By George Folley Quaye, Wa
There is confusion in the Bole-Bamboi Constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as three people have put up their posters as parliamentary candidates of the party.
They are the immediate past District Chief Executive of Bole, Mrs Elizabeth Salamatu Forgor, Miss Otiko Afisa Djaba, a Child Rights Activist and Mr Issahaque Kotomah, a former student leader.
A visit to Bole, Bamboi and some surrounding villages saw the posters of the three people side by side. The poster of Mr Adam Olando, another aspiring candidate, was however not there.
While the situation has sent shock waves into the rank and file of NPP supporters, their counterparts in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are beaming with smiles because “our candidate, S.A. Mahama, has one foot already in parliament”.
The Bole-Bamboi Constituency of the NPP has for sometime now been in turmoil following series of allegations that some constituency executives of the party schemed for Mrs Forgor, who was then the DCE, to be the sole candidate of the party.
This culminated in a series of petitions from Miss Djaba, Kotomah and Olandu.
One of the petitions alleged that some of the constituency executives kept the nomination forms secretly from the rest of the aspiring candidates, only for the former DCE to be declared the sole candidate of the party.
The petition therefore called for the re-opening of nominations to ensure fair play. However, the failure to respond to the request of the petitioners has led to the confusion within the party.
According to the constituency organiser of the party, Mr Brutu Abubakar Mahama, the three of them were not the recognised candidates.
He said, the constituency executive was waiting for the next line of action since the conduct of the three “parliamentary candidates” had been reported to the regional executive.
Meanwhile, Miss Otiko Afisa Djaba, has told The Mirror that, their action was to save the party in the constituency.
“We are waiting to see what happens and we hope the hierarchy of the party would re-open nominations,” she said.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
KOTOKO TAME ALL STARS AT WA (PAGE 47)
Kumasi Asante Kotoko yesterday beat Wa All Stars 2-0 in their delayed Onetouch Premier League match at the Wa Stadium.
Both goals were scored by burly striker, Kwabena Yaro, in each half.
After brief exchanges between the two sides, Kotoko gained the upper hand with beautiful inter-positional changes which drew cheers from the huge crowd.
Just as the homesters were warming themselves into the game, Kotoko drew first blood through Yaro in the 18th minute. Eric Bekoe, after disposing of two All Stars defenders, delivered a seemingly harmless long shot which goalkeeper Osumanu Yaro failed to save first time only for on-rushing Yaro to tap home with cheeky ease.
All Stars accepted the challenge but could not equalise till the end of the first half.
Back from recess, Yaro was again on target when he rounded the homesters’ defence and put the ball at the blind side of keeper Osumanu Yaro in the 60th minute.
As if satisfied with the scoreline, Kotoko relaxed their game and made All Stars to run the show, but all the chances that came their way were wasted much to the chagrin of their supporters.
For the records, Kwabena Yaro emerged the best player and was also given a ball for scoring a brace.
Both goals were scored by burly striker, Kwabena Yaro, in each half.
After brief exchanges between the two sides, Kotoko gained the upper hand with beautiful inter-positional changes which drew cheers from the huge crowd.
Just as the homesters were warming themselves into the game, Kotoko drew first blood through Yaro in the 18th minute. Eric Bekoe, after disposing of two All Stars defenders, delivered a seemingly harmless long shot which goalkeeper Osumanu Yaro failed to save first time only for on-rushing Yaro to tap home with cheeky ease.
All Stars accepted the challenge but could not equalise till the end of the first half.
Back from recess, Yaro was again on target when he rounded the homesters’ defence and put the ball at the blind side of keeper Osumanu Yaro in the 60th minute.
As if satisfied with the scoreline, Kotoko relaxed their game and made All Stars to run the show, but all the chances that came their way were wasted much to the chagrin of their supporters.
For the records, Kwabena Yaro emerged the best player and was also given a ball for scoring a brace.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
ALL STARS-KOTOKO MATCH RAINED OFF (BACK PAGE)
The league match between Wa All Stars and visiting Kumasi Asante Kotoko was yesterday rained off. The match, which attracted a large crowd, was called off in the 35th minute by Referee Nathaniel Plange when ball control became difficult.
As if designed by God to provide rain for the Upper West Region which had been hit by erratic rainfall, the clouds gathered just few minutes before the start of the game, and just as the referee whistled for the start of the game, the heavens opened up.
After consultation with both sides, the referee called off the match.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the fourth referee, Mr Seidu Bomison Jnr, said hopefully the match would be played today.
As if designed by God to provide rain for the Upper West Region which had been hit by erratic rainfall, the clouds gathered just few minutes before the start of the game, and just as the referee whistled for the start of the game, the heavens opened up.
After consultation with both sides, the referee called off the match.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the fourth referee, Mr Seidu Bomison Jnr, said hopefully the match would be played today.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
ENACT LAW ON POULTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD (PAGE 22)
THE Chairman of the Poultry Development Board, Reverend Kwabena Darko, has appealed to the government to enact a law in support of the establishment of the board.
He said that would enable the board to implement its mandate effectively.
Rev. Darko stated this in a speech read on his behalf during a meeting between some members of the board and poultry farmers in Wa.
He said even though the poultry industry seemed to be beset with problems the solutions were not far fetched.
“With God on our side, the industry will experience an accelerated growth in the near future,” he added.
Rev. Darko was of the view that the promotion of commercial production of guinea-fowl in the three northern regions would help ameliorate the poverty levels of the people.
He, therefore, welcomed any collaboration between the private sector and the government in the implementation of such a project.
Rev. Darko said it was for such reasons that the board was organising the meeting to sensitise the private sector to take the mantle of venturing into guinea fowl production on commercial basis.
