THE Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, has given the assurance that the government is committed to the implementation of the single spine salary structure (SSSS).
To this end, he said, a high level stakeholders consultative forum would soon be held to provide the platform for participants to iron out all grievances pertaining to the pay structure.
The regional minister, therefore, called on the leadership of organised labour to educate its members on the contents of the SSSS in order to do away with any form of industrial unrest which could emanate from its implementation.
Mr Khalid was addressing a durbar to climax the golden jubilee celebration of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Wa.
“Be assured that the government is not unaware that salaries and wages are generally low in the country. It is, therefore, doing all that is feasible and sustainable to address the situation,” Mr Khalid stressed.
He reminded workers in particular and Ghanaians in general to work extra hard wherever they found themselves as they came to terms with the global economic recession.
The Regional Industrial Relations Officer, Mr William Adii, for his part, paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the union and gave the assurance that they would work to improve the fortunes of the PSWU.
He catalogued some of the achievements of the PSWU over the years, including the training of personnel, both locally and overseas, and urged the female members of the union to strive to participate in trade union activities.
Mr Adii further called for unity among members of the union, saying “the union would achieve greatness only by the enlightenment and the involvement of the rank and file”.
Commenting on the nature of roads in and around the region, Mr Adii stated that bad roads linking the Upper West to the Northern and the Upper East regions made it difficult for workers to travel to adjoining regions.
He, therefore, appealed to the government to give the construction of those roads urgent attention before the rains set in.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
ONLY TWO NEW DOCTORS ACCEPTED POSTING...To Upper West Region in 2008 (page 20)
ONLY two out of the nine medical doctors posted to the Upper West Region last year reported for duty.
For this reason, only six doctors are manning all the health facilities in the nine districts and the regional hospital.
The Wa Regional Hospital, which should have 12 medical doctors, currently has only one with the medical director, Dr K. Abebrese, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, doubling as a general medical practitioner.
Tumu, Nandom, Jirapa and the Nadowli District hospitals have a single doctor each, while the Sissala West, Wa East and Wa West District hospitals have none at all.
The only doctor serving the Lawra District Hospital has left for further studies.
On specialist doctors, it is only the Wa Regional Hospital which has a gynaecologist, ENT specialist and an ophthalmologist.
Consequently, the “faithful six” doctors have to work extra hard to attend to patients.
The doctor-patient ratio in the region presently is estimated at 1:91,083.
According to the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Alexis Nang-Beifubah, among reasons given by those doctors who refused posting to the region were, the distance from Accra and from the national capital to Wa and lack of social amenities, career opportunities and earning of extra income.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Wa, he explained for instance that, “The opportunity to develop one’s professional career here is limited. There are a few specialists around to teach young doctors, while information on training opportunities delays in reaching this region and usually arrive late.”
Dr Nang-Beifubah said in order to arrest the situation, a number of strategies had been put in place.
They include the provision of free, decent and well-furnished accommodation with satellite television, car, utility services and specialists outreach training.
Dr Nang-Beifubah stated that effective June, this year, the GHS would only advertise for vacancies for newly trained doctors for the three northern regions.
He suggested that the district assemblies in the region must sponsor medical students while doctors at post were given incentives.
Dr Nang-Beifubah disabused the minds of newly trained doctors that the region was not as busy as others.
“We do not have the worse indicators as compared to other areas. The region is not as bad as people think,” he added.
Touching on the issue of excessive alcohol intake among people in the region, Dr Nang-Beifubah said two foreign researchers were currently delving into it.
He admitted that the issue was both a social and medical one, which required a through examination.
The regional director commended the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, for his support to the regional health directorate and his efforts in attracting doctors to the region.
For this reason, only six doctors are manning all the health facilities in the nine districts and the regional hospital.
The Wa Regional Hospital, which should have 12 medical doctors, currently has only one with the medical director, Dr K. Abebrese, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, doubling as a general medical practitioner.
Tumu, Nandom, Jirapa and the Nadowli District hospitals have a single doctor each, while the Sissala West, Wa East and Wa West District hospitals have none at all.
The only doctor serving the Lawra District Hospital has left for further studies.
On specialist doctors, it is only the Wa Regional Hospital which has a gynaecologist, ENT specialist and an ophthalmologist.
Consequently, the “faithful six” doctors have to work extra hard to attend to patients.
The doctor-patient ratio in the region presently is estimated at 1:91,083.
According to the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Alexis Nang-Beifubah, among reasons given by those doctors who refused posting to the region were, the distance from Accra and from the national capital to Wa and lack of social amenities, career opportunities and earning of extra income.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic in Wa, he explained for instance that, “The opportunity to develop one’s professional career here is limited. There are a few specialists around to teach young doctors, while information on training opportunities delays in reaching this region and usually arrive late.”
Dr Nang-Beifubah said in order to arrest the situation, a number of strategies had been put in place.
They include the provision of free, decent and well-furnished accommodation with satellite television, car, utility services and specialists outreach training.
Dr Nang-Beifubah stated that effective June, this year, the GHS would only advertise for vacancies for newly trained doctors for the three northern regions.
He suggested that the district assemblies in the region must sponsor medical students while doctors at post were given incentives.
Dr Nang-Beifubah disabused the minds of newly trained doctors that the region was not as busy as others.
“We do not have the worse indicators as compared to other areas. The region is not as bad as people think,” he added.
Touching on the issue of excessive alcohol intake among people in the region, Dr Nang-Beifubah said two foreign researchers were currently delving into it.
He admitted that the issue was both a social and medical one, which required a through examination.
The regional director commended the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, for his support to the regional health directorate and his efforts in attracting doctors to the region.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
ASSEMBLY TO PLUG LOOPHOLES IN REVENUE GENERATION (PAGE 40)
THE Lawra District Assembly in the Upper West Region is to put in place strategies to seal all loopholes in its revenue mobilisation.
