THE Nadowli West Constituency branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has elected a new executive to steer the affairs of the party.
The executive has Pastor Albert Jatoe-Wanaa as the chairman and Messrs Farouk Bagah and Peter Yelaazaa as first and second vice chairmen respectively.
The post of Secretary went to Jude Kumbanong with Eric Dabuo as his deputy. Madam Clothilda Sung-Aabo was elected the women’s organiser, Samuel Banye, youth organiser and Sebastian Tefuula, treasurer.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic after his election, Pastor Jatoe-Wanaa said his vision was to build a strong united party capable of winning the seat from the National Democratic Congress.
He said it was possible for the NPP to win the seat, since the people in the area were fed up with the NDC.
“What we need to do is to get a formidable candidate who would be acceptable by the rank and file of the party. We don’t want the situation where after electing a parliamentary candidate a section of the party becomes aggrieved and work against the person,” he added
Pastor Jatoe-Wanaa gave the assurance that the differences within the party at the constituency level had been resolved with all sides ready to works harder for the NPP to come back to power.
“We will also mobilise our foot soldiers for the battle ahead in the year 2012,” he said.
He thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and called for support and cooperation in his attempt the win the Nadowli West Constituency seat.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
SONG-AABO TO VIE FOR UW NDC CHAIRMANSHIP (PAGE 17, DEC 10)
A Wa-based businessman, Mr Matthew Song-Aabo, has declared his intention to vie for the chairmanship position of the Upper West Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The declaration by Mr Song-Aabo, affectionately known in Wa as Matco, has set the stage for an interesting contest between him and the incumbent Chairman, Mr Malik Issahaque.
Mr Song-Aabo told the Daily Graphic, that he was motivated by the desire of the youth, who wanted to see a new face of the NDC in the Upper West Region.
The declaration by Mr Song-Aabo, affectionately known in Wa as Matco, has set the stage for an interesting contest between him and the incumbent Chairman, Mr Malik Issahaque.
Mr Song-Aabo told the Daily Graphic, that he was motivated by the desire of the youth, who wanted to see a new face of the NDC in the Upper West Region.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
NGO TO ADDRESS SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROBLEMS IN U/W (PAGE 35, DEC 9)
THE SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, a Dutch non-governmental organisation (NGO), is to intervene to address some of the socio-economic challenges facing the Upper West Region.
Areas the NGO wants to intervene in are promotion of quality education, health and the creation of income opportunities in the shea industry for the vulnerable groups.
The Country Director of the NGO, Mr Amaigon Keita, announced this to officially launch the programme in the Upper West Region.
He explained that the intervention of the organisation would involve provision of technical support to the public and the non-state actors engaged in education, health and the shea industry.
He said the decision by SNV to open an office in the region had not been easy, considering the global economic meltdown that was affecting development aid.
He observed that the Upper West Region had faced various challenges which had made it to lag behind in most indicators, including education, literacy and social infrastructure.
Mr Keita called for the support and co-operation of all development stakeholders in the region, particularly the chiefs and the people, since NGOs could not alone solve all the challenges in the region.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Kale Caesar, acknowledged the presence of the organisation in the region and said that move would stimulate development.
He said the contribution of the organisation would help support the social contracts the Government had signed with the people of Ghana.
For his part, the Dean of the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies, Professor Abraham Berinyuu, said the development challenges facing the north required the concerted effort of all, irrespective of one’s political affiliation.
Areas the NGO wants to intervene in are promotion of quality education, health and the creation of income opportunities in the shea industry for the vulnerable groups.
The Country Director of the NGO, Mr Amaigon Keita, announced this to officially launch the programme in the Upper West Region.
He explained that the intervention of the organisation would involve provision of technical support to the public and the non-state actors engaged in education, health and the shea industry.
He said the decision by SNV to open an office in the region had not been easy, considering the global economic meltdown that was affecting development aid.
He observed that the Upper West Region had faced various challenges which had made it to lag behind in most indicators, including education, literacy and social infrastructure.
Mr Keita called for the support and co-operation of all development stakeholders in the region, particularly the chiefs and the people, since NGOs could not alone solve all the challenges in the region.
The Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Kale Caesar, acknowledged the presence of the organisation in the region and said that move would stimulate development.
He said the contribution of the organisation would help support the social contracts the Government had signed with the people of Ghana.
For his part, the Dean of the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies, Professor Abraham Berinyuu, said the development challenges facing the north required the concerted effort of all, irrespective of one’s political affiliation.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
ENGMEN TO CONTEST NPP POST IN UPPER WEST (PAGE 13, DEC 5)
A Lecturer at the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Mr Stephen Engmen, has declared his intention to vie for the position of the Upper West Regional secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mr Engmen, a former special assistant of President J. A. Kufuor’s administration, will compete with the incumbent, Mr Abu Ibrahim Tamah.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, he said with the recent reforms in the constitution of the party, it needed a mature person to ensure that the reforms were well implemented.
He said the party was going through a transformation process and therefore needed a strong secretary who could withstand the test of time and be resolute in decision making without fear or favour.
Mr Engmen, who described himself as hardworking, experienced and a true blue loyalist of the party said after losing power we must choose people who cannot be intimidated or coerced into submission.
On his role on the growth of the party in the Upper West Region, he told the Daily Graphic that, the results were there for everybody to see.
Mr Engmen, a former special assistant of President J. A. Kufuor’s administration, will compete with the incumbent, Mr Abu Ibrahim Tamah.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, he said with the recent reforms in the constitution of the party, it needed a mature person to ensure that the reforms were well implemented.
He said the party was going through a transformation process and therefore needed a strong secretary who could withstand the test of time and be resolute in decision making without fear or favour.
Mr Engmen, who described himself as hardworking, experienced and a true blue loyalist of the party said after losing power we must choose people who cannot be intimidated or coerced into submission.
On his role on the growth of the party in the Upper West Region, he told the Daily Graphic that, the results were there for everybody to see.
Friday, December 4, 2009
FORCE FOUNDATION SUPPORT WA BLIND SCHOOL (PAGE 17, DEC 4)
A Multi-million-computer library for the Wa Methodist School for the Blind has been inaugurated in Wa in the Upper West Region.
The project was made possible through the collaborative effort of Force Foundation, a Dutch non-governmental organisation which has been assisting the disabled, especially the visually-impaired with educational materials and equipment.
Addressing the ceremony, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, expressed the hope that the facility would offer the inmates of the school the opportunity to access quality education.
He said, it would also encourage the students to search for information that will keep them abreast with global trends as well as interact and share ideas with their colleague students in sister schools.
He, therefore, urged students of the school to learn hard so that the school would produce more scholars like Dr Bashirudeen Koray of the Attorney General’s department.
Mr Khalid advised the school administration to take good care of the facility and ensure that routine maintenance was undertaken.
"I wish to commend all staff, particularly the teaching staff and students alike for scoring hundred per cent in the BECE. for me the teachers deserve the best reward ever and I urge the school administration to liaise with benevolent organisations to see how best we can collectively reward these dedicated staff," he added.
He assured the school of the co-operation and support of the Regional Co-ordinating Council in the infrastructural development of the school.
The headmaster of the school, Mr Sampson Akurugu, appealed to Vodafone Ghana to waive the monthly subscription of GH¢89.44 to enable students of the school to have continuous access to the Internet.
He called on corporate bodies and other philanthropic organisations to support the school since it was facing a number of challenges.
The Bishop of the Northern Ghana Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, the Rt. Rev MacLord Afriyie, thanked Force Foundation for the gesture.
For his part, the Director of Force Foundation, Mr Mathijs Balfoort, assured the school of continuous support from his organisation.
The project was made possible through the collaborative effort of Force Foundation, a Dutch non-governmental organisation which has been assisting the disabled, especially the visually-impaired with educational materials and equipment.
Addressing the ceremony, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, expressed the hope that the facility would offer the inmates of the school the opportunity to access quality education.
He said, it would also encourage the students to search for information that will keep them abreast with global trends as well as interact and share ideas with their colleague students in sister schools.
He, therefore, urged students of the school to learn hard so that the school would produce more scholars like Dr Bashirudeen Koray of the Attorney General’s department.
Mr Khalid advised the school administration to take good care of the facility and ensure that routine maintenance was undertaken.
"I wish to commend all staff, particularly the teaching staff and students alike for scoring hundred per cent in the BECE. for me the teachers deserve the best reward ever and I urge the school administration to liaise with benevolent organisations to see how best we can collectively reward these dedicated staff," he added.
He assured the school of the co-operation and support of the Regional Co-ordinating Council in the infrastructural development of the school.
The headmaster of the school, Mr Sampson Akurugu, appealed to Vodafone Ghana to waive the monthly subscription of GH¢89.44 to enable students of the school to have continuous access to the Internet.
He called on corporate bodies and other philanthropic organisations to support the school since it was facing a number of challenges.
The Bishop of the Northern Ghana Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, the Rt. Rev MacLord Afriyie, thanked Force Foundation for the gesture.
For his part, the Director of Force Foundation, Mr Mathijs Balfoort, assured the school of continuous support from his organisation.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
KALE WARNS ACTORS IN SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME (PAGE 15, POLITICS)
THE Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, has cautioned actors in the implementation of the Ghana National School Feeding Programme not to misconduct themselves.
He said the government would not hesitate to take drastic action against any of such actors, who include caterers, school authorities and district assembly officials.
Addressing a sensitisation workshop on the GNSFP in Wa, he admitted that the concept was no doubt a good one that could contribute meaningfully towards facilitating education for all at the basic school level.
Mr Kale said the introduction of the programme had contributed towards improved school attendance and better nutrition for schoolchildren.
He expressed concern about the low number of beneficiary schools in the region as compared to other areas of the country.
Mr Kale therefore made a special appeal for the current trend to be resolved since an increase in the number of beneficiary schools in the region would definitely enhance the implementation of the programme.
“Additionally we need to look at issues relating to the nutritional content of the food that is served, the environment and the linkages to local productivity; I will therefore call for collaboration and team work between caterers, schools, school authorities the district assembly, among other actors, in the implementation process,” he said.
The Deputy Regional Minister urged the participants to identify the linkages and work towards enhancing them so that at the end of the day “we would achieve better nutrition, quality education and increased agricultural productions which are all an integral part of the programme.
Mr Kale gave the assurance that the government would expand the GNSFP to cover many more schools and deal with all the shortcomings as well.
The executive director of the GNSFP, Alhaji Suleimana Abdulrahman, said so far 1,696 public schools with 656,000 students are benefiting from the programme in all the 170 districts of the country.
He said the programme would be scaled up to one million beneficiaries next year, and that management had resolved to find a sustainable mode of funding for the programme so that it would continue when the sponsors pull out.
He gave the assurance that the programme would not be politicised, adding “ we are going to be non-political as we will not mix politics with administration”.
He said the government would not hesitate to take drastic action against any of such actors, who include caterers, school authorities and district assembly officials.
Addressing a sensitisation workshop on the GNSFP in Wa, he admitted that the concept was no doubt a good one that could contribute meaningfully towards facilitating education for all at the basic school level.
Mr Kale said the introduction of the programme had contributed towards improved school attendance and better nutrition for schoolchildren.
He expressed concern about the low number of beneficiary schools in the region as compared to other areas of the country.
Mr Kale therefore made a special appeal for the current trend to be resolved since an increase in the number of beneficiary schools in the region would definitely enhance the implementation of the programme.
“Additionally we need to look at issues relating to the nutritional content of the food that is served, the environment and the linkages to local productivity; I will therefore call for collaboration and team work between caterers, schools, school authorities the district assembly, among other actors, in the implementation process,” he said.
The Deputy Regional Minister urged the participants to identify the linkages and work towards enhancing them so that at the end of the day “we would achieve better nutrition, quality education and increased agricultural productions which are all an integral part of the programme.
Mr Kale gave the assurance that the government would expand the GNSFP to cover many more schools and deal with all the shortcomings as well.
The executive director of the GNSFP, Alhaji Suleimana Abdulrahman, said so far 1,696 public schools with 656,000 students are benefiting from the programme in all the 170 districts of the country.
He said the programme would be scaled up to one million beneficiaries next year, and that management had resolved to find a sustainable mode of funding for the programme so that it would continue when the sponsors pull out.
He gave the assurance that the programme would not be politicised, adding “ we are going to be non-political as we will not mix politics with administration”.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
NDC HAS DONE WELL — KOFI ADAMS (PAGE 16, NOV 18)
The Deputy National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congres (NDC), Mr Kofi Adams, has said the NDC has done relatively well within a short time.
He said the NDC had a lot of human resource at its disposal to make the dream of a better Ghana agenda come true.
He was speaking at the induction of new officers to steer the affairs of the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) branch of the Tertiary Institutions Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress.
The officers are Enumil Cudjoe as president, Ganiyu Sandow, Adam Faiza and Mutaru Gunu, vice president, first vice president and secretary, respectively.
The rest are Seidu Majeed deputy secretary, Adam Izudeen, propaganda secretary, Mohammed Illiasu, deputy propaganda and Alhassan Baba, organiser.
Others are Abdulai Maluooda, deputy organiser, Yahaya Salaam, treasurer, Fadila Alhassan, women’s organiser and deputy women’s organiser, Abdul Wahabi Hamida.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony,Mr Adams said that “The NDC is full of performers and I want to assure you that we will never let Ghanaians down”.
Mr Adams, who is also the spokesperson for former President J. J. Rawlings, told the ecstatic students that the New Patriotic Party government left a huge debt, particularly at the Tema Oil Refinery, whose debt profile quadrupled within eight years of the NPP administration.
“Where the NDC has failed is that, we did not put people at the right place to expose the rot of the NPP,” he said.
According to him the government has not frozen employment in the public sector and that “there is currently net employment going on ”.
He advised members of the Wa campus of the UDS to be steadfast and resolute in order to counter the vile propaganda of the NPP.
The Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin, assured the gathering that the NDC would continue to fight for Ghanaians through the provision of facilities that would enhance their living standards.
He said the achievements of the NDC so far had sent fears into the NPP hence they have resorted to propaganda against the NDC.
For his part the Deputy Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, described the TEIN as the intellectual wing of the NDC and therefore advised that they should continue to champion the cause of the NDC in their interactions with Ghanaians.
The Wa campus president of TEIN, Mr Enumil Cudjoe, gave the assurance the executive would work hard to justify their inclusion.
He said the NDC had a lot of human resource at its disposal to make the dream of a better Ghana agenda come true.
He was speaking at the induction of new officers to steer the affairs of the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) branch of the Tertiary Institutions Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress.
The officers are Enumil Cudjoe as president, Ganiyu Sandow, Adam Faiza and Mutaru Gunu, vice president, first vice president and secretary, respectively.
The rest are Seidu Majeed deputy secretary, Adam Izudeen, propaganda secretary, Mohammed Illiasu, deputy propaganda and Alhassan Baba, organiser.
Others are Abdulai Maluooda, deputy organiser, Yahaya Salaam, treasurer, Fadila Alhassan, women’s organiser and deputy women’s organiser, Abdul Wahabi Hamida.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony,Mr Adams said that “The NDC is full of performers and I want to assure you that we will never let Ghanaians down”.
Mr Adams, who is also the spokesperson for former President J. J. Rawlings, told the ecstatic students that the New Patriotic Party government left a huge debt, particularly at the Tema Oil Refinery, whose debt profile quadrupled within eight years of the NPP administration.
“Where the NDC has failed is that, we did not put people at the right place to expose the rot of the NPP,” he said.
According to him the government has not frozen employment in the public sector and that “there is currently net employment going on ”.
He advised members of the Wa campus of the UDS to be steadfast and resolute in order to counter the vile propaganda of the NPP.
The Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin, assured the gathering that the NDC would continue to fight for Ghanaians through the provision of facilities that would enhance their living standards.
He said the achievements of the NDC so far had sent fears into the NPP hence they have resorted to propaganda against the NDC.
For his part the Deputy Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, described the TEIN as the intellectual wing of the NDC and therefore advised that they should continue to champion the cause of the NDC in their interactions with Ghanaians.
The Wa campus president of TEIN, Mr Enumil Cudjoe, gave the assurance the executive would work hard to justify their inclusion.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
BAN MUSHROOM NDC ORGAINISATIONS — KHALID (NOV 12, PAGE 16)
The Wa Central Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Abdulrahman Khalid, has expressed concern about the mushrooming of organisations that are not in line with the party’s code of ethics.
He has therefore, called on the hierarchy of the party to ban those organisations with immediate effect or absorb them into the mainstream party structure to ensure party unity and cohesion.
“We must also implement and apply the laid down procedures in order not to compromise the strong foundation of our great party,” he added.
Mr Khalid was delivering his report during the constituency congress of the party in Wa.
He said, after losing the 2004 elections, the constituency executive embarked on a restructuring exercise to put the party in shape.
He said the constituency was then divided into 10 administrative workable zones with effective and efficient executive members in each zone to monitor the activities of the branches.
“The unity of purpose that prevailed over the period was no mean an achievement as we were able to mobilise both human and financial resources which enabled us to win the 2008 elections,” he said.
According to Mr Khalid, the party still faces a number of challenges, prominent among them being the lack of office accommodation and equipment to work efficiently.
The constituency secretary commended the party’s agents, members of the youth working committee and host of others who helped to sustained the party’s activities.
“No amount of appreciation can match the kind of services rendered to us in this constituency. We can only wish you long lives and sound health to be able to continue your good works,” he concluded.
He has therefore, called on the hierarchy of the party to ban those organisations with immediate effect or absorb them into the mainstream party structure to ensure party unity and cohesion.
“We must also implement and apply the laid down procedures in order not to compromise the strong foundation of our great party,” he added.
Mr Khalid was delivering his report during the constituency congress of the party in Wa.
