Story: George Folley, Donwine
THE District Chief Executive (DCE) for Lawra in the Upper West Region, Mr Samson Abu, has appealed to the youth in the area to support their chiefs to maintain peace in the area.
He said that was the only way to ensure the socio– economic development of the district.
“I, therefore, implore you to direct your energy, time and other naturally endowed resources towards productive ventures and eschew all negative acts that have the tendency to ruin your lives,” he stressed.
Mr Abu made the call at separate ceremonies to outdoor Naa Thaddeus Laasa Duuru V and Naa Konogo Kuukao II, the newly enskinned chiefs of Monyupelle and Donwine, respectively, all in the Lawra District.
He commended the paramount chiefs of the Nandom and Lawra Traditional Areas, Naa Puore Puobe Chirr VII and Naa Puowele Karbo III, for their excellent counselling and guidance in the processes that led to the peaceful enskinment of the two chiefs.
He expressed the hope that the two paramount chiefs would continue to co-operate with the Lawra District Assembly to deliver on its plans for the benefit of the people in the district.
Mr Abu said this year would see a number of development projects to improve the lives of the people, stressing that education, health, agriculture, water and sanitation would still remain high on the agenda of the district.
Touching on the deadly Cerebro–Spinal Meningitis (CSM) disease which often broke out in the dry season, the DCE was happy that the Ministry of Health had already started putting measures in place to combat any outbreak.
“I will, however, wish to appeal to all of you to start taking some precautionary measures to prevent the disease. Let us avoid over-crowding and sleep in open or airy places when the warm season starts,”, he stressed.
Mr Abu encouraged the newly enskinned chiefs to be prepared to serve the people and be fair and firm in all dealings with their subjects in order to ensure peace and accelerated development in their traditional areas.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wa East NDC supports DCE (PAGE 13, JAN 31, 2011)
Story: George Folley, Wa
The Wa East constituency executive of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has observed that there is no way the party can reclaim the Wa East constituency seat without Mr Ameen Salifu, the District Chief Executive of the area.
According to the party, this is due to the fact that Mr Ameen, who was the party’s parliamentary candidate in the 2008 election, had sacrificed a lot and been marketed, tried and tested enough to lead the NDC to victory in 2012.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the constituency executive of the party at Funsi, the district capital. The executive include the Chairman, Asuma Abdul Karim Braimah; Secretary, Issahaque Munawaru; Organiser, Iddrisu Kapori; Youth Organiser, Bawa Walma; Treasurer, Seidu Baba and the Women’s Organiser, Habiba Mahama.
The executive said any individual, group or organisations that wanted to distract the attention of the DCE to make him lose focus on his developmental agenda of building a better Wa East to serve their own parochial interest would definitely fail.
It said those who were discrediting the DCE were doing so out of desperation, as they all vied for the position and lost.
It mentioned three personalities — Yahaya Yakubu, the NDC Regional Propaganda Secretary, Issahaku Bawa Sumani, a former Constituency Vice Chairman of the party, and Mohammed Saani, a member of the expanded Constituency Executive — as allegedly behind the plot.
“This our great party and government cannot accommodate the syndrome of pull-him-down, so give us a break,” the statement said.
The executive advised the three personalities not to allow themselves to be used by certain persons to achieve their personal interest.
It stated that the Wa East District, which was created about four years ago, had not seen any accelerated development till the last two years when Mr Ameen took over as the DCE.
It advised all those with grievances to channel them through the party’s tried and tested mechanisms of conflict resolution.
The Wa East constituency executive of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has observed that there is no way the party can reclaim the Wa East constituency seat without Mr Ameen Salifu, the District Chief Executive of the area.
According to the party, this is due to the fact that Mr Ameen, who was the party’s parliamentary candidate in the 2008 election, had sacrificed a lot and been marketed, tried and tested enough to lead the NDC to victory in 2012.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the constituency executive of the party at Funsi, the district capital. The executive include the Chairman, Asuma Abdul Karim Braimah; Secretary, Issahaque Munawaru; Organiser, Iddrisu Kapori; Youth Organiser, Bawa Walma; Treasurer, Seidu Baba and the Women’s Organiser, Habiba Mahama.
The executive said any individual, group or organisations that wanted to distract the attention of the DCE to make him lose focus on his developmental agenda of building a better Wa East to serve their own parochial interest would definitely fail.
It said those who were discrediting the DCE were doing so out of desperation, as they all vied for the position and lost.
It mentioned three personalities — Yahaya Yakubu, the NDC Regional Propaganda Secretary, Issahaku Bawa Sumani, a former Constituency Vice Chairman of the party, and Mohammed Saani, a member of the expanded Constituency Executive — as allegedly behind the plot.
“This our great party and government cannot accommodate the syndrome of pull-him-down, so give us a break,” the statement said.
The executive advised the three personalities not to allow themselves to be used by certain persons to achieve their personal interest.
It stated that the Wa East District, which was created about four years ago, had not seen any accelerated development till the last two years when Mr Ameen took over as the DCE.
It advised all those with grievances to channel them through the party’s tried and tested mechanisms of conflict resolution.
Friday, January 28, 2011
33 Teaching, non-teaching staff honoured... In Lawra District (Page 11, Jan 28)
Story: George Folley, Lawra
THIRTY-THREE teaching and non–teaching staff in the Lawra district of the Upper West Region have been honoured at a ceremony at Lawra.
The ceremony covered the period 2007, 2008 and 2009.
The award winners were given television sets and radio cassette recorders. The ceremony also witnessed the distribution of a total of 164,562 exercise books and 2,000 new free school uniforms to school children in the district.
Addressing the function, the District Chief Executive, Mr Samson Abu said the assembly and its development partners had constructed a number of educational facilities in the district since 2009.
“In 2010 seven school blocks were constructed across the district and many others are currently under construction while GH¢68, 139.20 was also given to students of all categories as financial support for the 2009 /2010 academic year,” he added.
He said about 7,000 pieces of dual desks were also distributed to basic schools with additional 900 being assembled for distribution.
According to him, inspite of these, a lot more was needed to attain real quality education in the district and therefore called on all School Management Committees (SMCs), Parent- Teacher Associations (PTAs) and other stakeholders to contribute their quota to the betterment of the younger ones.
Mr Abu noted that the attainment of quality education would forever remain a mirage if the teacher who was at the centre of education was not well- resourced and motivated and it was in this light that the government had instituted the best teacher awards programme to reward teachers who excelled in their work and were dedicated and exhibited professionalism in their work.
He was not happy about the performance of students in the junior high schools in the area and therefore urged teachers to rededicate themselves and endeavour to eschew all forms of negative attitudes.
Mr Abu proposed a district education forum where all relevant stakeholders in the district would dialogue on the way forward.
The District Director of Education, Mr Andrew Kpan encouraged teachers in administration to also participate in the best teacher award competition.
He commended the award winners on their achievement and hoped this would spur them on to achieve greater heights.
THIRTY-THREE teaching and non–teaching staff in the Lawra district of the Upper West Region have been honoured at a ceremony at Lawra.
The ceremony covered the period 2007, 2008 and 2009.
The award winners were given television sets and radio cassette recorders. The ceremony also witnessed the distribution of a total of 164,562 exercise books and 2,000 new free school uniforms to school children in the district.
Addressing the function, the District Chief Executive, Mr Samson Abu said the assembly and its development partners had constructed a number of educational facilities in the district since 2009.
“In 2010 seven school blocks were constructed across the district and many others are currently under construction while GH¢68, 139.20 was also given to students of all categories as financial support for the 2009 /2010 academic year,” he added.
He said about 7,000 pieces of dual desks were also distributed to basic schools with additional 900 being assembled for distribution.
According to him, inspite of these, a lot more was needed to attain real quality education in the district and therefore called on all School Management Committees (SMCs), Parent- Teacher Associations (PTAs) and other stakeholders to contribute their quota to the betterment of the younger ones.
Mr Abu noted that the attainment of quality education would forever remain a mirage if the teacher who was at the centre of education was not well- resourced and motivated and it was in this light that the government had instituted the best teacher awards programme to reward teachers who excelled in their work and were dedicated and exhibited professionalism in their work.
He was not happy about the performance of students in the junior high schools in the area and therefore urged teachers to rededicate themselves and endeavour to eschew all forms of negative attitudes.
Mr Abu proposed a district education forum where all relevant stakeholders in the district would dialogue on the way forward.
The District Director of Education, Mr Andrew Kpan encouraged teachers in administration to also participate in the best teacher award competition.
He commended the award winners on their achievement and hoped this would spur them on to achieve greater heights.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
TENSION MOUNTS IN WA EAST NDC (PAGE 12, JAN 26, 2011)
TENSION is mounting within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Wa East constituency of the Upper West Region.
The situation has resulted in divisions with one group supporting the District Chief Executive(DCE), Mr. Ameen Salifu, and the other behind the assembly member for the Bulenga electoral area and an aspirant on the ticket of the NDC in the Wa East constituency, Mr Seidu Mohammed Saani.
Mr Salifu was the parliamentary candidate for the NDC in the 2008 general election.
An end of year party organised by the constituency executive last Saturday was almost marred when an alleged supporter of Mr Salifu, one Latif from Goripie attacked one of Mr Saani's followers called Muhamuda Umar.