He recommended that practitioners in the industry must register with their respective regional and district associations to play an active role in its affairs.
The Regional Chairman of the Poultry Farmers Association, Mr Maurice Dery, observed that commercial poultry farming was on the increase.
He, however, complained about marketing problems as a result of stiff competition from local poultry industry.
He said that would enable the board to implement its mandate effectively.
Rev. Darko stated this in a speech read on his behalf during a meeting between some members of the board and poultry farmers in Wa.
He said even though the poultry industry seemed to be beset with problems the solutions were not far fetched.
“With God on our side, the industry will experience an accelerated growth in the near future,” he added.
Rev. Darko was of the view that the promotion of commercial production of guinea-fowl in the three northern regions would help ameliorate the poverty levels of the people.
He, therefore, welcomed any collaboration between the private sector and the government in the implementation of such a project.
Rev. Darko said it was for such reasons that the board was organising the meeting to sensitise the private sector to take the mantle of venturing into guinea fowl production on commercial basis.
He recommended that practitioners in the industry must register with their respective regional and district associations to play an active role in its affairs.
The Regional Chairman of the Poultry Farmers Association, Mr Maurice Dery, observed that commercial poultry farming was on the increase.
He, however, complained about marketing problems as a result of stiff competition from local poultry industry.
CHRAJ UNDERTAKES MONITORING EXERCISE IN UW (PAGE 22)
THE Upper West Regional Directorate of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has started a monitoring exercise of some institutions in the region.
The aim is to find out whether the rights of the people are being abused.
The institutions being monitored include hospitals, the Ghana Prisons Service and the Ghana Police Service.
According to the acting Regional Director of CHRAJ, Mr Adam Mumuni, at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital at Jirapa and the Dorimon Health Centre, the monitoring team observed whether people were being discriminated against in the health delivery system.
He was happy that a lot of people had registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“We also inspected the police cells, particularly the conditions of the suspects, whether there were juveniles among them or whether the facilities were congested”, he said.
Mr Mumuni observed that with an increase in the enrolment in schools as a result of the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme, there was the need for the district assemblies to put up more structures.
He appealed to parents to take good care of their children to enable them to become responsible citizens in the future.
Mr Mumuni thanked DANIDA for offering support in the monitoring exercise.
The aim is to find out whether the rights of the people are being abused.
The institutions being monitored include hospitals, the Ghana Prisons Service and the Ghana Police Service.
According to the acting Regional Director of CHRAJ, Mr Adam Mumuni, at the Saint Joseph’s Hospital at Jirapa and the Dorimon Health Centre, the monitoring team observed whether people were being discriminated against in the health delivery system.
He was happy that a lot of people had registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“We also inspected the police cells, particularly the conditions of the suspects, whether there were juveniles among them or whether the facilities were congested”, he said.
Mr Mumuni observed that with an increase in the enrolment in schools as a result of the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme, there was the need for the district assemblies to put up more structures.
He appealed to parents to take good care of their children to enable them to become responsible citizens in the future.
Mr Mumuni thanked DANIDA for offering support in the monitoring exercise.
WOMEN APPEAL FOR VETERINARY SERVICES (PAGE 22)
THE Entaabe Women’s Association is a predominantly women group engaged in the rearing of pigs at Takpo in the Upper West Region.
Formed eight years ago, the aim of the 60-member group is to assist in improving businesses of their colleagues through “susu” contributions, promoting education, facilitating networking and collaboration, among others.
Being pig farmers, the association realised that they were losing their animals through diseases like swine fever.
The lack of veterinary services in their community is a major impediment to the growth of their business and serves as a disincentive for other women who are willing to engage in the business.
Pest and diseases affect and kill majority of their pigs, thereby increasing the cost of production and reducing the profit of the business.
As a result of this negative impact on their businesses, the association has held a dialogue with the Nadowli District Directorate of Food and Agriculture to make veterinary services available to its members.
The association is sponsored by the BUSAC Fund.The leader of the association, Madam Danaabuma Daluu, stated that the financial assistance was in line with its poverty reduction efforts and its responsibility in promoting the growth of productive activities within the area.
She gave the assurance that MOFA would extend its veterinary services to the community.
According to Madam Daluu, the timely delivery of such services was very important so that early signs of diseases could be detected and treated.
“We the members of the association also request that training be made part of the service delivery to enable members also to identify and report early signs and symptoms of pest and diseases to the Veterinary Services Department to take the necessary action,” she added
Responding, the Nadowli District Director of Food and Agriculture, Mr James Konogini, assured the members of the group that his outfit would extend veterinary services to the area.
He commended the association for their initiative and hoped that the dialogue session would be sustained.
“Never hesitate to contact my office for any assistance, which would improve upon your businesses,” he told members of the group.
Formed eight years ago, the aim of the 60-member group is to assist in improving businesses of their colleagues through “susu” contributions, promoting education, facilitating networking and collaboration, among others.
Being pig farmers, the association realised that they were losing their animals through diseases like swine fever.
The lack of veterinary services in their community is a major impediment to the growth of their business and serves as a disincentive for other women who are willing to engage in the business.
Pest and diseases affect and kill majority of their pigs, thereby increasing the cost of production and reducing the profit of the business.
As a result of this negative impact on their businesses, the association has held a dialogue with the Nadowli District Directorate of Food and Agriculture to make veterinary services available to its members.
The association is sponsored by the BUSAC Fund.The leader of the association, Madam Danaabuma Daluu, stated that the financial assistance was in line with its poverty reduction efforts and its responsibility in promoting the growth of productive activities within the area.
She gave the assurance that MOFA would extend its veterinary services to the community.
According to Madam Daluu, the timely delivery of such services was very important so that early signs of diseases could be detected and treated.
