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.
Friday, July 31, 2009
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).
STUDENTS NUION ORGANISES QUIZ COMPETITION FOR SHS STUDENTS (PAGE 20)
THE Upper West Students Union at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has organised a quiz competition for some selected senior high schools (SHS) in the region.
In all, five schools, namely Nandom St. Francis Girls, Lassia Tuolu, Wa, and Queen of Peace SHS, participated in the competition.
The schools were quizzed in both Arts and Science. In the Arts category, the Wa SHS emerged winners, followed by Nandom St Francis Girls and Queen of Peace SHS respectively.
For the Science category, Nandom St Francis carried the day, while Queen of Peace placed second with Lassia Tuolu taking the third position.
Awards, ranging from books, pens, caps and wall clocks, were presented to the winners and the participating schools.
Addressing the participants after the competition, the branch secretary of the association, Mr Abraham Iddrisu, said the essence of the competition was not only to give awards, but also to encourage students to take their studies seriously.
“This is an opportunity for you to test your mental strength and give an indication that you are ready for tertiary education,” he added.
Mr Iddrisu advised the students to take their studies seriously and never involve themselves in any act of mischief.
The Patron of the association, Reverend Dr Nathan Samwini, congratulated the organisers of the competition, and urged them to organise more of such activities.
In all, five schools, namely Nandom St. Francis Girls, Lassia Tuolu, Wa, and Queen of Peace SHS, participated in the competition.
The schools were quizzed in both Arts and Science. In the Arts category, the Wa SHS emerged winners, followed by Nandom St Francis Girls and Queen of Peace SHS respectively.
For the Science category, Nandom St Francis carried the day, while Queen of Peace placed second with Lassia Tuolu taking the third position.
Awards, ranging from books, pens, caps and wall clocks, were presented to the winners and the participating schools.
Addressing the participants after the competition, the branch secretary of the association, Mr Abraham Iddrisu, said the essence of the competition was not only to give awards, but also to encourage students to take their studies seriously.
“This is an opportunity for you to test your mental strength and give an indication that you are ready for tertiary education,” he added.
Mr Iddrisu advised the students to take their studies seriously and never involve themselves in any act of mischief.
The Patron of the association, Reverend Dr Nathan Samwini, congratulated the organisers of the competition, and urged them to organise more of such activities.
MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE IN UPPER WEST GET HELP (PAGE 20)
SEVERE mental illness has the tendency to alter one's life. People with such a disease experience a disturbing state of mind which makes it rather difficult for them to fit into society.
As a result, the mentally ill are often shunned by their relations and society at large. Some families may reject their own relatives thereby, abandoning them to their fate.
No wonder, in Ghana, just like any other African country, such people are found roaming the streets engaging in all kinds of activities.
In the Upper West Region, for instance, one person who has taken the challenge to support mentally-ill persons is Mr Elyassu Yusif Baba, the Managing Director of BAHASS Chemical and Herbal Centre based in Wa, the regional capital.
For some time now, Mr Baba, affectionately called BAHASS, has been supporting these people in various ways.
In collaboration with the mental unit of the Wa Regional Hospital, BAHASS has been shaving, bathing, clothing and feeding a number of those unfortuante people every fotnight.
According to him, the gesture is his widow’s mite towards the upkeep of the mentally ill.
“Mentally ill people have the right to treatment and care, but unfortunately, our society sees them as a nuisance who have brought shame to themselves,” he told the Daily Graphic in Wa.
“After feeding the mentally-ill people, the mental unit of the regional hospital also provides them with medicines,” he added.
On what motivated him to undertake this "risky" venture, BAHASS said he felt pity for a particular mentally-ill person who always drank water from a contaminated drain.
"Based on this, I was so moved that I decided to organise some boys to "arrest" him. Ironically, he never resisted and, therefore, we took him to the outstirts of Wa, where we shaved, bathed, clothed and fed him,” Mr Baba said.
“That was the beginning of the whole issue, and by the end of June, this year, we had supported 45 of such people,” he added.
Mr Baba was of the view that mental health was a development issue and should, therefore, not be viewed in isolation.
He, therefore, called on civil society to advocate or lobby the government and civil society to pay more attention to the plight of the mentally-ill.
As a result, the mentally ill are often shunned by their relations and society at large. Some families may reject their own relatives thereby, abandoning them to their fate.
No wonder, in Ghana, just like any other African country, such people are found roaming the streets engaging in all kinds of activities.
In the Upper West Region, for instance, one person who has taken the challenge to support mentally-ill persons is Mr Elyassu Yusif Baba, the Managing Director of BAHASS Chemical and Herbal Centre based in Wa, the regional capital.