Umar who sustained bruises on his face was treated and discharged at the Wa Islamic Hospital.
According to Umar, in the course of the party the master of ceremonies deliberately refused to call Mr Saani when it was time for optional speeches.
He said Mr Saani and his followers protested vehemently and decided to walk out of the programme, but were later prevailed upon by the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Ceaser Kale to come back.
“After being given the opportunity to talk, Mr Saani apologised to the dignitaries present and decided not to say anything further, after which we decided to go out again only for Latif to come from nowhere to attack and assault me,” he told the Daily Graphic.
Mr Umar accused the DCE for lack of respect and indicted him of engaging in acts that had affected the reputation of the party and called for disciplinary action to be taken against him.
He said the actions of the DCE contravened the 2008 Better Ghana manifesto of the NDC, particularly on transparency and accountable governance as well as corporate governance.
“Multiple efforts were made to bring him to order by the NDC regional and constituency executive including the recent committee tasked to assess the performances of DCE’s in the Upper West region but these have not deterred him from misconducting himself,” he added.
When contacted, however, the DCE described the allegations as fabricated lies being churned out by the faceless and unconstitutional group who wanted to dent his reputation.
The DCE said those who wrote to the committee tasked to assess the performance of DCE’s in the region and the Wa East in particular did so out of desperation as they vied for the position of the DCE and lost.
He called on the hierarchy of the party in the region to bring the group to order so as to pave the way for party unity and cohesion.
For his part, Mr Ceaser Kale told the Daily Graphic that moves were under way to reconcile all factions within the party before serious campaigning starts towards next year’s general elections.
That, he said, would enable the party to remain focused and recapture all lost seats in the region.
The situation has resulted in divisions with one group supporting the District Chief Executive(DCE), Mr. Ameen Salifu, and the other behind the assembly member for the Bulenga electoral area and an aspirant on the ticket of the NDC in the Wa East constituency, Mr Seidu Mohammed Saani.
Mr Salifu was the parliamentary candidate for the NDC in the 2008 general election.
An end of year party organised by the constituency executive last Saturday was almost marred when an alleged supporter of Mr Salifu, one Latif from Goripie attacked one of Mr Saani's followers called Muhamuda Umar.
Umar who sustained bruises on his face was treated and discharged at the Wa Islamic Hospital.
According to Umar, in the course of the party the master of ceremonies deliberately refused to call Mr Saani when it was time for optional speeches.
He said Mr Saani and his followers protested vehemently and decided to walk out of the programme, but were later prevailed upon by the Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Ceaser Kale to come back.
“After being given the opportunity to talk, Mr Saani apologised to the dignitaries present and decided not to say anything further, after which we decided to go out again only for Latif to come from nowhere to attack and assault me,” he told the Daily Graphic.
Mr Umar accused the DCE for lack of respect and indicted him of engaging in acts that had affected the reputation of the party and called for disciplinary action to be taken against him.
He said the actions of the DCE contravened the 2008 Better Ghana manifesto of the NDC, particularly on transparency and accountable governance as well as corporate governance.
“Multiple efforts were made to bring him to order by the NDC regional and constituency executive including the recent committee tasked to assess the performances of DCE’s in the Upper West region but these have not deterred him from misconducting himself,” he added.
When contacted, however, the DCE described the allegations as fabricated lies being churned out by the faceless and unconstitutional group who wanted to dent his reputation.
The DCE said those who wrote to the committee tasked to assess the performance of DCE’s in the region and the Wa East in particular did so out of desperation as they vied for the position of the DCE and lost.
He called on the hierarchy of the party in the region to bring the group to order so as to pave the way for party unity and cohesion.
For his part, Mr Ceaser Kale told the Daily Graphic that moves were under way to reconcile all factions within the party before serious campaigning starts towards next year’s general elections.
That, he said, would enable the party to remain focused and recapture all lost seats in the region.
Friday, December 10, 2010
KUURI FILES TO CONTEST CHAPURI ASSEMBLY SEAT (PAGE 13, DEC 9, 2010)
A PRINCIPAL accountant at the Wa regional Hospital, Mr Karim Kuuri, has filed his nomination to contest for the Chapuri electoral area in the Jirapa district of the Upper West region.
The 37–year-old accountant said his desire to contest for the seat was as a result of calls from the people of the area who saw him as somebody who had the capabilities to champion their cause at the Jirapa district assembly.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Wa, Mr Kuuri said before the decision to contest, he had already been helping his area through acts of philanthropy.
“I have been voluntarily assisting my people in so many ways, with the recent one being the donation of football jerseys to the local basic school in the electoral area,” he added.
He said education was going to be his main priority as that was the only way to fight and reduce poverty in the area.
According to him, incentive packages would be instituted to encourage parents to send their children to school.
Mr Kuuri, who for some time now has been a resource person of a popular radio programme dubbed “business hour” to educate the business community and the general public in the Upper west region, was optimistic that he would get the mandate of the people.
He said the Chapuri electoral area which has produced a number of prominent people, including the late Edward Salia, a former member of parliament for Jirapa and a Minister of State, needed somebody with strong personality to represent the people.
He was hopeful that he would win the elections and contribute towards the development of the area and the district as a whole.
Mr Kuuri holds a Degree in Commerce from the University of Cape–Coast and is a finalist of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Ghana).
He also holds executive certificates in project management, banking and finance.
The 37–year-old accountant said his desire to contest for the seat was as a result of calls from the people of the area who saw him as somebody who had the capabilities to champion their cause at the Jirapa district assembly.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Wa, Mr Kuuri said before the decision to contest, he had already been helping his area through acts of philanthropy.
“I have been voluntarily assisting my people in so many ways, with the recent one being the donation of football jerseys to the local basic school in the electoral area,” he added.
He said education was going to be his main priority as that was the only way to fight and reduce poverty in the area.
According to him, incentive packages would be instituted to encourage parents to send their children to school.
Mr Kuuri, who for some time now has been a resource person of a popular radio programme dubbed “business hour” to educate the business community and the general public in the Upper west region, was optimistic that he would get the mandate of the people.
He said the Chapuri electoral area which has produced a number of prominent people, including the late Edward Salia, a former member of parliament for Jirapa and a Minister of State, needed somebody with strong personality to represent the people.
He was hopeful that he would win the elections and contribute towards the development of the area and the district as a whole.
Mr Kuuri holds a Degree in Commerce from the University of Cape–Coast and is a finalist of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Ghana).
He also holds executive certificates in project management, banking and finance.
ABUDU TO CONTEST NPP BOLE-BAMBOI SEAT (PAGE 13, DEC 9, 2010)
A 45-YEAR-OLD accountant, Mr Adams Olando Abudu, has declared his intention to contest on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Bole–Bamboi constituency in the Northern region.
Consequently, he has started meeting all stakeholders at both the constituency and regional level of the party in order to ensure that there is a united front towards the 2012 general elections.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Wa in the Upper West Region, Mr Abudu said the constituency needed a strong personality who would effectively articulate the needs of the people in the national assembly.
“The people of the constituency have regretted voting always for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidates and therefore, see the NPP as the party to salvage the situation since it is well endowed with the requisite human resource base to tackle all challenges,” he added.
According to the parliamentary aspirant, he has decided to offer himself due to several calls and appeals from the rank and file of the party who believe that he was the best person to win the seat for the NPP and also break the NDC dominance in the constituency.
He, therefore, urged delegates for the yet to be held congress to vote for a strong willed candidate who was ever ready to serve instead of one with self interest.
Mr Abudu said the NDC had woefully failed Ghanaians and must, therefore, be booted out of office for the NPP to come and repair what he called the damage done to the country by the NDC government.
He said no amount of propaganda would this time round sway Ghanaians to vote for the NDC because “our people have learnt a bitter lesson as they swallowed the lies of the NDC hook, line and sinker.”
He was hopeful that the delegates would give him the nod to enable him to prepare adequately for election 2012.
The NDC has since 1992 dominated politics in the Bole – Bamboi constituency with the current Vice – Preisdent John Mahama being the MP for twelve years before Mahama Akati, also from the NDC in 2008.
Consequently, he has started meeting all stakeholders at both the constituency and regional level of the party in order to ensure that there is a united front towards the 2012 general elections.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Wa in the Upper West Region, Mr Abudu said the constituency needed a strong personality who would effectively articulate the needs of the people in the national assembly.
“The people of the constituency have regretted voting always for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidates and therefore, see the NPP as the party to salvage the situation since it is well endowed with the requisite human resource base to tackle all challenges,” he added.
According to the parliamentary aspirant, he has decided to offer himself due to several calls and appeals from the rank and file of the party who believe that he was the best person to win the seat for the NPP and also break the NDC dominance in the constituency.
He, therefore, urged delegates for the yet to be held congress to vote for a strong willed candidate who was ever ready to serve instead of one with self interest.
Mr Abudu said the NDC had woefully failed Ghanaians and must, therefore, be booted out of office for the NPP to come and repair what he called the damage done to the country by the NDC government.
He said no amount of propaganda would this time round sway Ghanaians to vote for the NDC because “our people have learnt a bitter lesson as they swallowed the lies of the NDC hook, line and sinker.”