“We the members of the association also request that training be made part of the service delivery to enable members also to identify and report early signs and symptoms of pest and diseases to the Veterinary Services Department to take the necessary action,” she added
Responding, the Nadowli District Director of Food and Agriculture, Mr James Konogini, assured the members of the group that his outfit would extend veterinary services to the area.
He commended the association for their initiative and hoped that the dialogue session would be sustained.
“Never hesitate to contact my office for any assistance, which would improve upon your businesses,” he told members of the group.
UPPER WEST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY (PAGE 22)
THIS year’s people’s assembly has ended in all the nine districts of the Upper West Region.
The districts are Wa Municipal, Wa East, Wa West, Nadowli, Lawra and Jirapa. The rest are Lambussie-Karni, Sissala West and Sissala East.
Common problems which featured in the forums were the issue of non-payment of allowance of people engaged under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), the menace of Fulani herdsmen, provision of dams, lack of teachers, high school drop out rate, among others.
However, one question which for once was conspicuously absent was the much talked about Bole-Bamboi main road.
Ever since the people’s assembly concept was introduced, there has never been an occasion without the mentioning of the Bole-Bamboi portion of the Baboi-Wa trunk road, and when it would be constructed.
Today, work on the road is almost completed, making commuters travelling on the road feel comfortable. With the exception of a few kilometres, which will soon be tarred, “this famous road” will link the Upper West Region to Kumasi.
Addressing the people’s assembly in the various communities, a Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Clement Eledi, said “People in Kumasi will now stop asking where from these people too?” apparently referring to the dust, which hitherto engulfed passengers from the Upper West Region to Kumasi.
A questioner at one of the forums observed that with work on the Bole-Bamboi stretch of the road now nearing completion, what would happen to the Wa-Tumu-Sissili and the Sawla-Fufulso Junction road? These roads link the Upper West to the Upper East and the three Northern regions, respectively.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Godfrey Tangu, however, assured the questioner that plans were far advanced to tar those roads.
He was happy that travel time on the Bole-Bamboi road had reduced drastically.
In fact it must be said that travelling time on that particular road has reduced from 12 to between six and eight hours, depending on the type of vehicle.
For example, travelling on a good vehicle such as Landcruiser, the journey could be done in five hours.
“Now I can travel to Cape Coast to visit my family without any trepidation,” said Mr Ekow Joe, a civil servant.
He told the Daily Graphic of his personal experience, when in 2002 the bus on which he was travelling from Accra to Wa got stuck on the Bole-Bamboi road around 7 p.m. and the travellers had to sleep in the thick forest until day time before getting another vehicle to continue the journey.
Another issue that constantly came up at the assembly was the delay in the payment of allowances of people engaged under the NYEP.
At Lawra, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General Department, Mr Ambrose Dery, had to take pains to explain the processes which had caused the delay.
Although the questioner was not happy with the explanation, the minister assured him that the appropriate authorities would be contacted to expedite action on the problem.
Perhaps what made democracy the winner of the day was the composure of the ministers and District Chief Executive (DCEs) in answering questions.
At Jirapa, the DCE, Mr Justin Dakora, after enduring a harsh criticism from a woman during an open forum, embraced her for being frank.
That was after the woman, who was apparently not aware that Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a waste management company, was a private entity accused the DCE for employing only party faithful.
The emotionally charged woman challenged the DCE to send her to the police station if he so desired since she had spoken her mind.
The woman’s behaviour sent the durbar grounds into laughter. But it is democracy that won the day.
One thing made the forums sometimes boring, and that was the large number of ministers who had to address the gatherings before question time.
At least, one would have expected that after the DCEs had given their welcoming address and the regional minister finished with his speech, the public would then be allowed to ask questions so that issues that related to the ministers’ jurisdiction could be tackled by them.
Everyone knows that at the national level, after the president had delivered his address, then followed the open forum. Ministers were only invited to answer questions that fell within their domain.
This must be replicated in the regions. After all, the programme is dubbed “the people’s assembly” and it is meant for the people. The politicians must be told in plain language not to hijack it from the people.
The districts are Wa Municipal, Wa East, Wa West, Nadowli, Lawra and Jirapa. The rest are Lambussie-Karni, Sissala West and Sissala East.
Common problems which featured in the forums were the issue of non-payment of allowance of people engaged under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), the menace of Fulani herdsmen, provision of dams, lack of teachers, high school drop out rate, among others.
However, one question which for once was conspicuously absent was the much talked about Bole-Bamboi main road.
Ever since the people’s assembly concept was introduced, there has never been an occasion without the mentioning of the Bole-Bamboi portion of the Baboi-Wa trunk road, and when it would be constructed.
Today, work on the road is almost completed, making commuters travelling on the road feel comfortable. With the exception of a few kilometres, which will soon be tarred, “this famous road” will link the Upper West Region to Kumasi.
Addressing the people’s assembly in the various communities, a Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Clement Eledi, said “People in Kumasi will now stop asking where from these people too?” apparently referring to the dust, which hitherto engulfed passengers from the Upper West Region to Kumasi.
A questioner at one of the forums observed that with work on the Bole-Bamboi stretch of the road now nearing completion, what would happen to the Wa-Tumu-Sissili and the Sawla-Fufulso Junction road? These roads link the Upper West to the Upper East and the three Northern regions, respectively.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Godfrey Tangu, however, assured the questioner that plans were far advanced to tar those roads.
He was happy that travel time on the Bole-Bamboi road had reduced drastically.
In fact it must be said that travelling time on that particular road has reduced from 12 to between six and eight hours, depending on the type of vehicle.
For example, travelling on a good vehicle such as Landcruiser, the journey could be done in five hours.
