (PAGE 20)
THE Business Advisory Centre (BAC) of the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) has organised a five-day workshop for physically challenged persons in Wa in the Upper West Region.
The workshop, which attracted 25 participants, treated topics such as marketing, credit management and business planning.
Others were characteristics of entrepreneurship and understanding the business environment.
Closing the workshop, the Upper West Regional Head of the BAC, Mr Gabriel Fiatui, expressed the hope that the knowledge the participants had acquired would assist them to achieve financial independence.
He was worried that most entrepreneurs failed to keep records of their activities, which made monitoring and performance of their businesses difficult.
"I can assure you that when you put the knowledge acquired into practice, your businesses will see tremendous improvement", he told the participants.
The workshop, which attracted 25 participants, treated topics such as marketing, credit management and business planning.
Others were characteristics of entrepreneurship and understanding the business environment.
Closing the workshop, the Upper West Regional Head of the BAC, Mr Gabriel Fiatui, expressed the hope that the knowledge the participants had acquired would assist them to achieve financial independence.
He was worried that most entrepreneurs failed to keep records of their activities, which made monitoring and performance of their businesses difficult.
"I can assure you that when you put the knowledge acquired into practice, your businesses will see tremendous improvement", he told the participants.
LANDOWNERS CALL FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT (PAGE 20)
A Number of landowners have appealed to the government for support following changes in the approval procedures in land management in the country.
So far, 10 out of 23 landowners have been selected for support in the form of technical expertise, capacity building, provision of office equipment, among other things.
The Deputy Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Mrs Rita Iddi, announced this at the inauguration of a customary land secretariat (CLS) in Wa in the Upper West Region.
She said similar secretariats had been opened at Bekwai, Nkawie, Toase, Mampong, Agogo, Ejisu in Ashanti and Beyin in the Western Region.
According to Mrs Iddi, between October 2004 and June 2007, the government based its support to customary authorities for the establishemnt or strengthening of their land secretariats on a supply-led approach.
Under this approach, public land agencies selected areas without adequate consultation with the landowners.
"This approach to implementation resulted in the lack of ownership and commitment, suspicion, high expectation from the government for funding activities," she added.
The deputy minister said currently, assistance for the project was only available to stools, skins, families and other landowners who requested for such support.
Mrs Iddi said it was required that such requests came with a clear demonstration of ownership and commitment to support and sustain the secretariats.
She emphasised that the governemnt was not just interested in the establishement of the CLSs, and that the overall success of the customary land administration reform could only be achieved when the secretariats had strong and reliable database and were financially and technically sustainable.
She, therefore, encouraged all customary landowners of Wa and all stakeholders to sustain the goodwill and commitment that had been exhibited so far.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mrs Winifred Dy-Yakah, appealed to chiefs in the region to assist in the implementation of the Land Administration Project (LAP).
She also called on all land-user agencies to ensure proper use of land through a well-co-ordinated team work.
The Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Aziz, expressed the hope that the establishment of the secretariat in the municipality would minimise land disputes.
So far, 10 out of 23 landowners have been selected for support in the form of technical expertise, capacity building, provision of office equipment, among other things.
The Deputy Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Mrs Rita Iddi, announced this at the inauguration of a customary land secretariat (CLS) in Wa in the Upper West Region.
She said similar secretariats had been opened at Bekwai, Nkawie, Toase, Mampong, Agogo, Ejisu in Ashanti and Beyin in the Western Region.
According to Mrs Iddi, between October 2004 and June 2007, the government based its support to customary authorities for the establishemnt or strengthening of their land secretariats on a supply-led approach.
Under this approach, public land agencies selected areas without adequate consultation with the landowners.
"This approach to implementation resulted in the lack of ownership and commitment, suspicion, high expectation from the government for funding activities," she added.
The deputy minister said currently, assistance for the project was only available to stools, skins, families and other landowners who requested for such support.
Mrs Iddi said it was required that such requests came with a clear demonstration of ownership and commitment to support and sustain the secretariats.
She emphasised that the governemnt was not just interested in the establishement of the CLSs, and that the overall success of the customary land administration reform could only be achieved when the secretariats had strong and reliable database and were financially and technically sustainable.
She, therefore, encouraged all customary landowners of Wa and all stakeholders to sustain the goodwill and commitment that had been exhibited so far.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mrs Winifred Dy-Yakah, appealed to chiefs in the region to assist in the implementation of the Land Administration Project (LAP).
She also called on all land-user agencies to ensure proper use of land through a well-co-ordinated team work.
The Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Aziz, expressed the hope that the establishment of the secretariat in the municipality would minimise land disputes.
WA POLYTECHNIC GETS COSMETOLOGY DEPT (PAGE 20)
A NEW cosmetology department for the Wa Polytechnic in the Upper West Region has been inaugurated by the Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson.
The facility, the first of its kind in the country's polytechnics, is estimated at $20,000.
In a brief remark, Mr Hikah Benson commended the polytechnic for being the pacesetter in polytechnic education in the country.
