THE annual misfortune which the people of the north suffers following the spillage of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso could soon become a thing of the past.
This follows the decision by the newly-established Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) to convert the annual disaster into a blessing by constructing canals and reservoirs to collect and store the excess waters for irrigation purposes.
According to Dr Charles Jebuni, a technical advisor to the SADA, the measure is part of a long-term strategy to bring an end to the perennial flooding of the north and, at the same time, enhance dry season farming.
“We have identified three points in the Upper East and Upper West regions by which the water from Burkina Faso flows into Ghana,” he pointed out, adding that the canals would be connected to these points to redirect the water into reservoirs.
During a courtesy call by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Employment, Social Welfare and State Enterprises on Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, the Northern Regional Minister, as part of a four-day working visit to flood-affected communities in the north, Dr Jebuni said some of the rivers in the flood-prone areas would be dredged to contain more water.
The visit was to enable the committee members to have a first-hand assessment of the flood situation and engage the stakeholders to come up with sustainable solutions to stop this annual disaster.
Early this month, the spillage of the Bagre Dam, coupled with heavy rains in the Northern Region, claimed 17 lives.
Aside the benefit of collecting and storing the excess water for irrigation, Dr Jebuni said the SADA would also facilitate the planting of economically viable grass and trees along the catchment areas of the rivers.
He explained that while the grass would serve as raw material for the basket weaving industry, the trees would play the multi-purpose role of conserving the environment, protecting the river banks and supplying fruits.
Dr Jebuni said the SADA flood mitigation strategy would also have a component on housing, which would seek to improve the quality of buildings located in flood-prone communities.
The Vice-Chairman of the select committee, Mr Charles Hodogbey, said the committee would study the situation on the ground and make the appropriate recommendations to the government to forestall future disasters.
The regional minister said it was high time the various proposals on how to mitigate the effects of floods were brought down from the shelves and translated into action.
“Much has been documented regarding this annual disaster, but less has been seen on the ground in terms of corrective measures,” he stated.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
I WILL TRANSFORM UDS ...Says Prof Yakubu Haruna (PAGE 22, SEPT 25, 2010)
THE newly inducted Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Prof. Yakubu Haruna, has pledged to transform the UDS into a practically-oriented institution.
According to him, although much had been done towards achieving that goal, the UDS was still bedevilled with several setbacks that had clipped its wings and thus prevented from taking its rightful place since its establishment in 1992.
Speaking at a press soiree at his residence in Tamale, the Vice-Chancellor said his administration would focus on five thematic areas to enable it to move the UDS beyond its current status.
The five areas, he mentioned, are to expand graduate training and research, improve on academic programmes, enhance quality of teaching and learning, improve internal revenue generation and operate an enhanced management and governance style.
Prof. Haruna said under the graduate programmes, his administration would work towards instituting more flexible sandwich programmes to favour students who could not enrol for full-time studies.
He said there were a number of structural problems hindering the effectiveness of the post-graduate programmes, one of which was the length of time it took students to get a Master’s or PHD degree.
Prof. Haruna attributed those challenges to lack of appropriate qualified teaching and supervisory personnel to guide and mentor the students, adding that his administration would, therefore, recruit more professional staff.
He said for the academic programmes, the UDS had over the years introduced new programmes to reflect emerging population dynamics and industry demands and that had put pressure on the university to admit more.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, expressed concern about the declining government subvention, which was hindering the process of increasing admission.
Prof Haruna said the university would nonetheless mobilise resources to expand the number of lecture rooms, laboratories and hostels.
“We have already started sourcing for strategic investors to join us in a university-private sector partnership to provide accommodation for our students,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor admitted that the multi-campus system being operated by the university was a major challenge to the university because it was expensive to maintain.
The UDS has campuses in Nyankpala, Tamale, Navrongo and Wa, each of which has one or two faculties as well as a medical school in Tamale.
Prof Haruna said in order to increase its internal revenue generation, the UDS would expand its funding base by identifying new and sustainable sources of income, such as grants from developing partners.