He was hopeful that the delegates would give him the nod to enable him to prepare adequately for election 2012.
The NDC has since 1992 dominated politics in the Bole – Bamboi constituency with the current Vice – Preisdent John Mahama being the MP for twelve years before Mahama Akati, also from the NDC in 2008.
Monday, December 6, 2010
WA ASSEMBLY SUPPORTS SCHOOLS (PAGE 12, DEC 4, 2010)
THE Wa Municipal Assembly in the Upper West Region has started distributing free school uniforms and exercise books to schoolchildren in the municipality.
In all, the assembly is expected to give out a total of 2,000 school uniforms and 79,388 exercise books to basic schools in the municipality.
Making the first presentation at Kadoli, near Wa, the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Duogu Yakubu, said in distributing the items, priority was given to rural communities and deprived schools to motivate schoolchildren in those areas to put in their best and to make education attractive to schoolchildren.
Each school child received a free uniform and four exercise books.
Mr Yakubu said the government not only recognised education but also made substantial investments to practically demonstrate its firm commitment to addressing the myriad of challenges that obstruct the effective implementation of its sound educational policies.
He requested the municipal directorate of the Ghana Education Service to ensure that the uniforms and exercise books did not find their way to the market.
“I will personally charge our security agencies to be on the lookout for those who want to profit from the benevolence of the government to our dear schoolchildren. I will match my words with deeds if indeed, somebody falls victim to this warning,” he added.
Mr Yakubu called on parents and guardians not to see the gesture as an opportunity to make them shirk their responsibilities towards their children.
“You should also cultivate the habit of occasionally visiting your wards in school to demonstrate not only your love and care but also your commitment towards their proper upbringing in the hands of their teachers,” the MCE advised.
In all, the assembly is expected to give out a total of 2,000 school uniforms and 79,388 exercise books to basic schools in the municipality.
Making the first presentation at Kadoli, near Wa, the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Duogu Yakubu, said in distributing the items, priority was given to rural communities and deprived schools to motivate schoolchildren in those areas to put in their best and to make education attractive to schoolchildren.
Each school child received a free uniform and four exercise books.
Mr Yakubu said the government not only recognised education but also made substantial investments to practically demonstrate its firm commitment to addressing the myriad of challenges that obstruct the effective implementation of its sound educational policies.
He requested the municipal directorate of the Ghana Education Service to ensure that the uniforms and exercise books did not find their way to the market.
“I will personally charge our security agencies to be on the lookout for those who want to profit from the benevolence of the government to our dear schoolchildren. I will match my words with deeds if indeed, somebody falls victim to this warning,” he added.
Mr Yakubu called on parents and guardians not to see the gesture as an opportunity to make them shirk their responsibilities towards their children.
“You should also cultivate the habit of occasionally visiting your wards in school to demonstrate not only your love and care but also your commitment towards their proper upbringing in the hands of their teachers,” the MCE advised.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
GHANA NEEDS ALTERNATIVE ECONOMIC POLICIES — SAMIA (PAGE 12, NOV 27, 2010)
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Jomoro in the Western Region, Ms Samia Nkrumah, has observed that what the country needs now are alternative economic policies that will enable Ghanaians to meet the social needs of life.
She has, therefore, called for a united Nkrumaist front to contest future elections in order to realise this dream.
“We will never be able to do this if the Nkrumaist forces do not come together,” she added.
Ms Nkrumah was speaking at a forum organised by Nkrumah Rising for the Upper West Regional branches of the People’s National Convention (PNC) and the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in Wa.
The well attended forum attracted constituency and regional executives of the CPP and the PNC.
Nkrumah Rising is an organisation composed of CPP and PNC elements that has, as one of its mandates, the goal of creating sufficient internal pressure at the grass roots of both the CPP and the PNC to bring about the total unification of the two political parties.
Ms Nkrumah, who is a patron of Nkrumah Rising, announced that as part of her efforts at bringing total unity between the two parties, she had decided to contest the position of national chairperson of the CPP next year.
According to her, she had held a number of meetings with various stakeholders in both parties and told them about the need to preserve the Nkrumaist tradition, adding, “I am not concerned about names and symbols but what we need now are sincere leaders who are not interested in bargaining before elections.”
“We need people who are ready to sacrifice and compromise. We need to compromise on trivialities. Don’t let anyone tell you about obsession with names,” she added.
She pointed out that what needed to be done was determine why people did not vote for splintered Nkrumaist parties, adding, “We should eliminate that sing-song and show to Ghanaians that we are credible.”
Ms Nkrumah said when she won the Jomoro parliamentary seat, there were assertions that she had won because of the legacy of her father, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana.
“If they are saying that, should that be a legacy which should be rejected? If that name can be used to win votes and elections, is it wrong?” she asked.
The Jomoro MP said she decided to become a patron of Nkrumah Rising because it was made up of committed young people who had voluntarily decided to move from one constituency to another to champion the cause of unity among the Nkrumaist parties.
She said the group was not advocating an internal coup in the various parties but rather their unity.
Ms Nkrumah said she supported the activities of the group because that was what should have been done years ago and appealed to the group to keep the flame alive by becoming involved in the process.
The Facilitator of Nkrumah Rising, Mr George Boadu, said similar fora would be organised in the other regions in due course.
He said the group had, since last year, been travelling across the country to awaken the grass roots on the need to unite for victory.
Later in a communiqué, the Wa Constituency executives of the CPP and the PNC declared their support for Ms Nkrumah for the chairmanship of the CPP.
They noted that the revival of Nkrumaism could only begin with the merger of not just the PNC and the CPP but also all the other Nkrumaist groups, including the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), noting that a CPP spearheaded by Ms Nkrumah would trigger that.
She has, therefore, called for a united Nkrumaist front to contest future elections in order to realise this dream.
“We will never be able to do this if the Nkrumaist forces do not come together,” she added.
Ms Nkrumah was speaking at a forum organised by Nkrumah Rising for the Upper West Regional branches of the People’s National Convention (PNC) and the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in Wa.
The well attended forum attracted constituency and regional executives of the CPP and the PNC.
Nkrumah Rising is an organisation composed of CPP and PNC elements that has, as one of its mandates, the goal of creating sufficient internal pressure at the grass roots of both the CPP and the PNC to bring about the total unification of the two political parties.
Ms Nkrumah, who is a patron of Nkrumah Rising, announced that as part of her efforts at bringing total unity between the two parties, she had decided to contest the position of national chairperson of the CPP next year.
According to her, she had held a number of meetings with various stakeholders in both parties and told them about the need to preserve the Nkrumaist tradition, adding, “I am not concerned about names and symbols but what we need now are sincere leaders who are not interested in bargaining before elections.”
“We need people who are ready to sacrifice and compromise. We need to compromise on trivialities. Don’t let anyone tell you about obsession with names,” she added.
She pointed out that what needed to be done was determine why people did not vote for splintered Nkrumaist parties, adding, “We should eliminate that sing-song and show to Ghanaians that we are credible.”
Ms Nkrumah said when she won the Jomoro parliamentary seat, there were assertions that she had won because of the legacy of her father, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana.
“If they are saying that, should that be a legacy which should be rejected? If that name can be used to win votes and elections, is it wrong?” she asked.
The Jomoro MP said she decided to become a patron of Nkrumah Rising because it was made up of committed young people who had voluntarily decided to move from one constituency to another to champion the cause of unity among the Nkrumaist parties.
She said the group was not advocating an internal coup in the various parties but rather their unity.
Ms Nkrumah said she supported the activities of the group because that was what should have been done years ago and appealed to the group to keep the flame alive by becoming involved in the process.
The Facilitator of Nkrumah Rising, Mr George Boadu, said similar fora would be organised in the other regions in due course.
He said the group had, since last year, been travelling across the country to awaken the grass roots on the need to unite for victory.
Later in a communiqué, the Wa Constituency executives of the CPP and the PNC declared their support for Ms Nkrumah for the chairmanship of the CPP.
They noted that the revival of Nkrumaism could only begin with the merger of not just the PNC and the CPP but also all the other Nkrumaist groups, including the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), noting that a CPP spearheaded by Ms Nkrumah would trigger that.
WA TEIN URGES UNITY IN NDC (PAGE 12, NOV 27, 2010)
THE Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) branch of the Tertiary Educational Institutional Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has observed that nobody can win on the ticket of the party in the 2012 elections without campaigning for the legacy of the present government.
It has therefore appealed to well–meaning supporters of the party to rally behind President J E. A. Mills to deliver.
“We bear no grudge with anyone for expressing his or her candid opinion but we believe that it would be better made within rather than making it public,” it said.
In a statement signed by its President, Mr Mohammed Ilyassu, the Wa campus TEIN appealed to the party leadership to take on board the genuine concerns by supporters of the party “after all we are all seeking to build a strong united party for 2012”.
Mr Ilyassu urged all so called factions within the party to be strategic rather than creating leverage for the opposition to hype on.
“TEIN - Wa campus also wants to appeal to all the youth groups within the party to refrain from tendencies that sought to threaten the party’s unity. We do same to all appointees to have a listening ear to concerns of party youth groups to arrest the agitation,” he added.