He urged the management of the institution to take good care of the facility, and expressed the hope that the purpose for which it was established would be achieved.
The Vice Rector of Wa Polytechnic, Mr Solomon Danzie, said the institution would collaborate with beauticians in the region to organise seminars for their members on modern methods in cosmetology.
He thanked the Teaching and Learning Fund (TALIF) and the Saskachuan Institute of Applied Sciences in Canada for their support in the establishment of the facility.
The facility, the first of its kind in the country's polytechnics, is estimated at $20,000.
In a brief remark, Mr Hikah Benson commended the polytechnic for being the pacesetter in polytechnic education in the country.
He urged the management of the institution to take good care of the facility, and expressed the hope that the purpose for which it was established would be achieved.
The Vice Rector of Wa Polytechnic, Mr Solomon Danzie, said the institution would collaborate with beauticians in the region to organise seminars for their members on modern methods in cosmetology.
He thanked the Teaching and Learning Fund (TALIF) and the Saskachuan Institute of Applied Sciences in Canada for their support in the establishment of the facility.
METTEW GETS HEALTH PLANNING SERVICES (PAGE 20)
METTEW is a small farming community in the Wa West District in the Upper West Region.
Being an isolated area, this community lacks a lot of social amenities. Social amenities such as potable water, electricity and others to improve their standard of living are not available in the community.
When the people are sick, they have to go to the nearest community called Gurungu, which is quite a distance.
Just recently, through the benevolence of Plan Ghana, a child-centred non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mettew has been provided with a community-based health planning services (CHPS) compound to cater for the health needs of the people.
The smiles, joy and happiness demonstrated by the people, amidst drumming and dancing, clearly indicated that at long last God had answered their prayers.
Inaugurating the CHPS compound, the Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, described the occasion as unique as it sought to bring health care delivery to the doorstep of the people.
He observed that health was wealth as no group of people could develop in the absence of health.
"It is, therefore, refreshing that this facility is being provided to serve as first point of call for all cases of ailment in and around the Mettew community," he said.
Mr Benson expressed the hope that the facility would contribute to the eventual reduction in both mortality and morbidity rates among the people.
According to him, the greatest challenge to health delivery in the region was the high maternal and under five mortality rates of 208 per 1,000 live births.
He said efforts to address those issues were yet to achieve the desired results, adding that soon a forum would be convened to discuss the problems in order to find a lasting solution to them.
The regional minister said the government in its quest to reduce infant mortality had unveiled a programme to provide free ante-natal care to all pregnant women.
He urged communities in the Wa West District to ensure that pregnant women registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The District Director of Health Services, Miss Phoebe Balaguutime, announced that eight out of the 32 CHPS compounds earmarked for the district had been completed.
She thanked Plan Ghana and other stakeholdders for their contribution in the provision of the facility.
The Northern Sector Manager of Plan Ghana, Mr William Agyekum-Acquah, expressed the hope that the people would make maximum use of the GH¢5,004 facility.
Being an isolated area, this community lacks a lot of social amenities. Social amenities such as potable water, electricity and others to improve their standard of living are not available in the community.
When the people are sick, they have to go to the nearest community called Gurungu, which is quite a distance.
Just recently, through the benevolence of Plan Ghana, a child-centred non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mettew has been provided with a community-based health planning services (CHPS) compound to cater for the health needs of the people.
The smiles, joy and happiness demonstrated by the people, amidst drumming and dancing, clearly indicated that at long last God had answered their prayers.
Inaugurating the CHPS compound, the Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, described the occasion as unique as it sought to bring health care delivery to the doorstep of the people.
He observed that health was wealth as no group of people could develop in the absence of health.
"It is, therefore, refreshing that this facility is being provided to serve as first point of call for all cases of ailment in and around the Mettew community," he said.
Mr Benson expressed the hope that the facility would contribute to the eventual reduction in both mortality and morbidity rates among the people.
According to him, the greatest challenge to health delivery in the region was the high maternal and under five mortality rates of 208 per 1,000 live births.
He said efforts to address those issues were yet to achieve the desired results, adding that soon a forum would be convened to discuss the problems in order to find a lasting solution to them.
The regional minister said the government in its quest to reduce infant mortality had unveiled a programme to provide free ante-natal care to all pregnant women.
He urged communities in the Wa West District to ensure that pregnant women registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The District Director of Health Services, Miss Phoebe Balaguutime, announced that eight out of the 32 CHPS compounds earmarked for the district had been completed.
She thanked Plan Ghana and other stakeholdders for their contribution in the provision of the facility.
The Northern Sector Manager of Plan Ghana, Mr William Agyekum-Acquah, expressed the hope that the people would make maximum use of the GH¢5,004 facility.
PARENTAL NEGLECT AND SAFETY OF WA SCHOOLCHILDREN (PAGE 20)
ABU Paul is a motorist in the Wa Municipality. Recently, while riding his Yamaha motorbike at Kpaguri in the municipality, he knocked down a six-year- old child, who died instantly.