“The faculties would be resourced to solicit for consultancies and to strengthen links with industry and commerce,” he said, adding that the university would also control its expenditure through effective auditing and efficient use of its resources.
The VC pledged to operate an open-door policy hinged on an enhanced communication among the management, staff and students.
“I will also promote policies in line with the statutes and the strategic plan of UDS,” he added.
According to him, although much had been done towards achieving that goal, the UDS was still bedevilled with several setbacks that had clipped its wings and thus prevented from taking its rightful place since its establishment in 1992.
Speaking at a press soiree at his residence in Tamale, the Vice-Chancellor said his administration would focus on five thematic areas to enable it to move the UDS beyond its current status.
The five areas, he mentioned, are to expand graduate training and research, improve on academic programmes, enhance quality of teaching and learning, improve internal revenue generation and operate an enhanced management and governance style.
Prof. Haruna said under the graduate programmes, his administration would work towards instituting more flexible sandwich programmes to favour students who could not enrol for full-time studies.
He said there were a number of structural problems hindering the effectiveness of the post-graduate programmes, one of which was the length of time it took students to get a Master’s or PHD degree.
Prof. Haruna attributed those challenges to lack of appropriate qualified teaching and supervisory personnel to guide and mentor the students, adding that his administration would, therefore, recruit more professional staff.
He said for the academic programmes, the UDS had over the years introduced new programmes to reflect emerging population dynamics and industry demands and that had put pressure on the university to admit more.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, expressed concern about the declining government subvention, which was hindering the process of increasing admission.
Prof Haruna said the university would nonetheless mobilise resources to expand the number of lecture rooms, laboratories and hostels.
“We have already started sourcing for strategic investors to join us in a university-private sector partnership to provide accommodation for our students,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor admitted that the multi-campus system being operated by the university was a major challenge to the university because it was expensive to maintain.
The UDS has campuses in Nyankpala, Tamale, Navrongo and Wa, each of which has one or two faculties as well as a medical school in Tamale.
Prof Haruna said in order to increase its internal revenue generation, the UDS would expand its funding base by identifying new and sustainable sources of income, such as grants from developing partners.
“The faculties would be resourced to solicit for consultancies and to strengthen links with industry and commerce,” he said, adding that the university would also control its expenditure through effective auditing and efficient use of its resources.
The VC pledged to operate an open-door policy hinged on an enhanced communication among the management, staff and students.
“I will also promote policies in line with the statutes and the strategic plan of UDS,” he added.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
NMCP NOT HAPPY WITH NON-USE OF TREATED MOSQUITO NETS (PAGE 23, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010)
THE National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) has expressed worry over the failure of many Ghanaians to use Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) although they have been provided with the nets.
According to a medical entomologist at the NMCP, Mrs Aba Baffoe-Wilmot, only thirty per cent of Ghanaian households that have been provided with Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) sleep under these nets and this is impeding efforts to combat malaria in the country.
“It is of no use to provide ITNs to families, particularly children and pregnant women, only for the nets to end up being packed among clothing, instead of being hanged and used,” she lamented.
Mrs Baffoe-Wilmot was speaking during a visit by a team of personnel from the NMCP and its partners to the factory of the Integrated Tamale Fruit Company (ITFC) in Gushie in the Savelugu/Nanton district.
The visit was to enable the team to brief the management and staffs of the ITFC on the current status of malaria control in the country and avail the company to various options through which it could support the programme.
Mrs Baffoe-Wilmot mentioned that due to the support of donor partners, the NMCP had achieved a 56 per cent household ownership of ITNs, “but only 30 per cent usage.”
She said it was regrettable that people cited flimsy excuses for failing to use the nets and asked: “How do you expect me to accept the reason that due to heat, people sleep outside the nets and allow themselves to be beaten by mosquitoes, which exposes them to malaria.”
“If I were them, I would sleep naked in the net so as to keep me cooler and protected at the same time,” she added.
Mrs Baffoe-Wilmot said following the successful distribution of ITNs to children at risk and pregnant women, the NMCP had decided to expand its distribution programme.
“We are now preparing to begin distribution of the nets to the larger Ghanaian community towards achieving the universal coverage of two persons to one net,” she stated.