He pledged the unflinching support of Wa campus TEIN to the president, the government and the party leadership since they had confidence in the President to deliver on the “Better Ghana agenda”.
According to Mr Ilyassu, the Wa campus recently received an invitation extended to the various campus branches of TEIN via text messages to attend a workshop organised by the Greater Accra branch of the association.
He said in an attempt to solidarise with them, he did not conduct any thorough check before taking off to represent the Wa campus only to realise that he had been misled.
He, therefore, stated without any equivocation that “we do not support what is happening currently and we condemn in no uncertain terms what happened on that day and wish to apologise to the leadership of our party for having participated in that workshop”.
Mr Ilyassu condemned those who were trying to instigate the youth against the President and his government.
It has therefore appealed to well–meaning supporters of the party to rally behind President J E. A. Mills to deliver.
“We bear no grudge with anyone for expressing his or her candid opinion but we believe that it would be better made within rather than making it public,” it said.
In a statement signed by its President, Mr Mohammed Ilyassu, the Wa campus TEIN appealed to the party leadership to take on board the genuine concerns by supporters of the party “after all we are all seeking to build a strong united party for 2012”.
Mr Ilyassu urged all so called factions within the party to be strategic rather than creating leverage for the opposition to hype on.
“TEIN - Wa campus also wants to appeal to all the youth groups within the party to refrain from tendencies that sought to threaten the party’s unity. We do same to all appointees to have a listening ear to concerns of party youth groups to arrest the agitation,” he added.
He pledged the unflinching support of Wa campus TEIN to the president, the government and the party leadership since they had confidence in the President to deliver on the “Better Ghana agenda”.
According to Mr Ilyassu, the Wa campus recently received an invitation extended to the various campus branches of TEIN via text messages to attend a workshop organised by the Greater Accra branch of the association.
He said in an attempt to solidarise with them, he did not conduct any thorough check before taking off to represent the Wa campus only to realise that he had been misled.
He, therefore, stated without any equivocation that “we do not support what is happening currently and we condemn in no uncertain terms what happened on that day and wish to apologise to the leadership of our party for having participated in that workshop”.
Mr Ilyassu condemned those who were trying to instigate the youth against the President and his government.
SAMIA TO CONTEST CPP CHAIRMANSHIP SLOT (PAGE 12, NOV 26, 2010)
THE Member of Parliament for Jomoro in the Western Region, Miss Samia Nkrumah, has announced her intention to contest the national chairmanship position of the Convention People’s Party next year.
She described her intention as part of her efforts to bring total unity primarily between the CPP and the People’s National Convention and all other groupings that believed in the Nkrumaist ideologies.
Miss Samia made her intention known at a forum organised by Nkrumah Rising for the Upper West Regional branches of the Peoples’ National Convention (PNC) and the Convention Peoples’ Party in Wa.
The well attended forum attracted constituency and regional executives of the CPP and the PNC.
Nkrumah Rising is an organisation composed of CPP and PNC elements that has as one of its mandates the goal of creating sufficient internal pressure at the grassroots level within both the CPP and PNC to bring about the total unification of the two political parties.
According to Ms Samia, She had held a number of meetings with various stakeholders of both parties and had spoken to them on the need to preserve the Nkrumaist tradition and that “I am not concerned about names and symbols but what we need now is sincere leaders who are not interested in bargaining before elections”.
“We need people who are ready to sacrifice and compromise. We need to compromise trivialities. Don’t let anyone tell you about obsession in names,” She stated.
She pointed out that what should be done was to eliminate why people did not vote for splintered Nkrumaist parties adding “we should eliminate that sing song and show to Ghanaians that we are credible”.
Ms Samia said when she won the Jomoro parliamentary seat there were assertions that she won because of the legacy of her father, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana.
“If they are saying that, should that be the legacy which should be rejected? If that name can be used to win votes and elections, is it wrong? she asked.
If she’s successful, Samia Nkrumah would become the first female chair of a major political party.
She described her intention as part of her efforts to bring total unity primarily between the CPP and the People’s National Convention and all other groupings that believed in the Nkrumaist ideologies.
Miss Samia made her intention known at a forum organised by Nkrumah Rising for the Upper West Regional branches of the Peoples’ National Convention (PNC) and the Convention Peoples’ Party in Wa.
The well attended forum attracted constituency and regional executives of the CPP and the PNC.
Nkrumah Rising is an organisation composed of CPP and PNC elements that has as one of its mandates the goal of creating sufficient internal pressure at the grassroots level within both the CPP and PNC to bring about the total unification of the two political parties.
According to Ms Samia, She had held a number of meetings with various stakeholders of both parties and had spoken to them on the need to preserve the Nkrumaist tradition and that “I am not concerned about names and symbols but what we need now is sincere leaders who are not interested in bargaining before elections”.
“We need people who are ready to sacrifice and compromise. We need to compromise trivialities. Don’t let anyone tell you about obsession in names,” She stated.
She pointed out that what should be done was to eliminate why people did not vote for splintered Nkrumaist parties adding “we should eliminate that sing song and show to Ghanaians that we are credible”.
Ms Samia said when she won the Jomoro parliamentary seat there were assertions that she won because of the legacy of her father, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana.
“If they are saying that, should that be the legacy which should be rejected? If that name can be used to win votes and elections, is it wrong? she asked.
If she’s successful, Samia Nkrumah would become the first female chair of a major political party.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
FORMULATE POLICIES FOR NATIONAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT (PAGE 42, NOV 24, 2010)
REPRESENTATIVES of civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders in the shea-nut industry have called on the government to formulate appropriate policies and mechanisms for developing natural resources of the country for national development.
They also urged the government to further enhance the call by including shea-nut in the greater interest and benefit of the people of Ghana, especially those in the shea butter producing communities.
This was contained in a communiqué adopted at the second national multi–stakeholders’ forum on shea-nut industry in Ghana .
The forum was organised by the Interim Shea Network Secretariat in Wa, with sponsorship from SNV–Netherlands and Oxfam Great Britain, all international non-governmental organisations.
According to the communiqué, in the face of challenges facing the shea -nut industry, the government should set up a shea board along the lines of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to spearhead the formulation of policies and laws for consideration by the government for effective and efficient governance and operations in the shea-nut sector.
“For instance, appropriate taxation of shea exports could lead to revenue mobilisation for government interventions in the sub–sector, including adequate funding for shea research and development,” it added.
The communique called for a broader and transparent consultation among the government, traditional authorities and people in the northern part of Ghana regarding the take-over of large tracts of agricultural land by multinational agricultural companies.
It said that situation affected poor people’s access to land and other resources for livelihood development, considering the fact that about 95 per cent of households depended on shea butter for sustenance.
“As part of its policy of promoting local content in industrial activities, the government should encourage the use of shea products in local cosmetic, beverage, confectionery, pharmaceutical and hospital industries,” the communiqué stressed.
The communiqué called for an intensive media involvement to highlight the performance of shea to the economy of northern Ghana through research and investigations on shea sub–sector issues, production of special documentaries to increase awareness.
In addition, it resolved to continue to use the annual platform to co-ordinate its activities and to find common ground for resolving the challenges confronting the sub–sector and thereby fully harness its potential for wealth creation and for growth, especially in northern Ghana.
The communiqué resolved to constructively engage with the government and support its efforts and that of the private sector to develop the shea value chain for the betterment of all Ghanaians, especially the poor women, who are at the heart of the industry.
They also urged the government to further enhance the call by including shea-nut in the greater interest and benefit of the people of Ghana, especially those in the shea butter producing communities.
This was contained in a communiqué adopted at the second national multi–stakeholders’ forum on shea-nut industry in Ghana .
The forum was organised by the Interim Shea Network Secretariat in Wa, with sponsorship from SNV–Netherlands and Oxfam Great Britain, all international non-governmental organisations.
According to the communiqué, in the face of challenges facing the shea -nut industry, the government should set up a shea board along the lines of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to spearhead the formulation of policies and laws for consideration by the government for effective and efficient governance and operations in the shea-nut sector.
“For instance, appropriate taxation of shea exports could lead to revenue mobilisation for government interventions in the sub–sector, including adequate funding for shea research and development,” it added.
The communique called for a broader and transparent consultation among the government, traditional authorities and people in the northern part of Ghana regarding the take-over of large tracts of agricultural land by multinational agricultural companies.
It said that situation affected poor people’s access to land and other resources for livelihood development, considering the fact that about 95 per cent of households depended on shea butter for sustenance.
“As part of its policy of promoting local content in industrial activities, the government should encourage the use of shea products in local cosmetic, beverage, confectionery, pharmaceutical and hospital industries,” the communiqué stressed.
The communiqué called for an intensive media involvement to highlight the performance of shea to the economy of northern Ghana through research and investigations on shea sub–sector issues, production of special documentaries to increase awareness.
In addition, it resolved to continue to use the annual platform to co-ordinate its activities and to find common ground for resolving the challenges confronting the sub–sector and thereby fully harness its potential for wealth creation and for growth, especially in northern Ghana.
The communiqué resolved to constructively engage with the government and support its efforts and that of the private sector to develop the shea value chain for the betterment of all Ghanaians, especially the poor women, who are at the heart of the industry.