“Now I can travel to Cape Coast to visit my family without any trepidation,” said Mr Ekow Joe, a civil servant.
He told the Daily Graphic of his personal experience, when in 2002 the bus on which he was travelling from Accra to Wa got stuck on the Bole-Bamboi road around 7 p.m. and the travellers had to sleep in the thick forest until day time before getting another vehicle to continue the journey.
Another issue that constantly came up at the assembly was the delay in the payment of allowances of people engaged under the NYEP.
At Lawra, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General Department, Mr Ambrose Dery, had to take pains to explain the processes which had caused the delay.
Although the questioner was not happy with the explanation, the minister assured him that the appropriate authorities would be contacted to expedite action on the problem.
Perhaps what made democracy the winner of the day was the composure of the ministers and District Chief Executive (DCEs) in answering questions.
At Jirapa, the DCE, Mr Justin Dakora, after enduring a harsh criticism from a woman during an open forum, embraced her for being frank.
That was after the woman, who was apparently not aware that Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a waste management company, was a private entity accused the DCE for employing only party faithful.
The emotionally charged woman challenged the DCE to send her to the police station if he so desired since she had spoken her mind.
The woman’s behaviour sent the durbar grounds into laughter. But it is democracy that won the day.
One thing made the forums sometimes boring, and that was the large number of ministers who had to address the gatherings before question time.
At least, one would have expected that after the DCEs had given their welcoming address and the regional minister finished with his speech, the public would then be allowed to ask questions so that issues that related to the ministers’ jurisdiction could be tackled by them.
Everyone knows that at the national level, after the president had delivered his address, then followed the open forum. Ministers were only invited to answer questions that fell within their domain.
This must be replicated in the regions. After all, the programme is dubbed “the people’s assembly” and it is meant for the people. The politicians must be told in plain language not to hijack it from the people.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
TEIN COMMENDS ATTA MILLS (MIRROR, PAGE 33)
A By George Folley
The Tertiary Institutional Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Wa campus, has commended the NDC Flag bearer, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, for choosing Mr John Dramani Mahama as his running mate for the December general election.
It said the action of the professor was a clear testimony that the party had recognised and appreciated the good works and contributions of all members.
In a statement signed by the Co-ordinator, Mr Mohammed Awal, and released to the Daily Graphic, TEIN pledged its total support to Prof. Mills and John Mahama, and gave them the assurance that it would work tirelessly for victory, come December 2008.
The statement also appealed to students to vote responsibly to influence the political direction of the nation during the December 2008 elections.
It has, therefore, called on the party faithful to unite and forge ahead for victory .
The statement further called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to be fair and firm in the conduct of this year’s elections.
The Tertiary Institutional Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Wa campus, has commended the NDC Flag bearer, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, for choosing Mr John Dramani Mahama as his running mate for the December general election.
It said the action of the professor was a clear testimony that the party had recognised and appreciated the good works and contributions of all members.
In a statement signed by the Co-ordinator, Mr Mohammed Awal, and released to the Daily Graphic, TEIN pledged its total support to Prof. Mills and John Mahama, and gave them the assurance that it would work tirelessly for victory, come December 2008.
The statement also appealed to students to vote responsibly to influence the political direction of the nation during the December 2008 elections.
It has, therefore, called on the party faithful to unite and forge ahead for victory .
The statement further called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to be fair and firm in the conduct of this year’s elections.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
WA EAST COMMUNITIES TO GET ELECTRICITY (PAGE 28)
PLANS to connect Funsi and some communities within the Wa East District in the Upper West Region to the national grid is progressing steadily.
Wa East is the only district in the country where no single community has electricity.
Addressing a People’s Assembly at Funsi, the District Chief Executive, Mr Issac Alitu, said the Ministry of Energy had promised to re-award the contract for the Bulenga line and to hook Funsi onto Wellembelle, instead of Daffiama, which was very far.
He announced that five more communities, namely, Buffiama, Yaala Number One and Two, Kundugu and Kulkpong, were also being considered for the provision of electricity.
Mr Alitu said the assembly and its development partners were putting in every effort to ensure that the area was empowered to facilitate effective development.
According to him, the assembly had identified human resource development as one key area that required support.
He said many teachers had benefited from the rural incentive package through the provision of roofing sheets and other building materials.
Mr Alitu said while the assembly supported about 64 teacher trainees, the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Godfrey Tangu, provided funding for some tertiary students.
On the School Feeding Programme, he said 10 more schools in the area were being considered, in addition to the three which were presently benefiting from the programme.
The DCE said 23 women's groups had benefited from the Micro Finance and Small Loan Centre (MASLOC) support and expressed the hope that they would put the loans to good use.
Mr Alitu reminded the people of the area to tolerate the political views of one another in the run-up to this year’s general election.
"I humbly wish to appeal to all of us to maintain our composure and high sense of maturity under these trying moments," he added.
The MP for Wa East and Minister of State at the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Godfrey Tangu, announced that a number of roads in the area were to be improved.
The Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, gave the assurance that the government would continue to promote development in the region.
Wa East is the only district in the country where no single community has electricity.
Addressing a People’s Assembly at Funsi, the District Chief Executive, Mr Issac Alitu, said the Ministry of Energy had promised to re-award the contract for the Bulenga line and to hook Funsi onto Wellembelle, instead of Daffiama, which was very far.
He announced that five more communities, namely, Buffiama, Yaala Number One and Two, Kundugu and Kulkpong, were also being considered for the provision of electricity.
Mr Alitu said the assembly and its development partners were putting in every effort to ensure that the area was empowered to facilitate effective development.
According to him, the assembly had identified human resource development as one key area that required support.
He said many teachers had benefited from the rural incentive package through the provision of roofing sheets and other building materials.