Abu made all efforts to trace the parents of the child until he went to a local FM radio station to make an announcement before the child’s parents came to identify her.
The question on the lips of people was why should the parents of the child be so irresponsible in the upkeep of their child, such that her whereabouts were not known until the radio announcement.
The above scenario is what most often pertains in Wa. At times, one sees three or four year old children walking to school without any grown-up accompanying them. They are, therefore, exposed to serious risks from road users, especially motor-riders.
For those who do not know, this is perhaps the only part of the country where regard for road regulations is non-existent.
Kids often act on impulse. If this happens while they are walking, riding bicycles or playing near traffic, the risk of injury or even death is always inevitable. They are very vulnerable by themselves.
Parents and children are now being taught about safety on the roads and how to avoid dangerous situations.
Research shows that in some countries, road accidents are the major causes of death for young children. People between one and 15 years as well as those around 20 are killed while those around 40 years get seriously injured in road accidents in each year.
One parent at Wa, who wants to remain anonymous, said the reason why some of the children were left on their own to go to school was that parents thought road users would be sensible and wise enough to give the children the opportunity to cross the roads to and from school.
"We are also faced with the issue of transportation as some of us do not either have bicycles or motor-bikes" she told the Daily Graphic.
According to her, two of her children were nearly killed at a zebra crossing when a motorbike rider ignored the children, but for a good Samaritan who shouted at the rider, the kids might have died.
She, therefore, appealed to the police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) to constantly position their men at various points to assist schoolchildren.
The community police personnel who are doing a good job must be commended. However, there is more room for improvement.
They must be given the support to perform their duties instead of the hostile attitude towards them by road users.
Parents must also take keen interest in their children since they are the future leaders of the country. Adequate measures should be put in place to protect them from bad road users.
Young children cannot use the roads safely on their own until they have been taught how to see dangerous situations and how to act.
Although all adults and caretakers can help protect young children from harm, parents have the primary responsibility and the most direct influence. There are many practical ways that parents can help as one must not be a road safety expert to do so.
Children in Wa are at risk because they do not have the skills and judgement that come with increasing age and experience. Parents can help children to use the roads safely in many day-to-day situations, such as:
-Child restraints
-Walking
-Riding bicycles
-Using wheeled devices and toys
They must be occupied in the house for them to be at home after school hours instead of wandering and trying to fend for themselves.
Abu made all efforts to trace the parents of the child until he went to a local FM radio station to make an announcement before the child’s parents came to identify her.
The question on the lips of people was why should the parents of the child be so irresponsible in the upkeep of their child, such that her whereabouts were not known until the radio announcement.
The above scenario is what most often pertains in Wa. At times, one sees three or four year old children walking to school without any grown-up accompanying them. They are, therefore, exposed to serious risks from road users, especially motor-riders.
For those who do not know, this is perhaps the only part of the country where regard for road regulations is non-existent.
Kids often act on impulse. If this happens while they are walking, riding bicycles or playing near traffic, the risk of injury or even death is always inevitable. They are very vulnerable by themselves.
Parents and children are now being taught about safety on the roads and how to avoid dangerous situations.
Research shows that in some countries, road accidents are the major causes of death for young children. People between one and 15 years as well as those around 20 are killed while those around 40 years get seriously injured in road accidents in each year.
One parent at Wa, who wants to remain anonymous, said the reason why some of the children were left on their own to go to school was that parents thought road users would be sensible and wise enough to give the children the opportunity to cross the roads to and from school.
"We are also faced with the issue of transportation as some of us do not either have bicycles or motor-bikes" she told the Daily Graphic.
According to her, two of her children were nearly killed at a zebra crossing when a motorbike rider ignored the children, but for a good Samaritan who shouted at the rider, the kids might have died.
She, therefore, appealed to the police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) to constantly position their men at various points to assist schoolchildren.
The community police personnel who are doing a good job must be commended. However, there is more room for improvement.
They must be given the support to perform their duties instead of the hostile attitude towards them by road users.
Parents must also take keen interest in their children since they are the future leaders of the country. Adequate measures should be put in place to protect them from bad road users.
Young children cannot use the roads safely on their own until they have been taught how to see dangerous situations and how to act.
Although all adults and caretakers can help protect young children from harm, parents have the primary responsibility and the most direct influence. There are many practical ways that parents can help as one must not be a road safety expert to do so.
Children in Wa are at risk because they do not have the skills and judgement that come with increasing age and experience. Parents can help children to use the roads safely in many day-to-day situations, such as:
-Child restraints
-Walking
-Riding bicycles
-Using wheeled devices and toys
They must be occupied in the house for them to be at home after school hours instead of wandering and trying to fend for themselves.