He said, after losing the 2004 elections, the constituency executive embarked on a restructuring exercise to put the party in shape.
He said the constituency was then divided into 10 administrative workable zones with effective and efficient executive members in each zone to monitor the activities of the branches.
“The unity of purpose that prevailed over the period was no mean an achievement as we were able to mobilise both human and financial resources which enabled us to win the 2008 elections,” he said.
According to Mr Khalid, the party still faces a number of challenges, prominent among them being the lack of office accommodation and equipment to work efficiently.
The constituency secretary commended the party’s agents, members of the youth working committee and host of others who helped to sustained the party’s activities.
“No amount of appreciation can match the kind of services rendered to us in this constituency. We can only wish you long lives and sound health to be able to continue your good works,” he concluded.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
SONZELE RURAL BANK RIDES HIGH (PAGE 33, NOV 10)
THE Sonzele Rural Bank in the Jirapa District of the Upper West Region made a profit of GH¢163,352.00 in 2008 as against GH¢53,442.00 in 2007.
The impressive performance represents an increase of over two hundred per cent in the profit margin of the bank.
Addressing the 19th annual general meeting of the bank at Jirapa at the weekend, the chairperson of the board, Mrs Celestine Bayor, attributed the success story of the bank to the pragmatic strategies adopted by the management.
She said the assets and liability also stood at GH¢2,904,389.00 as against GH¢2, 449,223.00 in 2007.
According to her the bank granted loans and salary advances to promote commerce, education, cottage industries , among others, all amounting to GH¢509,532.00
She informed the shareholders that a new agency of the bank had been opened in Wa, the regional capital, while plans were advanced to open another at Hain by the next quarter of next year.
Mrs Bayor said the board and management was committed to sustaining the bank’s leadership position in the rural banking industry in the country and beyond, and that it was in this respect that the Sonzele Rural Bank was rated the fifth strongest rural bank by the efficiency and monitoring unit of the ARP APEX Bank Limited.
“Your bank is also among the first 25 Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) to be computerised and networked under the Millennium Challenge Account, and work is steadily progressing in that direction”, she added.
She said the bank would among others, employ modern systems and technology to provide integrated back and front office that would enhance quality service delivery while appropriate mix of products and services would be developed to suit the changing demands and requirements of customers.
“The bank will also strengthen its capacity to lead in financing of major and financially rewarding businesses in key sectors of the economy in her catchment areas”, Mrs.Bayor said.
The District Chief Executive for Jirapa, Mr B. K. Puozuing urged those who were refusing to pay their loans to endeavour to do so.
The impressive performance represents an increase of over two hundred per cent in the profit margin of the bank.
Addressing the 19th annual general meeting of the bank at Jirapa at the weekend, the chairperson of the board, Mrs Celestine Bayor, attributed the success story of the bank to the pragmatic strategies adopted by the management.
She said the assets and liability also stood at GH¢2,904,389.00 as against GH¢2, 449,223.00 in 2007.
According to her the bank granted loans and salary advances to promote commerce, education, cottage industries , among others, all amounting to GH¢509,532.00
She informed the shareholders that a new agency of the bank had been opened in Wa, the regional capital, while plans were advanced to open another at Hain by the next quarter of next year.
Mrs Bayor said the board and management was committed to sustaining the bank’s leadership position in the rural banking industry in the country and beyond, and that it was in this respect that the Sonzele Rural Bank was rated the fifth strongest rural bank by the efficiency and monitoring unit of the ARP APEX Bank Limited.
“Your bank is also among the first 25 Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) to be computerised and networked under the Millennium Challenge Account, and work is steadily progressing in that direction”, she added.
She said the bank would among others, employ modern systems and technology to provide integrated back and front office that would enhance quality service delivery while appropriate mix of products and services would be developed to suit the changing demands and requirements of customers.
“The bank will also strengthen its capacity to lead in financing of major and financially rewarding businesses in key sectors of the economy in her catchment areas”, Mrs.Bayor said.
The District Chief Executive for Jirapa, Mr B. K. Puozuing urged those who were refusing to pay their loans to endeavour to do so.
Friday, November 6, 2009
WA EAST ASSEMBLY HOLDS MEETING (PAGE 20, NOV 6)
AS part of measures to increase police presence in the Wa East District in the Upper West Region, two police stations are being constructed by the district assembly at Kundugu and Kulkpong.
The assembly has also awarded a number of projects to enhance the living conditions of the people.
The projects include school blocks and sanitary facilities at Du West, Sawgla, Balayiri, Kulkpong, Kundugu and Loggu Sagu.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Wa East, Mr Ameen Salifu, announced this at the second ordinary meeting of the assembly this year at Funsi, the district capital.
According to him, the district would also benefit from the drilling of 55 boreholes to be sited in a number of communities.
He said in the health sector, a CHPS compound would be established at Chaagu Paani while furniture and other equipment had been supplied to the Kataah and Danyokura Health Centres.
Mr Salifu stated that the assembly received GH¢22,356 for a Nutrition Malaria Control for Survival Project to be carried out in selected communities.
He said under the same project, the district had been allocated 5,500 insecticide treated nets (ITN) for distribution to various communities.
The DCE, therefore, urged members of the assembly to acquaint themselves with the project to facilitate its implementation.
He said contract for a number of road projects awarded in 2006 had been terminated due to non-performance.
They include the Tinnabelle-Sawubelle, Yize–Bankpalnna, Loggu Balayiri–Wawa and the Naha-Yize roads.
Mr Salifu said arrangements were far advanced to procure a grader to reduce the assembly’s over reliance on contractors who failed to perform.
“Let me assure you that the government is paying serious attention to the poor nature of our roads and it is my hope that it will very soon be a thing of the past,” he stated.
He seized the opportunity to advise the assembly members to mobilise the people to offer communal labour to patch damaged roads in their electoral areas as was done recently by the assembly member for the Funsi Electoral Area on the Funsi-Wahabu road.
Touching on revenue generation, the DCE said the assembly realised GH¢53,990.80 out of its target of GH¢57,175.70 for the year.
He commended the assembly members for their continuous support in the work of the assembly.
The assembly has also awarded a number of projects to enhance the living conditions of the people.
The projects include school blocks and sanitary facilities at Du West, Sawgla, Balayiri, Kulkpong, Kundugu and Loggu Sagu.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Wa East, Mr Ameen Salifu, announced this at the second ordinary meeting of the assembly this year at Funsi, the district capital.
According to him, the district would also benefit from the drilling of 55 boreholes to be sited in a number of communities.
He said in the health sector, a CHPS compound would be established at Chaagu Paani while furniture and other equipment had been supplied to the Kataah and Danyokura Health Centres.
Mr Salifu stated that the assembly received GH¢22,356 for a Nutrition Malaria Control for Survival Project to be carried out in selected communities.
He said under the same project, the district had been allocated 5,500 insecticide treated nets (ITN) for distribution to various communities.
The DCE, therefore, urged members of the assembly to acquaint themselves with the project to facilitate its implementation.
He said contract for a number of road projects awarded in 2006 had been terminated due to non-performance.
They include the Tinnabelle-Sawubelle, Yize–Bankpalnna, Loggu Balayiri–Wawa and the Naha-Yize roads.
Mr Salifu said arrangements were far advanced to procure a grader to reduce the assembly’s over reliance on contractors who failed to perform.
“Let me assure you that the government is paying serious attention to the poor nature of our roads and it is my hope that it will very soon be a thing of the past,” he stated.
He seized the opportunity to advise the assembly members to mobilise the people to offer communal labour to patch damaged roads in their electoral areas as was done recently by the assembly member for the Funsi Electoral Area on the Funsi-Wahabu road.
Touching on revenue generation, the DCE said the assembly realised GH¢53,990.80 out of its target of GH¢57,175.70 for the year.
He commended the assembly members for their continuous support in the work of the assembly.
TAKE MEASURES TO STOP CONFLICTS IN NORTHERN GHANA (PAGE 20, NOV 6)
THE Executive Director of the Centre for Promotion of Youth Development and Empowerment (CPYDE), a Tamale-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mr Alhassan Abdulai, has called for proactive measures to stop conflicts in Northern Ghana, especially in the Upper West Region.
“For us, as we count our losses in the Northern and Upper East regions following the conflict in those areas, we must endeavour to prevent any calamity from befalling our people in the Upper West in order to live in peace and harmony for sustainable development”, he stated.
Mr Abdulai was addressing a training of trainers workshop on advocacy in peacebuilding for community-based organisations in Wa.
The workshop, organised by CPYDE, was sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Mr Abdulai said the CPYDE would collaborate with all organisations and individuals engaged in peaceful activities in the Upper West Region to ensure that the current relative peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the region was sustained.
He said the three northern regions continued to lag behind in almost all indicators of human development.
He said on the average, the Ghana Living Standards Survey (2005) had concluded that seven out of 10 people in the Northern Region continued to live in poverty while eight and nine out of the same number in the Upper West and Upper East regions were in the same category.
“I wish therefore to appeal to our northern brothers and sisters to reflect on these and allow peace to prevail at all times to speed up our development agenda,” Mr Abdulai added.
According to him, the workshop was aimed at sharpening the advocacy skills of the participants to enable them to map out strategies to prevent conflicts in their localities.
Mr Abdulai was unhappy that peace measures had been concentrated largely in the Northern and Upper East regions, and suggested that other NGOs should include the Upper West Region in their programme of activities.
The Secretary of the Upper West Regional Peace Council, Mr Mark Abugnaba, said the council had through dialogue been able to avert conflict situations in some communities in the region.
He referred to the 2008 general elections where through the efforts of the council, the various political parties were encouraged to use dialogue instead of force.
“That went a long way to ensure peace in the region before, during and after the elections,” Mr Abdulai added.
“For us, as we count our losses in the Northern and Upper East regions following the conflict in those areas, we must endeavour to prevent any calamity from befalling our people in the Upper West in order to live in peace and harmony for sustainable development”, he stated.
Mr Abdulai was addressing a training of trainers workshop on advocacy in peacebuilding for community-based organisations in Wa.
The workshop, organised by CPYDE, was sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Mr Abdulai said the CPYDE would collaborate with all organisations and individuals engaged in peaceful activities in the Upper West Region to ensure that the current relative peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the region was sustained.
He said the three northern regions continued to lag behind in almost all indicators of human development.
He said on the average, the Ghana Living Standards Survey (2005) had concluded that seven out of 10 people in the Northern Region continued to live in poverty while eight and nine out of the same number in the Upper West and Upper East regions were in the same category.
“I wish therefore to appeal to our northern brothers and sisters to reflect on these and allow peace to prevail at all times to speed up our development agenda,” Mr Abdulai added.
According to him, the workshop was aimed at sharpening the advocacy skills of the participants to enable them to map out strategies to prevent conflicts in their localities.
Mr Abdulai was unhappy that peace measures had been concentrated largely in the Northern and Upper East regions, and suggested that other NGOs should include the Upper West Region in their programme of activities.
The Secretary of the Upper West Regional Peace Council, Mr Mark Abugnaba, said the council had through dialogue been able to avert conflict situations in some communities in the region.
He referred to the 2008 general elections where through the efforts of the council, the various political parties were encouraged to use dialogue instead of force.
“That went a long way to ensure peace in the region before, during and after the elections,” Mr Abdulai added.
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND IN GHANA — BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER (PAGE 11, NOV 6)
THE British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Nicholas Wescott, has observed that there are more opportunities in the country for Ghanaians to utilise for their development.
He said it was better to do so than migrating to Europe through unapproved routes, often resulting in undesirable consequences.
Dr Wescott was delivering a lecture at the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (US) on the topic: ‘Economic growth and migration in Ghana: Lessons from Britain in the past”.
He said some Ghanaians, and for that matter, Africans gave huge sums of money to unscrupulous people in the desert to help them to undertake dangerous journeys, and most often they did not get to their final destinations.
“Take your chances here as there are more opportunities in Ghana which would enable you to succeed in life,” he added.
He debunked claims that people could only make it in Europe just because they perceived those places as rich and prosperous.
He said although migration was a good thing and inevitable, the right procedure should be adopted in order to avoid tension and conflict.
The British High Commissioner said it was in that regard that the commission had adopted a transparent and strict process for the acquisition of visas.
He, therefore, advised Ghanaians to pass through the necessary channels in their visa acquisition process, adding that the British High Commission in Ghana was collaborating with the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to check fake documents of applicants.
Dr Wescott expressed happiness that the UDS was building linkages and partnership with the University of Lancashire, and expreessed the hope that the move would go a long way to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries.
Touching on trade, he expressed the view that liberalisation was not to make Africa poor, and cited the case of Mexico, India and China, whose economies had improved through liberalisation.
The acting Vice Chancellor of the UDS, Professor Ken Nokoe, enumerated a number of challenges facing the university.
These included inadequate staffing, housing and accommodation.
He stressed the need for the staff of the UDS to be trained further, and said with the reduced Faculty Development Fund ‘we need more support from the Government and our partners for training scholarships, attachment and exchange programmes for the staff and students.
He commended Dr Wescott for his decision to share his experience with members of the university, as that would place the UDS at the next level.
He said it was better to do so than migrating to Europe through unapproved routes, often resulting in undesirable consequences.
Dr Wescott was delivering a lecture at the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (US) on the topic: ‘Economic growth and migration in Ghana: Lessons from Britain in the past”.
He said some Ghanaians, and for that matter, Africans gave huge sums of money to unscrupulous people in the desert to help them to undertake dangerous journeys, and most often they did not get to their final destinations.
“Take your chances here as there are more opportunities in Ghana which would enable you to succeed in life,” he added.
He debunked claims that people could only make it in Europe just because they perceived those places as rich and prosperous.
He said although migration was a good thing and inevitable, the right procedure should be adopted in order to avoid tension and conflict.
The British High Commissioner said it was in that regard that the commission had adopted a transparent and strict process for the acquisition of visas.
He, therefore, advised Ghanaians to pass through the necessary channels in their visa acquisition process, adding that the British High Commission in Ghana was collaborating with the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to check fake documents of applicants.
Dr Wescott expressed happiness that the UDS was building linkages and partnership with the University of Lancashire, and expreessed the hope that the move would go a long way to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries.
Touching on trade, he expressed the view that liberalisation was not to make Africa poor, and cited the case of Mexico, India and China, whose economies had improved through liberalisation.
The acting Vice Chancellor of the UDS, Professor Ken Nokoe, enumerated a number of challenges facing the university.
These included inadequate staffing, housing and accommodation.
He stressed the need for the staff of the UDS to be trained further, and said with the reduced Faculty Development Fund ‘we need more support from the Government and our partners for training scholarships, attachment and exchange programmes for the staff and students.
He commended Dr Wescott for his decision to share his experience with members of the university, as that would place the UDS at the next level.
ALLOW CHIEFS TO CONTEST AS INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES (PAGE 15, NOV 6)
THE Paramount Chief of the Gwollu Traditional Area in the Upper West Region, Kuoro Buktie Limman IV, has called on the government to ensure that chiefs contest elections as independent candidates.
He was of the view that chiefs standing as independent candidates had no correlation with partisan political activities.
“The chief is the father of the nation and the people and the chieftaincy institution is not partisan,” he added.
Kuoro Limaan made the call in Wa during a regional consultative forum for the acceleration of decentralisation in Ghana.
Article 276 (1) of the Constitution says,states that “A chief shall not take part in active party politics; and any chief wishing to do so and seeking election to Parliament shall abdicate his stool or skin.”
The Gwollu chief called for the amendment of Article 276 (1), since it infringed upon the fundamental human rights of chiefs.
“We have lawyers, accountants, engineers, among others, and so why leave us out of the system?” he asked.
He also called for the involvement of chiefs in the decentralisation process, particularly in the disbursement of the District Assemblies Common Fund at the local level.
Addressing the forum, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, said the current decentralisation system was a good concept and that its advantages were numerous, as it promoted grass-root participation and speedy and meaningful development.
He said the concept had quite a good legal framework for decentralisation but there were clear challenges which militated against the realisation of the full benefits of the process.
He said it was in the light of this that a series of forums were being organised nation-wide to collate views on how the process could be accelerated.
Mr Khalid said in seeking to do that, “we are hoping that we can engender views and opinions on various aspects of the issues at stake”.
“We, therefore, seek at this forum any views and ideas that will strengthen and deepen the practice of decentralisation,” he stated
In a brief remark, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, said many identifiable bodies were being consulted on the decentralisation process across the country.
He said the issue at stake was not a partisan one and that all relevant agencies would be involved in the process.
He was of the view that chiefs standing as independent candidates had no correlation with partisan political activities.
“The chief is the father of the nation and the people and the chieftaincy institution is not partisan,” he added.
Kuoro Limaan made the call in Wa during a regional consultative forum for the acceleration of decentralisation in Ghana.
Article 276 (1) of the Constitution says,states that “A chief shall not take part in active party politics; and any chief wishing to do so and seeking election to Parliament shall abdicate his stool or skin.”
The Gwollu chief called for the amendment of Article 276 (1), since it infringed upon the fundamental human rights of chiefs.
“We have lawyers, accountants, engineers, among others, and so why leave us out of the system?” he asked.
He also called for the involvement of chiefs in the decentralisation process, particularly in the disbursement of the District Assemblies Common Fund at the local level.
Addressing the forum, the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, said the current decentralisation system was a good concept and that its advantages were numerous, as it promoted grass-root participation and speedy and meaningful development.
He said the concept had quite a good legal framework for decentralisation but there were clear challenges which militated against the realisation of the full benefits of the process.
He said it was in the light of this that a series of forums were being organised nation-wide to collate views on how the process could be accelerated.
Mr Khalid said in seeking to do that, “we are hoping that we can engender views and opinions on various aspects of the issues at stake”.