Among the strategies is the recruitment of students on vacation to collect revenues at the various markets in the district.
The new District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Samson Abu, disclosed this to the Daily Graphic in Wa.
He observed that the district could raise a lot of revenue, only if the revenue collectors were sincere in the performance of their duties.
“We will, therefore, work hard to ensure that all factors militating against our revenue mobilisation are nipped in the bud,” Mr Abu added.
Mr Abu stressed the need for unity in the district to ensure the speedy development of the area.
“All stakeholders will be brought on board for them to bring their expertise to be tapped for the benefit of our people,” the DCE said.
He gave the assurance that the issue of education, health and agriculture would be tackled seriously, while the Kakube and Kobine festivals of Nandom and Lawra would be vigorously promoted.
Mr Abu, therefore, appealed for co-operation from the people in the district in order to make the area a showpiece in terms of development.
Among the strategies is the recruitment of students on vacation to collect revenues at the various markets in the district.
The new District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Samson Abu, disclosed this to the Daily Graphic in Wa.
He observed that the district could raise a lot of revenue, only if the revenue collectors were sincere in the performance of their duties.
“We will, therefore, work hard to ensure that all factors militating against our revenue mobilisation are nipped in the bud,” Mr Abu added.
Mr Abu stressed the need for unity in the district to ensure the speedy development of the area.
“All stakeholders will be brought on board for them to bring their expertise to be tapped for the benefit of our people,” the DCE said.
He gave the assurance that the issue of education, health and agriculture would be tackled seriously, while the Kakube and Kobine festivals of Nandom and Lawra would be vigorously promoted.
Mr Abu, therefore, appealed for co-operation from the people in the district in order to make the area a showpiece in terms of development.
GNATLAS TO HOLD NATIONAL CONFERNCE IN KUMASI (PAGE 40)
THE Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary in the Wa West District in the Upper West Region realised GH¢19,215.30 as revenue last year.
It also received a total of 1,815 visitors within the same period.
The acting Upper West Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), Mr Kwame Gyasi, disclosed this to the Daily Graphic in Wa.
He said during the first quarter of the year, the sanctuary generated revenue of GH¢9,036.90 from total arrivals of 609. Mr Gyasi said the sanctuary recorded its fourth highest growth rate in visitors arrivals, registering an average annual growth rate of 35.8 per cent between 2002 and 2004.
He said in 2004, 1,580 visitors patronised the sanctuary.
The Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary is the gateway to the protected area of the Wechiau community and is about 50 kilometres west of Wa, the regional capital.
Apart from the hippopotamus, the sanctuary is home to monkeys, bats, antelopes and colourful insects. Snakes and lizards are also commonly spotted in the sanctuary.
According to Mr Gyasi, the sanctuary has become a “must-see” area on the tourism map of the country.
He was optimistic that this year’s revenue would be higher than the previous ones.
It also received a total of 1,815 visitors within the same period.
The acting Upper West Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), Mr Kwame Gyasi, disclosed this to the Daily Graphic in Wa.
He said during the first quarter of the year, the sanctuary generated revenue of GH¢9,036.90 from total arrivals of 609. Mr Gyasi said the sanctuary recorded its fourth highest growth rate in visitors arrivals, registering an average annual growth rate of 35.8 per cent between 2002 and 2004.
He said in 2004, 1,580 visitors patronised the sanctuary.
The Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary is the gateway to the protected area of the Wechiau community and is about 50 kilometres west of Wa, the regional capital.
Apart from the hippopotamus, the sanctuary is home to monkeys, bats, antelopes and colourful insects. Snakes and lizards are also commonly spotted in the sanctuary.
According to Mr Gyasi, the sanctuary has become a “must-see” area on the tourism map of the country.
He was optimistic that this year’s revenue would be higher than the previous ones.
WECHIAU SANCTURARY GENERATES MORE REVENUE (PAGE 40)
THE Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary in the Wa West District in the Upper West Region realised GH¢19,215.30 as revenue last year.
It also received a total of 1,815 visitors within the same period.
The acting Upper West Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), Mr Kwame Gyasi, disclosed this to the Daily Graphic in Wa.
He said during the first quarter of the year, the sanctuary generated revenue of GH¢9,036.90 from total arrivals of 609. Mr Gyasi said the sanctuary recorded its fourth highest growth rate in visitors arrivals, registering an average annual growth rate of 35.8 per cent between 2002 and 2004.
He said in 2004, 1,580 visitors patronised the sanctuary.
The Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary is the gateway to the protected area of the Wechiau community and is about 50 kilometres west of Wa, the regional capital.
Apart from the hippopotamus, the sanctuary is home to monkeys, bats, antelopes and colourful insects. Snakes and lizards are also commonly spotted in the sanctuary.
According to Mr Gyasi, the sanctuary has become a “must-see” area on the tourism map of the country.
He was optimistic that this year’s revenue would be higher than the previous ones.
It also received a total of 1,815 visitors within the same period.
The acting Upper West Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB), Mr Kwame Gyasi, disclosed this to the Daily Graphic in Wa.
He said during the first quarter of the year, the sanctuary generated revenue of GH¢9,036.90 from total arrivals of 609. Mr Gyasi said the sanctuary recorded its fourth highest growth rate in visitors arrivals, registering an average annual growth rate of 35.8 per cent between 2002 and 2004.
He said in 2004, 1,580 visitors patronised the sanctuary.
The Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary is the gateway to the protected area of the Wechiau community and is about 50 kilometres west of Wa, the regional capital.
Apart from the hippopotamus, the sanctuary is home to monkeys, bats, antelopes and colourful insects. Snakes and lizards are also commonly spotted in the sanctuary.
According to Mr Gyasi, the sanctuary has become a “must-see” area on the tourism map of the country.