Mr Alitu said while the assembly supported about 64 teacher trainees, the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Godfrey Tangu, provided funding for some tertiary students.
On the School Feeding Programme, he said 10 more schools in the area were being considered, in addition to the three which were presently benefiting from the programme.
The DCE said 23 women's groups had benefited from the Micro Finance and Small Loan Centre (MASLOC) support and expressed the hope that they would put the loans to good use.
Mr Alitu reminded the people of the area to tolerate the political views of one another in the run-up to this year’s general election.
"I humbly wish to appeal to all of us to maintain our composure and high sense of maturity under these trying moments," he added.
The MP for Wa East and Minister of State at the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Godfrey Tangu, announced that a number of roads in the area were to be improved.
The Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, gave the assurance that the government would continue to promote development in the region.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
FESTIVAL BRINGS RELIGIONS TOGETHER (MIRROR, [PAGE 36)
From George Folley Quaye, Wa
Festivals in Ghana are usually associated with religious beliefs . However, one festival which embraces all religious denominations is the Zumbenti Festival.
Celebrated by the chiefs and people of the Kaleo Traditional Area in the Upper West Region, the festival is devoid of religious and cultural barriers, hence it is recognised by both traditional worshippers and persons of orthodox religions such as Christians and Moslems.
For the Moslems on one hand, Zumbenti is a period of revelations of the future when various efforts are made to forecast the good and bad omens that lie ahead and to offer necessary prayers and rituals to seek what is good for the people.
For the traditionalists, Zumbenti is a period of anxiety when efforts are made to read the skies and the moon to predict the future, Community leaders and elders are subsequently informed of the findings and advised on possible means of averting dangers through rituals and change of behaviour.
Young men and women are also cautioned on what to expect if certain unwarranted forms of social behaviour are not curtailed.
In essence, Zumbenti is a period of forecasting the future and making the necessary efforts to avert dangers that are ahead.
Beyond this however, Zumbenti is also a period of reconciliation and all those who wronged others have the opportunity to say sorry during this period. It is a reconciliatory period that brings luck and therefore marriages contracted and children brought forth during this period are deemed to be lucky ones.
Zumbenti, is also an occasion when people get close to their ancestors and dead relatives.
Information gathered revealed that during the festival, a guinea fowl or hen or a liver of a cow is cooked without pepper together with "Tuozaafi" served in a calabash and kept on the family's drinking pot overnight for dead relatives.
In the morning of the second day the food is turned upside down to check if their relatives had eaten it. If they fail to see any perforation under the "tuozaafi" it is deemed that they have done something against their ancestors or dead relatives and would immediately seek the esoteric knowledge and attention of a soothsayer for redress.
On the other hand, if the perforations are seen, they become happy because it is a manifestation that the relationship between them and their ancestors is still cordial.
In the morning of the festival, all those who are responsible and capable of performing their obligations slaughter cattle and the meat is sold on liberal credit terms.
Buyers take the meat and only pay up on the appearance of the new moon, that is, in three weeks' time as a relief.
Addressing this year's festival, the Paramount Chief of the Traditional Area, Naa Sand Bananwini II, in a speech read on his behalf, said it was the desire of the Chiefs and people of the area to work towards institution, maintaining and sustaining the festival as an annual affair in the coming years.
He used the occasion to appeal for more infrastructural facilities for the area.
For his part, the Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, gave the assurance that, the government would continue providing amenities in all parts of this country.
Festivals in Ghana are usually associated with religious beliefs . However, one festival which embraces all religious denominations is the Zumbenti Festival.
Celebrated by the chiefs and people of the Kaleo Traditional Area in the Upper West Region, the festival is devoid of religious and cultural barriers, hence it is recognised by both traditional worshippers and persons of orthodox religions such as Christians and Moslems.
For the Moslems on one hand, Zumbenti is a period of revelations of the future when various efforts are made to forecast the good and bad omens that lie ahead and to offer necessary prayers and rituals to seek what is good for the people.
For the traditionalists, Zumbenti is a period of anxiety when efforts are made to read the skies and the moon to predict the future, Community leaders and elders are subsequently informed of the findings and advised on possible means of averting dangers through rituals and change of behaviour.
Young men and women are also cautioned on what to expect if certain unwarranted forms of social behaviour are not curtailed.
In essence, Zumbenti is a period of forecasting the future and making the necessary efforts to avert dangers that are ahead.
Beyond this however, Zumbenti is also a period of reconciliation and all those who wronged others have the opportunity to say sorry during this period. It is a reconciliatory period that brings luck and therefore marriages contracted and children brought forth during this period are deemed to be lucky ones.
Zumbenti, is also an occasion when people get close to their ancestors and dead relatives.
Information gathered revealed that during the festival, a guinea fowl or hen or a liver of a cow is cooked without pepper together with "Tuozaafi" served in a calabash and kept on the family's drinking pot overnight for dead relatives.
In the morning of the second day the food is turned upside down to check if their relatives had eaten it. If they fail to see any perforation under the "tuozaafi" it is deemed that they have done something against their ancestors or dead relatives and would immediately seek the esoteric knowledge and attention of a soothsayer for redress.
On the other hand, if the perforations are seen, they become happy because it is a manifestation that the relationship between them and their ancestors is still cordial.
In the morning of the festival, all those who are responsible and capable of performing their obligations slaughter cattle and the meat is sold on liberal credit terms.
Buyers take the meat and only pay up on the appearance of the new moon, that is, in three weeks' time as a relief.
Addressing this year's festival, the Paramount Chief of the Traditional Area, Naa Sand Bananwini II, in a speech read on his behalf, said it was the desire of the Chiefs and people of the area to work towards institution, maintaining and sustaining the festival as an annual affair in the coming years.