“We, therefore, seek at this forum any views and ideas that will strengthen and deepen the practice of decentralisation,” he stated
In a brief remark, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, said many identifiable bodies were being consulted on the decentralisation process across the country.
He said the issue at stake was not a partisan one and that all relevant agencies would be involved in the process.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
ENTRENCHED POSITIONS KILLING BUNKPURUGU-YUNYOO NDC (PAGE 17, NOV 4)
The President of the Northern Chapter of the Bunkpurugu – Yunyoo Constituency branch of the Tertiary Institution Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Isaac Binbintir, has expressed concern over the entrenched position some members of the network in the constituency had taken, which is destroying the party.
He said the branch Network was very much aware that in every party and constituency there were differences but the situation in Bunkpurugu was peculiar.
He said there had been confusion right from the polling stations up to the constituency executive elections and that it would be far from exaggeration “ if we should say that top ranking members in the constituency preferred to relate well with other members of the parties than their own”.
He was speaking at an emergency meeting of the branch at the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS).
The branch consists of students from the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions.
Mr Binbintir noted that there was currently tension between two groups of the branch network, where one group was alleged to have been denied nomination forms to contest the constituency elections while the other had gone to proclaim itself as a newly elected constituency executive.
“This unhealthy acrimony has the potential of killing the party in the constituency because those who are not the choice of the people have the tendency of leading the party and this can drive away a lot of supporters and sympathisers,” he said
He warned that the situation could result in the emergence of some personalities going as independent candidates as happened in 2000 when Mr J. Y. Labik stood on his own and won.
Mr Binbintir, who is a student on the Wa campus of the UDS, suggested that the structures within the party must be made to work and called on the national executive committee of the NDC to intervene in order to ensure sanity in the constituency.
He said the branch Network was very much aware that in every party and constituency there were differences but the situation in Bunkpurugu was peculiar.
He said there had been confusion right from the polling stations up to the constituency executive elections and that it would be far from exaggeration “ if we should say that top ranking members in the constituency preferred to relate well with other members of the parties than their own”.
He was speaking at an emergency meeting of the branch at the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS).
The branch consists of students from the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions.
Mr Binbintir noted that there was currently tension between two groups of the branch network, where one group was alleged to have been denied nomination forms to contest the constituency elections while the other had gone to proclaim itself as a newly elected constituency executive.
“This unhealthy acrimony has the potential of killing the party in the constituency because those who are not the choice of the people have the tendency of leading the party and this can drive away a lot of supporters and sympathisers,” he said
He warned that the situation could result in the emergence of some personalities going as independent candidates as happened in 2000 when Mr J. Y. Labik stood on his own and won.
Mr Binbintir, who is a student on the Wa campus of the UDS, suggested that the structures within the party must be made to work and called on the national executive committee of the NDC to intervene in order to ensure sanity in the constituency.
WA CENTRAL NDC ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE (PAGE 16, NOV 4)
THE Wa Central Constituency branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected a 26-member executive to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.
The executives include Alhaji Seidu Jamatutu as chairman, Adam Salia and Adam Iddrisu, first and second vice chairmen respectively, Abdul Rahman–Rahman, secretary and Nuhu Issahaku Putiaha, deputy constituency secretary.
The rest are Alhaji Ankilu Sumaila, organiser, Abubakar Rahaman, treasurer, Alhaji M. Kabore, propaganda secretary, Hajia Hamida Nasiri, women organiser, and Alhaji Mumuni Mankama, youth organiser.
Addressing the conference, the Minister for Youth and Sports and Member of Parliament for Wa Central, Mr Rashid Pelpuo, acknowledged the role of the party faithful in the NDC’s victory during the last general election.
He said the Government was taking measures to arrest the downward trend of the economy, and appealed for maximum restraint from supporters of the party since the NDC would continue to be responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
“We have inherited an economy with a huge domestic debt, and therefore, we need to be a little bit tolerant to deal with the situation,” he added.
Mr Pelpuo gave the assurance that the youth would be catered for properly through skills training to enable them to become employable and self-reliant.
“The NDC will continue to think and support the masses with good policies in order to improve upon their lives,” he said
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, condemned backbiting and gossiping within the party.
He said these negative practices did not augur well for the party, and must therefore, be stopped in the interest of party unity and cohesion.
He said many people were ready to join the NDC but the attitude of some activists was driving them away, and said they must be embraced since politics was about numbers.
The regional Secretary of the party, who is also the deputy regional minister, Mr Kale Caesar, described Mr Rashid Pelpuo as one of the finest ministers in the country.
He rejected claims that the government was very slow and said, “we would continue to take our time as a government and move this country in the right direction”.
The constituency chairman, Alhaji Seidu Jamatutu, thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in the executive and gave the assurance that they would continue to work hard to maintain the constituency for the NDC.
The executives include Alhaji Seidu Jamatutu as chairman, Adam Salia and Adam Iddrisu, first and second vice chairmen respectively, Abdul Rahman–Rahman, secretary and Nuhu Issahaku Putiaha, deputy constituency secretary.
The rest are Alhaji Ankilu Sumaila, organiser, Abubakar Rahaman, treasurer, Alhaji M. Kabore, propaganda secretary, Hajia Hamida Nasiri, women organiser, and Alhaji Mumuni Mankama, youth organiser.
Addressing the conference, the Minister for Youth and Sports and Member of Parliament for Wa Central, Mr Rashid Pelpuo, acknowledged the role of the party faithful in the NDC’s victory during the last general election.
He said the Government was taking measures to arrest the downward trend of the economy, and appealed for maximum restraint from supporters of the party since the NDC would continue to be responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
“We have inherited an economy with a huge domestic debt, and therefore, we need to be a little bit tolerant to deal with the situation,” he added.
Mr Pelpuo gave the assurance that the youth would be catered for properly through skills training to enable them to become employable and self-reliant.
“The NDC will continue to think and support the masses with good policies in order to improve upon their lives,” he said
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, condemned backbiting and gossiping within the party.
He said these negative practices did not augur well for the party, and must therefore, be stopped in the interest of party unity and cohesion.
He said many people were ready to join the NDC but the attitude of some activists was driving them away, and said they must be embraced since politics was about numbers.
The regional Secretary of the party, who is also the deputy regional minister, Mr Kale Caesar, described Mr Rashid Pelpuo as one of the finest ministers in the country.
He rejected claims that the government was very slow and said, “we would continue to take our time as a government and move this country in the right direction”.
The constituency chairman, Alhaji Seidu Jamatutu, thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in the executive and gave the assurance that they would continue to work hard to maintain the constituency for the NDC.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
18 MILLET VARIETIES INTRODUCED TO FARMERS... In Upper West (page 20, oct 28)
THE Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Mali has introduced 18 varieties of millet to farmers in the Upper West Region.
The varieties are to motivate farmers to choose the high yielding ones which are more beneficial than the local millet.
The Head of the Wa Station of SARI, Dr Jesse Naab, disclosed this during a field day organised for selected 60 farmers to evaluate the varieties.
He said the best five varieties to be selected would be further evaluated next farming season and three eventually selected for multiplication and division.
“Preliminary observation showed that one variety flowered in 30 days, 10 between 60 and 65 days and seven between 65 and 77 days. The local variety that flowered early did so in 65 days while the late local variety flowered in approximately 90 days,” he stated.
Dr Naab said the use of participatory variety selection approaches could ensure that improved varieties got to farmers within two seasons.
He said the first two seasons would be used for the observation and selection of desirable genotypes.
“These genotypes could then be multiplied, possibly under irrigation during the off-season and made available for planting during the third season,” Dr Naab said.
He said it was not likely that a variety would be found with the full complement of the characteristics desired by the farmers, adding, “Whatever complementary characteristics that would be found in a particular variety, high potential cannot be sacrificed”.
Dr Naab said most of the constraints facing farmers in the production of millet in the region would be addressed through the recommendation of varieties with the desirable characteristics while others such as declining soil fertility and rainfall pattern would be tackled through extension of fertility improvement and time of planting respectively.
He said a baseline survey of millet production in the region showed that all the local millet varieties took between five to six months to mature, and as a result, farmers had stressed the need for earlier maturing varieties with high yields.
Millet is an important food crop in households in northern Ghana, with more than 90 per cent of the annual cultivated area in the three northern regions getting planted with the crop.
The Upper West Region runs second in the production of millet after Northern Region and contributes about 12.5 per cent of national output.
The varieties are to motivate farmers to choose the high yielding ones which are more beneficial than the local millet.
The Head of the Wa Station of SARI, Dr Jesse Naab, disclosed this during a field day organised for selected 60 farmers to evaluate the varieties.
He said the best five varieties to be selected would be further evaluated next farming season and three eventually selected for multiplication and division.
“Preliminary observation showed that one variety flowered in 30 days, 10 between 60 and 65 days and seven between 65 and 77 days. The local variety that flowered early did so in 65 days while the late local variety flowered in approximately 90 days,” he stated.
Dr Naab said the use of participatory variety selection approaches could ensure that improved varieties got to farmers within two seasons.
He said the first two seasons would be used for the observation and selection of desirable genotypes.
“These genotypes could then be multiplied, possibly under irrigation during the off-season and made available for planting during the third season,” Dr Naab said.
He said it was not likely that a variety would be found with the full complement of the characteristics desired by the farmers, adding, “Whatever complementary characteristics that would be found in a particular variety, high potential cannot be sacrificed”.
Dr Naab said most of the constraints facing farmers in the production of millet in the region would be addressed through the recommendation of varieties with the desirable characteristics while others such as declining soil fertility and rainfall pattern would be tackled through extension of fertility improvement and time of planting respectively.
He said a baseline survey of millet production in the region showed that all the local millet varieties took between five to six months to mature, and as a result, farmers had stressed the need for earlier maturing varieties with high yields.
Millet is an important food crop in households in northern Ghana, with more than 90 per cent of the annual cultivated area in the three northern regions getting planted with the crop.
The Upper West Region runs second in the production of millet after Northern Region and contributes about 12.5 per cent of national output.
DEBATE FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS ... In Upper West Region (page 11, oct 28)
THE Centre for People’s Empowerment and Rights (CPRI), a local non-governmental organisation based in Wa, with the support of Basic Needs Ghana, has organised a debate for selected senior high schools (SHSs) in the Upper West Region to mark this year’s mental health day.
The schools, T.I. Ahmaddiyya, Wa SHS and Islamic SHS, entertained the audience in their attempt to win the competition. The fourth school, Saint Francis Xavier Minor Seminary, failed to turn up.
The topics were “mentally ill and epileptic persons are a nuisance and should be left to their own fate” and “resources for the treatment of mentally ill and epileptic persons should be devoted to other productive ventures”.
Due to the absence of Saint Francis Xavier, the organisers awarded prizes ranging from textbooks in mathematics, social studies, English language and Integrated Science to all the three participating schools.
The best three debators, namely Shaibu Samed, Nasiatu Adams from T.I. Ahmaddiyya and Zakaria Fatahia of Islamic SHS, were also given individual awards.
In a brief address after the competition, the executive director of CPRI, Mr Anacletus Begyetenye, touched on some major causes of mental disorders and epilepsy, and therefore advised Ghanaians not to neglect relations who suffered from these diseases since they could be very productive in society when they were managed.
“We are all potential victims of mental illness so lets us all support our unfortunate ones who have the disease”, he added
The schools, T.I. Ahmaddiyya, Wa SHS and Islamic SHS, entertained the audience in their attempt to win the competition. The fourth school, Saint Francis Xavier Minor Seminary, failed to turn up.
The topics were “mentally ill and epileptic persons are a nuisance and should be left to their own fate” and “resources for the treatment of mentally ill and epileptic persons should be devoted to other productive ventures”.
Due to the absence of Saint Francis Xavier, the organisers awarded prizes ranging from textbooks in mathematics, social studies, English language and Integrated Science to all the three participating schools.
The best three debators, namely Shaibu Samed, Nasiatu Adams from T.I. Ahmaddiyya and Zakaria Fatahia of Islamic SHS, were also given individual awards.
In a brief address after the competition, the executive director of CPRI, Mr Anacletus Begyetenye, touched on some major causes of mental disorders and epilepsy, and therefore advised Ghanaians not to neglect relations who suffered from these diseases since they could be very productive in society when they were managed.
“We are all potential victims of mental illness so lets us all support our unfortunate ones who have the disease”, he added
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
EMULATE EXAMPLE OF FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS (PAGE 16, OCT 27)
The District Chief Executive for Nadowli in the Upper West Region, Mr Abu Kasangbata, has called on Ghanaian youth to emulate the examples of overseas volunteers who accept postings to rural and deprived communities in the country.
He observed that most of these foreign volunteers had left the luxuries of life in their various countries and accepted to work in deprived areas in the country, where majority of Ghanaians refused to live and work.
“It is on this premise that I advise national service persons not to refuse postings to deprived communities since such conduct would not help accelerate national development,” he added.
The Nadowli DCE was speaking at a send-off durbar for an American Peace Corps volunteer, Miss Erin Milner, at Fian in the Nadowli District.
Miss Milner, who is known as Tampianaa in the locality, is leaving after a two-year stay in the community.
Through her efforts the community now has a vibrant co-operative credit union and a shea-butter processing machine.
Mr Kasangbata described the volunteer as a committed young lady who defied all odds to stay in Fian where there was no electricity and other amenities.
He said the work of Miss Milner would not be in vain as she would forever be remembered for her dedication and commitment which made her the toast of the people of Fian.
“On behalf of the people of the district I wish you a safe journey back home and want to assure you that we would continue to have fond memories of your stay in Fian,” he stated
He used the opportunity to inform the people that work to connect the town to the national grid would commence in December this year.
Mr Kasangbata said the Nadowli District Assembly would work hard to provide the needed support to all communities in the district.
He said he was not happy about the activities of the Fulani herdsmen in the district and indicated that a census would be conducted to know the number of the herdsmen operating in the area.
The chief of Fian, Naa Bambie Baping, called on the government to post trained teachers to the area in order raise the standard of education.
He thanked Miss Milner for her support and expressed the hope that other volunteers who would be posted to the area would also work with the same commitment.
For her part, Miss Milner, commended the community for their assistance and co-operation during her two year’s stay in the community.
He observed that most of these foreign volunteers had left the luxuries of life in their various countries and accepted to work in deprived areas in the country, where majority of Ghanaians refused to live and work.
“It is on this premise that I advise national service persons not to refuse postings to deprived communities since such conduct would not help accelerate national development,” he added.
The Nadowli DCE was speaking at a send-off durbar for an American Peace Corps volunteer, Miss Erin Milner, at Fian in the Nadowli District.
Miss Milner, who is known as Tampianaa in the locality, is leaving after a two-year stay in the community.
Through her efforts the community now has a vibrant co-operative credit union and a shea-butter processing machine.
Mr Kasangbata described the volunteer as a committed young lady who defied all odds to stay in Fian where there was no electricity and other amenities.
He said the work of Miss Milner would not be in vain as she would forever be remembered for her dedication and commitment which made her the toast of the people of Fian.
“On behalf of the people of the district I wish you a safe journey back home and want to assure you that we would continue to have fond memories of your stay in Fian,” he stated
He used the opportunity to inform the people that work to connect the town to the national grid would commence in December this year.
Mr Kasangbata said the Nadowli District Assembly would work hard to provide the needed support to all communities in the district.
He said he was not happy about the activities of the Fulani herdsmen in the district and indicated that a census would be conducted to know the number of the herdsmen operating in the area.
The chief of Fian, Naa Bambie Baping, called on the government to post trained teachers to the area in order raise the standard of education.
He thanked Miss Milner for her support and expressed the hope that other volunteers who would be posted to the area would also work with the same commitment.
For her part, Miss Milner, commended the community for their assistance and co-operation during her two year’s stay in the community.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
GOVERNING COUNCIL EVALUATES APRM PROGRAMME (PAGE 31, OCT 20)
THE National African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Governing Council has begun a nationwide exercise to monitor and evaluate the APRM programme.
In puruance of this, 20 districts, including Wa West and Jirapa in the Upper West Region, have been selected for the exercise.
The Executive Secretary of the Governing Council, Dr Francis Appiah, explained that the districts were selected as a result of the dynamism and commitment to the peer review mechanism.
He said the introduction of the APRM into the decentralisation process was very unique as it was owned by the people.
He was speaking at a validation workshop for Wa West Oversight Committee of the APRM at Wechiau, the district capital.
He said the APRM had come to the conclusion that for any country to develop, four thematic areas, including good governance, good economic policies, conducive environment for business and good standard of living such as electricity, education, health, among others, must be pursued.
He said come December this year, a national validation workshop would be held in Accra to put all the report collated from the 20 selected district together and presented to the President in January.
Dr Appiah was happy that the report of the oversight committee was non-partisan,and thus commended the committee for a good job done.
The District Chief Executive (DCE),Mr Seidu Tungbani, noted that the establishment of the District Oversight Committee would have significant impact on the decentralisation process.
He said the district was a peaceful one, without any traits of insecurity.
Presenting the report, the acting Secretary of the committee, Mr Crispin Yango, said during the collectin of data, it was revealed that the police, district assembly revenue collectors, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Education Service were the most corrupt institutions, while the least corrupt ones were Information Services Department, Department of Social Welfare, Birth and Death Registry, among others.
He said respondents to a questionnaire on the ability to vote in national elections still believed that threats and intimidation by some politicians contributed significantly to low turnouts during elections.
The respondents, he said, suggested that the village development committees should replace the unit committees, because many of the unit committees were not fully composed as people were no longer putting themselves up for elections because of the voluntary nature of the work.
In puruance of this, 20 districts, including Wa West and Jirapa in the Upper West Region, have been selected for the exercise.