She said the new distribution scheme was scheduled to start in the Eastern Region later in the year.
“We first need to undertake a pre-registration exercise to know the number of prospective beneficiaries,” she mentioned.
The medical entomologist cautioned against any relapse in the fight against malaria since the disease still accounted for over 30 per cent of reported cases at the Outside Patients Department (O.P.D.).
“We record about three million cases of malaria each year and it costs the nation dearly to treat these cases, some of which end up in deaths,” she stated.
She said Ghanaians must be entreated to report early for medical attention when they see signs of the disease, because early treatment could lessen the severity of the disease and avoid needless deaths.
“We also need to educate our people on how to handle the nets, because mishandling them could reduce their efficacy or render them ineffective,” she further stated.
According to a medical entomologist at the NMCP, Mrs Aba Baffoe-Wilmot, only thirty per cent of Ghanaian households that have been provided with Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) sleep under these nets and this is impeding efforts to combat malaria in the country.
“It is of no use to provide ITNs to families, particularly children and pregnant women, only for the nets to end up being packed among clothing, instead of being hanged and used,” she lamented.
Mrs Baffoe-Wilmot was speaking during a visit by a team of personnel from the NMCP and its partners to the factory of the Integrated Tamale Fruit Company (ITFC) in Gushie in the Savelugu/Nanton district.
The visit was to enable the team to brief the management and staffs of the ITFC on the current status of malaria control in the country and avail the company to various options through which it could support the programme.
Mrs Baffoe-Wilmot mentioned that due to the support of donor partners, the NMCP had achieved a 56 per cent household ownership of ITNs, “but only 30 per cent usage.”
She said it was regrettable that people cited flimsy excuses for failing to use the nets and asked: “How do you expect me to accept the reason that due to heat, people sleep outside the nets and allow themselves to be beaten by mosquitoes, which exposes them to malaria.”
“If I were them, I would sleep naked in the net so as to keep me cooler and protected at the same time,” she added.
Mrs Baffoe-Wilmot said following the successful distribution of ITNs to children at risk and pregnant women, the NMCP had decided to expand its distribution programme.
“We are now preparing to begin distribution of the nets to the larger Ghanaian community towards achieving the universal coverage of two persons to one net,” she stated.
She said the new distribution scheme was scheduled to start in the Eastern Region later in the year.
“We first need to undertake a pre-registration exercise to know the number of prospective beneficiaries,” she mentioned.
The medical entomologist cautioned against any relapse in the fight against malaria since the disease still accounted for over 30 per cent of reported cases at the Outside Patients Department (O.P.D.).
“We record about three million cases of malaria each year and it costs the nation dearly to treat these cases, some of which end up in deaths,” she stated.
She said Ghanaians must be entreated to report early for medical attention when they see signs of the disease, because early treatment could lessen the severity of the disease and avoid needless deaths.
“We also need to educate our people on how to handle the nets, because mishandling them could reduce their efficacy or render them ineffective,” she further stated.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
NORTHERN YOUTH URGED TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE (PAGE 29, SEPT 23, 2010)
THE Northern Ghana Youth Network for Development (NGYND) has implored youth of the three northern regions to emulate the shining example of the Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), Mr Mohammed Ibrahim Awal.
According to the network, Mr Awal had risen from a reporter to the position of Managing Director of Ghana’s best performing media company, the GCGL.
He has “brought on board innovation, management sophistication, a grandiose of expertise, excellence and experience to propel the GCGL to its current standards.”
In a press statement signed by the Executive Director, Mr Muhammed Yakubu, the network congratulated Mr Awal for being declared the 2009 Marketing Man of the Year at the recently held Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) Marketing Performance Awards.
“By this startling and sterling achievement, the generality of Ghanaians and, for that matter, people of northern Ghana, especially the youth, recognise this, celebrate with you and share in your joy, honour and glory as a role model for the current generation of Ghanaians,” the statement read.
The network observed that, the youth in the north needed role models like Mr Awal to enable them to aspire and achieve greater feats.
It, therefore, called on the youth to shift their attention from activities that would not augur well for their well -being and focus on those that would improve their intellectual abilities.