He was optimistic that this year’s revenue would be higher than the previous ones.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
CHILD HEALTH PROMOTION WEEK LAUNCHED AT BIITENGE (MIRROR, PAGE 35)
From George Folley Quaye, Biintenge
The Wa East District Health Director, Mr Thompson Dumba, has stressed the need for parents and child care givers to be educated on the use of child health records to ensure a healthy growth and development of children.
Launching this year’s child health promotion week at Biitenge in the Wa East District of the Upper West Region, Mr Dumba noted that though the growth and well-being of children was the responsibility of all, it behoved parents to show more interest in the development of their children.
The celebration was on the theme: "Follow your child's growth- Use your child health records”.
Mr Dumba explained that “knowledge about the child health records would give parents and caretakers the opportunity to take the necessary actions to ensure the steady growth and development of their children.”
He appealed to health workers to “Use child health records more effectively to ensure the delivery of quality services to children”.
Mr Dumba described as unacceptable the high rate of under-five mortality of 120 deaths per 1000 live births in the Upper West Region and called for efforts to reduce it.
The Upper West Deputy Regional Health Director in charge of administration, Mr Edward Kaba, bemoaned the high maternal mortality rate of 213 per 100,000 live births in the region and attributed the situation to some negative cultural practices.
He pointed out that in some cultural settings, women were not allowed to deliver at health facilities leading to complications and death, adding that such pregnancy-related deaths could have been avoided if such complications were reported early to the health facilities.
Mr Kaba appealed to members of the Biitenge community to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHS), since it was an effective tool in poverty reduction.
The Wa East District Health Director, Mr Thompson Dumba, has stressed the need for parents and child care givers to be educated on the use of child health records to ensure a healthy growth and development of children.
Launching this year’s child health promotion week at Biitenge in the Wa East District of the Upper West Region, Mr Dumba noted that though the growth and well-being of children was the responsibility of all, it behoved parents to show more interest in the development of their children.
The celebration was on the theme: "Follow your child's growth- Use your child health records”.
Mr Dumba explained that “knowledge about the child health records would give parents and caretakers the opportunity to take the necessary actions to ensure the steady growth and development of their children.”
He appealed to health workers to “Use child health records more effectively to ensure the delivery of quality services to children”.
Mr Dumba described as unacceptable the high rate of under-five mortality of 120 deaths per 1000 live births in the Upper West Region and called for efforts to reduce it.
The Upper West Deputy Regional Health Director in charge of administration, Mr Edward Kaba, bemoaned the high maternal mortality rate of 213 per 100,000 live births in the region and attributed the situation to some negative cultural practices.
He pointed out that in some cultural settings, women were not allowed to deliver at health facilities leading to complications and death, adding that such pregnancy-related deaths could have been avoided if such complications were reported early to the health facilities.
Mr Kaba appealed to members of the Biitenge community to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHS), since it was an effective tool in poverty reduction.
Friday, May 15, 2009
CONSIDER BAGBIN FOR MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENT...Students urge President Mills (PAGE 29)
The Nadowli District Students Union branches of the Wa Polytechnic and Faculty of Integrated Development Studies (FIDA) campus of UDS have appealed to President J. E. A. Mills, to give the majority leader, Mr Alban Bagbin, a ministerial position.
"Our patience is running out since we have waited all this while on His Excellency J.E.A. Mills to elevate our Member of Parliament (MP) to a ministerial status," said the union.
This was contained in a press release issued jointly by the union in Wa. According to the union, the call by the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, on the President to raise Mr Bagbin’s position to a ministerial status should be solemnly considered.
"The contention of the Minority leader is on the fact that being the leader of government business, he will fast-track the laying of papers if sector minister, were not present," it added.
The union contended that besides ensuring the smooth running of government business in the House, "we the students of the district have followed with keen interest the role he played when the party was in opposition for eight years".
"He became the voice of the party, ... he should have been among the first five personalities for ministerial appointment," said the union.
It observed that the exclusion of Mr Bagbin from ministerial appointment would serve as a disregard for and peril to the chances of the party in the constituency, district and region at large.
"We, therefore, wish to appeal to his excellency, J.E.A. Mills not to be restricted by his campaign of operating on a lean government but instead, appoint others who have the charisma, confidence, innovative and leadership skills to add more arsenals to his administration in order to realise the better Ghana as envisaged in the NDC manifesto", the union concluded.
"Our patience is running out since we have waited all this while on His Excellency J.E.A. Mills to elevate our Member of Parliament (MP) to a ministerial status," said the union.
This was contained in a press release issued jointly by the union in Wa. According to the union, the call by the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, on the President to raise Mr Bagbin’s position to a ministerial status should be solemnly considered.
"The contention of the Minority leader is on the fact that being the leader of government business, he will fast-track the laying of papers if sector minister, were not present," it added.
The union contended that besides ensuring the smooth running of government business in the House, "we the students of the district have followed with keen interest the role he played when the party was in opposition for eight years".
"He became the voice of the party, ... he should have been among the first five personalities for ministerial appointment," said the union.
It observed that the exclusion of Mr Bagbin from ministerial appointment would serve as a disregard for and peril to the chances of the party in the constituency, district and region at large.
"We, therefore, wish to appeal to his excellency, J.E.A. Mills not to be restricted by his campaign of operating on a lean government but instead, appoint others who have the charisma, confidence, innovative and leadership skills to add more arsenals to his administration in order to realise the better Ghana as envisaged in the NDC manifesto", the union concluded.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
NRSC LAUNCHES COMMERICAL LOG BOOK IN WA (PAGE 20)
THE National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has launched a commercial vehicle log book in Wa in the Upper West Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Regional Coordinator of the commission, Mr S.A. Kareem attributed most of the accidents in the region to human errors.