The Executive Secretary of the Governing Council, Dr Francis Appiah, explained that the districts were selected as a result of the dynamism and commitment to the peer review mechanism.
He said the introduction of the APRM into the decentralisation process was very unique as it was owned by the people.
He was speaking at a validation workshop for Wa West Oversight Committee of the APRM at Wechiau, the district capital.
He said the APRM had come to the conclusion that for any country to develop, four thematic areas, including good governance, good economic policies, conducive environment for business and good standard of living such as electricity, education, health, among others, must be pursued.
He said come December this year, a national validation workshop would be held in Accra to put all the report collated from the 20 selected district together and presented to the President in January.
Dr Appiah was happy that the report of the oversight committee was non-partisan,and thus commended the committee for a good job done.
The District Chief Executive (DCE),Mr Seidu Tungbani, noted that the establishment of the District Oversight Committee would have significant impact on the decentralisation process.
He said the district was a peaceful one, without any traits of insecurity.
Presenting the report, the acting Secretary of the committee, Mr Crispin Yango, said during the collectin of data, it was revealed that the police, district assembly revenue collectors, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Education Service were the most corrupt institutions, while the least corrupt ones were Information Services Department, Department of Social Welfare, Birth and Death Registry, among others.
He said respondents to a questionnaire on the ability to vote in national elections still believed that threats and intimidation by some politicians contributed significantly to low turnouts during elections.
The respondents, he said, suggested that the village development committees should replace the unit committees, because many of the unit committees were not fully composed as people were no longer putting themselves up for elections because of the voluntary nature of the work.
Monday, October 19, 2009
RESIST SEXUAL HARASSMENT FROM BOSSES — FATI SEIDU (PAGE 11, OCT 17)
The Second National Trustee of the Public Service Workers Union (PSWU), Miss Fati Seidu Tambro, has condemned male bosses who sexually harass their female subordinates, urging victims not to hesitate to report such officers to higher authorities.
Speaking at this year’s Upper West Regional conference of the women’s wing of the PSWU in Wa, Ms Tambro asked the participants to resist any advances and temptations by their bosses in exchange for promotions and monetary rewards.
She said women trade unionists should show confidence in all their endeavours, adding that confidence was the hallmark of successes in life and therefore “as unionists you must make it part of your daily activities”.
She noted that sexual harassment had severe consequences on the progress of organisations, and that it was time for women and trade unionists to open a new chapter in their struggle by doing away with negative tendencies that undermined their efforts to move to the top.
According to the online Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, often, sexual harassment incidents fell into the category of the "merely annoying."
However, many situations can, and do, have life-altering effects particularly when they involve severe/chronic abuses, and/or retaliation against a victim who does not submit to the harassment, or who complains about it openly
It includes a range of behaviour from seemingly mild transgressions and annoyances to actual sexual abuse or sexual assault. For many businesses, preventing sexual harassment, and defending employees from sexual harassment charges, have become key goals of legal decision-making.
Miss Tambro was happy that organised labour, with the government and other stakeholders had drawn up a road map for the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) and the three tier pension scheme to commence in January next year.
She expressed the hope that the implementation of these two major schemes would improve the conditions of workers.
She congratulated members of the union for their support and advised them to be part of the organisation’s decision-making process through regular contributions on issues affecting workers.
The regional women’s chairperson, Madam Elizabeth Addole, commended the PSWU for establishing an early childhood centre for working mothers in the Wa municipality.
She said as part of the action plan of the women’s wing of the PSWU, training programmes were to be organised for members at least once a year to upgrade their skills to enable them to venture into any economic activity.
The Upper West Regional Industrial Relations Officer of the PSWU, Mr William Adi, advised the participants to remain steadfast and resolute in whatever they do.
Speaking at this year’s Upper West Regional conference of the women’s wing of the PSWU in Wa, Ms Tambro asked the participants to resist any advances and temptations by their bosses in exchange for promotions and monetary rewards.
She said women trade unionists should show confidence in all their endeavours, adding that confidence was the hallmark of successes in life and therefore “as unionists you must make it part of your daily activities”.
She noted that sexual harassment had severe consequences on the progress of organisations, and that it was time for women and trade unionists to open a new chapter in their struggle by doing away with negative tendencies that undermined their efforts to move to the top.
According to the online Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, often, sexual harassment incidents fell into the category of the "merely annoying."
However, many situations can, and do, have life-altering effects particularly when they involve severe/chronic abuses, and/or retaliation against a victim who does not submit to the harassment, or who complains about it openly
It includes a range of behaviour from seemingly mild transgressions and annoyances to actual sexual abuse or sexual assault. For many businesses, preventing sexual harassment, and defending employees from sexual harassment charges, have become key goals of legal decision-making.
Miss Tambro was happy that organised labour, with the government and other stakeholders had drawn up a road map for the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) and the three tier pension scheme to commence in January next year.
She expressed the hope that the implementation of these two major schemes would improve the conditions of workers.
She congratulated members of the union for their support and advised them to be part of the organisation’s decision-making process through regular contributions on issues affecting workers.
The regional women’s chairperson, Madam Elizabeth Addole, commended the PSWU for establishing an early childhood centre for working mothers in the Wa municipality.
She said as part of the action plan of the women’s wing of the PSWU, training programmes were to be organised for members at least once a year to upgrade their skills to enable them to venture into any economic activity.
The Upper West Regional Industrial Relations Officer of the PSWU, Mr William Adi, advised the participants to remain steadfast and resolute in whatever they do.
NGO ORGANISES WORKSHOPS FOR CHIEFS (PAGE 22, OCT 17)
IN an effort to bring lasting peace to the three northern regions, the Sustainable Peace Initiative (SPI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), is organising a series of capacity building workshops for the various Regional Houses of Chiefs and the registrars of the various traditional councils.
The support includes legal support to the houses to hear and dispose of chieftaincy disputes.
An official of SPI, Mr J.S. Babinah, made this known at a workshop for members of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs in Wa.
Topics treated at the workshops included prerogative writs, Chieftaincy Act 2008 and expectations from chairmen and members of judicial committees.
According to Mr Babinah, the workshops were designed to enlighten chiefs and staff on the Chieftaincy Act and Act 759, as well as other laws governing the chieftaincy institution.
He said the 1992 Constitution provided an all inclusive and highly participatory system of governance and also guaranteed the protection of institutions and individual rights, adding, “This confirms and reflects the cherished desires of all Ghanaians.”
Mr Babinah said the protection of institutions under the 1992 Constitution extended to the chieftaincy institution too so “let us be informed and hold steadfastly to the tenets of the rules governing our cherished institution”.
He stated that the import of the workshop was therefore to give the chiefs the orientation to appreciate chieftaincy laws and operations of judicial committees.
Mr Babinah urged the participants to use the opportunity to orient themselves of the laws governing the chieftaincy institution in order not to fall foul of the law.
A registrar at the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, Naa Damale, said the chieftaincy institution was still relevant and that the calibre of chiefs in the country attested to that.
“Is the institution dying? Certainly not,” he added.
Naa Damale urged the participants to use the opportunity to orient themselves of the laws governing the chieftaincy institution.
A legal practitioner, Mr Elias Bruttoh, enjoined the participants to be conversant with the rules of their duties.
The support includes legal support to the houses to hear and dispose of chieftaincy disputes.
An official of SPI, Mr J.S. Babinah, made this known at a workshop for members of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs in Wa.
Topics treated at the workshops included prerogative writs, Chieftaincy Act 2008 and expectations from chairmen and members of judicial committees.
According to Mr Babinah, the workshops were designed to enlighten chiefs and staff on the Chieftaincy Act and Act 759, as well as other laws governing the chieftaincy institution.
He said the 1992 Constitution provided an all inclusive and highly participatory system of governance and also guaranteed the protection of institutions and individual rights, adding, “This confirms and reflects the cherished desires of all Ghanaians.”
Mr Babinah said the protection of institutions under the 1992 Constitution extended to the chieftaincy institution too so “let us be informed and hold steadfastly to the tenets of the rules governing our cherished institution”.
He stated that the import of the workshop was therefore to give the chiefs the orientation to appreciate chieftaincy laws and operations of judicial committees.
Mr Babinah urged the participants to use the opportunity to orient themselves of the laws governing the chieftaincy institution in order not to fall foul of the law.
A registrar at the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, Naa Damale, said the chieftaincy institution was still relevant and that the calibre of chiefs in the country attested to that.
“Is the institution dying? Certainly not,” he added.
Naa Damale urged the participants to use the opportunity to orient themselves of the laws governing the chieftaincy institution.
A legal practitioner, Mr Elias Bruttoh, enjoined the participants to be conversant with the rules of their duties.
Friday, October 16, 2009
LAWRA CELEBRATES KOBINE FESTIVAL (PAGE 26, OCT 16)
THE chiefs and people of Lawra Traditional Area in the Upper West Region at the weekend celebrated their annual Kobine festival amid pomp and pageantry.
The festival, which was on the theme: “Kobine, a tool for socio-economic empowerment”, attracted people from all walks life.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture, Mr Alex Asum–Ahensah, underscored the important role chiefs played in the development of the nation.
He, however, expressed regret about the crippling conflicts and disputes in some communities which were retarding the progress of those communities.
“These days, the greatness of chiefs and traditional leaders are not measured by the number of tribal wars fought and won but by developments projects they support and complete,” he added
Mr Asum-Ahensah said the frustrating deeds of chieftaincy contractors would be brought to an end in the future if the Chieftaincy Act of 2008 “Act 759) was strictly adhered to.
Mr Asum-Ahensah stated that Ghana was among the countries in West Africa with many ethnic groups yet the people had co-existed peacefully and contributed significantly towards the development of the various communities in the country.
He said the credit must go to the traditional rulers for their able leadership and for serving as a focal point for communal spirit and development since time immemorial.
The minister stressed the need for people to educate their children to meet the demands of the varied expertise required by industries, especially now that the country had struck oil.
He commended the Lawra Traditional Council for putting strategies in place to take advantage of the Savannah Accelerated Development Programme for the benefit of all.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, commended the chiefs and people of the area for ensuring peace at all times in their various communities.
He gave the assurance that the government would continue to provide the necessary support for Ghanaians towards the improvement of the living standards of the people.
The Member of Parliament for Lawra-Nandom, Mr Ambrose Dery, assured the people that he would continue to lobby for development projects for the area.
The Paramount Chief of the Lawra Traditional Area, Naa Puowele Karbo III, appealed to the government to help develop the town, especially the construction of the Kamba Dam.
The festival, which was on the theme: “Kobine, a tool for socio-economic empowerment”, attracted people from all walks life.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture, Mr Alex Asum–Ahensah, underscored the important role chiefs played in the development of the nation.
He, however, expressed regret about the crippling conflicts and disputes in some communities which were retarding the progress of those communities.
“These days, the greatness of chiefs and traditional leaders are not measured by the number of tribal wars fought and won but by developments projects they support and complete,” he added
Mr Asum-Ahensah said the frustrating deeds of chieftaincy contractors would be brought to an end in the future if the Chieftaincy Act of 2008 “Act 759) was strictly adhered to.
Mr Asum-Ahensah stated that Ghana was among the countries in West Africa with many ethnic groups yet the people had co-existed peacefully and contributed significantly towards the development of the various communities in the country.
He said the credit must go to the traditional rulers for their able leadership and for serving as a focal point for communal spirit and development since time immemorial.
The minister stressed the need for people to educate their children to meet the demands of the varied expertise required by industries, especially now that the country had struck oil.
He commended the Lawra Traditional Council for putting strategies in place to take advantage of the Savannah Accelerated Development Programme for the benefit of all.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, commended the chiefs and people of the area for ensuring peace at all times in their various communities.
He gave the assurance that the government would continue to provide the necessary support for Ghanaians towards the improvement of the living standards of the people.
The Member of Parliament for Lawra-Nandom, Mr Ambrose Dery, assured the people that he would continue to lobby for development projects for the area.
The Paramount Chief of the Lawra Traditional Area, Naa Puowele Karbo III, appealed to the government to help develop the town, especially the construction of the Kamba Dam.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
DERY SUPPORTS NEEDY STUDENTS (PAGE 15, OCT 15)
The Member of Parliament for Lawra –Nandom, Mr Ambrose Dery, has through his share of the Common Fund assisted a number of students in the constituency.
The beneficiary students, numbering 42 and who received between GH¢200 and GH¢365, came from some tertiary and second cycle institutions.
In addition to this, four identifiable groups, including the Songata Nyog Women Group, received a total of GH¢2,100.
Interacting with the Daily Graphic in Lawra, Mr Dery, who is also the Deputy Minority leader in Parliament, explained that a total of 450 applications were received from students and groups for financial support but due to limited resources only a few could be assisted.
He said a few individuals were also assisted to plough some land for cultivation of various crops while others were supported with seeds.
“I have also given support to the Ko Senior High School, the Lawra Daily Market and rehabilitated a borehole at Tuma and a public toilet in Nandom East,” he added.
He described as unfortunate the sacking of caterers of the School Feeding Programme in the district, and pointed out that “when government is talking about creating jobs for the youth, some people have been deliberately laid off from their jobs”.
Mr Dery said efforts were underway to help find jobs for some of these people who were affected.
The deputy minority leader assured his constituents that their needs would continue to be prioritised, and that they should support him in all his endeavours.
“The member of Parliament will continue to assist the electorate in spite of the limited resources and funds available and hope that together we will build our constituency,” he said.
The beneficiary students, numbering 42 and who received between GH¢200 and GH¢365, came from some tertiary and second cycle institutions.
In addition to this, four identifiable groups, including the Songata Nyog Women Group, received a total of GH¢2,100.
Interacting with the Daily Graphic in Lawra, Mr Dery, who is also the Deputy Minority leader in Parliament, explained that a total of 450 applications were received from students and groups for financial support but due to limited resources only a few could be assisted.
He said a few individuals were also assisted to plough some land for cultivation of various crops while others were supported with seeds.
“I have also given support to the Ko Senior High School, the Lawra Daily Market and rehabilitated a borehole at Tuma and a public toilet in Nandom East,” he added.
He described as unfortunate the sacking of caterers of the School Feeding Programme in the district, and pointed out that “when government is talking about creating jobs for the youth, some people have been deliberately laid off from their jobs”.
Mr Dery said efforts were underway to help find jobs for some of these people who were affected.
The deputy minority leader assured his constituents that their needs would continue to be prioritised, and that they should support him in all his endeavours.
“The member of Parliament will continue to assist the electorate in spite of the limited resources and funds available and hope that together we will build our constituency,” he said.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
REVIEW EMBARGO ON EMPLOYMENT (SEPT 21, PAGE 45)
THE Rector of the Wa Polytechnic in the Upper West Region, Professor Sampson Agodzo, has appealed to the Government to review the embargo on employment.
That, he said, would make it possible for infant institutions like the Wa Polytechnic to consolidate their existing programmes and expand into new areas.
According to him, in 2008 and this year, an embargo was placed on the hiring of new staff by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning with a view to managing the country’s public sector wages.
“Apart from putting severe strains on the running of most programmes because of teaching staff, it has become practically impossible to start new programmes because of this embargo,” he said.
Professor Agodzo was speaking at the first congregation of the Wa Polytechnic in Wa on Saturday.
In all, 150 students passed out and were awarded Higher National Diplomas (HND). Mr Clement Angbataayele was the only first-class student.
The polytechnic, which was established 10 years ago, currently runs eight programmes. They are Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Information, Communication Technology (ICT)
The rest are Building Technology, Estate Management, Accountancy, Secretaryship and Management Studies.
“We are in the process of mounting two new programmes in Dispensing Technology and Industrial Art and hope that these new programmes will commence in the 2010/2011 academic year,” the Wa Polytechnic rector said.
Professor Agodzo noted that polytechnics in the country were not producing inferior versions of university graduates but rather providing alternative opportunities for people who wanted to develop a career at the highest academic and professional level.
He said that, therefore, meant that the teaching staff must also be trained differently to produce the right human capital for industrial development.
Professor Agodzo was happy that Wa Poly had some of the best structures in the country, but expressed regret that they were difficult to be equipped and furnished.
He said the polytechnic lacked laboratory and workshop equipment for some of the science and technology programmes and, therefore, appealed to the Government for support.
He paid glowing tribute to all those who had assisted in the development of the polytechnic, particularly Mr Abraham Aidoo, who laid the foundation for the polytechnic project.
He advised the graduates to be job creators instead of job seekers.
The Chairman of the Wa Polytechnic Council, Professor Jacob Songsore, appealed to the President to intervene to ensure the payment of compensation to the landowners who gave out their land for the establishment of the polytechnic.
He said despite the various challenges, the polytechnic was striving hard to become a centre of excellence.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, gave the assurance that the Government would continue to support polytechnic education in the country and commended the polytechnic for its academic excellence and the good job done in the Upper West Region.
Mr Clement Angbataayele, the only graduand with first-class honours, being congratulated by the dignitaries on the dais. With them include a member of the Council of State, Naa Seidu Braima (in smock), and the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid ( 2nd left).
That, he said, would make it possible for infant institutions like the Wa Polytechnic to consolidate their existing programmes and expand into new areas.
According to him, in 2008 and this year, an embargo was placed on the hiring of new staff by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning with a view to managing the country’s public sector wages.
“Apart from putting severe strains on the running of most programmes because of teaching staff, it has become practically impossible to start new programmes because of this embargo,” he said.
Professor Agodzo was speaking at the first congregation of the Wa Polytechnic in Wa on Saturday.
In all, 150 students passed out and were awarded Higher National Diplomas (HND). Mr Clement Angbataayele was the only first-class student.
The polytechnic, which was established 10 years ago, currently runs eight programmes. They are Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Information, Communication Technology (ICT)
The rest are Building Technology, Estate Management, Accountancy, Secretaryship and Management Studies.