For some time now, Mr Baba, affectionately called BAHASS, has been supporting these people in various ways.
In collaboration with the mental unit of the Wa Regional Hospital, BAHASS has been shaving, bathing, clothing and feeding a number of those unfortuante people every fotnight.
According to him, the gesture is his widow’s mite towards the upkeep of the mentally ill.
“Mentally ill people have the right to treatment and care, but unfortunately, our society sees them as a nuisance who have brought shame to themselves,” he told the Daily Graphic in Wa.
“After feeding the mentally-ill people, the mental unit of the regional hospital also provides them with medicines,” he added.
On what motivated him to undertake this "risky" venture, BAHASS said he felt pity for a particular mentally-ill person who always drank water from a contaminated drain.
"Based on this, I was so moved that I decided to organise some boys to "arrest" him. Ironically, he never resisted and, therefore, we took him to the outstirts of Wa, where we shaved, bathed, clothed and fed him,” Mr Baba said.
“That was the beginning of the whole issue, and by the end of June, this year, we had supported 45 of such people,” he added.
Mr Baba was of the view that mental health was a development issue and should, therefore, not be viewed in isolation.
He, therefore, called on civil society to advocate or lobby the government and civil society to pay more attention to the plight of the mentally-ill.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
SWAA SUPPORTS SIX NGOS IN UPPER WEST (PAGE 11)
THE Society of Woman Against AIDS (SWAA), Ghana, with support from the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), is supporting six non-governmental organisations in the Upper West Region to carry out HIV and AIDS sensitisation programmes.
The NGOs are the Positive Action Against Poverty, Centre for Community Participation and Development, in the Wa West District, Sung-Bewira Foundation, Youth Alive, Langmaale Initiatives and Wa Diocese HIV and AIDS Programme, in Wa and Lawra respectively.
Addressing a sensitisation workshop in Wa, the National President of SWAA, Ghana, Madam Cecilia Lodonu-Senoo, said the GAC had released GH¢100,000 for the regional HIV and AIDs programme over a period of two years.
She said the target of SWAA, among others, is to organise sensitisation programmes in schools and the communities in general and also distribute condoms to the sexually active group, as well as hold counselling and voluntary testing for the people.
She said SWAA also worked in partnership with the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, district assemblies, traditional rulers and regional co-ordinating councils.
On some of the achievements of SWAA, she mentioned training programmes for women living with HIV and AIDS to make them self-reliant.
She also advised the NGOs to be truthful, transparent and accountable in the management of the funds.
The NGOs are the Positive Action Against Poverty, Centre for Community Participation and Development, in the Wa West District, Sung-Bewira Foundation, Youth Alive, Langmaale Initiatives and Wa Diocese HIV and AIDS Programme, in Wa and Lawra respectively.
Addressing a sensitisation workshop in Wa, the National President of SWAA, Ghana, Madam Cecilia Lodonu-Senoo, said the GAC had released GH¢100,000 for the regional HIV and AIDs programme over a period of two years.
She said the target of SWAA, among others, is to organise sensitisation programmes in schools and the communities in general and also distribute condoms to the sexually active group, as well as hold counselling and voluntary testing for the people.
She said SWAA also worked in partnership with the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, district assemblies, traditional rulers and regional co-ordinating councils.
On some of the achievements of SWAA, she mentioned training programmes for women living with HIV and AIDS to make them self-reliant.
She also advised the NGOs to be truthful, transparent and accountable in the management of the funds.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
WOMEN'S GROUP STARTS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IN UWR (PAGE 21)
THE Network for Women’s Right in Ghana (NETRIGHT), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has started a membership drive in the Upper West Region.
In this regard, NETRIGHT in collaboration with another NGO based in Wa, the Centre for Rural Empowerment and Development, has organised an outreach programme for a number of women’s groups in the Wa Municipality.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Regional Focal Person of NETRIGHT, Mrs Helen Koranteng, commended the two NGOs for agreeing to put the three northern regions in their 2009 work plan.
Mrs Koranteng, who is also the Executive Director of CREWED, called for change in attitude towards the many negative practices that hindered the progress of women in the region .
She appealed to women groups in the region to join NETRIGHT since they would benefit from the educational programmes of the NGO.
For her part, the Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Women, Mrs Cate Bob-Millar, called on Ghanaians not to politicise the women’s manifesto document.
“The manifesto is non-partisan and does not belong to any political party. It is rather a document expressing women’s concern on inequality,” she stated.
Mrs Bob-Millar expressed the hope that similar programmes would be replicated in other districts in the region.
In this regard, NETRIGHT in collaboration with another NGO based in Wa, the Centre for Rural Empowerment and Development, has organised an outreach programme for a number of women’s groups in the Wa Municipality.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Regional Focal Person of NETRIGHT, Mrs Helen Koranteng, commended the two NGOs for agreeing to put the three northern regions in their 2009 work plan.