INTERIM COUNCILS OF 2 COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ...In Upper West (PAGE 42, NOV 24, 2010)
THE Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Issahaque Salia, has observed that colleges of education are the live-wire of the country’s educational system.
He has, therefore, suggested that the colleges must be made to function at optimal level in order to ensure that the sector lived up to expectation.
The regional minister was speaking at the inauguration of the interim councils of the N.J. Ahmaddiya and Tumu Colleges of Education at a ceremony in Wa.
He called on members of the councils to appreciate the enormity of the task ahead of them and brace themselves to move into full gear to solve problems to be encountered.
Alhaji Salia said due diligence had to be conducted to ensure that those chosen to the councils were capable people who could steer the affairs of the colleges successfully.
“Looking around, I have no doubt that we have made the right choices and can confidently look forward to the best results,” he told the council members.
According to him, the councils were even more relevant in the light of the elevation of institutions to the status of colleges of education which in itself imposed a responsibility of an enhanced delivery and the training of students who would be able to contribute meaningfully in the educational sector.
“We expected that you accept your choice to this councils as an honour to serve your people to the best of our ability, recognising the fact that you are dealing with institutions that are responsible for training teachers at the very foundation of education,” Alhaji Salia said.
He stressed the need to use the Montessori curriculum type of teaching, which stimulates self — learning and creativity at the foundation levels of the educational ladder.
Alhaji Salia assured the councils of total government support in the execution of their duties.
For his part, the Chairman of the Tumu College of Education, Professor Stephen Kendie, on behalf of the councils, gave the assurance that they would work hard to justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called for co-operation of all stakeholders in the educational sector to ensure their success in the task ahead.
The Principal of N.J. Ahmaddiya College of Education, Mr Oduro Yeboah, thanked the government for the numerous projects being undertaken in the two colleges but asked for more.
He pledged the support of the colleges to their new status and urged the government to do all in its power to ensure the passage of the Colleges of Education Bill.
He has, therefore, suggested that the colleges must be made to function at optimal level in order to ensure that the sector lived up to expectation.
The regional minister was speaking at the inauguration of the interim councils of the N.J. Ahmaddiya and Tumu Colleges of Education at a ceremony in Wa.
He called on members of the councils to appreciate the enormity of the task ahead of them and brace themselves to move into full gear to solve problems to be encountered.
Alhaji Salia said due diligence had to be conducted to ensure that those chosen to the councils were capable people who could steer the affairs of the colleges successfully.
“Looking around, I have no doubt that we have made the right choices and can confidently look forward to the best results,” he told the council members.
According to him, the councils were even more relevant in the light of the elevation of institutions to the status of colleges of education which in itself imposed a responsibility of an enhanced delivery and the training of students who would be able to contribute meaningfully in the educational sector.
“We expected that you accept your choice to this councils as an honour to serve your people to the best of our ability, recognising the fact that you are dealing with institutions that are responsible for training teachers at the very foundation of education,” Alhaji Salia said.
He stressed the need to use the Montessori curriculum type of teaching, which stimulates self — learning and creativity at the foundation levels of the educational ladder.
Alhaji Salia assured the councils of total government support in the execution of their duties.
For his part, the Chairman of the Tumu College of Education, Professor Stephen Kendie, on behalf of the councils, gave the assurance that they would work hard to justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called for co-operation of all stakeholders in the educational sector to ensure their success in the task ahead.
The Principal of N.J. Ahmaddiya College of Education, Mr Oduro Yeboah, thanked the government for the numerous projects being undertaken in the two colleges but asked for more.
He pledged the support of the colleges to their new status and urged the government to do all in its power to ensure the passage of the Colleges of Education Bill.
MOTORBIKE ACCIDENTS ON THE RISE IN WA (PAGE 42, NOV 24, 2010)
ADAMU Nwin (not a real name) was an enterprising young carpenter in the Wa Municipality whose expertise was highly patronised. Both private and public sector employees always wanted Nwin to manufacture furniture for their office or residential purposes.
Just recently, many people realised that the workshop of Nwin remained permanently closed and upon enquiries, some customers were informed that their “darling” carpenter had passed away.
He died in a motorbike accident.
In another instance, a 34-year-old friend of this writer, a security man, who married a year ago, also met his untimely death through a similar accident.
These accidents are just a tip of the iceberg. Motor cycle accidents have become so rampant in Wa that never a day passes by without accidents being recorded.
In fact, one is tempted to believe that apart from malaria, the next killer in the municipality is the motorbike.
What has compounded the problem is the influx of the large number of students of the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies, many of who use motor cycles.
Every Tom, Dick and Harry in Wa either rides or owns a motorbike and the riding of the bikes is a source of worry to many concerned people. When lectures close at the new Bamahu campus and the students are returning to Wa, it is as frightening as the word itself.
Apart from speeding, the students try to outdo one another through unnecessary overtaking, which most often put their lives at risk, yet nobody seems to halt the phenomenon that is gradually rearing its ugly head.
Sometimes, some of the riders carry as many as three or four people, a situation which is unlawful.
Are we to wait for the situation to take a bigger dimension before action is taken? The answer is a big no because nobody knows if some of these students could become Presidents and ministers in the future.
Another problem is the failure of some of the student riders not stopping at intersections, and one therefore, has to be on the defensive when driving.
Perhaps, the most effective way to avoid not being crushed by a careless rider is to blow one’s horn to remind them to stop. There is also the issue of inexperienced riders, that is, people who do not know anything about road signs, and who are you to complain.
As if it is in vogue, parents would not hesitate to release their motorbikes to their children to ride , knowing very well that it is against the law.
As a result of the alarming situation, the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) in the Upper West Region has mapped out strategies to reduce motorbike accidents to the barest minimum.
Paramount among the strategies is the decision of members of the commission to visit the UDS and Wa Polytechnic campuses to sensitise the students on the usage of motorbikes.
They have also decided to use the local FM radio stations, debates on road safety in second-cycle educational institutions, making use of fuel stations for distribution of posters, collaborate with the municipal assembly to arrest stray animals on the streets and stoppage of riding in the central market.
Other measures are towing of broken-down vehicles along the roads and streets, which is yet to start in the region and collaborating with the regional co-ordinating council to find ways of supporting the UDS students to reach Bamahu for lectures.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic at Wa, the Upper West Regional Manager of the NRSC, Mr Suleimana Abdul–Karim, said to stem the tide, the commission would go on air every two days to educate riders on the need to obey traffic rules.
He attributed part of the problem to illiteracy, especially among ladies, who most often did not know road signs.
“Currently, we are combining education and enforcement and as we speak now, some of those arrested are being prosecuted at the courts,” he added
Mr Abdul-Karim noted with regret that despite educating the UDS students on the availability of helmets at his office which sells at GH¢35, none of them had bothered to purchase one.
It is against this background that the police must arrest and prosecute these unlicensed riders to serve as a deterrent to others. In all humility, the police should not bow to the whims and caprices of politicians who are the first people to order them to release the offending motorbike riders.
The police must periodically conduct operations to rid the municipality of “merchants of death” just like the recent one which brought sanity on the roads.
Finally, the authorities of the Wa Campus of the UDS should inculcate responsible riding into their students rather than looking on unconcerned. After all, being in the university is not only classroom matters but outside as well.
Just recently, many people realised that the workshop of Nwin remained permanently closed and upon enquiries, some customers were informed that their “darling” carpenter had passed away.
He died in a motorbike accident.
In another instance, a 34-year-old friend of this writer, a security man, who married a year ago, also met his untimely death through a similar accident.
These accidents are just a tip of the iceberg. Motor cycle accidents have become so rampant in Wa that never a day passes by without accidents being recorded.
In fact, one is tempted to believe that apart from malaria, the next killer in the municipality is the motorbike.
What has compounded the problem is the influx of the large number of students of the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies, many of who use motor cycles.
Every Tom, Dick and Harry in Wa either rides or owns a motorbike and the riding of the bikes is a source of worry to many concerned people. When lectures close at the new Bamahu campus and the students are returning to Wa, it is as frightening as the word itself.
Apart from speeding, the students try to outdo one another through unnecessary overtaking, which most often put their lives at risk, yet nobody seems to halt the phenomenon that is gradually rearing its ugly head.
Sometimes, some of the riders carry as many as three or four people, a situation which is unlawful.
Are we to wait for the situation to take a bigger dimension before action is taken? The answer is a big no because nobody knows if some of these students could become Presidents and ministers in the future.
Another problem is the failure of some of the student riders not stopping at intersections, and one therefore, has to be on the defensive when driving.
Perhaps, the most effective way to avoid not being crushed by a careless rider is to blow one’s horn to remind them to stop. There is also the issue of inexperienced riders, that is, people who do not know anything about road signs, and who are you to complain.
As if it is in vogue, parents would not hesitate to release their motorbikes to their children to ride , knowing very well that it is against the law.
As a result of the alarming situation, the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) in the Upper West Region has mapped out strategies to reduce motorbike accidents to the barest minimum.
Paramount among the strategies is the decision of members of the commission to visit the UDS and Wa Polytechnic campuses to sensitise the students on the usage of motorbikes.