Friday, July 25, 2008
WA WESST NDC DENIES DEFECTION STORY (PAGE 17)
THE Wa West Constituency branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied that the entire constituency executive has defected to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a statement to the media, it accused a former interim chairman of the party, Mr Seidu Jaladeen, who had now joined the NPP, of stage-managing those "defections" to destabilise the NDC.
"Mr Jaladeen has a history of jumping from party to party. It is, therefore, no news if he again says he has defected to the elephant party in Wa West, since that is the beauty of democracy," the statement added.
It, therefore, urged its members and supporters not to panic but remain calm, since the alleged defection was totally false.
"Our members should treat it with the contempt it deserves, as it is a fabricated ploy to cause disaffection among the rank and file of our great party," the statement, signed by the constituency Secretary, Iddrisu Abdulai, said.
According to the statement, since August 20, 2005 when the constituency held its maiden delegates conference and elected its executive, no single member had defected.
The statement wished Mr Jaladeen well in his position as the campaign manager of the NPP parliamentary aspirant for Wa West, Mr Daniel Dari.
In a statement to the media, it accused a former interim chairman of the party, Mr Seidu Jaladeen, who had now joined the NPP, of stage-managing those "defections" to destabilise the NDC.
"Mr Jaladeen has a history of jumping from party to party. It is, therefore, no news if he again says he has defected to the elephant party in Wa West, since that is the beauty of democracy," the statement added.
It, therefore, urged its members and supporters not to panic but remain calm, since the alleged defection was totally false.
"Our members should treat it with the contempt it deserves, as it is a fabricated ploy to cause disaffection among the rank and file of our great party," the statement, signed by the constituency Secretary, Iddrisu Abdulai, said.
According to the statement, since August 20, 2005 when the constituency held its maiden delegates conference and elected its executive, no single member had defected.
The statement wished Mr Jaladeen well in his position as the campaign manager of the NPP parliamentary aspirant for Wa West, Mr Daniel Dari.
COCOBOD ASKED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO SHEANUT (BACK PAGE)
The Upper West branch of the Sheanut Dealers Association has appealed to the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) to make the sheanut industry viable for the country to earn more foreign exchange from it.
The association’s call stems from the fact that Cocobod has failed to give sheanut the needed attention and support.
The Regional Secretary of the association, Mr Moses Yuoni, made the appeal at a press conference in Wa in the Upper West Region.
He observed that as a result of the little attention being given to sheanut production, Cocobod did not even know the real stakeholders operating in the three northern regions.
He alleged that any time the board had to have a meeting or stakeholders workshop on sheanut, it handpicked participants most of whom were not in sheanut production.
"The result of this total neglect of sheanut production in the three northern regions by Cocobod is that during the sheanut season, it is a free-for-all event."
According to Mr Youni, anytime the price of sheanut began to rise, companies left the market because they had alternative sources of sheanut in other African countries.
He said most of the companies did not know when exactly sheanut was ready for sale so they came in when the nuts were hardly matured on the trees.
He was of the belief that if the sheanut business was properly organised it could go a long way to alleviate poverty in northern Ghana.
Touching on a recent advertisers announcement published in the July 11, 2008, edition of the Daily Graphic, Mr Yuoni denied that the association did not challenge the publication.
The publication accused the association, among other things, of organising an illegal workshop on the sheanut industry at which various sums of money were collected from Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs).
Mr Yuoni debunked the publication and said it was a deliberate attempt to mislead Ghanaians.
He admitted, however, that the association organised a workshop in Wa to sensitise its members to the right methods of producing sheanut to meet international standards for export.
The association’s call stems from the fact that Cocobod has failed to give sheanut the needed attention and support.
The Regional Secretary of the association, Mr Moses Yuoni, made the appeal at a press conference in Wa in the Upper West Region.
He observed that as a result of the little attention being given to sheanut production, Cocobod did not even know the real stakeholders operating in the three northern regions.
He alleged that any time the board had to have a meeting or stakeholders workshop on sheanut, it handpicked participants most of whom were not in sheanut production.
"The result of this total neglect of sheanut production in the three northern regions by Cocobod is that during the sheanut season, it is a free-for-all event."
According to Mr Youni, anytime the price of sheanut began to rise, companies left the market because they had alternative sources of sheanut in other African countries.
He said most of the companies did not know when exactly sheanut was ready for sale so they came in when the nuts were hardly matured on the trees.
He was of the belief that if the sheanut business was properly organised it could go a long way to alleviate poverty in northern Ghana.
Touching on a recent advertisers announcement published in the July 11, 2008, edition of the Daily Graphic, Mr Yuoni denied that the association did not challenge the publication.
The publication accused the association, among other things, of organising an illegal workshop on the sheanut industry at which various sums of money were collected from Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs).
Mr Yuoni debunked the publication and said it was a deliberate attempt to mislead Ghanaians.
He admitted, however, that the association organised a workshop in Wa to sensitise its members to the right methods of producing sheanut to meet international standards for export.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
CHIEF OF DUORI WANTS ALIU AS RUNNING MATE (PAGE 16)
THE jostling for a running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is getting interesting as the paramount chief of the Duori Traditional Area in the Jirapa District of the Upper West Region has passionately appealed for Vice-President Aliu Mahama to be nominated to partner Nana Akufo-Addo.