According to him, most of the drivers in the region were inexperienced to the extent that they often resorted to speeding and dangerous overtaking.
Mr Kareem said the large number of motorbikes in the region which had created a leeway for juveniles most of whom were below 18 years, lack of sign posts, maintenance of vehicles by transport owners and failure to wear crash helmets and seat belts, were major contributory factors to the accidents.
Mr Kareem stated that the region record 10 deaths in the first quarter of the year involving eight vehicles.
"In all, 14 people sustained various degrees of injury with the cases of six people being fatal", he said.
Mr Kareem admitted that roads in the region were bad and expressed the hope that efforts would be made to improve the situation.
The Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, advised drivers to be always tolerant and avoid reckless driving.
He commended the NRSC for its good work in the region and urged the commission not to relent in its efforts to educate people, particularly road users, on the effects of accidents on their families and the national economy.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Regional Coordinator of the commission, Mr S.A. Kareem attributed most of the accidents in the region to human errors.
According to him, most of the drivers in the region were inexperienced to the extent that they often resorted to speeding and dangerous overtaking.
Mr Kareem said the large number of motorbikes in the region which had created a leeway for juveniles most of whom were below 18 years, lack of sign posts, maintenance of vehicles by transport owners and failure to wear crash helmets and seat belts, were major contributory factors to the accidents.
Mr Kareem stated that the region record 10 deaths in the first quarter of the year involving eight vehicles.
"In all, 14 people sustained various degrees of injury with the cases of six people being fatal", he said.
Mr Kareem admitted that roads in the region were bad and expressed the hope that efforts would be made to improve the situation.
The Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, advised drivers to be always tolerant and avoid reckless driving.
He commended the NRSC for its good work in the region and urged the commission not to relent in its efforts to educate people, particularly road users, on the effects of accidents on their families and the national economy.
WA TO HOST CULTURAL FESTIVAL (PAGE 20)
A YOUTH cultural festival aimed at bringing the youth from the various districts in the region to exhibit their traditional cultures, is to be held at Wa, the Upper West Regional capital.
The programme, which is to be organised by the regional office of the National Youth Council (NYC), will also serve as a platform for peace and unity promotion in the region.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Wa, the acting Regional Coordinator of the NYC, Mr Mumuni Suleimana, appealed to the district assemblies in the region to lend their support to the programme to ensure its success.
He said the relative peace in the region must be sustained, stressing that one of the measures to achieve that objective was to bring the citizens of the region together through cultural performances.
Mr Suleimana advised the people in the region to patronise the event since it would be one of the best organised events in the area.
He stated that a project to involve the youth in the manufacture of local sandals would soon be launched in the Wa municipality to offer employment opportunities for the youth in the area.
Mr Suleimana, therefore, appealed to young people in the municipality to avail themselves of the programme when it was launched.
The programme, which is to be organised by the regional office of the National Youth Council (NYC), will also serve as a platform for peace and unity promotion in the region.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Wa, the acting Regional Coordinator of the NYC, Mr Mumuni Suleimana, appealed to the district assemblies in the region to lend their support to the programme to ensure its success.
He said the relative peace in the region must be sustained, stressing that one of the measures to achieve that objective was to bring the citizens of the region together through cultural performances.
Mr Suleimana advised the people in the region to patronise the event since it would be one of the best organised events in the area.
He stated that a project to involve the youth in the manufacture of local sandals would soon be launched in the Wa municipality to offer employment opportunities for the youth in the area.
Mr Suleimana, therefore, appealed to young people in the municipality to avail themselves of the programme when it was launched.
CHRAJ RECEIVES 283 CASES IN UPPER WEST (PAGE 20)
THE Upper West Regional office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) received a total of 283 cases last year.
Out of the number, 220 were resolved, seven were rejected, five of them were withdrawn while 35 of the cases were still pending.
Most of the cases concerned maintenance of children, spouses and pregnancies.
Others were ownership of property, labour issues, assault and abuse related cases.
According to Mr Adama Mumuni, the Regional Director of CHRAJ, his office mainly used mediation for the settlement of the cases.
"As a result of our interventions, we have been able to bring reconciliation among a lot of people; people who hitherto saw themselves as enemies, were now brothers and sisters," he said.
Mr Mumuni said the commission considered every issue as serious and therefore treated all cases with the needed alacrity.
"We have the confidence of complainants because of our fairness and neutrality as nobody has ever raised objections to our decisions", Mr Mumuni stressed.
He said a total of 177 educational programmes on various issues of national concern were carried out in all the nine districts in the region.
He said he was of the belief that such programmes went a long way to ensure violence free elections in the region last year.
Out of the number, 220 were resolved, seven were rejected, five of them were withdrawn while 35 of the cases were still pending.
Most of the cases concerned maintenance of children, spouses and pregnancies.
Others were ownership of property, labour issues, assault and abuse related cases.
According to Mr Adama Mumuni, the Regional Director of CHRAJ, his office mainly used mediation for the settlement of the cases.
"As a result of our interventions, we have been able to bring reconciliation among a lot of people; people who hitherto saw themselves as enemies, were now brothers and sisters," he said.
Mr Mumuni said the commission considered every issue as serious and therefore treated all cases with the needed alacrity.
"We have the confidence of complainants because of our fairness and neutrality as nobody has ever raised objections to our decisions", Mr Mumuni stressed.
He said a total of 177 educational programmes on various issues of national concern were carried out in all the nine districts in the region.
He said he was of the belief that such programmes went a long way to ensure violence free elections in the region last year.
Monday, May 11, 2009
WA EAST ENDORSES SALIFU (page 14)
The Wa East district assembly in the Upper West Region has confirmed Ameen Salifu, as the District Chief Executive for the area.
At an emergency assembly meeting held at Funsi, 19 out of the 25 members voted in favour of Mr Salifu while six voted against.