The network also congratulated the newly-appointed Managing Director of the Ghana Post, Mr Abdulai Rafiu, and entreated him to bring his expertise to bear on the company to redirect it towards success.
“It is our hope that, he would adopt best and appropriate managerial practices to curb the crises that have characterised Ghana Post in recent times. We have a lot of confidence in Mr. Abdulai and believe that his diligence and astuteness when applied to managing Ghana Post will inure to the benefit of Ghana,” the statement read.
According to the network, Mr Awal had risen from a reporter to the position of Managing Director of Ghana’s best performing media company, the GCGL.
He has “brought on board innovation, management sophistication, a grandiose of expertise, excellence and experience to propel the GCGL to its current standards.”
In a press statement signed by the Executive Director, Mr Muhammed Yakubu, the network congratulated Mr Awal for being declared the 2009 Marketing Man of the Year at the recently held Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) Marketing Performance Awards.
“By this startling and sterling achievement, the generality of Ghanaians and, for that matter, people of northern Ghana, especially the youth, recognise this, celebrate with you and share in your joy, honour and glory as a role model for the current generation of Ghanaians,” the statement read.
The network observed that, the youth in the north needed role models like Mr Awal to enable them to aspire and achieve greater feats.
It, therefore, called on the youth to shift their attention from activities that would not augur well for their well -being and focus on those that would improve their intellectual abilities.
The network also congratulated the newly-appointed Managing Director of the Ghana Post, Mr Abdulai Rafiu, and entreated him to bring his expertise to bear on the company to redirect it towards success.
“It is our hope that, he would adopt best and appropriate managerial practices to curb the crises that have characterised Ghana Post in recent times. We have a lot of confidence in Mr. Abdulai and believe that his diligence and astuteness when applied to managing Ghana Post will inure to the benefit of Ghana,” the statement read.
WORK PROGRESSES ON ASSEMBLY HALL (PAGE 23, SEPT 23, 2010)
THE construction of a new ultra-modern office complex for the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) is progressing steadily.
Work on the project, which is virtually at the roofing level, resumed late last year, after it had been abandoned for over eight years.
The over GH¢1.3m project is being funded by the assembly from its share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
According to the Architectural Engineering Services Limited (AESL), the consultant for the project, the construction is being carried out in phases.
Current works which are under phase one comprise works on the auditorium, committee rooms, store, board room, audio-visual room and washrooms all located on two separate floors, the ground and first floor.
The other phases will involve work on two separate four storey-buildings, which will be housing the main offices of the assembly, including the Chief Executive Officer.
Depending on the funds available, the first phase could be completed within a year.
Currently, the assembly is located in a two-storey building, which is woefully inadequate to accommodate all the decentralised departments.
Also, the building has not got a spacious facility meant to host assembly meetings, except for a mini-conference room.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the TaMA, Mr Issah Musah, expressed the hope that the first phase of the office complex would be completed by the end of the year.
“If everything goes on as planned, we will move into the new office complex early next year,” he stated.
Mr Musah said there was an urgent need for the assembly to complete the project so as to bring the various decentralised departments under one roof for easy administration and convenience.
“If the project is completed, the assembly members will be able to hold assembly meetings in the hall and will no more pay money to rent other facilities,” he further stated.
Work on the project, which is virtually at the roofing level, resumed late last year, after it had been abandoned for over eight years.
The over GH¢1.3m project is being funded by the assembly from its share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
According to the Architectural Engineering Services Limited (AESL), the consultant for the project, the construction is being carried out in phases.
Current works which are under phase one comprise works on the auditorium, committee rooms, store, board room, audio-visual room and washrooms all located on two separate floors, the ground and first floor.
The other phases will involve work on two separate four storey-buildings, which will be housing the main offices of the assembly, including the Chief Executive Officer.
Depending on the funds available, the first phase could be completed within a year.
Currently, the assembly is located in a two-storey building, which is woefully inadequate to accommodate all the decentralised departments.