According to Naa S.D. Dombo II, the only person who could unite the people and bring total victory to the NPP was Alhaji Mahama.
Addressing a press conference at Duori, the chief, who is the son of the late Chief S.D. Dombo I, one of the founder members of the Danquah-Busia tradition, observed with satisfaction that the Vice-President had performed creditably as an assistant to President J.A. Kufuor.
He said Alhaji Mahama, with his unblemished credentials, would be readily acceptable in all parts of the country, as he had already marketed himself to the Ghanaian electorate.
“I, therefore, appeal to Nana Akufo-Addo to consider the matter seriously, as it will be in the interest of the party and Mother Ghana,” he added.
Naa Dombo said “Nana Akufo-Addo becoming President will be historic but that of Alhaji Mahama will be more historic and unprecedented in the political history of Ghana”.
“I say this because it will be the first time an incumbent vice-president has been chosen by a candidate of his party to partner him in a general election and also a sitting President handing over to the flag bearer of his party,” he said.
Naa Dombo, therefore, appealed to Vice-President Mahama not to hesitate to be Nana Akufo-Addo’s running mate should he be chosen.
With two weeks to go for the NPP flag bearer to select a running mate, a number of names have come up and these include Hajia Alima Mahama, the Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs; Alhaji N. D. Jawula, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Abubakar Saddick Boniface, the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, among others.
According to Naa S.D. Dombo II, the only person who could unite the people and bring total victory to the NPP was Alhaji Mahama.
Addressing a press conference at Duori, the chief, who is the son of the late Chief S.D. Dombo I, one of the founder members of the Danquah-Busia tradition, observed with satisfaction that the Vice-President had performed creditably as an assistant to President J.A. Kufuor.
He said Alhaji Mahama, with his unblemished credentials, would be readily acceptable in all parts of the country, as he had already marketed himself to the Ghanaian electorate.
“I, therefore, appeal to Nana Akufo-Addo to consider the matter seriously, as it will be in the interest of the party and Mother Ghana,” he added.
Naa Dombo said “Nana Akufo-Addo becoming President will be historic but that of Alhaji Mahama will be more historic and unprecedented in the political history of Ghana”.
“I say this because it will be the first time an incumbent vice-president has been chosen by a candidate of his party to partner him in a general election and also a sitting President handing over to the flag bearer of his party,” he said.
Naa Dombo, therefore, appealed to Vice-President Mahama not to hesitate to be Nana Akufo-Addo’s running mate should he be chosen.
With two weeks to go for the NPP flag bearer to select a running mate, a number of names have come up and these include Hajia Alima Mahama, the Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs; Alhaji N. D. Jawula, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Abubakar Saddick Boniface, the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, among others.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Regulate price of sheanut...KPERISI FARMERS APPEAL TO GOVT (PAGE 21)
FARMERS at Kperisi in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region have appealed to the government to regulate the price of sheanut in the country.
According to them, that would save farmers from being cheated by unscrupulous people who bought the product at very low prices.
“It would be appreciated if the government will pay the same attention to the sheanut industry as being done for cocoa,” they added.
The farmers made the appeal at an advocacy programme sponsored by the BUSAC Fund. The programme, organised by the Sunbawira Sheabutter Producers Association, was attended by 300 farmers.
The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Imoro Ayittey, who made the appeal on behalf of the farmers, said the advocacy programme was being undertaken with the objective of getting the government to regulate the price of sheabutter and also include it in the President’s Special Initiative (PSI).
He observed that poverty had resulted in the cutting down of economic trees like shea for charcoal production.
Mr Ayittey was of the view that early intervention and support for the industry would enable it to flourish like cocoa.
He commended the landlords in the Kperisi area for their decision to release 400 acres for a shea-nut plantation.
A service provider to the BUSAC Fund, Mr George Acheampong, urged the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to establish a scholarship scheme for large-scale shea butter producers in northern Ghana.
He also called for a research into the sheanut industry to develop varieties that would mature earlier instead of the present situation where it takes about 10 years for a single tree to mature.
According to them, that would save farmers from being cheated by unscrupulous people who bought the product at very low prices.
“It would be appreciated if the government will pay the same attention to the sheanut industry as being done for cocoa,” they added.
The farmers made the appeal at an advocacy programme sponsored by the BUSAC Fund. The programme, organised by the Sunbawira Sheabutter Producers Association, was attended by 300 farmers.
The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Imoro Ayittey, who made the appeal on behalf of the farmers, said the advocacy programme was being undertaken with the objective of getting the government to regulate the price of sheabutter and also include it in the President’s Special Initiative (PSI).
He observed that poverty had resulted in the cutting down of economic trees like shea for charcoal production.
Mr Ayittey was of the view that early intervention and support for the industry would enable it to flourish like cocoa.