They have also decided to use the local FM radio stations, debates on road safety in second-cycle educational institutions, making use of fuel stations for distribution of posters, collaborate with the municipal assembly to arrest stray animals on the streets and stoppage of riding in the central market.
Other measures are towing of broken-down vehicles along the roads and streets, which is yet to start in the region and collaborating with the regional co-ordinating council to find ways of supporting the UDS students to reach Bamahu for lectures.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic at Wa, the Upper West Regional Manager of the NRSC, Mr Suleimana Abdul–Karim, said to stem the tide, the commission would go on air every two days to educate riders on the need to obey traffic rules.
He attributed part of the problem to illiteracy, especially among ladies, who most often did not know road signs.
“Currently, we are combining education and enforcement and as we speak now, some of those arrested are being prosecuted at the courts,” he added
Mr Abdul-Karim noted with regret that despite educating the UDS students on the availability of helmets at his office which sells at GH¢35, none of them had bothered to purchase one.
It is against this background that the police must arrest and prosecute these unlicensed riders to serve as a deterrent to others. In all humility, the police should not bow to the whims and caprices of politicians who are the first people to order them to release the offending motorbike riders.
The police must periodically conduct operations to rid the municipality of “merchants of death” just like the recent one which brought sanity on the roads.
Finally, the authorities of the Wa Campus of the UDS should inculcate responsible riding into their students rather than looking on unconcerned. After all, being in the university is not only classroom matters but outside as well.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
WA ASSEMBLY GETS GH¢1 MILLION FROM DDF (PAGE 13, NOV 12, 2010)
THE Wa Municipal Assembly has since 2009 received a total of GHC1,065,491.04 from the District Development Fund (DDF).
The amount has been invested in various sectors in order to accelerate the pace of development in the municipality.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Yakubu Duogu, announced this at the dissolution of the assembly in Wa.
He said the assembly under the same facility received GHC 612,242.47 out of which GHC 576, 892.90 was used on capital projects while the remaining GHC 35,349.56 was used for capacity building.
He said a number of projects were being executed under the DDF and these include CHPS compound, classroom blocks and supply of furniture among others.
Mr. Duogu told the outgoing assembly members that, the revenue collected by the assembly as at August amounted to GHC 207,250.67 out of an estimated GHC 272,030 for this year.
“The prospects look good as it points to a positive direction that will enable us to achieve our target for the year,” he added
According to the MCE, the assembly was on the threshold of completing and starting new development projects as well as payment of outstanding debts following the receipt of a total of GHC 241, 212.91 from the district assembly common fund.
He said, the assembly’s development focus, especially in the medium term include the construction of more stores in the Wa central market, completion of an office complex block and the development of an industrial site for artisans.
Touching on security, Mr. Duogu noted that although there had been significant improvement in the situation there were still few reported cases of robberies in some parts of the region.
He announced that the security agencies would undertake a special national exercise with particular focus on motor traffic operations to ensure accident -free Christmas.
He therefore urged the outgoing assembly members to educate their electorate to avoid the situation of being asked to intercede for help from the police.
“Similarly, the Ghana Education Service should endeavour to obtain documents covering the motorbikes for teachers and spare them the ordeal and embarrassment they go through at the hands of the police,” he appealed.
Mr Duogu wished the assembly members who would seek re-election good luck and expressed the hope that they still support the programmes of the assembly.
The amount has been invested in various sectors in order to accelerate the pace of development in the municipality.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Yakubu Duogu, announced this at the dissolution of the assembly in Wa.
He said the assembly under the same facility received GHC 612,242.47 out of which GHC 576, 892.90 was used on capital projects while the remaining GHC 35,349.56 was used for capacity building.
He said a number of projects were being executed under the DDF and these include CHPS compound, classroom blocks and supply of furniture among others.
Mr. Duogu told the outgoing assembly members that, the revenue collected by the assembly as at August amounted to GHC 207,250.67 out of an estimated GHC 272,030 for this year.
“The prospects look good as it points to a positive direction that will enable us to achieve our target for the year,” he added
According to the MCE, the assembly was on the threshold of completing and starting new development projects as well as payment of outstanding debts following the receipt of a total of GHC 241, 212.91 from the district assembly common fund.
He said, the assembly’s development focus, especially in the medium term include the construction of more stores in the Wa central market, completion of an office complex block and the development of an industrial site for artisans.
Touching on security, Mr. Duogu noted that although there had been significant improvement in the situation there were still few reported cases of robberies in some parts of the region.
He announced that the security agencies would undertake a special national exercise with particular focus on motor traffic operations to ensure accident -free Christmas.
He therefore urged the outgoing assembly members to educate their electorate to avoid the situation of being asked to intercede for help from the police.
“Similarly, the Ghana Education Service should endeavour to obtain documents covering the motorbikes for teachers and spare them the ordeal and embarrassment they go through at the hands of the police,” he appealed.
Mr Duogu wished the assembly members who would seek re-election good luck and expressed the hope that they still support the programmes of the assembly.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
REVISIT DEPENDENCE ON CHEMICAL FERTILISERS — SAYS CAESAR KALE (PAGE 42, NOV 3, 2010)
THE Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Caesar Kale, has stated that the time has come for the country to revisit the dependence on chemical fertilisers which are detrimental to natural bio-organic fertilisers.
He has, therefore, stressed the need to reinvent the wheel as the technology for large scale organic fertiliser, which is operational in India, could be adopted in the country.
According to him, that technology, apart from being environmentally friendly, would drastically reduce the cost involved in agriculture and also improve the standard of living of most Ghanaians.
Mr Kale was speaking at a farmers’ durbar organised by the Ghana Trade and Livelihood Coalition (GTLC) at Wa in the Upper West Region. The durbar was on the theme: “Smallholder farmer: Reserving the right to be more productive.”
The deputy regional minister called for adequate data base of farmers in the country to help stakeholders plan ahead of farming seasons, especially with reference to farming inputs and extension services.
He entreated farmers’ groups to register with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to actualise all plans to ensure the timely supply of inputs to those engaged in the block farming concept as well as other farmers.
“Let me also use this platform to appeal to our dear farmers to take advantage of the new pension scheme, especially the third tier, which targets the informal sector since this will go a long way to improve your quality of lives at retirement and serve as an incentive to boost production,” he added.
Mr Kale was convinced that that suggestion, together with other interventions, would help upscale productivity in the agricultural sector and make Ghana a better place.
He said the government put a lot of premium on agriculture and would continue to take bold initiatives needed to improve the sector.
That, Mr Kale said, had been manifested in the provision of breeding animals to farmers under the Livestock Development Project (LDP), the establishment of farmers service centres to aid in the mechanisation of agriculture and the establishment of a Sheanut processing factory in Buipe in the Northern Region.
Mr Kale said the establishment of mango plantations in the Upper West Region as well as other regions were interventions captured under the agricultural component of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority, which would assist in ensuring sustainable progress in the sector.
The National Co-ordinator of the GTLC, Mr Ibrahim Akalbilla, called for the recognition of small-scale farmers in the country.
He urged the government to ensure that policy formulation was targeted towards small scale farmers since they were the backbone of agriculture in the country.
An official of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr M.Y.B. Suglo, stated that the government, in collaboration with its French counterpart, had earmarked 1,000 acres of land for rice cultivation in the Upper West Region next year.
He has, therefore, stressed the need to reinvent the wheel as the technology for large scale organic fertiliser, which is operational in India, could be adopted in the country.
According to him, that technology, apart from being environmentally friendly, would drastically reduce the cost involved in agriculture and also improve the standard of living of most Ghanaians.
Mr Kale was speaking at a farmers’ durbar organised by the Ghana Trade and Livelihood Coalition (GTLC) at Wa in the Upper West Region. The durbar was on the theme: “Smallholder farmer: Reserving the right to be more productive.”
The deputy regional minister called for adequate data base of farmers in the country to help stakeholders plan ahead of farming seasons, especially with reference to farming inputs and extension services.
He entreated farmers’ groups to register with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to actualise all plans to ensure the timely supply of inputs to those engaged in the block farming concept as well as other farmers.
“Let me also use this platform to appeal to our dear farmers to take advantage of the new pension scheme, especially the third tier, which targets the informal sector since this will go a long way to improve your quality of lives at retirement and serve as an incentive to boost production,” he added.
Mr Kale was convinced that that suggestion, together with other interventions, would help upscale productivity in the agricultural sector and make Ghana a better place.
He said the government put a lot of premium on agriculture and would continue to take bold initiatives needed to improve the sector.
That, Mr Kale said, had been manifested in the provision of breeding animals to farmers under the Livestock Development Project (LDP), the establishment of farmers service centres to aid in the mechanisation of agriculture and the establishment of a Sheanut processing factory in Buipe in the Northern Region.
Mr Kale said the establishment of mango plantations in the Upper West Region as well as other regions were interventions captured under the agricultural component of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority, which would assist in ensuring sustainable progress in the sector.
The National Co-ordinator of the GTLC, Mr Ibrahim Akalbilla, called for the recognition of small-scale farmers in the country.
He urged the government to ensure that policy formulation was targeted towards small scale farmers since they were the backbone of agriculture in the country.