Also, the building has not got a spacious facility meant to host assembly meetings, except for a mini-conference room.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the TaMA, Mr Issah Musah, expressed the hope that the first phase of the office complex would be completed by the end of the year.
“If everything goes on as planned, we will move into the new office complex early next year,” he stated.
Mr Musah said there was an urgent need for the assembly to complete the project so as to bring the various decentralised departments under one roof for easy administration and convenience.
“If the project is completed, the assembly members will be able to hold assembly meetings in the hall and will no more pay money to rent other facilities,” he further stated.
DONATE BLOOD TO SAVE LIVES — KEN SAGOE (PAGE 29, SEPT 23, 2010)
THE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr Ken Sagoe, has urged the residents of Tamale to offer themselves for voluntary blood donation, describing it as a noble service to mankind.
He said he had been a voluntary donor since his youthful days, adding that “I am happy that I have also helped save the lives of other people. You too could make a difference.”
Dr Sagoe made these remarks when he addressed voluntary blood donor organisers from the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions during the opening of a three-day training programme for the organisers in Tamale.
The training was organised by the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) to update the knowledge, skills, attitudes and practices of the organisers with regard to blood transfusion.
Dr Sagoe said voluntary blood donor organisers needed to intensify their education drive to get more donors, because the blood banks required more stock.
He said this season, which is noted for Malaria, was particularly a critical period where a lot of children suffered anaemia and, thus, needed blood transfusion.
The Chief Blood Donor Recruiter at the Ghana Health Service, Mr George Kwaku Ahiadzro warned health officials against the misuse of blood products, since that could cause a shortage of essential blood needed for transfusion.
He said the service had realised that some persons and institutions failed to use the blood provided them from transfusion for the right purposes and this resulted in the wastage of the blood.
“Sometimes, they do not use the blood for the right patient and also fail to return the blood to the blood bank for other users,” he explained, adding that others also undertook blood transfusion when it was not necessary.
Mr Ahiadzro said it was difficult to collect and screen enough blood for the purpose of transfusion, because many people had not yet accepted the idea of donating blood voluntarily.
“Again, the voluntary donors who want to re-donate blood have to wait for a period of four months to recover after a previous donation. So we cannot rely on the few voluntary donors on a regular basis,” he further explained.
The Chief Recruiter mentioned that Ghana currently had only 37 blood donor recruiters and this was woefully inadequate for a country whose population hovers between 22 and 24 million.
He said for that reason, the NBTS was working towards getting more voluntary blood donor organisers on board so that they could assist the formal sector recruiters to scout for more blood donors.
Mr Ahiadzro also disclosed that the service was undergoing a restructuring exercise to enable it to decentralise its operations and be in a better position to provide blood to patients in all parts of the country in a timely, safely and adequate manner.
He noted that, the decentralisation would enable the service to police blood usage and curtail wastage.
He said he had been a voluntary donor since his youthful days, adding that “I am happy that I have also helped save the lives of other people. You too could make a difference.”
Dr Sagoe made these remarks when he addressed voluntary blood donor organisers from the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions during the opening of a three-day training programme for the organisers in Tamale.
The training was organised by the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) to update the knowledge, skills, attitudes and practices of the organisers with regard to blood transfusion.
Dr Sagoe said voluntary blood donor organisers needed to intensify their education drive to get more donors, because the blood banks required more stock.
He said this season, which is noted for Malaria, was particularly a critical period where a lot of children suffered anaemia and, thus, needed blood transfusion.
The Chief Blood Donor Recruiter at the Ghana Health Service, Mr George Kwaku Ahiadzro warned health officials against the misuse of blood products, since that could cause a shortage of essential blood needed for transfusion.
He said the service had realised that some persons and institutions failed to use the blood provided them from transfusion for the right purposes and this resulted in the wastage of the blood.
“Sometimes, they do not use the blood for the right patient and also fail to return the blood to the blood bank for other users,” he explained, adding that others also undertook blood transfusion when it was not necessary.
Mr Ahiadzro said it was difficult to collect and screen enough blood for the purpose of transfusion, because many people had not yet accepted the idea of donating blood voluntarily.