He commended the landlords in the Kperisi area for their decision to release 400 acres for a shea-nut plantation.
A service provider to the BUSAC Fund, Mr George Acheampong, urged the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to establish a scholarship scheme for large-scale shea butter producers in northern Ghana.
He also called for a research into the sheanut industry to develop varieties that would mature earlier instead of the present situation where it takes about 10 years for a single tree to mature.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
BRAVO, ALL STARS (GRAPHIC SPORTS, PAGE 17)
Playing in Ghana’s premier soccer league is not an easy task, particularly for newly-promoted clubs. Before the just-ended league season started, soccer pundits gave Wa All Stars Football Club no dog chance to remain in the premiership.
It appeared that all along crowd violence had been expected in this “remote” area of the country, and by natural consequence a possible ban of the stadium. Chief among reasons openly expressed in the media was the assertion that “Wa is too far”.
But All Stars have proven those so-called pundits wrong. Gone are the days when after church service on Sundays, the only place to seek solace in the Wa township was the drinking bar. However, today every other Sunday is the most cherished moment in most people’s lives as they wait patiently to see their darling club perform against visiting teams.
The seventh position of All Stars in the standings in the premiership was no fluke. It was through hardwork from management/technical bench and most often the well-behaved supporters who brought the team this far.
Never has there been an occasion for crowd violence although at times the supporters disagree with the decisions of match officials.
Having remained in the league, it is hoped that the team would be strengthened with more experienced players to enable them to demolish all oppositions in future campaigns.
Aside these, there are issues which when not tackled could lead to the collapse of the club. These problems include ticket racketeering and under-declaration of proceeds at the gates.
During matches, those entrusted with collecting gate proceeds gleefully pocket the money as there is no effective mechanism to check them.
In addition to this, the number of people who enter the stadium free of charge is too much for a young club like All Stars.
Stringent measures must be put in place to check all these anomalies.
Last but not least, conscious effort must be made to put up an additional stand to serve fans who throng the stadium since the only one available is woefully inadequate.
Finally, let us congratulate Wa All Stars for making the Upper West Region proud, after all, they had proven that good things can come from the region. Bravo All Stars!
It appeared that all along crowd violence had been expected in this “remote” area of the country, and by natural consequence a possible ban of the stadium. Chief among reasons openly expressed in the media was the assertion that “Wa is too far”.
But All Stars have proven those so-called pundits wrong. Gone are the days when after church service on Sundays, the only place to seek solace in the Wa township was the drinking bar. However, today every other Sunday is the most cherished moment in most people’s lives as they wait patiently to see their darling club perform against visiting teams.
The seventh position of All Stars in the standings in the premiership was no fluke. It was through hardwork from management/technical bench and most often the well-behaved supporters who brought the team this far.
Never has there been an occasion for crowd violence although at times the supporters disagree with the decisions of match officials.
Having remained in the league, it is hoped that the team would be strengthened with more experienced players to enable them to demolish all oppositions in future campaigns.
Aside these, there are issues which when not tackled could lead to the collapse of the club. These problems include ticket racketeering and under-declaration of proceeds at the gates.
During matches, those entrusted with collecting gate proceeds gleefully pocket the money as there is no effective mechanism to check them.
In addition to this, the number of people who enter the stadium free of charge is too much for a young club like All Stars.
Stringent measures must be put in place to check all these anomalies.
Last but not least, conscious effort must be made to put up an additional stand to serve fans who throng the stadium since the only one available is woefully inadequate.
Finally, let us congratulate Wa All Stars for making the Upper West Region proud, after all, they had proven that good things can come from the region. Bravo All Stars!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
GHANAIANS URGED TO PRAY FOR PEACEFUL ELECTIONS (PAGE 16)
THE Presiding Prelate of the Western-West Africa Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church, Right Rev. Dr Kenneth Monroe, has urged Ghanaians to be strong and prayerful as the country approaches the December elections.
The Presiding Bishop said it was only through prayers that peace and unity would prevail among the leaders during and after the elections, adding that every Ghanaian had to take up this responsibility.
Bishop Monroe said that when he delivered the sermon at the thanksgiving service to round off activities marking the 109th Session of the East Ghana Conference of the church, held at the Aggrey A.M.E. Zion Church at Mamprobi in Accra.
He spoke on the theme “Making the Impossible Possible with God, Discovering our Future”.
He charged the leaders of the nation and all political parties to bury their differences and forge forward.
Bishop Monroe noted that since the beginning of the year, the country had gone through a lot of good and bad experiences and cited the recent accident on the Takoradi-Komenda road that claimed 17 lives as one of the tragedies, adding that Ghanaians should continue to build their faith in God and embrace the opportunities God gives them to make the impossible possible.
He also commented on the increased food crisis, and advised that the country should concentrate more on adding value to its exports.
Bishop Monroe urged Christians to change their behaviour towards God, explaining that most Christians had the tendency to forget God and ended up pleasing themselves instead of God.