The election which was delayed as a result of intensive lobbying of the assembly members was however peaceful.
In a speech, the new district chief executive appealed for peace and unity to enable the district progress in its development agenda.
He promised to work in collaboration with other stakeholders who have the district at heart.
Mr Salifu thanked the assembly for the confidence reposed in him and called for total cooperation from the assembly members.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, commended the assembly members for endorsing the nominee.
He advised the assembly to support the nominee by working above ethnic and political consideration.
Present at the assembly meeting were the regional chairman of the NDC, Mr Issahaque Malik, a member of council of state, Naa Seidu Braimah, a former member of parliament for Wa Central, Mr M.A Seidu and a host of NDC supporters.
At an emergency assembly meeting held at Funsi, 19 out of the 25 members voted in favour of Mr Salifu while six voted against.
The election which was delayed as a result of intensive lobbying of the assembly members was however peaceful.
In a speech, the new district chief executive appealed for peace and unity to enable the district progress in its development agenda.
He promised to work in collaboration with other stakeholders who have the district at heart.
Mr Salifu thanked the assembly for the confidence reposed in him and called for total cooperation from the assembly members.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid, commended the assembly members for endorsing the nominee.
He advised the assembly to support the nominee by working above ethnic and political consideration.
Present at the assembly meeting were the regional chairman of the NDC, Mr Issahaque Malik, a member of council of state, Naa Seidu Braimah, a former member of parliament for Wa Central, Mr M.A Seidu and a host of NDC supporters.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
UPPER WEST SHOWS UNITY IN DIVERSITY (MIRROR, PAGE 35)
From George Folley Quaye, Wa
When it comes to poverty in Ghana, the Upper West Region, no doubt ranks first. However, there is one thing which has confounded people much to the surprise of the citizens of the region. This is the unity of purpose among the people, particularly the politicians known in the local parlance as “Tijaa Bungyeni” (we are all one).
The recent announcement of President J. E .A Mills’s nominees for the post of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCE) in the country in general raised a lot of furore, anger and demonstrations among other agitations. But in the Upper West region, the oneness of the people was evident as assembly members voted 100 per cent for the nominees as chief executives.
They are; Clement Benin, Lambussie-karni, Robert Wavei, Sissala West, Alijata Sulemana, Sissala East, and Abu Kasangbata, Nadowli.
The rest are; Duogu Yakubu, Wa Municipal, Seidu Tungbani, Wa West, Ameen Salifu, Wa East and Samson Abu, Lawra.
The trepidation and fear of people gave way to joy and happiness as the various assembly halls burst into songs, the sprinkling of powder on the MMDCE’s elect amidst dancing.
Perhaps with the exception of the Wa West district, where some 13 assembly members were alleged to have demanded GH¢1000 cedis each from the nominee, everything went on well.
The action of these assembly members was condemned and branded as traitors as all of them were said to be known NDC members.
Another district which also proved difficult was Wa East, but through diplomacy by the Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid and other party executive, the nominee, Ameen Salifu sailed through.
After the tension and manoeuvring, an over elated Mr Khalid expressed his profound gratitude to all the various district assemblies for their support and sense of maturity.
“Let me also thank the media in the region for their role in getting information down to the people,” he told the media.
Mr Khalid said the contribution of all stakeholders to the success story on the confirmation of the chief executives was an ample evidence that the region was ready to work with the government.
“Finally, let me thank everybody including members of the minority parties who understood and supported in the confirmation process,” he added.
When it comes to poverty in Ghana, the Upper West Region, no doubt ranks first. However, there is one thing which has confounded people much to the surprise of the citizens of the region. This is the unity of purpose among the people, particularly the politicians known in the local parlance as “Tijaa Bungyeni” (we are all one).
The recent announcement of President J. E .A Mills’s nominees for the post of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCE) in the country in general raised a lot of furore, anger and demonstrations among other agitations. But in the Upper West region, the oneness of the people was evident as assembly members voted 100 per cent for the nominees as chief executives.
They are; Clement Benin, Lambussie-karni, Robert Wavei, Sissala West, Alijata Sulemana, Sissala East, and Abu Kasangbata, Nadowli.
The rest are; Duogu Yakubu, Wa Municipal, Seidu Tungbani, Wa West, Ameen Salifu, Wa East and Samson Abu, Lawra.
The trepidation and fear of people gave way to joy and happiness as the various assembly halls burst into songs, the sprinkling of powder on the MMDCE’s elect amidst dancing.
Perhaps with the exception of the Wa West district, where some 13 assembly members were alleged to have demanded GH¢1000 cedis each from the nominee, everything went on well.
The action of these assembly members was condemned and branded as traitors as all of them were said to be known NDC members.
Another district which also proved difficult was Wa East, but through diplomacy by the Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid and other party executive, the nominee, Ameen Salifu sailed through.
After the tension and manoeuvring, an over elated Mr Khalid expressed his profound gratitude to all the various district assemblies for their support and sense of maturity.
“Let me also thank the media in the region for their role in getting information down to the people,” he told the media.
Mr Khalid said the contribution of all stakeholders to the success story on the confirmation of the chief executives was an ample evidence that the region was ready to work with the government.
“Finally, let me thank everybody including members of the minority parties who understood and supported in the confirmation process,” he added.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
WA EXPERIENCES FIRST RAIN (PAGE 14)
Sweltering weather in the Upper West Region gave way to torrential rainfall last Tuesday.
The downpour, which happened to be the first major rain this year, has brought relief to the region’s residents.
For some days there were heavy clouds but it wasn’t until around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday that it started raining heavily with lightning and deafening thunder.
In the end, dirty and choked drains were neatly cleared and the stench emanating from them temporarily absent.
According to Mr Daniel Tetteh, the Upper West Regional Meteorological Officer, the rainfall recorded was 54.2 millimetres.