He used the occasion to appeal for more infrastructural facilities for the area.
For his part, the Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, gave the assurance that, the government would continue providing amenities in all parts of this country.
WA AKAN UNION HOLDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (PAGE 20)
THE Akan Union in Wa has held its annual general meeting to discuss its development activities.
In his annual report, the Chairman of the Union, Mr Agyeman-Dua, urged parents to take proper care of their children by sending them to school.
He was not happy about the constant unfounded allegations levelled against the leadership of the union, and urged those involved to channel their grievances through the appropriate quarters for redress.
“If we are criticising, let us do it constructively to move the union forward instead of resorting to divisive tendencies, “ he stressed.
Mr Agyeman-Dua urged the membership of the union to look for more energetic persons to lead the union since age was not on his side.
Tracing the history of the union, the Vice-Chairman, Nana Dabo, said all the splinter groups had decided to come under one umbrella.
He advised members of the union to love one another.
The Akan Chief of Wa, Nana T.K. Serbeh, commended the founders of the union for their foresight.
He urged members to always use internal mechanism to resolve any differences that might arise.
In his annual report, the Chairman of the Union, Mr Agyeman-Dua, urged parents to take proper care of their children by sending them to school.
He was not happy about the constant unfounded allegations levelled against the leadership of the union, and urged those involved to channel their grievances through the appropriate quarters for redress.
“If we are criticising, let us do it constructively to move the union forward instead of resorting to divisive tendencies, “ he stressed.
Mr Agyeman-Dua urged the membership of the union to look for more energetic persons to lead the union since age was not on his side.
Tracing the history of the union, the Vice-Chairman, Nana Dabo, said all the splinter groups had decided to come under one umbrella.
He advised members of the union to love one another.
The Akan Chief of Wa, Nana T.K. Serbeh, commended the founders of the union for their foresight.
He urged members to always use internal mechanism to resolve any differences that might arise.
MASLOC SCHEME LANCHED IN UPPER WEST (PAGE 20)
ONE hundred and sixty-four groups who engaged in various economic ventures in the Upper West Region have been presented with their cheques under the microfinance and small loans scheme (MASLOC).
The groups, comprising 2,275 individuals, received between GH¢2,500 and GH¢3,000 each.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, which also marked the official launch of the scheme in the region, the Regional Minister, Mr George Hickah Benson, pleaded that the amount allocated to the region should be increased.
He said the demand for microfinance services had been heightened, as a result of the awareness created by MASLOC.
Mr Benson assured the officials of MASLOC that people in the region were hardworking and were poised to take advantage of the opportunities offered them to improve their lives.
“An increase in the MASLOC funds for the region will, therefore, go a long way to drastically reduce poverty in the region,” he stressed.
Mr Benson gave the assurance that the Regional Co-ordinating Council and the district assemblies would assist in whatever way they could to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MASLOC, Mr Lawrence Primped, reiterated that the funds were not for any political party.
He advised the beneficiaries to invest the money profitably to enable them to repay the loans on schedule.
The Northern Ghana Zonal Co-ordinator of MASLOC, Mr Stephen Engmen, was happy that the loans would go a long way to improve the lives of the beneficiaries.
The groups, comprising 2,275 individuals, received between GH¢2,500 and GH¢3,000 each.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, which also marked the official launch of the scheme in the region, the Regional Minister, Mr George Hickah Benson, pleaded that the amount allocated to the region should be increased.
He said the demand for microfinance services had been heightened, as a result of the awareness created by MASLOC.
Mr Benson assured the officials of MASLOC that people in the region were hardworking and were poised to take advantage of the opportunities offered them to improve their lives.
“An increase in the MASLOC funds for the region will, therefore, go a long way to drastically reduce poverty in the region,” he stressed.
Mr Benson gave the assurance that the Regional Co-ordinating Council and the district assemblies would assist in whatever way they could to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MASLOC, Mr Lawrence Primped, reiterated that the funds were not for any political party.
He advised the beneficiaries to invest the money profitably to enable them to repay the loans on schedule.
The Northern Ghana Zonal Co-ordinator of MASLOC, Mr Stephen Engmen, was happy that the loans would go a long way to improve the lives of the beneficiaries.
WA NEEDS MORE TRAFFIC LIGHTS (PAGE 20)
WA, the capital of the Upper West Region, is gradually expanding as a result of recent infrastructural development in the municipality.
However, one area of concern is the issue of traffic lights. Readers would be surprised to know that the regional capital has only one traffic light, which is located at the centre of the town.
Even then, motorists have to be extra careful in order not to knock down cyclists and motorbike riders who compete vigorously with vehicles when passing through the traffic lights.
The situation has raised a lot of concerns in the municipality, as people continue to ask what the Department of Urban Roads was doing to provide traffic lights at some dangerous intersections of the town.
The intersections, including the Golden Key, the Kaleo route, Hospital, Stadium and Kambali Junctions are so dangerous that one needs to be more cautious not to maim or kill riders.
Motorists and cyclists equally think that they have the right of way just as other users of the road and would in their own way interpret the law to suit them.
While you think that you have the right of way to negotiate and expect that a rider would stop for you, it is the other way round.
A taxi driver, Haruna Musah, complained that the absence of more traffic lights in Wa was a contributory factor to many road accidents at the intersections.
He said although the police was doing well to direct traffic at those intersections, their irregular presence was a source of worry to drivers.
“Mr Musah stressed that “on market days, one needs to be dextrous and more alert, else the one can cause mayhem.”
He, therefore, appealed to the Department of Urban Roads to erect traffic lights at the various intersections.
Furthermore, Mr Musah implored the Environmental Health Unit of the Wa Municipal Assembly to tackle the issue of stray animals on the roads in the municipality since they also cause accidents.