“We are in the process of mounting two new programmes in Dispensing Technology and Industrial Art and hope that these new programmes will commence in the 2010/2011 academic year,” the Wa Polytechnic rector said.
Professor Agodzo noted that polytechnics in the country were not producing inferior versions of university graduates but rather providing alternative opportunities for people who wanted to develop a career at the highest academic and professional level.
He said that, therefore, meant that the teaching staff must also be trained differently to produce the right human capital for industrial development.
Professor Agodzo was happy that Wa Poly had some of the best structures in the country, but expressed regret that they were difficult to be equipped and furnished.
He said the polytechnic lacked laboratory and workshop equipment for some of the science and technology programmes and, therefore, appealed to the Government for support.
He paid glowing tribute to all those who had assisted in the development of the polytechnic, particularly Mr Abraham Aidoo, who laid the foundation for the polytechnic project.
He advised the graduates to be job creators instead of job seekers.
The Chairman of the Wa Polytechnic Council, Professor Jacob Songsore, appealed to the President to intervene to ensure the payment of compensation to the landowners who gave out their land for the establishment of the polytechnic.
He said despite the various challenges, the polytechnic was striving hard to become a centre of excellence.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, gave the assurance that the Government would continue to support polytechnic education in the country and commended the polytechnic for its academic excellence and the good job done in the Upper West Region.
Mr Clement Angbataayele, the only graduand with first-class honours, being congratulated by the dignitaries on the dais. With them include a member of the Council of State, Naa Seidu Braima (in smock), and the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid ( 2nd left).
Monday, October 12, 2009
STAKEHOLDERS IN EDUCATION ATTEND WORKSHOP (PAGE 21, OCT 9)
THE Wa West District Director of Education, Mr Salifu Iddrisu, has urged the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) and the National Service Secretariat to stop the practice of recruiting and posting volunteer teachers to the district without consulting the stakeholders in education.
The call, he said, was to prevent duplication and over staffing in some schools in the district.
Mr Iddrisu made the call at a two-day workshop on results-oriented education planning organised for stakeholders in the education sector at Wechiau, the Wa West district capital.
An international non-governmental organisation (NGO), SNV, sponsored the the workshop, in collaboration with Plan Ghana.
Presenting an overview of education in the district, Mr Iddrisu stressed the need for the district assembly and other stakeholders to collaborate to bring about a holistic development for the district.
He decried the practice of posting volunteer teachers from the NYEP without recourse to his office.
“Some of these volunteer teachers flout school rules with impunity; they lack basic skills in teaching and refuse to take orders, because I am not their employer”, he added
Mr Iddrisu recounted some of the problems facing education in the district as inadequate trained teachers, high dropout rate and logistics for monitoring and supervision.
For his part, the Programme Manager of SNV for Wa Portfolio, Mr Chris Bakawere, said his outfit would collaborate with development partners in the area to improve the lot of the people.
The call, he said, was to prevent duplication and over staffing in some schools in the district.
Mr Iddrisu made the call at a two-day workshop on results-oriented education planning organised for stakeholders in the education sector at Wechiau, the Wa West district capital.
An international non-governmental organisation (NGO), SNV, sponsored the the workshop, in collaboration with Plan Ghana.
Presenting an overview of education in the district, Mr Iddrisu stressed the need for the district assembly and other stakeholders to collaborate to bring about a holistic development for the district.
He decried the practice of posting volunteer teachers from the NYEP without recourse to his office.
“Some of these volunteer teachers flout school rules with impunity; they lack basic skills in teaching and refuse to take orders, because I am not their employer”, he added
Mr Iddrisu recounted some of the problems facing education in the district as inadequate trained teachers, high dropout rate and logistics for monitoring and supervision.
For his part, the Programme Manager of SNV for Wa Portfolio, Mr Chris Bakawere, said his outfit would collaborate with development partners in the area to improve the lot of the people.
LINK SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAME WITH AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION (OCT 9, PAGE 20)
THE General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has called on the government to link the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) with agricultural production.
It said by so doing, “agriculture can be used to promote the GSFP, as it would stimulate agricultural growth and industrial development in the country”.
The General Secretary of GAWU, Mr Kingsley Ofei Nkansah, made the call in Wa, in the Upper West Region, at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebration of the union.
He stated that agriculture was the future of the country and must, therefore, be supported with the necessary equipment to enhance its production, adding “we will be deceiving ourselves if we think of export growth without industrialisation”.
Mr Nkansah urged the government to continue to support production of local rice to protect the industry from undue competition from multinational companies which imported cheap rice into the country.
He observed that although attempts were being made to promote rice, it was not enough as it was being done to the detriment of locally produced rice.
“We want our research into building on local rice promotion and production, but not those that support foreign ones”, Mr Nkansah said.
He stated that since May, this year, the union had supported 50 agricultural communities in the promotion of post-harvest management through the support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
He gave assurance that the union would continue to promote the interest of its members, since it was the largest union within the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) and had the largest constituency.
Mr Nkansah said although the union was non-partisan, it would not allow the rights of Ghanaians to be trampled upon as it would not hesitate to call governments to order.
“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should know that GAWU is older than them and represents a constituency with a number of organised people”, he added.
A research scientist at the Savannah Research Institute in Wa, Dr J.B. Naab, stressed the need for farmers to adopt scientific methods in their farming activities.
He noted with regret that in this era of world technological advancement, farmers continued to use archaic methods in farming.
The Regional Secretary of TUC, Mr Adams Sandu, commended GAWU for its achievements, particularly for producing a number of personalities to the hierarchy of the TUC.
It said by so doing, “agriculture can be used to promote the GSFP, as it would stimulate agricultural growth and industrial development in the country”.
The General Secretary of GAWU, Mr Kingsley Ofei Nkansah, made the call in Wa, in the Upper West Region, at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebration of the union.
He stated that agriculture was the future of the country and must, therefore, be supported with the necessary equipment to enhance its production, adding “we will be deceiving ourselves if we think of export growth without industrialisation”.
Mr Nkansah urged the government to continue to support production of local rice to protect the industry from undue competition from multinational companies which imported cheap rice into the country.
He observed that although attempts were being made to promote rice, it was not enough as it was being done to the detriment of locally produced rice.
“We want our research into building on local rice promotion and production, but not those that support foreign ones”, Mr Nkansah said.
He stated that since May, this year, the union had supported 50 agricultural communities in the promotion of post-harvest management through the support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
He gave assurance that the union would continue to promote the interest of its members, since it was the largest union within the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) and had the largest constituency.
Mr Nkansah said although the union was non-partisan, it would not allow the rights of Ghanaians to be trampled upon as it would not hesitate to call governments to order.
“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should know that GAWU is older than them and represents a constituency with a number of organised people”, he added.
A research scientist at the Savannah Research Institute in Wa, Dr J.B. Naab, stressed the need for farmers to adopt scientific methods in their farming activities.
He noted with regret that in this era of world technological advancement, farmers continued to use archaic methods in farming.
The Regional Secretary of TUC, Mr Adams Sandu, commended GAWU for its achievements, particularly for producing a number of personalities to the hierarchy of the TUC.
399 CANDIDATES IN SISSALA WEST FAIL IN BECE (PAGE 20, OCT 9)
THREE hundred and ninety-two, out of a total of 676 candidates from the Sissala West District who wrote this year’s Basic Examination Certificate Examination (BECE), failed.
The failures comprised 224 females and 175 males.
The Sissala West District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Robert Wavei, who disclosed this to the Daily
Graphic, expressed concern about the trend, and said even though the results were generally bad, the picture looked very gloomy for the district.
“Coupled with the abysmal performance in the BECE, representing 41.52 per cent failures, as many as 119 schoolgirls also became pregnant between January and August, this year,” the DCE added.
Addressing the second ordinary meeting of the Sissala West District at Gwolu, Mr Wavei took a special view at the BECE results and called on all stakeholders, including parents, to come on board to improve the situation.
He said if the trend continued, then the district had no future.
The DCE, therefore, outlined a number of measures the assembly was initiating to motivate stakeholders of education in the district.
They included institution of a best teacher award, an award for the school with the best BECE results as well as an award for best students in the respective subjects, among others.
On the number of teenage pregnancies, Mr Wavei linked the situation to the number of dropouts from the BECE and challenged health personnel in the area to step up their campaign on family planning.
He said the number of malnourished children, which stood at 52, from January to August, this year, was also not the best for the growth of children in the area.
As part of measures to improve the anomalies in the health sector which have been dubbed “Operation save a life”, Mr Wavei directed all heads of departments to respond to calls by health workers to release their vehicles to transport patients from one health facility to the other.
He said the district assembly would reserve fuel for that purpose and, therefore, any departmental head who flouted the directive would be sanctioned.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, who graced the occasion, appealed to parents to be conscious of the eating habits of their wards as a first step towards reducing malnutrition.
He also urged the assembly to put to good use the district development fund of GH¢361,575.51 Ghana allotted to it, stressing, “You must also institute stringent measures to block the loopholes through which the assembly’s revenue leaked”.
The failures comprised 224 females and 175 males.
The Sissala West District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Robert Wavei, who disclosed this to the Daily
Graphic, expressed concern about the trend, and said even though the results were generally bad, the picture looked very gloomy for the district.
“Coupled with the abysmal performance in the BECE, representing 41.52 per cent failures, as many as 119 schoolgirls also became pregnant between January and August, this year,” the DCE added.
Addressing the second ordinary meeting of the Sissala West District at Gwolu, Mr Wavei took a special view at the BECE results and called on all stakeholders, including parents, to come on board to improve the situation.
He said if the trend continued, then the district had no future.
The DCE, therefore, outlined a number of measures the assembly was initiating to motivate stakeholders of education in the district.
They included institution of a best teacher award, an award for the school with the best BECE results as well as an award for best students in the respective subjects, among others.
On the number of teenage pregnancies, Mr Wavei linked the situation to the number of dropouts from the BECE and challenged health personnel in the area to step up their campaign on family planning.
He said the number of malnourished children, which stood at 52, from January to August, this year, was also not the best for the growth of children in the area.
As part of measures to improve the anomalies in the health sector which have been dubbed “Operation save a life”, Mr Wavei directed all heads of departments to respond to calls by health workers to release their vehicles to transport patients from one health facility to the other.
He said the district assembly would reserve fuel for that purpose and, therefore, any departmental head who flouted the directive would be sanctioned.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, who graced the occasion, appealed to parents to be conscious of the eating habits of their wards as a first step towards reducing malnutrition.
He also urged the assembly to put to good use the district development fund of GH¢361,575.51 Ghana allotted to it, stressing, “You must also institute stringent measures to block the loopholes through which the assembly’s revenue leaked”.
FATE OF 657 GRADUATE TEACHERS IN THE BALANCE (PAGE 20, OCT 9)
FIVE hundred and sixty-seven professional graduate teachers who completed their studies last academic year and have fully submitted their posting forms to the Ghana Education Service (GES) have still not been posted to any educational institution.
The reason is that their names were deleted from the pay roll when their salaries ceased, because they went to school without study leave and can, therefore, not be posted to any school.
The National Vice-President of the of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Miss Portia Anafo, disclosed this at the third Upper West Regional conference of the association in Wa.
The conference was on the theme: ”Professional and socio-economic challenges of the teacher in the face of globalisation. “the way forward”.
Miss Anafo, therefore, called on the GES and the government to, as a matter of urgency, review the policy and tap the full capacity of those teachers for the sake of the country.
She added that there were shortages in the areas of the Sciences and English Language, which must be addressed.
“If we are very serious with education matters in this country, the quota system that regulates study leave for teachers will not include these specialised subjects areas”, Miss Anafo stressed.
She was of the view that the present quota system, as it operated, continued to render efforts for quality education useless, and as such “GNAT is calling on the government and for that matter the GES to find ingenious ways of attracting teachers to study in these areas”.
The GNAT vice-president noted with regret that the responsibility allowance paid to deserving teachers continued to be very low, and expressed hope that a second look would be taken at the issue.
On the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), Miss Anafo viewed it as the most transparent effort to remove members of the association from perpetual discrimination that had characterised many pay regimes in the country.
“We, therefore, call on the government to keep to its part of the bargain and follow the road map for the SSSS implementation in January 2010 to forestall any future labour unrest in the country,” she said
Miss Anafo admonished members of GNAT not to allow political persuasion to divide them .
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, for his part, described the role of teachers as challenging, which required continuous skills to upgrade themselves to meet the requisite manpower demanded of the fast changing, technologically inclined and knowledge–based economy.
He stated that the government would from next year grant a special rural allowance of an additional 20 per cent of salaries to teachers who accepted postings to deprived areas.
The Dean of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies of the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies, Professor Abraham Berinyuu, said the university would from next academic year, come out with programmes in education, and urged teachers to avail themselves of the opportunity.
The reason is that their names were deleted from the pay roll when their salaries ceased, because they went to school without study leave and can, therefore, not be posted to any school.
The National Vice-President of the of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Miss Portia Anafo, disclosed this at the third Upper West Regional conference of the association in Wa.
The conference was on the theme: ”Professional and socio-economic challenges of the teacher in the face of globalisation. “the way forward”.
Miss Anafo, therefore, called on the GES and the government to, as a matter of urgency, review the policy and tap the full capacity of those teachers for the sake of the country.
She added that there were shortages in the areas of the Sciences and English Language, which must be addressed.
“If we are very serious with education matters in this country, the quota system that regulates study leave for teachers will not include these specialised subjects areas”, Miss Anafo stressed.
She was of the view that the present quota system, as it operated, continued to render efforts for quality education useless, and as such “GNAT is calling on the government and for that matter the GES to find ingenious ways of attracting teachers to study in these areas”.
The GNAT vice-president noted with regret that the responsibility allowance paid to deserving teachers continued to be very low, and expressed hope that a second look would be taken at the issue.
On the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), Miss Anafo viewed it as the most transparent effort to remove members of the association from perpetual discrimination that had characterised many pay regimes in the country.
“We, therefore, call on the government to keep to its part of the bargain and follow the road map for the SSSS implementation in January 2010 to forestall any future labour unrest in the country,” she said
Miss Anafo admonished members of GNAT not to allow political persuasion to divide them .
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, for his part, described the role of teachers as challenging, which required continuous skills to upgrade themselves to meet the requisite manpower demanded of the fast changing, technologically inclined and knowledge–based economy.
He stated that the government would from next year grant a special rural allowance of an additional 20 per cent of salaries to teachers who accepted postings to deprived areas.
The Dean of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies of the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies, Professor Abraham Berinyuu, said the university would from next academic year, come out with programmes in education, and urged teachers to avail themselves of the opportunity.
FUEL RETAILING SPRINGS UP IN WA (OCT 9, PAGE 20)
WAYSIDE fuel retailing is the new craze in the Wa municipality. People are seen in every nook and cranny of this town, especially at major junctions retailing fuel in small denominations with the lowest being GH¢1.
Most often, the fuel retailers are seen eagerly seated by big drums which are full of fuel with various container measurements and funnels lying by their sides.
The modus operandi of these dealers is that, they go to the petrol filling stations to buy large quantities of fuel into drums, after which they transport them to the various destinations to sell.
In some cases, the fuel is hoarded and during crisis such as the recent fuel shortage which hit parts of the country, then they go into full business by selling it at exorbitant price.
One gallon of petrol, which is sold at the filling stations for GH¢5, is sold at GH¢6 and motorists have no option than to purchase it to facilitate their movement.
Information gathered by the Daily Graphic revealed that the increase in the activities of the fuel retailers was as a result of the increase in the population of students of the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies and the Wa Polytechnic.
People are seen in all arterial roads leading to various lecture halls of the two institutions, especially the UDS, engaged in brisk business.
Currently, the number of motorbikes has increased by over 50 per cent. According to the petrol dealers, their targets are mainly the students, who find it difficult to buy one gallon fuel.
Areas where these fuel retailers are mostly found include Konta–Lawmas Junction, Konta–Bamahu, between Upland Hotel Junction and Wa Polytechnic, among others.
Unlike some parts of the country where the business was done by Malians and Nigerians, it was the opposite in Wa, where the indigenous are the main characters.
Musah Salim, a fuel retailer, described the business as good, but declined to comment further.
Although the activities of these dealers have brought some respite to motor cyclists, it is also very dangerous as the fuel could easily lead to disaster, especially when it gets contact with inflammable items.
One does not know how these people transact their businesses. For example, nobody could tell whether they have acquired permits to operate that business.
The Ghana National Fire Service must endeavour to monitor the activities of these petrol dealers, who most often, transport the unsold fuel to various parts of the municipality after the day’s work to avoid calamities. A stitch in time saves nine, says the old adage.
Most often, the fuel retailers are seen eagerly seated by big drums which are full of fuel with various container measurements and funnels lying by their sides.
The modus operandi of these dealers is that, they go to the petrol filling stations to buy large quantities of fuel into drums, after which they transport them to the various destinations to sell.
In some cases, the fuel is hoarded and during crisis such as the recent fuel shortage which hit parts of the country, then they go into full business by selling it at exorbitant price.
One gallon of petrol, which is sold at the filling stations for GH¢5, is sold at GH¢6 and motorists have no option than to purchase it to facilitate their movement.
Information gathered by the Daily Graphic revealed that the increase in the activities of the fuel retailers was as a result of the increase in the population of students of the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies and the Wa Polytechnic.
People are seen in all arterial roads leading to various lecture halls of the two institutions, especially the UDS, engaged in brisk business.
Currently, the number of motorbikes has increased by over 50 per cent. According to the petrol dealers, their targets are mainly the students, who find it difficult to buy one gallon fuel.
Areas where these fuel retailers are mostly found include Konta–Lawmas Junction, Konta–Bamahu, between Upland Hotel Junction and Wa Polytechnic, among others.