The Co-ordinator of Episcopal Affairs and Presiding Elder of the Accra North District of the church, Rev. Peter E. T. Sefogah, who hosted the conference, challenged the members to change their attitude towards social activities. According to Rev. Sefogah, Christians should not forget their role in the larger society since God was everywhere and judges us according to our deeds in the church, at home and workplaces.
He used the occasion to appeal for funds towards the church’s new project.
Rev. Sefogah encouraged the members to also participate in the elections and pray without ceasing to ensure that the poll which falls on a Sunday is devoid of conflict that can undermine the success chalked up in democratic governance since 1992.
As part of the 109th Session, four pastors were elevated as elders and two others as deacons. The elders are Rev Eva Mensah, Rev. Jerry Tagbor, Rev. David Mensah and Rev. Ayayee. The deacons are Rev Albert Hukportsi and Rev. Philip Hlordzie. The ceremony was graced by Mrs Sheila W. Monroe, Missionary Supervisor, Rev. Dr Godfred N. Zormelo, Senior Bishop’s Deputy and Rev. Charles K. Gbagbo, Bishop’s Administrative Assistant.
The Presiding Bishop said it was only through prayers that peace and unity would prevail among the leaders during and after the elections, adding that every Ghanaian had to take up this responsibility.
Bishop Monroe said that when he delivered the sermon at the thanksgiving service to round off activities marking the 109th Session of the East Ghana Conference of the church, held at the Aggrey A.M.E. Zion Church at Mamprobi in Accra.
He spoke on the theme “Making the Impossible Possible with God, Discovering our Future”.
He charged the leaders of the nation and all political parties to bury their differences and forge forward.
Bishop Monroe noted that since the beginning of the year, the country had gone through a lot of good and bad experiences and cited the recent accident on the Takoradi-Komenda road that claimed 17 lives as one of the tragedies, adding that Ghanaians should continue to build their faith in God and embrace the opportunities God gives them to make the impossible possible.
He also commented on the increased food crisis, and advised that the country should concentrate more on adding value to its exports.
Bishop Monroe urged Christians to change their behaviour towards God, explaining that most Christians had the tendency to forget God and ended up pleasing themselves instead of God.
The Co-ordinator of Episcopal Affairs and Presiding Elder of the Accra North District of the church, Rev. Peter E. T. Sefogah, who hosted the conference, challenged the members to change their attitude towards social activities. According to Rev. Sefogah, Christians should not forget their role in the larger society since God was everywhere and judges us according to our deeds in the church, at home and workplaces.
He used the occasion to appeal for funds towards the church’s new project.
Rev. Sefogah encouraged the members to also participate in the elections and pray without ceasing to ensure that the poll which falls on a Sunday is devoid of conflict that can undermine the success chalked up in democratic governance since 1992.
As part of the 109th Session, four pastors were elevated as elders and two others as deacons. The elders are Rev Eva Mensah, Rev. Jerry Tagbor, Rev. David Mensah and Rev. Ayayee. The deacons are Rev Albert Hukportsi and Rev. Philip Hlordzie. The ceremony was graced by Mrs Sheila W. Monroe, Missionary Supervisor, Rev. Dr Godfred N. Zormelo, Senior Bishop’s Deputy and Rev. Charles K. Gbagbo, Bishop’s Administrative Assistant.
STAGE-MANAGED DEFECTIONS WON'T WEAKEN NDC — YAKUBU (PAGE 15)
THE Upper West regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has observed that no amount of what it described as stage-managed defections by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would weaken the support of the NDC in the region.
It said the support base of the party in the Upper West Region was very intact as people in the region had vowed to remain loyal to the party.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Yahaya Yakubu, Secretary to the Regional Research Committee of the party.
He was reacting to the defections by people who claimed to be supporters of the NDC to the NPP.
According to him, following the alleged defections in Kojokpere, Goripie, Manwe, among others, the committee went to those areas to verify things and realised that the defections were all false.
‘The 2004 general election result showed that the NDC has a total of 513 votes for the presidential election at Goripie and Chaihaamuni polling stations and to say that out of this number 300 have defected to the NPP at this difficult moment of their reign is untenable”, he said.
Mr Yakubu said instead many NPP supporters were defecting to the NDC in Bihee, Kperisi and Dobile in the Wa Central Constituency.
Touching on the Kojokperi defections, Mr Yakubu was of the view that the political situation in that area rather favoured the NDC.
He said the fact that the NDC had re-elected all of its incumbent members of parliament to contest the forthcoming general election spoke volumes about the unity and cohesion that existed in the party.
It said the support base of the party in the Upper West Region was very intact as people in the region had vowed to remain loyal to the party.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Yahaya Yakubu, Secretary to the Regional Research Committee of the party.
He was reacting to the defections by people who claimed to be supporters of the NDC to the NPP.
According to him, following the alleged defections in Kojokpere, Goripie, Manwe, among others, the committee went to those areas to verify things and realised that the defections were all false.