An official of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr M.Y.B. Suglo, stated that the government, in collaboration with its French counterpart, had earmarked 1,000 acres of land for rice cultivation in the Upper West Region next year.
MORNAH TO CONTEST WA CENTRAL (PAGE 12, NOV 3, 2010)
THE General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC) Party, Mr Bernard Mornah, has declared his intention to contest for the Wa Central Constituency Seat in the 2012 parliamentary elections on the ticket of his party.
In 2004, Mr Mornah polled 12,280 votes as against the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who had around 20,000 while the New Patriotic Party had a little over 7,000. He did not contest the 2008 elections.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic after a training workshop for activists of the party in Wa, Mr Mornah said Wa Central required people with a strong voice which would receive the attention of government.
“We need somebody who would relate the concerns of the people to government for immediate and long term solution,” he added.
According to him, the erroneous impression being created that Northern Ghana was one entity was wrong, especially when issues of conflict were being discussed.
Mr Mornah noted, for example, that Wa was different from Tamale or Tumu and said some of these conflicts were as a result of poverty and unemployment, pointing out that anytime these reared their ugly heads they resulted in social vices.
“We need someone to champion these so that the problem of our people would not be compounded and that person is Bernard Mornah,” he said.
Touching on allegations that he was from the Nadowli district and so should go and contest in that area, the PNC General Secretary said the laws of Ghana state that when you are a citizen you can live everywhere without any inhibition.
He said it was that law that made Dr Kwame Nkrumah contest and win the Accra Central seat on the ticket of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) although he hailed from Nkroful in the Western Region, adding that “as long as the constitution of Ghana is concerned, I can contest in any constituency.”
“I can contest in Nadowli West by parentage and Wa Central by birth. The decision to contest in Wa Central is because I was born, bred and schooled in Wa and I have lived all my life in Wa, so if anybody says I should not contest for the Wa Central seat then our constitution should be amended,” he said
He said his entry into the race had sent shivers down the spines of people and that no amount of smear campaign would discourage him from realising his dream since he cut across all boundaries.
Mr Mornah said when the time came, his message would be on hope and what he could deliver rather than play the ethnic card.
On the unity talks between the CPP and the PNC, Mr Mornah described it as tortuous as there had not been any formal meeting between the two parties.
He said what was happening was only individual views “so we should come to the table to discuss what will unite us than taking entrenched positions.”
He said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had not forgotten its ancestry as it had evolved from various stages starting with United Gold Coast Convention, Progress Party, and Popular Front Party to the present stage.
“For the Nkrumaist, we moved from Convention People’s Party, National Alliance of Liberals, People’s National Party and the People’s National Convention, so we can congregate at a point using a name which is neither the CPP nor PNC symbol, but a name that binds us as Nkrumaist. When that is done every Nkrumaist will come on board,” Mr Mornah said.
He said the ideals of Dr Nkrumah would never be achieved if Nkrumaists did not come together under the same umbrella.
In 2004, Mr Mornah polled 12,280 votes as against the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who had around 20,000 while the New Patriotic Party had a little over 7,000. He did not contest the 2008 elections.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic after a training workshop for activists of the party in Wa, Mr Mornah said Wa Central required people with a strong voice which would receive the attention of government.
“We need somebody who would relate the concerns of the people to government for immediate and long term solution,” he added.
According to him, the erroneous impression being created that Northern Ghana was one entity was wrong, especially when issues of conflict were being discussed.
Mr Mornah noted, for example, that Wa was different from Tamale or Tumu and said some of these conflicts were as a result of poverty and unemployment, pointing out that anytime these reared their ugly heads they resulted in social vices.
“We need someone to champion these so that the problem of our people would not be compounded and that person is Bernard Mornah,” he said.
Touching on allegations that he was from the Nadowli district and so should go and contest in that area, the PNC General Secretary said the laws of Ghana state that when you are a citizen you can live everywhere without any inhibition.
He said it was that law that made Dr Kwame Nkrumah contest and win the Accra Central seat on the ticket of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) although he hailed from Nkroful in the Western Region, adding that “as long as the constitution of Ghana is concerned, I can contest in any constituency.”
“I can contest in Nadowli West by parentage and Wa Central by birth. The decision to contest in Wa Central is because I was born, bred and schooled in Wa and I have lived all my life in Wa, so if anybody says I should not contest for the Wa Central seat then our constitution should be amended,” he said
He said his entry into the race had sent shivers down the spines of people and that no amount of smear campaign would discourage him from realising his dream since he cut across all boundaries.
Mr Mornah said when the time came, his message would be on hope and what he could deliver rather than play the ethnic card.
On the unity talks between the CPP and the PNC, Mr Mornah described it as tortuous as there had not been any formal meeting between the two parties.
He said what was happening was only individual views “so we should come to the table to discuss what will unite us than taking entrenched positions.”
He said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had not forgotten its ancestry as it had evolved from various stages starting with United Gold Coast Convention, Progress Party, and Popular Front Party to the present stage.
“For the Nkrumaist, we moved from Convention People’s Party, National Alliance of Liberals, People’s National Party and the People’s National Convention, so we can congregate at a point using a name which is neither the CPP nor PNC symbol, but a name that binds us as Nkrumaist. When that is done every Nkrumaist will come on board,” Mr Mornah said.
He said the ideals of Dr Nkrumah would never be achieved if Nkrumaists did not come together under the same umbrella.
RESEARCH ON CUSTOMARY LAW ON LAND IN THE OFFING (PAGE 22, NOV 2, 2010)
THE National House of Chiefs (NHC), in collaboration with the Law Reform Commission, is conducting research to ascertain the customary law on land and family in selected traditional areas in the country.
The traditional areas are Offinso and Tepa (Ashanti), Duayaw Nkwanta, Nkoranza (Brong – Ahafo), Eguafo, Assin Atandanso (Central), Akuapem, Yilo Krobo (Eastern) and Kpone and Osudoku (Greater Accra).
The rest are Gonja and Mamprusi (Northern), Bolga, Paga (Upper East), Kaleo, Nandom (Upper West), Asogli, Kete Krachi (Volta) and Lower Axim and Sefwi Chirano (Western).
Known as the Ascertainment and Codification of Customary Law Project (ACLP), the project is partly in fulfilment of Article 272 (b) of the 1992 Constitution.
The project is being supported by the German Development Co-operation (GTZ) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Addressing a regional validation workshop in Wa, the National Research Co-ordinator of the ACLP, Mr Thomas Tagoe, said the main objective of the project was to carry out the progressive study, interpretation and codification of customary law with a view to evolving, in appropriate cases, a unified system of rules of customary law.
He said currently 20 traditional areas in the country were being piloted to ascertain customary law on land and family in additional customary legal communities with validations.
According to him, the project was being undertaken in three phases, with two traditional areas from each of the 10 administrative regions.
Mr Tagoe explained that the phase one would involve data collection and literature review, among other issues.
“In the phase two of the project, additional variations of customary laws from about 30 traditional areas will be collected on land and family law,” he added.
Mr Tagoe said within the final stages of the project, it was expected that consultations would be held with traditional leaders from other traditional areas, which were not involved in the process of data collection.
That, he said, would give them the opportunity to review the findings of the ascertained law and identify variations from their communities.
A member of the Joint Steering Committee of the Project, Dr Henry Daannaa, gave the assurance that other traditional areas would be roped in after the validation workshops.
The traditional areas are Offinso and Tepa (Ashanti), Duayaw Nkwanta, Nkoranza (Brong – Ahafo), Eguafo, Assin Atandanso (Central), Akuapem, Yilo Krobo (Eastern) and Kpone and Osudoku (Greater Accra).
The rest are Gonja and Mamprusi (Northern), Bolga, Paga (Upper East), Kaleo, Nandom (Upper West), Asogli, Kete Krachi (Volta) and Lower Axim and Sefwi Chirano (Western).
Known as the Ascertainment and Codification of Customary Law Project (ACLP), the project is partly in fulfilment of Article 272 (b) of the 1992 Constitution.
The project is being supported by the German Development Co-operation (GTZ) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Addressing a regional validation workshop in Wa, the National Research Co-ordinator of the ACLP, Mr Thomas Tagoe, said the main objective of the project was to carry out the progressive study, interpretation and codification of customary law with a view to evolving, in appropriate cases, a unified system of rules of customary law.
He said currently 20 traditional areas in the country were being piloted to ascertain customary law on land and family in additional customary legal communities with validations.
According to him, the project was being undertaken in three phases, with two traditional areas from each of the 10 administrative regions.
Mr Tagoe explained that the phase one would involve data collection and literature review, among other issues.
“In the phase two of the project, additional variations of customary laws from about 30 traditional areas will be collected on land and family law,” he added.
Mr Tagoe said within the final stages of the project, it was expected that consultations would be held with traditional leaders from other traditional areas, which were not involved in the process of data collection.
That, he said, would give them the opportunity to review the findings of the ascertained law and identify variations from their communities.
A member of the Joint Steering Committee of the Project, Dr Henry Daannaa, gave the assurance that other traditional areas would be roped in after the validation workshops.