Reacting to the concerns raised, the Municipal Roads Engineer, Mr Michael Dzisi, said plans were far advanced to provide traffic lights at those intersections.
He, however, stated that the availability of funds for the project would determine when the lights would be provided.
However, one area of concern is the issue of traffic lights. Readers would be surprised to know that the regional capital has only one traffic light, which is located at the centre of the town.
Even then, motorists have to be extra careful in order not to knock down cyclists and motorbike riders who compete vigorously with vehicles when passing through the traffic lights.
The situation has raised a lot of concerns in the municipality, as people continue to ask what the Department of Urban Roads was doing to provide traffic lights at some dangerous intersections of the town.
The intersections, including the Golden Key, the Kaleo route, Hospital, Stadium and Kambali Junctions are so dangerous that one needs to be more cautious not to maim or kill riders.
Motorists and cyclists equally think that they have the right of way just as other users of the road and would in their own way interpret the law to suit them.
While you think that you have the right of way to negotiate and expect that a rider would stop for you, it is the other way round.
A taxi driver, Haruna Musah, complained that the absence of more traffic lights in Wa was a contributory factor to many road accidents at the intersections.
He said although the police was doing well to direct traffic at those intersections, their irregular presence was a source of worry to drivers.
“Mr Musah stressed that “on market days, one needs to be dextrous and more alert, else the one can cause mayhem.”
He, therefore, appealed to the Department of Urban Roads to erect traffic lights at the various intersections.
Furthermore, Mr Musah implored the Environmental Health Unit of the Wa Municipal Assembly to tackle the issue of stray animals on the roads in the municipality since they also cause accidents.
Reacting to the concerns raised, the Municipal Roads Engineer, Mr Michael Dzisi, said plans were far advanced to provide traffic lights at those intersections.
He, however, stated that the availability of funds for the project would determine when the lights would be provided.
LAWRA PNC ELECTS FATCHU (PAGE 15)
A 32-year-old teacher, Mr Henry Fatchu, has been elected the People’s National Convention (PNC) parliamentary candidate for Lawra in the Upper West Region.
He was elected through popular acclamation at a special delegates conference held at Lawra.
In his acceptance speech, he advised the constituents to work hard and unite to wrest the seat from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said a PNC-led government would fulfil the unfinished business of the late ex-president, Dr Hilla Limann, by constructing the Kamba Dam. Mr Fatchu promised to give the NPP and NDC a resounding defeat during the elections.
The Regional Chairman of the party, Dr G. Baingne said the PNC, when elected into power, would introduce pro-poor policies for Ghanaians.
He denied the claims that the PNC was a tribal party and therefore urged the supporters of the party to educate Ghanaians on such issues.
He was elected through popular acclamation at a special delegates conference held at Lawra.
In his acceptance speech, he advised the constituents to work hard and unite to wrest the seat from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said a PNC-led government would fulfil the unfinished business of the late ex-president, Dr Hilla Limann, by constructing the Kamba Dam. Mr Fatchu promised to give the NPP and NDC a resounding defeat during the elections.
The Regional Chairman of the party, Dr G. Baingne said the PNC, when elected into power, would introduce pro-poor policies for Ghanaians.
He denied the claims that the PNC was a tribal party and therefore urged the supporters of the party to educate Ghanaians on such issues.
Monday, June 2, 2008
MASLOC SUPPORTS 164 GROUPS IN UPPER WEST (PAGE 47)
One hundred and sixty-four groups engaged in various economic ventures in the Upper West Region have each received between GH¢2,500 and GH¢3,000 under the Microfinance and Small Loans Scheme (MASLOC).
In an address at the presentation ceremony, which also marked the launch of the scheme in the region, the Regional Minister, Mr George Hickah Benson, pleaded that the amount allocated to the region should be increased.
He said the demand for Micro Financial Services had been heightened as a result of the awareness creation by MASLOC.
He assured the officials of MASLOC that people in the region were hard-working and were poised to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the scheme to achieve a meaningful improvement in their lives.
“An increase in the MASLOC funds for the region will therefore assist immensely in our strive to eliminate or perhaps drastically reduce poverty,” the regional minister added.
Mr Benson gave the assurance that Regional Co-ordinating Councils and the District Assemblies were willing to assist in whatever way to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
The Chief Executive Officer of MASLOC, Mr Lawrence Prempeh, reiterated that the fund was not for any political party or group of people.
He advised the beneficiaries, which included some people with disabilities, to invest the money profitably to enable them to repay the loans.
In an address at the presentation ceremony, which also marked the launch of the scheme in the region, the Regional Minister, Mr George Hickah Benson, pleaded that the amount allocated to the region should be increased.
He said the demand for Micro Financial Services had been heightened as a result of the awareness creation by MASLOC.
He assured the officials of MASLOC that people in the region were hard-working and were poised to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the scheme to achieve a meaningful improvement in their lives.
“An increase in the MASLOC funds for the region will therefore assist immensely in our strive to eliminate or perhaps drastically reduce poverty,” the regional minister added.
Mr Benson gave the assurance that Regional Co-ordinating Councils and the District Assemblies were willing to assist in whatever way to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
The Chief Executive Officer of MASLOC, Mr Lawrence Prempeh, reiterated that the fund was not for any political party or group of people.
He advised the beneficiaries, which included some people with disabilities, to invest the money profitably to enable them to repay the loans.
DURBAR CLIMAXES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF U/E REGION (SPREAD)
Story: George Folley Quaye & Charles Benoni Okine
The Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has appealed to the three northern Regional Houses of Chiefs to consider a joint meeting to find ways of bringing peace to the area.
He pointed out that the negative perception that seemed, to be gaining grounds that the northern part of the country was a conflict zone must be reversed.