Mrs Koranteng, who is also the Executive Director of CREWED, called for change in attitude towards the many negative practices that hindered the progress of women in the region .
She appealed to women groups in the region to join NETRIGHT since they would benefit from the educational programmes of the NGO.
For her part, the Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Women, Mrs Cate Bob-Millar, called on Ghanaians not to politicise the women’s manifesto document.
“The manifesto is non-partisan and does not belong to any political party. It is rather a document expressing women’s concern on inequality,” she stated.
Mrs Bob-Millar expressed the hope that similar programmes would be replicated in other districts in the region.
Monday, July 20, 2009
ZOOMLION EMBARKS ON MASSSPRAYING EXERCISE IN UWR (PAGE 23, JULY 18)
ZOOMLION Ghana Limited, a leading private waste management company in the country, has embarked on a mass spraying exercise in the Upper West Region.
The exercise, which was undertaken in collaboration with the Environmental Health Unit of the Wa Municipal and the other district assemblies in the region, has so far been carried out in Wa and its environs.
The Regional Operations Supervisor of Zoomlion, Mr Emmanuel Volsuuri, told the Daily Graphic in Wa that the exercise would be extended to the districts in the region.
He said the objective of the exercise was to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, as well as reducing their population.
“The breeding of other harmful vectors such as houseflies and cockroaches will also be prevented in all the localities,” Mr Volsuuri added.
According to him, 270 people had been recruited and trained to carry out the exercise.
He expressed the hope that the exercise would go a long way to prevent the spread of vector-transmitted diseases such as malaria and cholera.
He said the company had acquired enough chemicals, equipment and other logistics to sustain the mass spraying exercise, while breeding sites had already been identified.
He gave the assurance that the company would continue to do its best in ensuring a clean environment in the country.
Mr Volsuuri, however, advised Ghanaians to endeavour to keep their surroundings clean, as diseases were no respecter of persons.
The exercise, which was undertaken in collaboration with the Environmental Health Unit of the Wa Municipal and the other district assemblies in the region, has so far been carried out in Wa and its environs.
The Regional Operations Supervisor of Zoomlion, Mr Emmanuel Volsuuri, told the Daily Graphic in Wa that the exercise would be extended to the districts in the region.
He said the objective of the exercise was to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, as well as reducing their population.
“The breeding of other harmful vectors such as houseflies and cockroaches will also be prevented in all the localities,” Mr Volsuuri added.
According to him, 270 people had been recruited and trained to carry out the exercise.
He expressed the hope that the exercise would go a long way to prevent the spread of vector-transmitted diseases such as malaria and cholera.
He said the company had acquired enough chemicals, equipment and other logistics to sustain the mass spraying exercise, while breeding sites had already been identified.
He gave the assurance that the company would continue to do its best in ensuring a clean environment in the country.
Mr Volsuuri, however, advised Ghanaians to endeavour to keep their surroundings clean, as diseases were no respecter of persons.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
REFORMS NOT PRE-REQUISISTE FOR WINNING POWER (PAGE 13)
AN elder and founder member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Abdulai Issahaque, has observed that the expansion of the Electoral College and amendments to the party’s constitution is not a pre-requisite for the party winning back power in 2012.
He said, rather, what should concern the party was for members to settle their differences and respect one another.
“With a united front, the NPP will easily win back power, come next general election,” he said.
Alhaji Issahaque, a former Upper West Regional Chairman of the NPP, pointed out that the party was able to win power in 2000 and 2004 with the party’s present constitution.
“How come that now that the party is in opposition people are calling for the expansion of the Electoral College and amendments to the party’s constitution?,” he asked.
He said there were many more factors than the constitutional review, and attributed the party’s defeat in the last elections to disunity and a lack of respect for one another.
He likened the party to a football team in which unity was needed to win matches.
Alhaji Issahaque, therefore, called on the party’s hierarchy to retain the present constitution, adding, “There can be constitutional amendment, but if there is no unity, the party will continue to suffer”.
He, however, shared the view that the party should allow only three aspirants to contest the flag bearer position, with the runner-up becoming the running mate, regardless of the person’s ethnic background.
He said, rather, what should concern the party was for members to settle their differences and respect one another.
“With a united front, the NPP will easily win back power, come next general election,” he said.
Alhaji Issahaque, a former Upper West Regional Chairman of the NPP, pointed out that the party was able to win power in 2000 and 2004 with the party’s present constitution.
“How come that now that the party is in opposition people are calling for the expansion of the Electoral College and amendments to the party’s constitution?,” he asked.