DERY INAUGURATES KITCHE, CANTEEN FACILITY (PAGE 12, NOV 2, 2010)
THE Deputy Minority leader and Member of Parliament for Lawra–Nandom, Mr Ambrose Dery, has inaugurated a £35,000 kitchen and canteen facility for the Nandom Hospital in the Upper West Region.
The facility was provided by the United Kingdom branch of the Foundation for Education Empowerment and Development (FREED), a non-profit organisation made up of Nandom citizens who live abroad.
In an address, Mr Dery commended civil society organisations, particularly the Catholic Church, for its contribution to the socio-economic development of the Nandom area.
He said the church, through the late Archbishop of Tamale, Peter Cardinal Dery, established schools, clinics and more importantly the hospital at Nandom.
He thanked members of FREED–UK for leaving the comfort of their homes to come to Nandom to serve humanity.
He said FREED–UK had been involved in a number of projects and programmes, especially the provision of an ambulance to the Nandom Hospital, which continue to benefit the people in the area.
Mr Dery noted that the ambulance had gone a long way to reduce child and maternal mortality in the area.
“You have been involved in a saintly act and will continue to work and appreciate you since we want this kind of relationship to move forward,” he added.
He stressed on the need for women to be empowered since they are key stakeholders in the development planning process.
According to Mr Dery, the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) can be achieved “if goal three which talks about women is well taken care of.”
He acknowledged the contribution of various youth groups and a Bulgarian neurosurgeon at the Nandom hospital, Dr Moynov Nikolay, for their contributions towards the development of the Lawra district.
Mr Dery suggested the institution of an award scheme for those who come to serve in the district.
The leader of FREED – UK, Miss Anne Hicks, said her group had been supporting Nandom since 2005.
She hoped the facility would go a long way to improve the nutritional status of patients who come to the hospital.
The medical superintendent of the hospital, whose speech was read on his behalf, thanked FREED–UK for their support, particularly in the training of nurses.
For his part, the Paramount Chief of the Nandom traditional area, Naa Dr Puobe Chirr IV, also acknowledged the contributions of the United States and The United Kingdom branches of the foundation for establishing a radio station in Nandom.
In another development, Mr Ambrose Dery is assisting a number of identifiable groups in the Lawra–Nandom constituency to undertake a number of income–generating activities.
These include bee keeping, piggery and shea butter processing.
Inspecting some of the projects, Mr Dery commended the groups for their hard work and urged them to put the money to good use.
He assured them of his continuous support and urged them to take interest in the education of their children, particularly the girl child.
The facility was provided by the United Kingdom branch of the Foundation for Education Empowerment and Development (FREED), a non-profit organisation made up of Nandom citizens who live abroad.
In an address, Mr Dery commended civil society organisations, particularly the Catholic Church, for its contribution to the socio-economic development of the Nandom area.
He said the church, through the late Archbishop of Tamale, Peter Cardinal Dery, established schools, clinics and more importantly the hospital at Nandom.
He thanked members of FREED–UK for leaving the comfort of their homes to come to Nandom to serve humanity.
He said FREED–UK had been involved in a number of projects and programmes, especially the provision of an ambulance to the Nandom Hospital, which continue to benefit the people in the area.
Mr Dery noted that the ambulance had gone a long way to reduce child and maternal mortality in the area.
“You have been involved in a saintly act and will continue to work and appreciate you since we want this kind of relationship to move forward,” he added.
He stressed on the need for women to be empowered since they are key stakeholders in the development planning process.
According to Mr Dery, the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) can be achieved “if goal three which talks about women is well taken care of.”
He acknowledged the contribution of various youth groups and a Bulgarian neurosurgeon at the Nandom hospital, Dr Moynov Nikolay, for their contributions towards the development of the Lawra district.
Mr Dery suggested the institution of an award scheme for those who come to serve in the district.
The leader of FREED – UK, Miss Anne Hicks, said her group had been supporting Nandom since 2005.
She hoped the facility would go a long way to improve the nutritional status of patients who come to the hospital.
The medical superintendent of the hospital, whose speech was read on his behalf, thanked FREED–UK for their support, particularly in the training of nurses.
For his part, the Paramount Chief of the Nandom traditional area, Naa Dr Puobe Chirr IV, also acknowledged the contributions of the United States and The United Kingdom branches of the foundation for establishing a radio station in Nandom.
In another development, Mr Ambrose Dery is assisting a number of identifiable groups in the Lawra–Nandom constituency to undertake a number of income–generating activities.
These include bee keeping, piggery and shea butter processing.
Inspecting some of the projects, Mr Dery commended the groups for their hard work and urged them to put the money to good use.
He assured them of his continuous support and urged them to take interest in the education of their children, particularly the girl child.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
UDS TEIN COMMENDS MILLS FOR RESOLVING UTAG STRIKE (PAGE 12, OCT 26, 2010)
THE University for Development Studies, Wa Campus branch of the Tertiary Educational Institutions Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has commended President J. E. A. Mills for personally intervening in the UTAG strike action.
By this, TEIN said the President had fatherly demonstrated that he was committed to the resolution of all problems in the country.
In a press statement signed by the President of the association, Mr. Mohammed Illyasu, TEIN said the action of President Mills did not amount to cowardice and bad precedent as other people perceived it but a sign of humility.
It recalled that a couple of years ago, this was not the case, especially when issues of such nature erupted, as government officials rather insulted and lambasted people who embarked on industrial actions.
“It said the future and destiny of students was in the hands of the lecturers and that when there were no lectures, students engaged in career threatening activities.
“It is our solemn belief that government on her part would also act promptly and give what was due members of UTAG so as to eliminate future occurrences,” the statement concluded.
By this, TEIN said the President had fatherly demonstrated that he was committed to the resolution of all problems in the country.
In a press statement signed by the President of the association, Mr. Mohammed Illyasu, TEIN said the action of President Mills did not amount to cowardice and bad precedent as other people perceived it but a sign of humility.
It recalled that a couple of years ago, this was not the case, especially when issues of such nature erupted, as government officials rather insulted and lambasted people who embarked on industrial actions.
“It said the future and destiny of students was in the hands of the lecturers and that when there were no lectures, students engaged in career threatening activities.
“It is our solemn belief that government on her part would also act promptly and give what was due members of UTAG so as to eliminate future occurrences,” the statement concluded.
OIL, GAS FIND TO DEVELOP ECONOMY (PAGE 19, 0CT 26, 2010)
The Director-General of the Private Enterprise Foundation, Dr Osei Boeh–Ocansey, has noted that the key development objective of the government regarding Ghana’s oil reserves is to grow the economy rapidly into an industrialised one.
According to him, it is anticipated that the development of the oil and gas industry will be a source of growth, poverty reduction and general prosperity to the people of Ghana.
He said the active involvement of Ghanaians in that sector through local content and participation had, therefore, become a major policy issue.
Dr Boeh–Ocansey made the observation in a speech read on his behalf at a day’s workshop on, “Opportunities in Ghana’s emerging oil and gas industry for local participation”, in Wa in the Upper West Region.
It was jointly organised by the foundation and the Ghana Journalists Association with sponsorship from the Ghana Research and Advocacy Programme (G–RAP).
He said it was the desire of the government that the control, as well as the benefits in the industry, would remain with Ghanaians.
“For the people of Ghana to actively participate in the oil and gas sector, they need to be aware of the opportunities so that they can take advantage of them,” he added.
Dr Boeh–Ocansey said the overall objective of the programme was to ensure that Ghanaians derived the maximum benefits by fully participating in the activities of the petroleum value chain.
He recommended that the country should focus on standards and skills development for operators of local industries, since this was crucial to achieving the 90 per cent local content target set by the government by 2020.
He argued that it was easy for the multinational oil companies to circumvent the local content provisions by claiming that local companies did not meet the requirements to do business with them.
Dr Boeh–Ocansey, therefore, appealed to the government to support the private sector in terms of training in the areas of standards and skills development, as well as other aspects of business development.
According to him, it is anticipated that the development of the oil and gas industry will be a source of growth, poverty reduction and general prosperity to the people of Ghana.
He said the active involvement of Ghanaians in that sector through local content and participation had, therefore, become a major policy issue.
Dr Boeh–Ocansey made the observation in a speech read on his behalf at a day’s workshop on, “Opportunities in Ghana’s emerging oil and gas industry for local participation”, in Wa in the Upper West Region.
It was jointly organised by the foundation and the Ghana Journalists Association with sponsorship from the Ghana Research and Advocacy Programme (G–RAP).
He said it was the desire of the government that the control, as well as the benefits in the industry, would remain with Ghanaians.
“For the people of Ghana to actively participate in the oil and gas sector, they need to be aware of the opportunities so that they can take advantage of them,” he added.
Dr Boeh–Ocansey said the overall objective of the programme was to ensure that Ghanaians derived the maximum benefits by fully participating in the activities of the petroleum value chain.
He recommended that the country should focus on standards and skills development for operators of local industries, since this was crucial to achieving the 90 per cent local content target set by the government by 2020.
He argued that it was easy for the multinational oil companies to circumvent the local content provisions by claiming that local companies did not meet the requirements to do business with them.
Dr Boeh–Ocansey, therefore, appealed to the government to support the private sector in terms of training in the areas of standards and skills development, as well as other aspects of business development.
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