“Again, the voluntary donors who want to re-donate blood have to wait for a period of four months to recover after a previous donation. So we cannot rely on the few voluntary donors on a regular basis,” he further explained.
The Chief Recruiter mentioned that Ghana currently had only 37 blood donor recruiters and this was woefully inadequate for a country whose population hovers between 22 and 24 million.
He said for that reason, the NBTS was working towards getting more voluntary blood donor organisers on board so that they could assist the formal sector recruiters to scout for more blood donors.
Mr Ahiadzro also disclosed that the service was undergoing a restructuring exercise to enable it to decentralise its operations and be in a better position to provide blood to patients in all parts of the country in a timely, safely and adequate manner.
He noted that, the decentralisation would enable the service to police blood usage and curtail wastage.
SCHOOL FEEDING COOKS UNDERGO TRAINING (PAGE 29, SEPT 23, 2010)
SIXTY (60) cooks working under the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) in Tamale and the Savelugu/Nanton District have undergone training in food safety, nutrition and environmental sanitation.
This was to enable them to improve the nutritional quality of their meals and observe higher standards of hygiene and food safety so as to avoid contaminating the food they provide, since that could have adverse effects on the health of the children.
The training was organised by the Civil Society Platform (CSP) on the GSFP in collaboration with the GSFP secretariat, Ghana Health Service, Food and Drugs Board and the assemblies.
The Chairperson of the CSP, Ms Adama Jehanfo, told the Daily Graphic that the training of the caterers and cooks formed part of measures to address the gaps in the implementation of the GSFP.
She said the main goal of the programme was to provide safe and nutritious food to children to promote their growth and combat hunger, adding that this objective would not be met if the caterers provided food that was contaminated and low in nutrition.
“It is for this reason that, we are training them and building their capacity to cook in a safe environment and with the right ingredients,” she explained.
Ms Jehanfo further indicated that the cooks would undergo medical examination to determine their health status. She said this was being done because under the GSFP guidelines, all the caterers and cooks were supposed to be certified fit, physically and mentally.
Making a presentation on Environmental and Personal Hygiene, the Community Development Manager for New Energy, Mr Wumbei Abdulai, noted that the food provided by the cooks could be contaminated in many ways, such as using unsafe water, cooking in an unsanitary environment or the lack of personal hygiene.
He, therefore, entreated the cooks to be mindful of the type of water they use in cooking, stressing that if the cooks were unable to source pipe-borne water and were compelled to rely on other sources, like dams, they should purify the water before use.
Mr Abdulai also cautioned the cooks to stay clear of human faecal matter by avoiding cooking in filthy environments, discouraging open defecation and observing high standards of personal hygiene, such as regular hand-washing.
He admonished district assemblies and other institutions to work towards providing water and sanitation facilities to the beneficiary schools to enable the cooks and children to observe hygienic practices.
This was to enable them to improve the nutritional quality of their meals and observe higher standards of hygiene and food safety so as to avoid contaminating the food they provide, since that could have adverse effects on the health of the children.
The training was organised by the Civil Society Platform (CSP) on the GSFP in collaboration with the GSFP secretariat, Ghana Health Service, Food and Drugs Board and the assemblies.
The Chairperson of the CSP, Ms Adama Jehanfo, told the Daily Graphic that the training of the caterers and cooks formed part of measures to address the gaps in the implementation of the GSFP.
She said the main goal of the programme was to provide safe and nutritious food to children to promote their growth and combat hunger, adding that this objective would not be met if the caterers provided food that was contaminated and low in nutrition.
“It is for this reason that, we are training them and building their capacity to cook in a safe environment and with the right ingredients,” she explained.
Ms Jehanfo further indicated that the cooks would undergo medical examination to determine their health status. She said this was being done because under the GSFP guidelines, all the caterers and cooks were supposed to be certified fit, physically and mentally.
Making a presentation on Environmental and Personal Hygiene, the Community Development Manager for New Energy, Mr Wumbei Abdulai, noted that the food provided by the cooks could be contaminated in many ways, such as using unsafe water, cooking in an unsanitary environment or the lack of personal hygiene.