He said there were many more factors than the constitutional review, and attributed the party’s defeat in the last elections to disunity and a lack of respect for one another.
He likened the party to a football team in which unity was needed to win matches.
Alhaji Issahaque, therefore, called on the party’s hierarchy to retain the present constitution, adding, “There can be constitutional amendment, but if there is no unity, the party will continue to suffer”.
He, however, shared the view that the party should allow only three aspirants to contest the flag bearer position, with the runner-up becoming the running mate, regardless of the person’s ethnic background.
WA TO HOST INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY (PAGE 21)
THIS year’s International Youth Day will be hosted in Wa, the Upper West Regional capital.
The day, which will be on the theme: “Sustainability, our challenge, our future” will come off on August 12, 2009.
Briefing the Daily Graphic at Wa, the Upper West Regional Co-ordinator of the National Youth Council (NYC), Mr Mumuni Suleimana, said activities lined up for the day included a public lecture and inter districts cultural festival.
He said prior to the event, a regional youth dialogue forum would be held with the Regional Minister, Mr Khalid Mahmud, while a paper on investment in agriculture and rural development would also be presented.
Mr Suleimana was happy that the celebration of the International Youth Day would help erase the perception from the minds of people that the Upper West Region “has nothing good to offer”.
The day, which will be on the theme: “Sustainability, our challenge, our future” will come off on August 12, 2009.
Briefing the Daily Graphic at Wa, the Upper West Regional Co-ordinator of the National Youth Council (NYC), Mr Mumuni Suleimana, said activities lined up for the day included a public lecture and inter districts cultural festival.
He said prior to the event, a regional youth dialogue forum would be held with the Regional Minister, Mr Khalid Mahmud, while a paper on investment in agriculture and rural development would also be presented.
Mr Suleimana was happy that the celebration of the International Youth Day would help erase the perception from the minds of people that the Upper West Region “has nothing good to offer”.
ALLOW UNION TO SERVE AS GUARANTORS — GPRTU (PAGE 31)
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in the Upper West Region has appealed to the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to allow the union to serve as guarantors for its members who want to purchase the bank’s sponsored Yutong buses.
The union said the current practice where individual members of the union were made to deposit GH¢35,000, representing 20 per cent of the total amount, was not beneficial to its members in the three northern regions.
“We, therefore, appeal to the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as a social democratic party, to intervene to also enable us to benefit from the bank’s assistance,” it added.
Mr Nuhu Mahama, the Upper West Regional Industrial Relations Officer of the union, told newsmen in Wa that the present arrangement by the ADB benefited only the union members in southern Ghana.
According to him, only two of the Yutong buses had been delivered to the region because of the loan arrangement.
He was, however, happy that the introduction of the buses in the region, coupled with those from Accra and Kumasi, had enabled the union to claim its market share of passengers who decided to shift to Metro Mass Transit buses.
Mr Mahama said the state of the Wa-Bole-Bamboi road had improved so well that travelling on it was no longer a nightmare.
Currently, there is only a small portion of the road that is yet to be tarred.
He, however, expressed regret about the horrible nature of the Sawla-Fufulso Junction, Wa-Tumu-Bolga and Wa-Hamile roads.
On security at the Wa Lorry Station, Mr Mahama commended the police for bringing sanity to the place particularly in the night.
“I, however, want to call on the Wa Municipal Assembly to provide security lights at the car park to ensure the continuous safety of passengers,” he said.
The union said the current practice where individual members of the union were made to deposit GH¢35,000, representing 20 per cent of the total amount, was not beneficial to its members in the three northern regions.
“We, therefore, appeal to the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as a social democratic party, to intervene to also enable us to benefit from the bank’s assistance,” it added.
Mr Nuhu Mahama, the Upper West Regional Industrial Relations Officer of the union, told newsmen in Wa that the present arrangement by the ADB benefited only the union members in southern Ghana.
According to him, only two of the Yutong buses had been delivered to the region because of the loan arrangement.
He was, however, happy that the introduction of the buses in the region, coupled with those from Accra and Kumasi, had enabled the union to claim its market share of passengers who decided to shift to Metro Mass Transit buses.
Mr Mahama said the state of the Wa-Bole-Bamboi road had improved so well that travelling on it was no longer a nightmare.
Currently, there is only a small portion of the road that is yet to be tarred.
He, however, expressed regret about the horrible nature of the Sawla-Fufulso Junction, Wa-Tumu-Bolga and Wa-Hamile roads.
On security at the Wa Lorry Station, Mr Mahama commended the police for bringing sanity to the place particularly in the night.
“I, however, want to call on the Wa Municipal Assembly to provide security lights at the car park to ensure the continuous safety of passengers,” he said.