He explained that the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) had predicted 963 millimetres of rainfall from April to October, when the rainy season is expected to end.
"The onset is expected to be the last week of April with dry spells likely to occur between five and 10 days during the first four weeks after the onset" he added.
Meanwhile, the Regional Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr Bawa Seidu, has advised farmers cultivating yams in valleys to replace them with rice.
That, he said, was necessary since the yam mounds were likely to be swept away by the expected rains.
In the interview with the Daily Graphic, he said during the rainy season a number of roads and dams were negatively affected in the region.
These include Funsi-Kundugu, Bugubelle-Wellembelle, Ga-Wechiau, Franuo-Gwollu and Jirapa-Ping roads.
In addition to this, some dams, namely the Tassaw and Nabulo dams in the Sissala East and the Sirru Dam in the Wa West District, were being threatened.
According to Mr Seidu, education is currently ongoing for people living in low-lying areas to move to higher grounds.
“So far, reports indicate that some farmers are complying with the directives, but just like any human institutions, some are adamant”, he said.
On measures being taken to counter or ensure minimal destruction during the rains, the NADMO regional co-ordinator said a workshop for the Upper West Region would be held this month with United Nations agencies and other stakeholders to map out strategies.
"We think that with these steps being taken, we should be able to stand up to the task", he added.
The downpour, which happened to be the first major rain this year, has brought relief to the region’s residents.
For some days there were heavy clouds but it wasn’t until around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday that it started raining heavily with lightning and deafening thunder.
In the end, dirty and choked drains were neatly cleared and the stench emanating from them temporarily absent.
According to Mr Daniel Tetteh, the Upper West Regional Meteorological Officer, the rainfall recorded was 54.2 millimetres.
He explained that the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) had predicted 963 millimetres of rainfall from April to October, when the rainy season is expected to end.
"The onset is expected to be the last week of April with dry spells likely to occur between five and 10 days during the first four weeks after the onset" he added.
Meanwhile, the Regional Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr Bawa Seidu, has advised farmers cultivating yams in valleys to replace them with rice.
That, he said, was necessary since the yam mounds were likely to be swept away by the expected rains.
In the interview with the Daily Graphic, he said during the rainy season a number of roads and dams were negatively affected in the region.
These include Funsi-Kundugu, Bugubelle-Wellembelle, Ga-Wechiau, Franuo-Gwollu and Jirapa-Ping roads.
In addition to this, some dams, namely the Tassaw and Nabulo dams in the Sissala East and the Sirru Dam in the Wa West District, were being threatened.
According to Mr Seidu, education is currently ongoing for people living in low-lying areas to move to higher grounds.
“So far, reports indicate that some farmers are complying with the directives, but just like any human institutions, some are adamant”, he said.
On measures being taken to counter or ensure minimal destruction during the rains, the NADMO regional co-ordinator said a workshop for the Upper West Region would be held this month with United Nations agencies and other stakeholders to map out strategies.
"We think that with these steps being taken, we should be able to stand up to the task", he added.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
UPPER WEST SHOWS UNITY IN DIVERSITY (PAGE 16)
When it comes to poverty in Ghana, the Upper West Region, no doubt ranks first. However, there is one thing which has confounded people much to the surprise of the citizens of the region. This is the unity of purpose among the people, particularly the politicians known in the local parlance as “Tijaa Bungyeni” (we are all one).
The recent announcement of President J. E .A Mills’s nominees for the post of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCE) in the country in general raised a lot off furore, anger and demonstrations among other agitations. But in the Upper West region, the oneness of the people was evident as assembly members voted 100 per cent for the nominees as chief executives.
They are; Clement Benin, Lambussie-karni, Robert Wavei, Sissala West, Alijata Sulemana, Sissala East, and Abu Kasangbata, Nadowli.
The rest are; Duogu Yakubu, Wa Municipal, Seidu Tungbani, Wa West, Ameen Salifu, Wa East and Samson Abu, Lawra.
The trepidation and fear of people gave way to joy and happiness as the various assembly halls burst into songs, the sprinkling of powder on the MMDCE’s elect amidst dancing.
Perhaps with the exception of the Wa West district, where some 13 assembly members were alleged to have demanded GH¢1000 cedis each from the nominee, everything went on well.
The action of these assembly members was condemned and branded as traitors as all of them were said to be known NDC members.
Another district which also proved difficult was Wa East, but through diplomacy by the Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid and other party executive, the nominee, Ameen Salifu sailed through.
After the tension and manoeuvring, an over elated Mr Khalid expressed his profound gratitude to all the various district assemblies for their support and sense of maturity.
“Let me also thank the media in the region for their role in getting information down to the people,” he told the media.
Mr Khalid said the contribution of all stakeholders to the success story on the confirmation of the chief executives was an ample evidence that the region was ready to work with the government.
“Finally, let me thank everybody including members of the minority parties who understood and supported in the confirmation process,” he added.
The recent announcement of President J. E .A Mills’s nominees for the post of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCE) in the country in general raised a lot off furore, anger and demonstrations among other agitations. But in the Upper West region, the oneness of the people was evident as assembly members voted 100 per cent for the nominees as chief executives.
They are; Clement Benin, Lambussie-karni, Robert Wavei, Sissala West, Alijata Sulemana, Sissala East, and Abu Kasangbata, Nadowli.
The rest are; Duogu Yakubu, Wa Municipal, Seidu Tungbani, Wa West, Ameen Salifu, Wa East and Samson Abu, Lawra.
The trepidation and fear of people gave way to joy and happiness as the various assembly halls burst into songs, the sprinkling of powder on the MMDCE’s elect amidst dancing.
Perhaps with the exception of the Wa West district, where some 13 assembly members were alleged to have demanded GH¢1000 cedis each from the nominee, everything went on well.
The action of these assembly members was condemned and branded as traitors as all of them were said to be known NDC members.