The chiefs, he said, should see what they could do especially in persuading “our brothers and sisters in Bawku and other areas in northern Ghana to give peace a chance”.
Alhaji Aliu was speaking at a grand durbar to climax activities marking the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Upper West Region.
The durbar attracted people from all walks of life including representatives of political parties and a delegation from Burkina Faso.
The Vice-President noted that in spite of a few flash points in the Upper West Region, it had been relatively peaceful, a situation he attributed to the commitment of the people to respect the rule of law and to resolve issues amicably among themselves.
“We should continue to remind ourselves that the majority of our people are faced with poverty and low standards of living, which are reflecting in the high rate of migration of the youth to seek illusive greener pastures elsewhere,” he added.
The Vice-President said the Municipal and District assemblies in the region owed it a duty to come up with relevant and useful projects and programmes that could address this negative trend.
He announced that a special $100 million agriculture programme, sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) would soon start in the three northern regions.
The programme, which has three components of infrastructural development, technical support to farmers and the organisation of farmer groups to access loans from the banks, would also cover parts of the Brong Ahafo Region.
According to Alhaji Aliu Mahama, the agriculture sector in particular must be looked at seriously, especially in the provision of small-scale facilities.
He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to take advantage of the recent reliefs and initiatives announced by the government for the provision of more tractors and subsidies on fertilisers to increase agricultural productivity.
He was happy that the Upper West Region had benefited from a number of infrastructural projects in recent times and said work on the Bole-Bamboi road was progressing steadily.
“Furthermore, plans are almost complete for work to begin on the tarring of the Sawla-Fufulso road to ease the burden of people from the Upper West Region commuting to and from the Northern Region,” he said.
Alhaji Aliu Mahama announced that a contract had been signed for the tarring of the Nadowli-Lawra-Hamile road while bids had also been evaluated for the tarring of the Wa-Han-Tumu and the Tumu-Sassili roads.
With regard to the educational sector, the Vice-President said the Wa Polytechnic had received tremendous infrastructural development while the Faculty for Integrated Development Studies (FIDS) of the University for Development Studies (UDS) was also seeing development.
He paid glowing tribute to all stalwarts of the region who had projected the name of the region to great heights and advised the current generation to take inspiration from them.
The Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, for his part, appealed to the people to let the celebration serve as a rallying point for the promotion of peace and unity.
He observed that although the region had made considerable progress in infrastructural development, more needed to be done.
He, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders, including public-spirited individuals, to assist the region in its quest to improve upon its infrastructural development.
Awards were given to those who had contributed in diverse ways to the development of the region. They included former President Jerry John Rawlings, President J. A. Kufuor, Vice-President Aliu Mahama and all former regional ministers, including Mr Ambrose Dery.
The Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has appealed to the three northern Regional Houses of Chiefs to consider a joint meeting to find ways of bringing peace to the area.
He pointed out that the negative perception that seemed, to be gaining grounds that the northern part of the country was a conflict zone must be reversed.
The chiefs, he said, should see what they could do especially in persuading “our brothers and sisters in Bawku and other areas in northern Ghana to give peace a chance”.
Alhaji Aliu was speaking at a grand durbar to climax activities marking the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Upper West Region.
The durbar attracted people from all walks of life including representatives of political parties and a delegation from Burkina Faso.
The Vice-President noted that in spite of a few flash points in the Upper West Region, it had been relatively peaceful, a situation he attributed to the commitment of the people to respect the rule of law and to resolve issues amicably among themselves.
“We should continue to remind ourselves that the majority of our people are faced with poverty and low standards of living, which are reflecting in the high rate of migration of the youth to seek illusive greener pastures elsewhere,” he added.
The Vice-President said the Municipal and District assemblies in the region owed it a duty to come up with relevant and useful projects and programmes that could address this negative trend.
He announced that a special $100 million agriculture programme, sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) would soon start in the three northern regions.
The programme, which has three components of infrastructural development, technical support to farmers and the organisation of farmer groups to access loans from the banks, would also cover parts of the Brong Ahafo Region.
According to Alhaji Aliu Mahama, the agriculture sector in particular must be looked at seriously, especially in the provision of small-scale facilities.
He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to take advantage of the recent reliefs and initiatives announced by the government for the provision of more tractors and subsidies on fertilisers to increase agricultural productivity.
He was happy that the Upper West Region had benefited from a number of infrastructural projects in recent times and said work on the Bole-Bamboi road was progressing steadily.
“Furthermore, plans are almost complete for work to begin on the tarring of the Sawla-Fufulso road to ease the burden of people from the Upper West Region commuting to and from the Northern Region,” he said.
Alhaji Aliu Mahama announced that a contract had been signed for the tarring of the Nadowli-Lawra-Hamile road while bids had also been evaluated for the tarring of the Wa-Han-Tumu and the Tumu-Sassili roads.
With regard to the educational sector, the Vice-President said the Wa Polytechnic had received tremendous infrastructural development while the Faculty for Integrated Development Studies (FIDS) of the University for Development Studies (UDS) was also seeing development.
He paid glowing tribute to all stalwarts of the region who had projected the name of the region to great heights and advised the current generation to take inspiration from them.
The Regional Minister, Mr George Hikah Benson, for his part, appealed to the people to let the celebration serve as a rallying point for the promotion of peace and unity.
He observed that although the region had made considerable progress in infrastructural development, more needed to be done.
He, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders, including public-spirited individuals, to assist the region in its quest to improve upon its infrastructural development.
Awards were given to those who had contributed in diverse ways to the development of the region. They included former President Jerry John Rawlings, President J. A. Kufuor, Vice-President Aliu Mahama and all former regional ministers, including Mr Ambrose Dery.
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