Monday, July 13, 2009
WA TO HOST INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY (PAGE 21, JULY 7)
THIS year’s International Youth Day will be hosted in Wa, the Upper West Regional capital.
The day, which will be on the theme: “Sustainability, our challenge, our future” will come off on August 12, 2009.
Briefing the Daily Graphic at Wa, the Upper West Regional Co-ordinator of the National Youth Council (NYC), Mr Mumuni Suleimana, said activities lined up for the day included a public lecture and inter districts cultural festival.
He said prior to the event, a regional youth dialogue forum would be held with the Regional Minister, Mr Khalid Mahmud, while a paper on investment in agriculture and rural development would also be presented.
Mr Suleimana was happy that the celebration of the International Youth Day would help erase the perception from the minds of people that the Upper West Region “has nothing good to offer”.
The day, which will be on the theme: “Sustainability, our challenge, our future” will come off on August 12, 2009.
Briefing the Daily Graphic at Wa, the Upper West Regional Co-ordinator of the National Youth Council (NYC), Mr Mumuni Suleimana, said activities lined up for the day included a public lecture and inter districts cultural festival.
He said prior to the event, a regional youth dialogue forum would be held with the Regional Minister, Mr Khalid Mahmud, while a paper on investment in agriculture and rural development would also be presented.
Mr Suleimana was happy that the celebration of the International Youth Day would help erase the perception from the minds of people that the Upper West Region “has nothing good to offer”.
ALLOW UNION TO SERVE AS GUARANTORS - GPRTU (PAGE 31, JULY 7)
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in the Upper West Region has appealed to the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to allow the union to serve as guarantors for its members who want to purchase the bank’s sponsored Yutong buses.
The union said the current practice where individual members of the union were made to deposit GH¢35,000, representing 20 per cent of the total amount, was not beneficial to its members in the three northern regions.
“We, therefore, appeal to the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as a social democratic party, to intervene to also enable us to benefit from the bank’s assistance,” it added.
Mr Nuhu Mahama, the Upper West Regional Industrial Relations Officer of the union, told newsmen in Wa that the present arrangement by the ADB benefited only the union members in southern Ghana.
According to him, only two of the Yutong buses had been delivered to the region because of the loan arrangement.
He was, however, happy that the introduction of the buses in the region, coupled with those from Accra and Kumasi, had enabled the union to claim its market share of passengers who decided to shift to Metro Mass Transit buses.
Mr Mahama said the state of the Wa-Bole-Bamboi road had improved so well that travelling on it was no longer a nightmare.
Currently, there is only a small portion of the road that is yet to be tarred.
He, however, expressed regret about the horrible nature of the Sawla-Fufulso Junction, Wa-Tumu-Bolga and Wa-Hamile roads.
On security at the Wa Lorry Station, Mr Mahama commended the police for bringing sanity to the place particularly in the night.
“I, however, want to call on the Wa Municipal Assembly to provide security lights at the car park to ensure the continuous safety of passengers,” he said.
The union said the current practice where individual members of the union were made to deposit GH¢35,000, representing 20 per cent of the total amount, was not beneficial to its members in the three northern regions.
“We, therefore, appeal to the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as a social democratic party, to intervene to also enable us to benefit from the bank’s assistance,” it added.
Mr Nuhu Mahama, the Upper West Regional Industrial Relations Officer of the union, told newsmen in Wa that the present arrangement by the ADB benefited only the union members in southern Ghana.
According to him, only two of the Yutong buses had been delivered to the region because of the loan arrangement.
He was, however, happy that the introduction of the buses in the region, coupled with those from Accra and Kumasi, had enabled the union to claim its market share of passengers who decided to shift to Metro Mass Transit buses.
Mr Mahama said the state of the Wa-Bole-Bamboi road had improved so well that travelling on it was no longer a nightmare.
Currently, there is only a small portion of the road that is yet to be tarred.
He, however, expressed regret about the horrible nature of the Sawla-Fufulso Junction, Wa-Tumu-Bolga and Wa-Hamile roads.
On security at the Wa Lorry Station, Mr Mahama commended the police for bringing sanity to the place particularly in the night.
“I, however, want to call on the Wa Municipal Assembly to provide security lights at the car park to ensure the continuous safety of passengers,” he said.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
DCE OUTLINES VISION (MIRROR, PAGE 33)
From George Folley Quaye, Wa
The Disrict Chief Executive for Wa East, Mr Ameen Salifu, has outlined his vision for the district.
Addressing Heads of Departments at Fumsi, the capital of the Wa East District, he mentioned education, provision of electricity, agriculture and health as some of his priority areas.