Another district which also proved difficult was Wa East, but through diplomacy by the Regional Minister, Mr Mahmud Khalid and other party executive, the nominee, Ameen Salifu sailed through.
After the tension and manoeuvring, an over elated Mr Khalid expressed his profound gratitude to all the various district assemblies for their support and sense of maturity.
“Let me also thank the media in the region for their role in getting information down to the people,” he told the media.
Mr Khalid said the contribution of all stakeholders to the success story on the confirmation of the chief executives was an ample evidence that the region was ready to work with the government.
“Finally, let me thank everybody including members of the minority parties who understood and supported in the confirmation process,” he added.
Monday, May 4, 2009
NGO ASSISTS WA TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES (PAGE 30)
THE Wa community, just like other deprived areas, has its own challenges. Consequently, a number of community–based organisations and non–governmental organisations are complementing the efforts of the government to address these challenges.
One of such organisations is the Sung-Bawiara Foundation based in Wa. Sung-Bawiara, which means “kindness is not in vain” has three focus areas in its activities. These are assistance for orphans and needy children, particularly girls who are prone to risks, income-generating activities for needy women and support for people living with HIV/ AIDS.
Founded in 1999 by Mrs Christine Choka Seidu, a development worker, the foundation gives financial and material support as well as counselling to the underprivileged in the Wa municipality.
The Ghana Aids Commission and the Catholic Relief Service have each contributed GH¢2,000 and GH¢500 respectively towards the activities of the foundation.
“I make a personal contribution from my monthly salary to help support 15 needy orphans in their education while a number of foreign friends make occasional contributions of small amounts”, Mrs Seidu told the Daily Graphic.
The foundation ensures and relies on a deep understanding of local conditions not only the traditional background, but also the challenges posed by development.
“This knowledge enables us to make long lasting and positive interventions in the lives of at –risk girls, women in extremely difficult situations and people living with HIV/AIDS”, she added.
Over the years, the foundation has organised many sensitisation workshops for a number of identifiable groups, including barbers and saloon workers.
It has also supported many children to enrol in school and provided them with uniforms, footwears, books, among others in Chansa, while eight teenage commercial sex workers have been resettled through the collaborative efforts of the Catholic Relief Service.
Currently, the foundation is supplying food items to 45 children orphaned by HIV/AIDS as well as to 50 people living with the disease.
In spite of that, the foundation still faces some challenges, including inadequate funds to meet high demands from needy people and transportation.
On the way forward, Mrs Seidu said the foundation intended to support its target groups in the Wa municipality and its environs through the acquisition of vocational skills and income generating ventures.
One of such organisations is the Sung-Bawiara Foundation based in Wa. Sung-Bawiara, which means “kindness is not in vain” has three focus areas in its activities. These are assistance for orphans and needy children, particularly girls who are prone to risks, income-generating activities for needy women and support for people living with HIV/ AIDS.
Founded in 1999 by Mrs Christine Choka Seidu, a development worker, the foundation gives financial and material support as well as counselling to the underprivileged in the Wa municipality.
The Ghana Aids Commission and the Catholic Relief Service have each contributed GH¢2,000 and GH¢500 respectively towards the activities of the foundation.
“I make a personal contribution from my monthly salary to help support 15 needy orphans in their education while a number of foreign friends make occasional contributions of small amounts”, Mrs Seidu told the Daily Graphic.
The foundation ensures and relies on a deep understanding of local conditions not only the traditional background, but also the challenges posed by development.
“This knowledge enables us to make long lasting and positive interventions in the lives of at –risk girls, women in extremely difficult situations and people living with HIV/AIDS”, she added.
Over the years, the foundation has organised many sensitisation workshops for a number of identifiable groups, including barbers and saloon workers.
It has also supported many children to enrol in school and provided them with uniforms, footwears, books, among others in Chansa, while eight teenage commercial sex workers have been resettled through the collaborative efforts of the Catholic Relief Service.
Currently, the foundation is supplying food items to 45 children orphaned by HIV/AIDS as well as to 50 people living with the disease.
In spite of that, the foundation still faces some challenges, including inadequate funds to meet high demands from needy people and transportation.
On the way forward, Mrs Seidu said the foundation intended to support its target groups in the Wa municipality and its environs through the acquisition of vocational skills and income generating ventures.
WA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF MAKES STEADY PROGRESS (PAGE 30)
THE Wa School for the Deaf (WADEAF) has just celebrated its 40th anniversary on the theme: "40 years of education in the Upper West Region, achievements, challenges and the way forward".
The occasion attracted people from all walks of life who celebrated the day with the inmates of the school.
In attendance was the school’s band led by Mr Tia. History has it that, in 1967, one Lieutenantt-General Drummon of the Commonwealth Society for the Deaf came and did some feasibility studies on the incidence of deafness in north-western Ghana now known as the Upper West Region.
The findings revealed that the incidence of deafness was high in that part of Ghana. He, therefore, approached some reverened sisters who were operating a maternity home at Nandom, to start a school alongside the maternity home to cater for some of the children he came across, but the sisters declined.
Instead, they directed Lt-Gen. Drummon to the then Bishop of Wa , the late Cardinal Peter Dery, who readily accepted the idea and contacted the Ministry of Education for support.
Bishop Dery was said to have faced opposition because what was on the schedule was the establishment of the Bechem School for the Deaf in the Brong Ahafo Region so he was told to wait but he persisted and insisted on his readiness to open the school in Wa.
The next problem was how to get a specialist teacher to start the school if given the go ahead. Fortunately, one Gaspard Bob-Milliar, a native of Nandom, who was just about completing the specialist training at the then Deaf Education Specialist Training College at Mampong-Akuapem, accepted the Bishop’s offer to take up the task.