Unlike some parts of the country where the business was done by Malians and Nigerians, it was the opposite in Wa, where the indigenous are the main characters.
Musah Salim, a fuel retailer, described the business as good, but declined to comment further.
Although the activities of these dealers have brought some respite to motor cyclists, it is also very dangerous as the fuel could easily lead to disaster, especially when it gets contact with inflammable items.
One does not know how these people transact their businesses. For example, nobody could tell whether they have acquired permits to operate that business.
The Ghana National Fire Service must endeavour to monitor the activities of these petrol dealers, who most often, transport the unsold fuel to various parts of the municipality after the day’s work to avoid calamities. A stitch in time saves nine, says the old adage.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
FUNSI TO GET ELECTRICITY (MIRROR, SEPT 26, PAGE 19)
From George Folly, Funsi
Work to connect Funsi, capital of the Wa East District in the Upper West Region, to the national electricity grid has begun with the erection of electric poles from Funsi and Wahabu to Wellembelle.
Talking to The Mirror at Funsi, the District Chief Executive, Mr Ameen Salifu, expressed the hope that the project would be completed by the end of the year.
“ The only gift we can give to our people during Christmas is to ensure that electricity reaches their door-steps” he added
He said plans were far advanced to establish the first senior high school in the district, which is expected to begin next year.
According to him, the GETFund has given approval for the school’s structures, which include a dining hall, administration block, assembly hall, four teachers bungalows and a hostel.
“ In addition to this, the district assembly through it’s Common Fund will also put up another hostel to augment the one to be provided by the GETFund”, Mr Salifu said.
The DCE stressed the need for improvement in the educational facilities in the district in order to catch up with other places in the region.
He said being one of the newly created ones, the district would need the efforts of all to tackle the numerous challenges facing the assembly.
Mr Ameen, therefore, deplored the attitude of some assemblymen whose avowed aim was to derail the efforts being made to develop the area and called on the people to be steadfast and not allow themselves to be divided along partisan political lines.
Work to connect Funsi, capital of the Wa East District in the Upper West Region, to the national electricity grid has begun with the erection of electric poles from Funsi and Wahabu to Wellembelle.
Talking to The Mirror at Funsi, the District Chief Executive, Mr Ameen Salifu, expressed the hope that the project would be completed by the end of the year.
“ The only gift we can give to our people during Christmas is to ensure that electricity reaches their door-steps” he added
He said plans were far advanced to establish the first senior high school in the district, which is expected to begin next year.
According to him, the GETFund has given approval for the school’s structures, which include a dining hall, administration block, assembly hall, four teachers bungalows and a hostel.
“ In addition to this, the district assembly through it’s Common Fund will also put up another hostel to augment the one to be provided by the GETFund”, Mr Salifu said.
The DCE stressed the need for improvement in the educational facilities in the district in order to catch up with other places in the region.
He said being one of the newly created ones, the district would need the efforts of all to tackle the numerous challenges facing the assembly.
Mr Ameen, therefore, deplored the attitude of some assemblymen whose avowed aim was to derail the efforts being made to develop the area and called on the people to be steadfast and not allow themselves to be divided along partisan political lines.
1,000 FARMERS UNDERGO CAPACITY BUILDING EXERCISE (SEPT 25, PAGE 21)
MORE than 1,000 farmers from 15 communities in the Lawra District in the Upper West region have benefited from a capacity building exercise aimed at improving the livelihood and security of small holder farmers in the district.
Care International, a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Nandom Agricultural Project, organised the programme dubbed: “Conservation Agricultural Project (CAP)”.
Care International and Nandom Agricultural Project have since June, 2007 been mobilising farmers in the Lawra District. Their activities have basically centred on livestock projection and crop production improvements, as well as women development.
Farmers are mobilised based on participatory technology development approaches, which are expected to increase crop yield and production of targeted communities through improved soil conservation and natural resource management practices.
At Walateng, the farmers demonstrated how degraded land had been reclaimed for agricultural purposes through a technique called the "half moon and zia" method. This innovation, adopted from neighbouring Burkina Faso, has been used to reclaim an entirely degraded land for food production.
In an address, the Project Manager, Mr Stan Nasaal, appealed to the farmers to put into practice what they had learnt under the project in order to solve the problem of food shortage.
He stated that there was nothing such as degraded and barren land, if the right techniques were used.
At Ketuo, the farmers field school (FFS) was organised for more than 30 farmers.
The FFS is a school without walls for the farmers, where they are taught nutrient management and practice of land tillage.
The knowledge acquired from the demonstration farms under the school would be applied on the various farms.
Throwing more light on the CAP, the Project Manager Mr Yabepone Cyril, said they had been liaising with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) to solve the problem of low staffing in their agricultural extension services.
The District Chief Executive for Lawra, Mr Sampson Abu, thanked the organisers and donors of the project and pledged his administration’s commitment to working with the them to raise the living standards of farmers to an appreciable level.
Care International, a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Nandom Agricultural Project, organised the programme dubbed: “Conservation Agricultural Project (CAP)”.
Care International and Nandom Agricultural Project have since June, 2007 been mobilising farmers in the Lawra District. Their activities have basically centred on livestock projection and crop production improvements, as well as women development.
Farmers are mobilised based on participatory technology development approaches, which are expected to increase crop yield and production of targeted communities through improved soil conservation and natural resource management practices.
At Walateng, the farmers demonstrated how degraded land had been reclaimed for agricultural purposes through a technique called the "half moon and zia" method. This innovation, adopted from neighbouring Burkina Faso, has been used to reclaim an entirely degraded land for food production.
In an address, the Project Manager, Mr Stan Nasaal, appealed to the farmers to put into practice what they had learnt under the project in order to solve the problem of food shortage.
He stated that there was nothing such as degraded and barren land, if the right techniques were used.
At Ketuo, the farmers field school (FFS) was organised for more than 30 farmers.
The FFS is a school without walls for the farmers, where they are taught nutrient management and practice of land tillage.
The knowledge acquired from the demonstration farms under the school would be applied on the various farms.
Throwing more light on the CAP, the Project Manager Mr Yabepone Cyril, said they had been liaising with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) to solve the problem of low staffing in their agricultural extension services.
The District Chief Executive for Lawra, Mr Sampson Abu, thanked the organisers and donors of the project and pledged his administration’s commitment to working with the them to raise the living standards of farmers to an appreciable level.
REVIEW EMBARGO ON EMPLOYMENT (SEPT 21, PAGE 45)
THE Rector of the Wa Polytechnic in the Upper West Region, Professor Sampson Agodzo, has appealed to the Government to review the embargo on employment.
That, he said, would make it possible for infant institutions like the Wa Polytechnic to consolidate their existing programmes and expand into new areas.
According to him, in 2008 and this year, an embargo was placed on the hiring of new staff by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning with a view to managing the country’s public sector wages.
“Apart from putting severe strains on the running of most programmes because of teaching staff, it has become practically impossible to start new programmes because of this embargo,” he said.
Professor Agodzo was speaking at the first congregation of the Wa Polytechnic in Wa on Saturday.
In all, 150 students passed out and were awarded Higher National Diplomas (HND). Mr Clement Angbataayele was the only first-class student.
The polytechnic, which was established 10 years ago, currently runs eight programmes. They are Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Information, Communication Technology (ICT)
The rest are Building Technology, Estate Management, Accountancy, Secretaryship and Management Studies.
“We are in the process of mounting two new programmes in Dispensing Technology and Industrial Art and hope that these new programmes will commence in the 2010/2011 academic year,” the Wa Polytechnic rector said.
Professor Agodzo noted that polytechnics in the country were not producing inferior versions of university graduates but rather providing alternative opportunities for people who wanted to develop a career at the highest academic and professional level.
He said that, therefore, meant that the teaching staff must also be trained differently to produce the right human capital for industrial development.
Professor Agodzo was happy that Wa Poly had some of the best structures in the country, but expressed regret that they were difficult to be equipped and furnished.
He said the polytechnic lacked laboratory and workshop equipment for some of the science and technology programmes and, therefore, appealed to the Government for support.
He paid glowing tribute to all those who had assisted in the development of the polytechnic, particularly Mr Abraham Aidoo, who laid the foundation for the polytechnic project.
He advised the graduates to be job creators instead of job seekers.
The Chairman of the Wa Polytechnic Council, Professor Jacob Songsore, appealed to the President to intervene to ensure the payment of compensation to the landowners who gave out their land for the establishment of the polytechnic.
He said despite the various challenges, the polytechnic was striving hard to become a centre of excellence.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, gave the assurance that the Government would continue to support polytechnic education in the country and commended the polytechnic for its academic excellence and the good job done in the Upper West Region.
Mr Clement Angbataayele, the only graduand with first-class honours, being congratulated by the dignitaries on the dais. With them include a member of the Council of State, Naa Seidu Braima (in smock), and the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid ( 2nd left).
That, he said, would make it possible for infant institutions like the Wa Polytechnic to consolidate their existing programmes and expand into new areas.
According to him, in 2008 and this year, an embargo was placed on the hiring of new staff by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning with a view to managing the country’s public sector wages.
“Apart from putting severe strains on the running of most programmes because of teaching staff, it has become practically impossible to start new programmes because of this embargo,” he said.
Professor Agodzo was speaking at the first congregation of the Wa Polytechnic in Wa on Saturday.
In all, 150 students passed out and were awarded Higher National Diplomas (HND). Mr Clement Angbataayele was the only first-class student.
The polytechnic, which was established 10 years ago, currently runs eight programmes. They are Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Information, Communication Technology (ICT)
The rest are Building Technology, Estate Management, Accountancy, Secretaryship and Management Studies.
“We are in the process of mounting two new programmes in Dispensing Technology and Industrial Art and hope that these new programmes will commence in the 2010/2011 academic year,” the Wa Polytechnic rector said.
Professor Agodzo noted that polytechnics in the country were not producing inferior versions of university graduates but rather providing alternative opportunities for people who wanted to develop a career at the highest academic and professional level.
He said that, therefore, meant that the teaching staff must also be trained differently to produce the right human capital for industrial development.
Professor Agodzo was happy that Wa Poly had some of the best structures in the country, but expressed regret that they were difficult to be equipped and furnished.
He said the polytechnic lacked laboratory and workshop equipment for some of the science and technology programmes and, therefore, appealed to the Government for support.
He paid glowing tribute to all those who had assisted in the development of the polytechnic, particularly Mr Abraham Aidoo, who laid the foundation for the polytechnic project.
He advised the graduates to be job creators instead of job seekers.
The Chairman of the Wa Polytechnic Council, Professor Jacob Songsore, appealed to the President to intervene to ensure the payment of compensation to the landowners who gave out their land for the establishment of the polytechnic.
He said despite the various challenges, the polytechnic was striving hard to become a centre of excellence.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, gave the assurance that the Government would continue to support polytechnic education in the country and commended the polytechnic for its academic excellence and the good job done in the Upper West Region.
Mr Clement Angbataayele, the only graduand with first-class honours, being congratulated by the dignitaries on the dais. With them include a member of the Council of State, Naa Seidu Braima (in smock), and the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid ( 2nd left).
Sunday, September 13, 2009
FORENSIC AUDITING OF MMDAS TO START SOON (PAGE 14)
Forensic auditing of the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the country is expected to start within the next two weeks.
Currently the formation of the auditing teams are being finalised by the Auditor-General after which the teams would be despatched to the MMDAs to start work.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic, after addressing the Wa West District Assemly at Wechiau, the district capital, last Tuesday.
He said the debt profile of the MMDAs had been collated and submitted to the minister for the necessary action.
According to him, the payment of the End of Service Benefit (ESB) of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive in the previous government would be subjected to the audit report.
If you leave your office honourably then you have nothing to fear. However, those who misconduct themselves would be sanctioned,” he added.
Mr Chireh said the ministry had already received a letter from the ex MMDCEs requesting for their ESB, and pointed out that “beyond that the ministry would actually ask the assemblies to reconcile their debt with the ministry.
Touching on the absence of chief executives for some districts in the country, he said, plans were far advanced for the problem to be resolved. Some of the districts are Savelugu-Nanton in the Northern Region, Gomoa East (Central) Birim Central (Eastern), Biakoye (Volta) Nkawie-Nwiabagya, Adansi South, among others.
In the case of Biakoye, Mr Chireh, said there was a court case pending because of the siting of the district capital.
He explained that the previous government did not involve the Electoral Commission in the siting of the capital, culminating in the court action.
“This time round we want the EC to go to the ground to help resolve the issue once and for all,” he told the Daily Graphic.
Mr Chireh said all newly-created district assemblies had been directed to list all their needs in order of priority for assistance.
He was happy about the performance of the MMDAs after only a few months in office, and expressed the hope that they would continue in the same vein.
Addressing the Wa West Asembly, Mr Chireh, who is also the member of Parliemnt for the area, expressed concern over the burial of corpses closer to houses and compounds.
He, therefore, urged the assembly to insist on every community having a proper cemetery.
He used the opportunity to thank the people of the area for re-electing him as the Member of Parliament.
The District Chief Executive, Mr Saidu Tungbani, condemned the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the area, particularly cattle rustling, and warned that those caught would be severely dealt with.
“The district security committee in collaboration with the security agencies will not relent in its effort to see to it that those who steal cattle face the full rigours of the law,” he stated.
He advised that before any Fulani herdsman settled in any community the opinion leaders must be in the known instead of harbouring them and facilitating their criminal activities.
For his part, the Presiding Member, Mr Edward Nikpee, called for collective efforts in the development of the district.
Currently the formation of the auditing teams are being finalised by the Auditor-General after which the teams would be despatched to the MMDAs to start work.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic, after addressing the Wa West District Assemly at Wechiau, the district capital, last Tuesday.
He said the debt profile of the MMDAs had been collated and submitted to the minister for the necessary action.
According to him, the payment of the End of Service Benefit (ESB) of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive in the previous government would be subjected to the audit report.
If you leave your office honourably then you have nothing to fear. However, those who misconduct themselves would be sanctioned,” he added.
Mr Chireh said the ministry had already received a letter from the ex MMDCEs requesting for their ESB, and pointed out that “beyond that the ministry would actually ask the assemblies to reconcile their debt with the ministry.
Touching on the absence of chief executives for some districts in the country, he said, plans were far advanced for the problem to be resolved. Some of the districts are Savelugu-Nanton in the Northern Region, Gomoa East (Central) Birim Central (Eastern), Biakoye (Volta) Nkawie-Nwiabagya, Adansi South, among others.
In the case of Biakoye, Mr Chireh, said there was a court case pending because of the siting of the district capital.
He explained that the previous government did not involve the Electoral Commission in the siting of the capital, culminating in the court action.
“This time round we want the EC to go to the ground to help resolve the issue once and for all,” he told the Daily Graphic.
Mr Chireh said all newly-created district assemblies had been directed to list all their needs in order of priority for assistance.
He was happy about the performance of the MMDAs after only a few months in office, and expressed the hope that they would continue in the same vein.
Addressing the Wa West Asembly, Mr Chireh, who is also the member of Parliemnt for the area, expressed concern over the burial of corpses closer to houses and compounds.
He, therefore, urged the assembly to insist on every community having a proper cemetery.
He used the opportunity to thank the people of the area for re-electing him as the Member of Parliament.
The District Chief Executive, Mr Saidu Tungbani, condemned the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the area, particularly cattle rustling, and warned that those caught would be severely dealt with.
“The district security committee in collaboration with the security agencies will not relent in its effort to see to it that those who steal cattle face the full rigours of the law,” he stated.
He advised that before any Fulani herdsman settled in any community the opinion leaders must be in the known instead of harbouring them and facilitating their criminal activities.
For his part, the Presiding Member, Mr Edward Nikpee, called for collective efforts in the development of the district.
Friday, September 11, 2009
UDS STUDENTS COMPLAIN ABOUT HIGH RENTS IN WA (PAGE 17)
SOME students in the Wa Municipality, particularly fresh students of the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS), have expressed worry over the high rents being charged by landlords.
The students said apart from the fact that the amounts being charged by these homeowners were exorbitant, the rooms are small.
They said a number of them had to contribute and pay the rent of single rooms occupied by four students, which had increased from GH¢150 to GH¢250 for a year, while rooms occupied by two students go for between GH¢200 and GH¢300 per year.
Investigations by the Daily Graphic showed that the action of the landlords had become an annual ritual, as they saw the period between August and September as their ‘cocoa season’.
The students expressed regret about the attitude of the landlords and said they behaved as if their survival depended only on the high rent charges, and, therefore, did not show any sympathy for the students.
A fresh student from Accra, Akwasi Odobeng, lamented how he had to struggle to get a small room at a cost of GH¢280. “Since I was desperate, two other mates who had also gained admission to the university and I had to contribute to pay in order to have a place to lay our heads,” he told the Daily Graphic.
Mr Odobeng, therefore, appealed to the university authorities to institute positive measures to address the issue of residential accommodation facing students of the Wa campus, since it had the highest number of students among the three campuses which constituted that university.
Another student, Hilda Mwin, also expressed similar sentiments and appealed to the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council to impress upon the landlords to treat the students as ‘their children, brothers and sisters’.
When contacted, the President of the Students Representative Council (SRC) of the Wa campus of the UDS, Mr A. A. Iddi, said the SRC had stepped in to negotiate with landlords on behalf of students to get them to reduce the rent for the fresh students.
Another source also told the Daily Graphic that efforts were being made by the university authorities to see how best to resolve the issue.
The students said apart from the fact that the amounts being charged by these homeowners were exorbitant, the rooms are small.
They said a number of them had to contribute and pay the rent of single rooms occupied by four students, which had increased from GH¢150 to GH¢250 for a year, while rooms occupied by two students go for between GH¢200 and GH¢300 per year.