He noted with regret that the district was one of the most deprived in the country as a result of which it had remained unattractive to many people because it lacked many basic amenities.
Mr Salifu therefore challenged the people to work hard to erase the perception that the district was a punishment zone for recalcitrant workers.
Descibing himself as a team player, the DCE said he was ready to work with all stakeholders to bring about the needed development to the people of the area.
“I promise that my administration will be open to all people. So if there are issues that threaten to hinder development, let us talk about them”, he added.
On electricity, Mr Salifu was not happy that the district capital and other towns in the area had not been connected to the national grid.
“The absence of telephone facilities, bad roads and the lack of residential accommodation are some factors accounting for many people not desirous to accept posting to the district,” he said.
He again called on workers in the district to eschew laziness and be guided by the spirit of patriotism which required dedication and commitment to work.
The District Director of Education, Madam Dominica Dassah, appealed for adequate facilities for schools in the area. She revealed that more than 50 per cent of the teachers in the district were untrained.
The Disrict Chief Executive for Wa East, Mr Ameen Salifu, has outlined his vision for the district.
Addressing Heads of Departments at Fumsi, the capital of the Wa East District, he mentioned education, provision of electricity, agriculture and health as some of his priority areas.
He noted with regret that the district was one of the most deprived in the country as a result of which it had remained unattractive to many people because it lacked many basic amenities.
Mr Salifu therefore challenged the people to work hard to erase the perception that the district was a punishment zone for recalcitrant workers.
Descibing himself as a team player, the DCE said he was ready to work with all stakeholders to bring about the needed development to the people of the area.
“I promise that my administration will be open to all people. So if there are issues that threaten to hinder development, let us talk about them”, he added.
On electricity, Mr Salifu was not happy that the district capital and other towns in the area had not been connected to the national grid.
“The absence of telephone facilities, bad roads and the lack of residential accommodation are some factors accounting for many people not desirous to accept posting to the district,” he said.
He again called on workers in the district to eschew laziness and be guided by the spirit of patriotism which required dedication and commitment to work.
The District Director of Education, Madam Dominica Dassah, appealed for adequate facilities for schools in the area. She revealed that more than 50 per cent of the teachers in the district were untrained.
CREDIT UNION SETS UP SCHEME FOR BUSINESS OPERATORS (PAGE 23)
THE Wa Community Co-operative Credit Union has established a scheme for its small-scale business operators in the Wa Municipality in the Upper West Region.
The scheme, which currently operates with 47 groups, comprising 1,104 individuals members across the union’s operational area, has so far provided GH¢80,905 to the beneficiaries.
Additionally, the groups, through the scheme, have so far saved GH¢15,913.40.
The Chairman of the union, Mr Jacob Dourinaa, announced this at the annual general meeting of the union in Wa over the weekend.
According to him, despite the remarkable performance of the union, there were still some challenges.
“Some members are in the habit of taking loans, which for unknown reasons, they fail to pay. This causes the union to lose so much needed income,” Mr Dourinaa added.
He said those challenges hindered the viability of the union as it loses income.
Mr Dourinaa attributed those challenges to inadequate knowledge on the principles and operations of the credit union concept and, therefore, called for more education.
“The loans committee has to work well by appraising every loan application to ensure that good loans are granted,” he advised.
He urged the loan officer to intensify his preliminary investigation into all loan applications and further warned that loan defaulters would soon be arranged before the law courts.
Commenting on the attitudes of the people of the three northern regions, Dr Benjamin Kumbuor, the Deputy Minister of Health, noted that, “Most people from these regions are themselves obstacles to the development of the three regions.”
He said the time had come for the people to take their destiny into their own hands, since they could not blame anyone for the lack of development in those areas.
Dr Kumbuor further advised the people of the three regions to be wary of all sorts of opinion leaders who paraded around claiming to be agents of development, because most of those leaders were rather a hindrance to the development of the three regions.
The scheme, which currently operates with 47 groups, comprising 1,104 individuals members across the union’s operational area, has so far provided GH¢80,905 to the beneficiaries.
Additionally, the groups, through the scheme, have so far saved GH¢15,913.40.
The Chairman of the union, Mr Jacob Dourinaa, announced this at the annual general meeting of the union in Wa over the weekend.
According to him, despite the remarkable performance of the union, there were still some challenges.
“Some members are in the habit of taking loans, which for unknown reasons, they fail to pay. This causes the union to lose so much needed income,” Mr Dourinaa added.
He said those challenges hindered the viability of the union as it loses income.
Mr Dourinaa attributed those challenges to inadequate knowledge on the principles and operations of the credit union concept and, therefore, called for more education.
“The loans committee has to work well by appraising every loan application to ensure that good loans are granted,” he advised.