Eventually, on November 11, 1968, the Wa School for the Deaf, the third in Ghana, was officially opened with an initial enrolment of 20 pupils comprising 17 boys and three girls in a rented quarters at Wapaani, a section of Wa.
Today, WADEAF has grown and has a population of 269 pupils. The school, which has moved to Konta, a suburb of Wa, runs a two-year kindergaten, primary section, a four-year Junior High School (JHS), a three-year vocational institute and a unit for the mentally-challenged. Interestingly, the school follows the same curriculum as the regular schools with some adaptations to suit the special education needs of the children. At the end of the JHS course, the pupils sit the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) organised by West African Examinations Council (WAEC) as their counterparts in the regular setting.
"The vocational programme gives post-JHS students skills training in weaving, carpentry, woodwork, catering, dress-making and crafts", the head teacher of the school, Mrs Esther Yerifari told the Daily Graphic.
Achievements
Until the 1970’s when the Savelugu School for the Deaf was opened, WADEAF’’s catchment area covered the whole of northern Ghana, Brong Ahafo and Ashanti regions.
Last year, a former student of the school, Juventus Dourinaa gained admission to the University of Ghana.
According to Mrs Yenfari, there had been steady increase in enrolment as a result of awareness creation while many negative attitudes or perceptions had given way to positive ones.
On infrastructure, she stated that there had been steady increase in projects.
Mrs Yenfari thanked a philanthropic organisation in Holland, Wilde Gazen for putting up a vocational unit for the mentally-challenged and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND) for the provision of a wall, a six-unit classroom block and a computer centre as well as the renovation of dormitories and staff bungalows.
She, however, said there were some challenges facing the school which included an uncompleted administration block and library which had been at foundation level for over two decades.
"Other challenges have to do with connecting water to the staff bungalows, lighting system along the access roads, more staff bungalows and last but not the least, the school needs a bus to enable the children to embark on educational trips, among others", she added.
Mrs Yenfari also appealed for the upgrading of the school’s assessment centre to a standard one.
She also called for the establishment of sign language centres in each district for interested teachers and individuals in order to get more interpreters for institutions like hospitals, police stations, courts and other public places.
For his part, the senior prefect of the school, Master John Moarl, mentioned the need for the deaf to be given a lot of attention in education.
He commended the Catholic Church for establishing the school which he described as Godsend.
The occasion attracted people from all walks of life who celebrated the day with the inmates of the school.
In attendance was the school’s band led by Mr Tia. History has it that, in 1967, one Lieutenantt-General Drummon of the Commonwealth Society for the Deaf came and did some feasibility studies on the incidence of deafness in north-western Ghana now known as the Upper West Region.
The findings revealed that the incidence of deafness was high in that part of Ghana. He, therefore, approached some reverened sisters who were operating a maternity home at Nandom, to start a school alongside the maternity home to cater for some of the children he came across, but the sisters declined.
Instead, they directed Lt-Gen. Drummon to the then Bishop of Wa , the late Cardinal Peter Dery, who readily accepted the idea and contacted the Ministry of Education for support.
Bishop Dery was said to have faced opposition because what was on the schedule was the establishment of the Bechem School for the Deaf in the Brong Ahafo Region so he was told to wait but he persisted and insisted on his readiness to open the school in Wa.
The next problem was how to get a specialist teacher to start the school if given the go ahead. Fortunately, one Gaspard Bob-Milliar, a native of Nandom, who was just about completing the specialist training at the then Deaf Education Specialist Training College at Mampong-Akuapem, accepted the Bishop’s offer to take up the task.
Eventually, on November 11, 1968, the Wa School for the Deaf, the third in Ghana, was officially opened with an initial enrolment of 20 pupils comprising 17 boys and three girls in a rented quarters at Wapaani, a section of Wa.
Today, WADEAF has grown and has a population of 269 pupils. The school, which has moved to Konta, a suburb of Wa, runs a two-year kindergaten, primary section, a four-year Junior High School (JHS), a three-year vocational institute and a unit for the mentally-challenged. Interestingly, the school follows the same curriculum as the regular schools with some adaptations to suit the special education needs of the children. At the end of the JHS course, the pupils sit the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) organised by West African Examinations Council (WAEC) as their counterparts in the regular setting.
"The vocational programme gives post-JHS students skills training in weaving, carpentry, woodwork, catering, dress-making and crafts", the head teacher of the school, Mrs Esther Yerifari told the Daily Graphic.
Achievements
Until the 1970’s when the Savelugu School for the Deaf was opened, WADEAF’’s catchment area covered the whole of northern Ghana, Brong Ahafo and Ashanti regions.
Last year, a former student of the school, Juventus Dourinaa gained admission to the University of Ghana.
According to Mrs Yenfari, there had been steady increase in enrolment as a result of awareness creation while many negative attitudes or perceptions had given way to positive ones.
On infrastructure, she stated that there had been steady increase in projects.
Mrs Yenfari thanked a philanthropic organisation in Holland, Wilde Gazen for putting up a vocational unit for the mentally-challenged and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND) for the provision of a wall, a six-unit classroom block and a computer centre as well as the renovation of dormitories and staff bungalows.
She, however, said there were some challenges facing the school which included an uncompleted administration block and library which had been at foundation level for over two decades.
"Other challenges have to do with connecting water to the staff bungalows, lighting system along the access roads, more staff bungalows and last but not the least, the school needs a bus to enable the children to embark on educational trips, among others", she added.
Mrs Yenfari also appealed for the upgrading of the school’s assessment centre to a standard one.
She also called for the establishment of sign language centres in each district for interested teachers and individuals in order to get more interpreters for institutions like hospitals, police stations, courts and other public places.
For his part, the senior prefect of the school, Master John Moarl, mentioned the need for the deaf to be given a lot of attention in education.
He commended the Catholic Church for establishing the school which he described as Godsend.
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