Investigations by the Daily Graphic showed that the action of the landlords had become an annual ritual, as they saw the period between August and September as their ‘cocoa season’.
The students expressed regret about the attitude of the landlords and said they behaved as if their survival depended only on the high rent charges, and, therefore, did not show any sympathy for the students.
A fresh student from Accra, Akwasi Odobeng, lamented how he had to struggle to get a small room at a cost of GH¢280. “Since I was desperate, two other mates who had also gained admission to the university and I had to contribute to pay in order to have a place to lay our heads,” he told the Daily Graphic.
Mr Odobeng, therefore, appealed to the university authorities to institute positive measures to address the issue of residential accommodation facing students of the Wa campus, since it had the highest number of students among the three campuses which constituted that university.
Another student, Hilda Mwin, also expressed similar sentiments and appealed to the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council to impress upon the landlords to treat the students as ‘their children, brothers and sisters’.
When contacted, the President of the Students Representative Council (SRC) of the Wa campus of the UDS, Mr A. A. Iddi, said the SRC had stepped in to negotiate with landlords on behalf of students to get them to reduce the rent for the fresh students.
Another source also told the Daily Graphic that efforts were being made by the university authorities to see how best to resolve the issue.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
NGO AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO 20 SHS STUDENTS (PAGE 35)
THE Wa Area Development Association (WADA), a non-profit organisation based in Wa in the Upper West Region, has awarded scholarship to 20 students from selected senior high schools (SHSs) in the region.
The scholarship scheme, which was made possible by citizens of Wa in the United States of America and Canada, is the second in the series.
The beneficiary students, who were selected from the Wa, Wa Technical, Islamic, Saint Xavier, Lassia-Tuolu and T.I. Ahmadiya SHS, received GH¢140 each.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Chairperson of WADA Ghana resident committee, Mrs Cate Bob-Milliar, said the goal of the association was to assist develop Wa through education grants and provision of other development programmes.
She said WADA was granting the scholarship to students with good academic backgrounds from junior high schools who had gained admission to SHS in the Wa area.
According to her, GH¢100 would be paid into the awardee’s school accounts on the assumption that their school fees were up to the said amount, then the balance paid to the student through the headmaster as pocket money.
“If the fees are more, then there will be nothing left as pocket money, since this fund is basically for the payment of tuition fees,” she added.
Mrs Bob-Milliar recalled that during the 2007/08 academic year, a similar number of students were given GH¢100 each but regretted that some of the students squandered the money without the knowledge of their parents and school authorities.
The scholarship scheme, which was made possible by citizens of Wa in the United States of America and Canada, is the second in the series.
The beneficiary students, who were selected from the Wa, Wa Technical, Islamic, Saint Xavier, Lassia-Tuolu and T.I. Ahmadiya SHS, received GH¢140 each.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Chairperson of WADA Ghana resident committee, Mrs Cate Bob-Milliar, said the goal of the association was to assist develop Wa through education grants and provision of other development programmes.
She said WADA was granting the scholarship to students with good academic backgrounds from junior high schools who had gained admission to SHS in the Wa area.
According to her, GH¢100 would be paid into the awardee’s school accounts on the assumption that their school fees were up to the said amount, then the balance paid to the student through the headmaster as pocket money.
“If the fees are more, then there will be nothing left as pocket money, since this fund is basically for the payment of tuition fees,” she added.
Mrs Bob-Milliar recalled that during the 2007/08 academic year, a similar number of students were given GH¢100 each but regretted that some of the students squandered the money without the knowledge of their parents and school authorities.
NPP ELECTION TO BE KEENLY CONTESTED IN UW (PAGE 16)
The Upper West branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is expected to hold its regional congress by December 7, 2009.
As a prelude to that, elections for polling station and electoral area executives is expected to be completed by October 27, 2009 followed by constituency election by November 7, 2009.
The regional election, which is likely to be keenly contested, has two names emerging. The incumbent Regional Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar, under whose terms of office the NPP won three seats, is to be challenged by Mr Kaleo Naa, a businessman.
Hafiz Bin Salih, the Regional Youth Organiser, is also being touted to move higher to become the regional secretary where the incumbent Ibrahim Tamah is said to be well-entrenched.
Perhaps the position of the youth organiser would be the most contested if Mujeeb Rahman, the Wa Constituency NPP Secretary, challenges his bosom friend, Mustapha Govier, who has declared his intention to vie for that position.
A businessman, Alhassan Alaska, is also said to challenge Abraham Bankpala for the organiser position.
If these people are confirmed to be eyeing these positions, then the elections would be interesting.
Meanwhile, the Regional Youth Organiser, Mr Hafiz bin Salih, has advised interested candidates not to campaign on the basis of either belonging to Nana Akufo-Addo or to Alan Kyerematen’s camp.
He said the NPP needed absolute unity to move towards the year 2012. He was of the belief that the interest being shown by foot soldiers of the party to contest for the positions was a good omen for the NPP.
Mr Bin Salih advised potential delegates to vote for competence, loyalty and commitment.
As a prelude to that, elections for polling station and electoral area executives is expected to be completed by October 27, 2009 followed by constituency election by November 7, 2009.
The regional election, which is likely to be keenly contested, has two names emerging. The incumbent Regional Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar, under whose terms of office the NPP won three seats, is to be challenged by Mr Kaleo Naa, a businessman.
Hafiz Bin Salih, the Regional Youth Organiser, is also being touted to move higher to become the regional secretary where the incumbent Ibrahim Tamah is said to be well-entrenched.
Perhaps the position of the youth organiser would be the most contested if Mujeeb Rahman, the Wa Constituency NPP Secretary, challenges his bosom friend, Mustapha Govier, who has declared his intention to vie for that position.
A businessman, Alhassan Alaska, is also said to challenge Abraham Bankpala for the organiser position.
If these people are confirmed to be eyeing these positions, then the elections would be interesting.
Meanwhile, the Regional Youth Organiser, Mr Hafiz bin Salih, has advised interested candidates not to campaign on the basis of either belonging to Nana Akufo-Addo or to Alan Kyerematen’s camp.
He said the NPP needed absolute unity to move towards the year 2012. He was of the belief that the interest being shown by foot soldiers of the party to contest for the positions was a good omen for the NPP.
Mr Bin Salih advised potential delegates to vote for competence, loyalty and commitment.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
ASSIST POLICE TO CONTROL ARMS (PAGE 35)
THE Upper West Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alex Bedie, has appealed to arms and ammunition dealers in the region to assist the police to control their inflow into society.
In that regard, he urged them to make maximum use of the ammunition register by recording the particulars of persons purchasing those items and their quantity.
“This will go a long way in our attempt to face those who might have used the arms, ammunition or explosives for a different purpose against what they were intended for,” he stressed.
ACP Bedie made the appeal at a meeting with firearms dealers in the region in Wa, the regional capital.
According to him, the police would carry out unannounced visits to their stores to check whether they were making good use of the arms’ register.
He reminded them that anybody who purchased ammunitions should be a licence holder and warned that ammunition should not be sold to unauthorised persons.
The regional police commander said it was the intention of the police administration to reduce the supply and purchase of ammunition by controlling it to the barest minimum.
“Do not think only of the profits to be made but also take the effects of the illegal use of these weapons on our society into consideration,” he advised.
ACP Bedie urged the dealers to endeavour to do the right thing in order not to fall foul of the law, particularly those selling ammunitions illegally.
He said since the dealers belonged to an identifiable group, they would be in a better position to help control and supply of arms, adding “this is your contribution to assist other Ghanaians to fight crime”.
Responding, the leader of the ammunition dealers, Mr Bert Kofi Mumuni, gave the assurance that they would co-operate with the police to expose those who were engaged in illegal arms’ sale.
He stressed the need for such interactions regularly as they would go a long way to ensure that the right things were done.
In that regard, he urged them to make maximum use of the ammunition register by recording the particulars of persons purchasing those items and their quantity.
“This will go a long way in our attempt to face those who might have used the arms, ammunition or explosives for a different purpose against what they were intended for,” he stressed.
ACP Bedie made the appeal at a meeting with firearms dealers in the region in Wa, the regional capital.
According to him, the police would carry out unannounced visits to their stores to check whether they were making good use of the arms’ register.
He reminded them that anybody who purchased ammunitions should be a licence holder and warned that ammunition should not be sold to unauthorised persons.
The regional police commander said it was the intention of the police administration to reduce the supply and purchase of ammunition by controlling it to the barest minimum.
“Do not think only of the profits to be made but also take the effects of the illegal use of these weapons on our society into consideration,” he advised.
ACP Bedie urged the dealers to endeavour to do the right thing in order not to fall foul of the law, particularly those selling ammunitions illegally.
He said since the dealers belonged to an identifiable group, they would be in a better position to help control and supply of arms, adding “this is your contribution to assist other Ghanaians to fight crime”.
Responding, the leader of the ammunition dealers, Mr Bert Kofi Mumuni, gave the assurance that they would co-operate with the police to expose those who were engaged in illegal arms’ sale.
He stressed the need for such interactions regularly as they would go a long way to ensure that the right things were done.
Friday, September 4, 2009
PTA BUILDS DINING HALL FOR ISLAMIC SHS (PAGE 11)
THE Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the Islamic Senior High School, has constructed a dining hall for the school.
The hall, which cost GH¢16,657, was funded through a special levy of parents.
Speaking at a handing over ceremony, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Ceasar Kale, commended the PTA for its foresight and urged the school to make judicious use of the facility.
He appealed to the students to maintain the structure in order to benefit future students.
Mr Kale said the Government would continue to place premium on education, adding that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) would be supported to ensure that a lot of schools were provided with the needed facilities.
He was happy that from a humble beginning, the school had grown to be one of the best in the region.
Mr Kale told the students that they could impact greatly on society, if they performed very well.
The Headmaster of the school, Mr Alhassan Suleimana, thanked the parents, staff and the student body for their continuous co-operation.
Since the year 2000, he said the PTA had provided a number of structures, which include, a Home Economics laboratory which now serves as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre, classroom blocks, library, desks and beds for the school.
He appealed to the Government to assist in fencing the school to prevent people from encroaching on its lands.
The PTA Secretary, Mr Nuhu Isaahaku, gave the assurance that plans were underway to provide more structures for the school.
The hall, which cost GH¢16,657, was funded through a special levy of parents.
Speaking at a handing over ceremony, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Ceasar Kale, commended the PTA for its foresight and urged the school to make judicious use of the facility.
He appealed to the students to maintain the structure in order to benefit future students.
Mr Kale said the Government would continue to place premium on education, adding that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) would be supported to ensure that a lot of schools were provided with the needed facilities.
He was happy that from a humble beginning, the school had grown to be one of the best in the region.
Mr Kale told the students that they could impact greatly on society, if they performed very well.
The Headmaster of the school, Mr Alhassan Suleimana, thanked the parents, staff and the student body for their continuous co-operation.
Since the year 2000, he said the PTA had provided a number of structures, which include, a Home Economics laboratory which now serves as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre, classroom blocks, library, desks and beds for the school.
He appealed to the Government to assist in fencing the school to prevent people from encroaching on its lands.
The PTA Secretary, Mr Nuhu Isaahaku, gave the assurance that plans were underway to provide more structures for the school.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
WA ASSEMBLY FINALLY ELECTS PRESIDING MEMBER (PAGE 15)
THE Wa Municipal Assembly in the Upper West Region has finally elected a Presiding Member (PM) to steer the affairs of the assembly.
The new PM, Mr Adams Suleiman, obtained 100 per cent vote from all the 26 assembly members present. This is to find a replacement for Mr Adams Iddrisu, whose term of office has ended.
Two months ago, the assembly, on two occasions, failed to endorse the candidature of the new PM.
Earlier, addressing the assembly, the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Doug Yakubu, noted that the election of a PM was a critical point in the workings of the local government system.
He, therefore, stressed the need for the house to put its differences aside and vote for the candidate. He also appealed to the assembly members to avoid actions that might send out wrong signals to other people in the municipality.
“Honourable members, we have come to the foot of the bridge. We should, therefore, cross it without any difficulty,” he added.
The outgoing PM, Mr Adams Iddrisu, regretted that some assembly members were considered stumbling blocks to the election of Mr Adams Suleiman which resulted in threats, intimidation, insults and vilification.
He, however, urged the house to put the past behind them and vote for the new PM.
For his part, Mr Suleimana thanked the assembly for the confidence reposed in him and, therefore, called for co-operation in the discharge of his duties.
The new PM, Mr Adams Suleiman, obtained 100 per cent vote from all the 26 assembly members present. This is to find a replacement for Mr Adams Iddrisu, whose term of office has ended.
Two months ago, the assembly, on two occasions, failed to endorse the candidature of the new PM.
Earlier, addressing the assembly, the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Doug Yakubu, noted that the election of a PM was a critical point in the workings of the local government system.
He, therefore, stressed the need for the house to put its differences aside and vote for the candidate. He also appealed to the assembly members to avoid actions that might send out wrong signals to other people in the municipality.
“Honourable members, we have come to the foot of the bridge. We should, therefore, cross it without any difficulty,” he added.
The outgoing PM, Mr Adams Iddrisu, regretted that some assembly members were considered stumbling blocks to the election of Mr Adams Suleiman which resulted in threats, intimidation, insults and vilification.
He, however, urged the house to put the past behind them and vote for the new PM.
For his part, Mr Suleimana thanked the assembly for the confidence reposed in him and, therefore, called for co-operation in the discharge of his duties.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
CHIEFS ADVISED TO RESOLVE DISPUTES IN WA WEST (PAGE 23)
THE District Chief Executive (DCE) for Wa West in the Upper West Region, Mr Seidu Tungbani, has urged traditional authorities in the area to endeavour to resolve their disputes.
That, he stressed, would help accelerate the developmental efforts of the district.
He said chiefs served as symbols of unity and so any attempt to derail the chieftaincy institution would consequently affect the socio-economic lives of their people.
Mr Tungbani was speaking at a peace durbar at Wechiau, the district capital. The durbar was organised by the Youth Network for Human Rights and Democracy (Youth-Net), a non-governmental organisation in collaboration with the German Development Services (DED).
Mr Tungbani said peace was a vital ingredient for the nation’s sustainability and that efforts at peace building and social dialogue were very crucial for development.
“It is important that the youth constitute themselves as peace ambassadors for national integration a social transformation”, he added.
The DCE observed that most youth had blindly copied some negative cultures and lifestyles which had dragged them into all kinds of shady activities that were alien to the values of the Ghanaian society.
Mr Tungbani commended the organisers for the durbar since it would go a long way to promote peace in Wa West.
The Coordinator of Youth-Net, Mr Paul Boamah Sefa, appealed to chiefs and other opinion leaders to help entrench democracy at the grassroot level.
On his part, the President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, Naa S.D. Gore II, pledged the support of the chiefs to bring development to the area.
That, he stressed, would help accelerate the developmental efforts of the district.
He said chiefs served as symbols of unity and so any attempt to derail the chieftaincy institution would consequently affect the socio-economic lives of their people.
Mr Tungbani was speaking at a peace durbar at Wechiau, the district capital. The durbar was organised by the Youth Network for Human Rights and Democracy (Youth-Net), a non-governmental organisation in collaboration with the German Development Services (DED).
Mr Tungbani said peace was a vital ingredient for the nation’s sustainability and that efforts at peace building and social dialogue were very crucial for development.
“It is important that the youth constitute themselves as peace ambassadors for national integration a social transformation”, he added.
The DCE observed that most youth had blindly copied some negative cultures and lifestyles which had dragged them into all kinds of shady activities that were alien to the values of the Ghanaian society.
Mr Tungbani commended the organisers for the durbar since it would go a long way to promote peace in Wa West.
The Coordinator of Youth-Net, Mr Paul Boamah Sefa, appealed to chiefs and other opinion leaders to help entrench democracy at the grassroot level.
On his part, the President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, Naa S.D. Gore II, pledged the support of the chiefs to bring development to the area.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
REPEAL ACT BANNING PRIVATE LPTTO OPERATION (PAGE 21)
THE Upper West Regional Manager of Obiri Lotto Limited, Mr J.K. Dadzie, has appealed to the government to repeal Act 722 (2006), which bans the operators of private lotteries in the country.
He said the recent ruling of the Supreme Court which banned private lottery, had brought in its wake challenges which must be addressed immediately.
Mr Dadzie made the appeal through the Daily Graphic in Wa.
According to him, the law, as it stood now, was very detrimental to the welfare of workers in the industry.
“I will appeal to His Excellency, President J.E.A. Mills to use his good office to assist resolve the issue between private lotto operators and the Department of National Lotteries,” he added.
Mr Dadzie said although the Supreme Court had ruled on the issue, the government could still intervene in order not to throw the future of workers in the industry into jeopardy.
“As a social democratic government, it is our belief that the government will listen to our plea and come to our aid,” he said.
The branch manager said Obiri Asare alone employed over 1,200 workers nationwide and that their being thrown out of work would only not have devastating effect on them but also on their families and dependants.
Mr Dadzie expressed regret that some police personnel had already started harassing agents and writers of private lotto operators in some communities in the region.
He said the recent ruling of the Supreme Court which banned private lottery, had brought in its wake challenges which must be addressed immediately.
Mr Dadzie made the appeal through the Daily Graphic in Wa.
According to him, the law, as it stood now, was very detrimental to the welfare of workers in the industry.
“I will appeal to His Excellency, President J.E.A. Mills to use his good office to assist resolve the issue between private lotto operators and the Department of National Lotteries,” he added.
Mr Dadzie said although the Supreme Court had ruled on the issue, the government could still intervene in order not to throw the future of workers in the industry into jeopardy.
“As a social democratic government, it is our belief that the government will listen to our plea and come to our aid,” he said.