‘The 2004 general election result showed that the NDC has a total of 513 votes for the presidential election at Goripie and Chaihaamuni polling stations and to say that out of this number 300 have defected to the NPP at this difficult moment of their reign is untenable”, he said.
Mr Yakubu said instead many NPP supporters were defecting to the NDC in Bihee, Kperisi and Dobile in the Wa Central Constituency.
Touching on the Kojokperi defections, Mr Yakubu was of the view that the political situation in that area rather favoured the NDC.
He said the fact that the NDC had re-elected all of its incumbent members of parliament to contest the forthcoming general election spoke volumes about the unity and cohesion that existed in the party.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
ELECTIONS MUST NOT DIVIDE US — BISHOP ARONGO (PAGE 47)
THE Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Tamale, Right Reverend Emmanuel Arongo, has called on Ghanaians to let this year be a reconciliatory one.
He said being an election year there was the need for reconciliation in the body polity of the country so as to ensure peace before, during and after the elections.
He said it was sad that politics had divided Ghanaians to the extent that people belonging to different ideologies were seen as enemies.
Bishop Arongo made the call at the launch of the national outreach programme of the National Union of Anglican Students (NUAS) in Wa.
Bishop Arongo noted that instead of fighting one another, this was the time to convince people to vote for their party instead of seeing themselves as enemies.
“When people are not reconciled they smear themselves with mud and this goes a long way to sow seeds of discord which continue for generations,” he added.
He advised young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to achieve their selfish aims.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hickah Benson, pointed out the important position the chieftaincy institution occupied in society and said it positively influenced majority of people.
This, he said, was manifested in the long-standing partnership between chiefs and the government in the nation’s development.
Mr Benson, however, expressed concern about the number of chieftaincy conflicts in the region, saying that the region was too small for such number of disputes.
He stressed the need for proper documentation of chieftaincy lineage, since the availability of such a document would go a long way to facilitate the settlement of such disputes.
The President of the Regional House of Chiefs and a member of the Council of State, Kuoro Kuri Butie Limann IV, commended the government for passing the Chieftaincy Bill into an Act.
He warned against the use of chieftaincy issues as political propaganda and mentioned that “chieftaincy is based on lineage and should not be used on such platforms”.
Kuoro Buktie Limann said the region was confronted with eleven chieftaincy disputes, five of which were at the paramountcy level with six at the divisional level.
He further gave the assurance that the house was doing all within its powers to resolve them.
Kuoro Limann also appealed to the minister to assist the house to complete its permanent office complex which was at a standstill.
He also called on the media to be very circumspect in its reportage in order not to create unnecessary tension in the country.
In a speech read for him, the Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Aziz, commended the Anglican Church for its role in the development of the country.
He said the government was very appreciative of the complementary role of the church in nation building.
The President of NUAS, Mr David Kpakpo Mingle, thanked the church for the support being given to the association.
He said being an election year there was the need for reconciliation in the body polity of the country so as to ensure peace before, during and after the elections.
He said it was sad that politics had divided Ghanaians to the extent that people belonging to different ideologies were seen as enemies.
Bishop Arongo made the call at the launch of the national outreach programme of the National Union of Anglican Students (NUAS) in Wa.
Bishop Arongo noted that instead of fighting one another, this was the time to convince people to vote for their party instead of seeing themselves as enemies.
“When people are not reconciled they smear themselves with mud and this goes a long way to sow seeds of discord which continue for generations,” he added.
He advised young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to achieve their selfish aims.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr George Hickah Benson, pointed out the important position the chieftaincy institution occupied in society and said it positively influenced majority of people.
This, he said, was manifested in the long-standing partnership between chiefs and the government in the nation’s development.
Mr Benson, however, expressed concern about the number of chieftaincy conflicts in the region, saying that the region was too small for such number of disputes.
He stressed the need for proper documentation of chieftaincy lineage, since the availability of such a document would go a long way to facilitate the settlement of such disputes.
The President of the Regional House of Chiefs and a member of the Council of State, Kuoro Kuri Butie Limann IV, commended the government for passing the Chieftaincy Bill into an Act.
He warned against the use of chieftaincy issues as political propaganda and mentioned that “chieftaincy is based on lineage and should not be used on such platforms”.
Kuoro Buktie Limann said the region was confronted with eleven chieftaincy disputes, five of which were at the paramountcy level with six at the divisional level.
He further gave the assurance that the house was doing all within its powers to resolve them.
Kuoro Limann also appealed to the minister to assist the house to complete its permanent office complex which was at a standstill.
He also called on the media to be very circumspect in its reportage in order not to create unnecessary tension in the country.
In a speech read for him, the Wa Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Mohammed Aziz, commended the Anglican Church for its role in the development of the country.
He said the government was very appreciative of the complementary role of the church in nation building.
The President of NUAS, Mr David Kpakpo Mingle, thanked the church for the support being given to the association.
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