He urged the loan officer to intensify his preliminary investigation into all loan applications and further warned that loan defaulters would soon be arranged before the law courts.
Commenting on the attitudes of the people of the three northern regions, Dr Benjamin Kumbuor, the Deputy Minister of Health, noted that, “Most people from these regions are themselves obstacles to the development of the three regions.”
He said the time had come for the people to take their destiny into their own hands, since they could not blame anyone for the lack of development in those areas.
Dr Kumbuor further advised the people of the three regions to be wary of all sorts of opinion leaders who paraded around claiming to be agents of development, because most of those leaders were rather a hindrance to the development of the three regions.
Friday, July 3, 2009
4 REMANDED FOR MURDER (PAGE 23)
FOUR people who allegedly killed a cattle owner at Nandom in the Upper West Region have been remanded in police custody by the Wa District Magistrate’s Court.
The accused persons who did not plead guilty and are to reappear on July 10, 2009, are Tufadu Musah, Diallo Dodah, Boniface Kuutuur and Paul Dapilah.
Presenting the facts of the case before the court presided over by Mr John Ayivor, Detective Sergeant D.Y. Yeboah, said Musah and Diallo are brothers and herdsmen living at Yelfisi near Piina.
He said Kuutuur and Dapilah are also cattle dealers, resident at Piina and Tuobeyir, all near Nandom.
According to him, the deceased accused Musah of stealing five of his cows and giving them to Kuutuur.
D/Sgt Yeboah said the deceased engaged in a scuffle with Kuutuur to demand his animals, which was reported to the elders of the town.
He stated that the attitude of the deceased infuriated Kuutuur and the other accused persons.
D/Sgt Yeboah said on June 19, this year, the eders advised Kuutuur to return the animals to the deceased person.
He said the deceased later left Pinna for Nandom but never reached his destination.
The prosecutor said a search party later found the body of the deceased and his motorbike along the banks of the Black Volta at Nandom.
D/Sgt Yeboah said the case was reported to the police and after preliminary investigations, the accused persons were arrested and put before court, while full investigations continue.
The accused persons who did not plead guilty and are to reappear on July 10, 2009, are Tufadu Musah, Diallo Dodah, Boniface Kuutuur and Paul Dapilah.
Presenting the facts of the case before the court presided over by Mr John Ayivor, Detective Sergeant D.Y. Yeboah, said Musah and Diallo are brothers and herdsmen living at Yelfisi near Piina.
He said Kuutuur and Dapilah are also cattle dealers, resident at Piina and Tuobeyir, all near Nandom.
According to him, the deceased accused Musah of stealing five of his cows and giving them to Kuutuur.
D/Sgt Yeboah said the deceased engaged in a scuffle with Kuutuur to demand his animals, which was reported to the elders of the town.
He stated that the attitude of the deceased infuriated Kuutuur and the other accused persons.
D/Sgt Yeboah said on June 19, this year, the eders advised Kuutuur to return the animals to the deceased person.
He said the deceased later left Pinna for Nandom but never reached his destination.
The prosecutor said a search party later found the body of the deceased and his motorbike along the banks of the Black Volta at Nandom.
D/Sgt Yeboah said the case was reported to the police and after preliminary investigations, the accused persons were arrested and put before court, while full investigations continue.
GTZ REHABILITATES DAM FOR WA (PAGE 22)
GTZ, a German organisation, has handed over a dam it has rehabilitated to the people of the Wa municipality.
The project, which cost 25 euros, was on “the food for work programme” of GTZ.
According to Mr Anthiny Dzatse, an official of GTZ, two similar dams had also been rehabilitated at Babile and Manwue in the Lawra and Wa East Districts, respectively.
He said each of the dams which were destroyed during last year’s flood, had the capacity to irrigate over four hectares of land.
“We, therefore, hope the people will take advantage of the projects and go into dry season gardening”, Mr Dzatse said.
He stated that GTZ would soon provide pumping machines for irrigation purposes.
The Regional Director of Food and Agriculture, Mr Emmanuel Eledi, commended GTZ for its continuous support and said the dams would go a long way to improve the living conditions of the people.
He praised the people of Charia for the enthusiasm and support during the rehabilitation of the dam.
Mr Eledi urged the people to make maximum use of the dams, especially during the dry season.
For his part, the Upper West Regional Cooperative Officer, Mr Clement Tuorash was happy that the credit union concept had improved the living standards of many people in the country.
He cautioned the board of directors to put in place effective internal control procedures in order to ensure higher profits.
Mr Tuorash appealed to members of the union to spread the benefits of the credit union concept to other people.
The project, which cost 25 euros, was on “the food for work programme” of GTZ.