The branch manager said Obiri Asare alone employed over 1,200 workers nationwide and that their being thrown out of work would only not have devastating effect on them but also on their families and dependants.
Mr Dadzie expressed regret that some police personnel had already started harassing agents and writers of private lotto operators in some communities in the region.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
DON'T POLITICISE DEVT ISSUES — OPARE (PAGE 15)
THE National President of the Young People's Guide (YPG) of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Mr Samuel Opare, has pleaded with politicians to stop politicising national and development issues.
According to him, most often when you listened to leaders you wondered whether they were worth their salt.
“They always present two truths with each side insisting the other is lying. This is, therefore, the NDC truth and the NPP truth,” he added.
Mr Opare was addressing the 71st conference of the YPG of the PCG in Wa in the Upper West Region.
Commenting on the recent government decision to revert the period of senior high school (SHS) from four to three years, he said “even though I did my Master’s programme in education, I do not claim to be an expert in that area yet".
“However, as a young person, I am deeply concerned about this decision," he stressed.
Mr Opare recalled that the previous administration introduced the new educational programme starting from September, 2007 and questioned whether such a programme could be assessed when its first graduates were yet to be produced.
“I was part of those who were used to start the then new junior secondary school (JSS) system in the late 1980's; I can still remember the difficulty we had to go through and the problems faced by me and most of my friends whose lives were completely disrupted by some of these politically expedient decisions,” he said.
Mr Opare thanked Ghanaians for ensuring a peaceful election in December, last year.
He proposed that the PCG should ordain ministers on contract basis instead of life-long service.
According to him, most often when you listened to leaders you wondered whether they were worth their salt.
“They always present two truths with each side insisting the other is lying. This is, therefore, the NDC truth and the NPP truth,” he added.
Mr Opare was addressing the 71st conference of the YPG of the PCG in Wa in the Upper West Region.
Commenting on the recent government decision to revert the period of senior high school (SHS) from four to three years, he said “even though I did my Master’s programme in education, I do not claim to be an expert in that area yet".
“However, as a young person, I am deeply concerned about this decision," he stressed.
Mr Opare recalled that the previous administration introduced the new educational programme starting from September, 2007 and questioned whether such a programme could be assessed when its first graduates were yet to be produced.
“I was part of those who were used to start the then new junior secondary school (JSS) system in the late 1980's; I can still remember the difficulty we had to go through and the problems faced by me and most of my friends whose lives were completely disrupted by some of these politically expedient decisions,” he said.
Mr Opare thanked Ghanaians for ensuring a peaceful election in December, last year.
He proposed that the PCG should ordain ministers on contract basis instead of life-long service.
Monday, August 10, 2009
DON'T REGARD POLITICAL OPPONENTS AS ENEMIES ...Rev Oppong tells politicians (PAGE 16)
THE Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Reverend Herbert Anim Oppong, has urged political leaders not to see those who oppose them as enemies.
He stated that since independence, Ghana had always seen the ruling class portraying its opposers as enemies who must either be wiped out or silenced.
“Let our opposers strengthen you. Do not hold bitterness against them; turn a deaf ear to the negative things that people say in order to keep your spirit from being contaminated,” he advised.
Rev. Oppong made the call at the 71st annual delegates’ conference of the Young People’s Guild (YPG) of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Wa, in the Upper West Region.
The conference, which was on the theme: “Let us arise and build”, was attended by delegates from all over the country.
Rev. Oppong advised people holding political power to let the opposition push them to strive for a higher level of excellence as it was an opportunity to let them be more intimate with God.
He implored young people to use their God-given talents, skills and gift to serve their community and the church in a positive manner.
“As you show respect to those in authority and always excel in your jobs, no matter how minor you feel your role may be, your effort will paid off in the future,” he added.
Rev. Oppong regretted that a lot of the young people arrested for armed robbery and cyber fraud bore names such as John, Michael, Samuel, among others.
He condemned some communities which deliberately turned a blind eye to the ill-gotten wealth by the young people regardless of the negative precedence it was setting.
He, however, encouraged the delegates to continue to preach the gospel in order to win more souls for the church.
In a keynote address, the Deputy Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, said it was incumbent on the youth to safeguard the gains made so far by the nation by cultivating reading habits to help them ascertain where Ghana was coming from in its developmental efforts.
He also advised young people to channel their energies into such productive ventures as volunteerism and hold institutions of government accountable for the mandate entrusted to them.
The National President of the YPG, Mr Samuel Opare, thanked the leadership of the church for its continuos support for the guild.
He stated that since independence, Ghana had always seen the ruling class portraying its opposers as enemies who must either be wiped out or silenced.
“Let our opposers strengthen you. Do not hold bitterness against them; turn a deaf ear to the negative things that people say in order to keep your spirit from being contaminated,” he advised.
Rev. Oppong made the call at the 71st annual delegates’ conference of the Young People’s Guild (YPG) of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Wa, in the Upper West Region.
The conference, which was on the theme: “Let us arise and build”, was attended by delegates from all over the country.
Rev. Oppong advised people holding political power to let the opposition push them to strive for a higher level of excellence as it was an opportunity to let them be more intimate with God.
He implored young people to use their God-given talents, skills and gift to serve their community and the church in a positive manner.
“As you show respect to those in authority and always excel in your jobs, no matter how minor you feel your role may be, your effort will paid off in the future,” he added.
Rev. Oppong regretted that a lot of the young people arrested for armed robbery and cyber fraud bore names such as John, Michael, Samuel, among others.
He condemned some communities which deliberately turned a blind eye to the ill-gotten wealth by the young people regardless of the negative precedence it was setting.
He, however, encouraged the delegates to continue to preach the gospel in order to win more souls for the church.
In a keynote address, the Deputy Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, said it was incumbent on the youth to safeguard the gains made so far by the nation by cultivating reading habits to help them ascertain where Ghana was coming from in its developmental efforts.
He also advised young people to channel their energies into such productive ventures as volunteerism and hold institutions of government accountable for the mandate entrusted to them.
The National President of the YPG, Mr Samuel Opare, thanked the leadership of the church for its continuos support for the guild.
NPP CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT LONG OVERDUE — BIN SALIH (PAGE 15)
THE Upper West Regional Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Hafiz Bin Salih, has said the proposed amendments to the party’s constitution are not as a result of its electoral defeat suffered in the 2008 general elections.
He said the process started long before the 2008 elections with a committee chaired by the late former Speaker of Parliament, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey.
According to him, the amendment was necessary because as a democratic party, people at the grass roots who owned the party must be part of the process.
Mr Bin Salih was speaking to the Daily Graphic in Wa, the regional capital.
He said it became very evident during the presidential primary and the selection of parliamentary candidates for last year’s elections that supporters of the party felt they had been left out for only a few delegates to decide for them.
He advised activists of the party not to misconstrue the amendment process by picking on only one item, that is, the expansion of the Electoral College.
“What the amendments seek to do is bring on board grass roots members of the party to elect the flag bearer and national officers. TESCON was initially not part of the voting process at congresses but with the amendment each accredited tertiary institution will have a delegate at the national congress,” Mr Bin Salih added.
Mr Bin Salih said apart from that being an empowerment to the youth wing of the party, it would also provide the opportunity for people who had served the party in the past to have a say in the election of the flag bearer and national officers.
“This is so because no provision was made for former national officers in the existing constitution and, therefore, people such as Harona Esseku and B.J. da Rocha, both former national chairmen of the party, did not have the franchise to vote at congresses,” the youth organiser said.
Mr Bin Salih was of the belief that the NPP would come out stronger than before after the national congress scheduled for next week.
He said the process started long before the 2008 elections with a committee chaired by the late former Speaker of Parliament, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey.
According to him, the amendment was necessary because as a democratic party, people at the grass roots who owned the party must be part of the process.
Mr Bin Salih was speaking to the Daily Graphic in Wa, the regional capital.
He said it became very evident during the presidential primary and the selection of parliamentary candidates for last year’s elections that supporters of the party felt they had been left out for only a few delegates to decide for them.
He advised activists of the party not to misconstrue the amendment process by picking on only one item, that is, the expansion of the Electoral College.
“What the amendments seek to do is bring on board grass roots members of the party to elect the flag bearer and national officers. TESCON was initially not part of the voting process at congresses but with the amendment each accredited tertiary institution will have a delegate at the national congress,” Mr Bin Salih added.
Mr Bin Salih said apart from that being an empowerment to the youth wing of the party, it would also provide the opportunity for people who had served the party in the past to have a say in the election of the flag bearer and national officers.
“This is so because no provision was made for former national officers in the existing constitution and, therefore, people such as Harona Esseku and B.J. da Rocha, both former national chairmen of the party, did not have the franchise to vote at congresses,” the youth organiser said.
Mr Bin Salih was of the belief that the NPP would come out stronger than before after the national congress scheduled for next week.
Friday, August 7, 2009
WA ALL STARS SUPPORTERS LAUDED (GRAPHIC SPORTS, PAGE 11)
The Upper West Regional Sports Development Officer (RSDO), Iddrisu B. Ahmed, has commended supporters of Wa All Stars for the positive behaviour they exhibited throughout the period of the just-ended Glo Premier League.
He noted that the comportment by the home supporters needed to be commended because at certain point even in the face of extreme provocation they restrained themselved while rallying behind their idol club. Mr Ahmed made the observation in an interview with Graphic Sports in Wa.
He urged the fans to continue to show this kind of positive attitude since that was the only way they could help sustain the club in the elite division.
“Supporters must always bear in mind that when they misbehave and the team is suspended to play their home matches away it goes against the club,” he pointed out.
Inspite of all these, Mr Ahmed said the Regional Sports Council would not compromise on maintaining security at the stadium during matches.
Responding to a question on the development of other disciplines across the region, the RSDO appealed to indigenes to unite and form clubs at the grassroots.
He was not happy that some people in the region nurture teams to grow after which they sold the team to people from the Southern part of the country thus denying the region the opportunities to unearth more talents.
He hinted that his outfit was working round the clock to revive the Upper West games, indicating, however, that “we are constrained financially”.
He, therefore, appealed to the acting Sports Minister and other benevolent institutions to support efforts at improving conditions at the Wa Stadium before the commencement of the next league season.
He noted that the comportment by the home supporters needed to be commended because at certain point even in the face of extreme provocation they restrained themselved while rallying behind their idol club. Mr Ahmed made the observation in an interview with Graphic Sports in Wa.
He urged the fans to continue to show this kind of positive attitude since that was the only way they could help sustain the club in the elite division.
“Supporters must always bear in mind that when they misbehave and the team is suspended to play their home matches away it goes against the club,” he pointed out.
Inspite of all these, Mr Ahmed said the Regional Sports Council would not compromise on maintaining security at the stadium during matches.
Responding to a question on the development of other disciplines across the region, the RSDO appealed to indigenes to unite and form clubs at the grassroots.
He was not happy that some people in the region nurture teams to grow after which they sold the team to people from the Southern part of the country thus denying the region the opportunities to unearth more talents.
He hinted that his outfit was working round the clock to revive the Upper West games, indicating, however, that “we are constrained financially”.
He, therefore, appealed to the acting Sports Minister and other benevolent institutions to support efforts at improving conditions at the Wa Stadium before the commencement of the next league season.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
LACK OF PROSECUTORS IN UWR HAMPERS JUSTICE DELIVERY (PAGE 47)
THE lack of police prosecutors in the Upper West Region (UWR) is affecting the justice delivery system in the region, since there is only one prosecutor attached to all the district magistrate courts and the two circuit courts.
The circuit courts are in Wa and Lawra, while the magistrates’ courts are located at Jirapa, Tumu, Nandom and Wa.
To operate under the circumstances, the courts have adopted a shift system, with the circuit and magistrates’ court judges moving from Wa on particular days to adjudicate on cases in the other towns.
Daily Graphic investigations in Wa revealed that the situation had existed since 2006, thus defeating efforts being made to bring justice to the doorstep of the people.
This situation means that cases are not tried quickly because the workload on the only police prosecutor is beyond him.
According to the investigations, the problem was compounded when the senior police courts officer was transferred from the region without a replacement.
"It is not deliberate, as prosecution is an area where there should be good training of officers,” a source said.
It said it was aware that forensic and ballistic results before some of the courts had since 2002 not been received from Accra.
Corroborating the story, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr Alex Bedie, who took office a few months ago, said measures were being put in place to improve the situation.
"It is one of my priority areas which I am about communicating to the Police Headquarters for redress,” he added.
He said with the exception of the Principal State Attorney who deals with high-profile cases, others were handled by the only prosecutor.
The circuit courts are in Wa and Lawra, while the magistrates’ courts are located at Jirapa, Tumu, Nandom and Wa.
To operate under the circumstances, the courts have adopted a shift system, with the circuit and magistrates’ court judges moving from Wa on particular days to adjudicate on cases in the other towns.
Daily Graphic investigations in Wa revealed that the situation had existed since 2006, thus defeating efforts being made to bring justice to the doorstep of the people.
This situation means that cases are not tried quickly because the workload on the only police prosecutor is beyond him.
According to the investigations, the problem was compounded when the senior police courts officer was transferred from the region without a replacement.
"It is not deliberate, as prosecution is an area where there should be good training of officers,” a source said.
It said it was aware that forensic and ballistic results before some of the courts had since 2002 not been received from Accra.
Corroborating the story, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr Alex Bedie, who took office a few months ago, said measures were being put in place to improve the situation.
"It is one of my priority areas which I am about communicating to the Police Headquarters for redress,” he added.
He said with the exception of the Principal State Attorney who deals with high-profile cases, others were handled by the only prosecutor.
Friday, July 31, 2009
NGO STARTS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IN UPPER WEST (PAGE 20)
THE Network for Women's Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has started a membership drive in the Upper West Region.
In this regard, the organisation, in collaboration with the Centre for Rural Women Empowerment and Development (CERWED), a Wa-based NGO, has organised an outreach programme for a number of women groups in Wa.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Regional Focal Person of NETRIGHT, Mrs Helen Koraneng, commended the CERWED for agreeing to put the three northern regions in its 2009 work plan.
She said by its action, the three regions would get the chance to feel the presence of NETRIGHT for the first time in 10 years.
"It is my prayer that in the near future, the Accra team will visit the region to inaugurate new members or better still, host and run a national programme in the Upper West region,” she added.
Mrs Koraneng, who is also the executive director of CERWED, called for a change in attitude towards the many negative practices that hindered the progress of women in the region.
She also appealed to women groups in the region to join NETRIGHT, since they would benefit from the educational programme of the NGO.
For her part, the Regional Director of the Department of Women, Mrs Kate Bob-Millar, called on Ghanaians not to politicise the women's manifesto documents.
"The manifesto is non-partisan and does not belong to any political party. It is rather a document expressing women's concerns on inequality,” she stated.
Mrs Bob-Millar expressed the hope that similar programmes would be replicated in other districts in the three northern regions of the country.
In this regard, the organisation, in collaboration with the Centre for Rural Women Empowerment and Development (CERWED), a Wa-based NGO, has organised an outreach programme for a number of women groups in Wa.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Regional Focal Person of NETRIGHT, Mrs Helen Koraneng, commended the CERWED for agreeing to put the three northern regions in its 2009 work plan.
She said by its action, the three regions would get the chance to feel the presence of NETRIGHT for the first time in 10 years.
"It is my prayer that in the near future, the Accra team will visit the region to inaugurate new members or better still, host and run a national programme in the Upper West region,” she added.
Mrs Koraneng, who is also the executive director of CERWED, called for a change in attitude towards the many negative practices that hindered the progress of women in the region.
She also appealed to women groups in the region to join NETRIGHT, since they would benefit from the educational programme of the NGO.
For her part, the Regional Director of the Department of Women, Mrs Kate Bob-Millar, called on Ghanaians not to politicise the women's manifesto documents.
"The manifesto is non-partisan and does not belong to any political party. It is rather a document expressing women's concerns on inequality,” she stated.
Mrs Bob-Millar expressed the hope that similar programmes would be replicated in other districts in the three northern regions of the country.
PLANT POOL HANDS OVER TIPPER TRUCK TO ASSEMBLY (PAGE 20)
J.A. Plant Pool Ghana Limited,dealers in heavy duty equipment, has handed over a tipper truck worth GH¢205,000 to the Wa West District Assembly at a ceremony at Wechiau, the district capital.
The truck, which is on a hire purchase over a period of three years, forms part of the assembly's efforts at increasing revenue.
In a brief address, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, said the truck was not for free, and therefore, entreated the assembly members to help in using it to raise more revenue.
"I will like to also call on contractors in the district to patronise the services of the truck to ensure its maximum use", he added.
Mr Kale appealed to the company to also go into the supply of agricultural tractors to support farmers in the region.
He suggested that a committee should be formed to manage the facility.
For his part, the District Chief Executive, Mr Seed Tungbani, said the assembly conceived the idea of purchasing the truck last year.
A representative of J/A Plant Pool, who is also the Upper West Regional Supervisor of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Mr Emmanuel Volsuuri, said the company had introduced an innovative special pre-finance support package to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The truck, which is on a hire purchase over a period of three years, forms part of the assembly's efforts at increasing revenue.
In a brief address, the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, said the truck was not for free, and therefore, entreated the assembly members to help in using it to raise more revenue.
"I will like to also call on contractors in the district to patronise the services of the truck to ensure its maximum use", he added.
Mr Kale appealed to the company to also go into the supply of agricultural tractors to support farmers in the region.
He suggested that a committee should be formed to manage the facility.
For his part, the District Chief Executive, Mr Seed Tungbani, said the assembly conceived the idea of purchasing the truck last year.
A representative of J/A Plant Pool, who is also the Upper West Regional Supervisor of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Mr Emmanuel Volsuuri, said the company had introduced an innovative special pre-finance support package to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
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