He, therefore, entreated the cooks to be mindful of the type of water they use in cooking, stressing that if the cooks were unable to source pipe-borne water and were compelled to rely on other sources, like dams, they should purify the water before use.
Mr Abdulai also cautioned the cooks to stay clear of human faecal matter by avoiding cooking in filthy environments, discouraging open defecation and observing high standards of personal hygiene, such as regular hand-washing.
He admonished district assemblies and other institutions to work towards providing water and sanitation facilities to the beneficiary schools to enable the cooks and children to observe hygienic practices.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
DEATH TOLL IN TAMALE ACCIDENT NOW 26 (SPREAD, SEPT 21, 2010)
ONE more person has been confirmed dead from the accident that occurred in Tamale last Saturday, bringing the number to 26.
The number of injured persons has also been confirmed to be 99.
According to the Director of Medical Affairs at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr Prosper Akanbon, 21 of the 26 were brought to the hospital dead, whilst the other five died at the hospital.
“Two of them died in the theatre during operation and the other three died in the ward,” he said, adding that 10 of the patients who were on admission were in a critical condition, whilst 15 had been discharged with six absconding.
Dr Akanbon said this when he briefed the Minister of Transport, Mr Mike Hammah, and his entourage during a visit to the hospital yesterday.
The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, the Chief Executive of the National Road Safety Commission, Mr Noble Appiah, Chief Executive of the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr Justice Amegashie and other officers.
Dr Akanbon said the accident had exposed certain challenges facing the hospital, particularly the absence of an emergency accident centre.
“If we had a separate ward for emergency cases, as well as the equipment, we could have saved some of the lives,” he stated.
Mr Mike Hammah and his team visited the second floor of the hospital to interact with some of the injured persons.
He expressed the government’s condolences to the deceased and pledged an amount of GH¢10,000 from the government to support the victims and their families.
Earlier, Mr Hammah addressed the press at the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) and expressed the government’s commitment towards ending the accident scourge.
“The carnage must stop. We are losing our human resource through recklessness and carelessness,” he stated, adding that the country could not achieve Vision 2020 if this situation continued.
The number of injured persons has also been confirmed to be 99.
According to the Director of Medical Affairs at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr Prosper Akanbon, 21 of the 26 were brought to the hospital dead, whilst the other five died at the hospital.
“Two of them died in the theatre during operation and the other three died in the ward,” he said, adding that 10 of the patients who were on admission were in a critical condition, whilst 15 had been discharged with six absconding.
Dr Akanbon said this when he briefed the Minister of Transport, Mr Mike Hammah, and his entourage during a visit to the hospital yesterday.
The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, the Chief Executive of the National Road Safety Commission, Mr Noble Appiah, Chief Executive of the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr Justice Amegashie and other officers.
Dr Akanbon said the accident had exposed certain challenges facing the hospital, particularly the absence of an emergency accident centre.
“If we had a separate ward for emergency cases, as well as the equipment, we could have saved some of the lives,” he stated.
Mr Mike Hammah and his team visited the second floor of the hospital to interact with some of the injured persons.
He expressed the government’s condolences to the deceased and pledged an amount of GH¢10,000 from the government to support the victims and their families.
Earlier, Mr Hammah addressed the press at the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) and expressed the government’s commitment towards ending the accident scourge.
“The carnage must stop. We are losing our human resource through recklessness and carelessness,” he stated, adding that the country could not achieve Vision 2020 if this situation continued.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Pain, anguish in Tamale as...25 PERISH IN ROAD CRASH...More in critical condition (LEAD STORY, SEPT 20, 2010)
Story: Nurudeen Salifu, Tamale
THE Tamale Metropolis has been thrown into a state of grief and bewilderment following the killing of 25 persons in a horrific road crash at Zagyuri, near Kamina over the weekend.
While 18 of the victims perished on the spot, seven of them died later at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).
Seventy-eight other persons sustained various degrees of injury and were hospitalised.
Further investigations revealed that all the people in the truck were from Zogu in the Savelugu/Nanton District in the Northern Region and were on their way to Tamale to attend a funeral.