According to Mr Anthiny Dzatse, an official of GTZ, two similar dams had also been rehabilitated at Babile and Manwue in the Lawra and Wa East Districts, respectively.
He said each of the dams which were destroyed during last year’s flood, had the capacity to irrigate over four hectares of land.
“We, therefore, hope the people will take advantage of the projects and go into dry season gardening”, Mr Dzatse said.
He stated that GTZ would soon provide pumping machines for irrigation purposes.
The Regional Director of Food and Agriculture, Mr Emmanuel Eledi, commended GTZ for its continuous support and said the dams would go a long way to improve the living conditions of the people.
He praised the people of Charia for the enthusiasm and support during the rehabilitation of the dam.
Mr Eledi urged the people to make maximum use of the dams, especially during the dry season.
For his part, the Upper West Regional Cooperative Officer, Mr Clement Tuorash was happy that the credit union concept had improved the living standards of many people in the country.
He cautioned the board of directors to put in place effective internal control procedures in order to ensure higher profits.
Mr Tuorash appealed to members of the union to spread the benefits of the credit union concept to other people.
WA CAMPUS OF UDS TAKES SHAPE (PAGE 22)
THE permanent site for the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) is gradually taking shape despite the financial problems facing the university.
Currently, the university authorities have initiated the construction of four 80-seater lecture hall valued at GH¢40,000 from its internally generated funds.
The most interesting aspect of the project is that labour is being provided by workers of the university.
“For now, we have started with one but the others will soon follow suit”, Mr Mohammed Baba, the Works Superintendent of the university told the Daily Graphic in Wa.
He said a clinic was also being constructed to offer health care services to students and lecturers.
To support the university, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has constructed two lecture halls each of which has a seating capacity of 1,000 which are currently being used for lectures.
Besides, two similar lecture halls are under construction while two 500 KVA transformers are being installed to ensure efficient supply of electricity to the new campus.
Three hostels financed by GETFund have also been completed while contract for a library complex is soon to be awarded.
“Two more hostels are almost completed and what is left are few minor works to be done after which they will be put to use”, Mr Mahama stated.
Throwing more light on the developments, the Dean of the Faculty of Planning and Land Management, Dr Francis Bacho, described the Wa campus as the university for the future because of its potential to become an autonomous institution.
According to him, come next academic year, students would be admitted to Planning and Land Management while the Integrated Community Development (ICD) programme would continue.
“The Faculty of Education, Law and Business Studies, has taken off in addition to new programmes being introduced,” he added.
In spite of all those achievements, the Wa campus still faces a number of challenges. It will, therefore, be appreciated if steps are taken to address them.
They include tables and chairs, just to mention a few.
It is suggested that the authorities should frequently organise career counselling for students who are to major in limited specialisation.
This is to avert the situation where some students have regretted being in certain departments and wished they had gone to other departments. That is not to say that some of the departments are cheap. No, that is not the case.
Finally, if possible, the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP) should be modified, as students often complain of fatigue and stress.
Currently, the university authorities have initiated the construction of four 80-seater lecture hall valued at GH¢40,000 from its internally generated funds.
The most interesting aspect of the project is that labour is being provided by workers of the university.
“For now, we have started with one but the others will soon follow suit”, Mr Mohammed Baba, the Works Superintendent of the university told the Daily Graphic in Wa.
He said a clinic was also being constructed to offer health care services to students and lecturers.
To support the university, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has constructed two lecture halls each of which has a seating capacity of 1,000 which are currently being used for lectures.
Besides, two similar lecture halls are under construction while two 500 KVA transformers are being installed to ensure efficient supply of electricity to the new campus.
Three hostels financed by GETFund have also been completed while contract for a library complex is soon to be awarded.
“Two more hostels are almost completed and what is left are few minor works to be done after which they will be put to use”, Mr Mahama stated.
Throwing more light on the developments, the Dean of the Faculty of Planning and Land Management, Dr Francis Bacho, described the Wa campus as the university for the future because of its potential to become an autonomous institution.
According to him, come next academic year, students would be admitted to Planning and Land Management while the Integrated Community Development (ICD) programme would continue.
“The Faculty of Education, Law and Business Studies, has taken off in addition to new programmes being introduced,” he added.
In spite of all those achievements, the Wa campus still faces a number of challenges. It will, therefore, be appreciated if steps are taken to address them.
They include tables and chairs, just to mention a few.
It is suggested that the authorities should frequently organise career counselling for students who are to major in limited specialisation.
This is to avert the situation where some students have regretted being in certain departments and wished they had gone to other departments. That is not to say that some of the departments are cheap. No, that is not the case.
Finally, if possible, the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP) should be modified, as students often complain of fatigue and stress.
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