When the Daily Graphic visited the TTH, some of the injured persons were responding to treatment but the condition of 20 of them was described as critical.
Some distressed family members had also gathered on the hospital premises wailing as the bodies were brought in by hurriedly commandeered vehicles.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Northern Regional Commander of the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Cashman Blewushie, said the accident occurred when the driver of a cargo truck loaded with more than 100 passengers, in an attempt to overtake a tipper truck, veered off the road and plunged into a gutter.
DSP Blewushie said the driver of the truck, with registration number NR 1259 W, in the course of overtaking the tipper truck, saw an oncoming vehicle and decided to move to the left, but unfortunately he lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle veered off into the deep gutter.
He said the driver of the truck, one Mohammed Abudulai, received minor injuries and had been placed in protective custody, pending further investigations.
The MTTU commander said the police were in the process of identifying the victims, but noted that the 25 persons who died comprised a female and 24 males.
He said the youngest was 16 and the oldest 65 years old.
An eye-witness told the Daily Graphic at the scene of the accident that the driver of the cargo truck failed to leave adequate space between his truck and the tipper truck before overtaking it.
“When he got close to the tipper truck, he made a sharp turn to the left and made another turn to the right and that was when the truck went to the other side and fell in the gutter,” he said.
Picture caption: People gathered at the accident scene watching the damaged truck.
THE Tamale Metropolis has been thrown into a state of grief and bewilderment following the killing of 25 persons in a horrific road crash at Zagyuri, near Kamina over the weekend.
While 18 of the victims perished on the spot, seven of them died later at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).
Seventy-eight other persons sustained various degrees of injury and were hospitalised.
Further investigations revealed that all the people in the truck were from Zogu in the Savelugu/Nanton District in the Northern Region and were on their way to Tamale to attend a funeral.
When the Daily Graphic visited the TTH, some of the injured persons were responding to treatment but the condition of 20 of them was described as critical.
Some distressed family members had also gathered on the hospital premises wailing as the bodies were brought in by hurriedly commandeered vehicles.
Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Northern Regional Commander of the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Cashman Blewushie, said the accident occurred when the driver of a cargo truck loaded with more than 100 passengers, in an attempt to overtake a tipper truck, veered off the road and plunged into a gutter.
DSP Blewushie said the driver of the truck, with registration number NR 1259 W, in the course of overtaking the tipper truck, saw an oncoming vehicle and decided to move to the left, but unfortunately he lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle veered off into the deep gutter.
He said the driver of the truck, one Mohammed Abudulai, received minor injuries and had been placed in protective custody, pending further investigations.
The MTTU commander said the police were in the process of identifying the victims, but noted that the 25 persons who died comprised a female and 24 males.
He said the youngest was 16 and the oldest 65 years old.
An eye-witness told the Daily Graphic at the scene of the accident that the driver of the cargo truck failed to leave adequate space between his truck and the tipper truck before overtaking it.
“When he got close to the tipper truck, he made a sharp turn to the left and made another turn to the right and that was when the truck went to the other side and fell in the gutter,” he said.
Picture caption: People gathered at the accident scene watching the damaged truck.
600 RECEIVE SKILL TRAINING AT BUIPE (PAGE 35, SEPT 20, 2010)
MORE than 600 young people have received skills training under the auspices of the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) and the Rural Enterprises Project at Buipe in the Northern Region.
The participants were trained in grass cutter and guinea fowl rearing, cassava processing, soap making, batik, tie and dye production and fashion designing.
The training programme is part of a major initiative to build the capacity of young people, particularly women, to engage in productive activity that will earn them income.
The head of the BAC in the Central Gonja District, Ms Rashida Alhassan, made this known at the passing-out parade of 75 newly trained youth in Buipe.
She said 24 community-based skills training and management training programmes had been designed by the BAC to empower the youth to be self-employed.
Ms Alhassan said the centre had put together a graduate apprentice start-up kit, which is presented to the trainees to enable them to start their own businesses upon graduation.
She also stated that some financial institutions had been brought on board to support graduate trainees who needed funds to start their own businesses.
“These institutions have agreed to provide soft loans for the trainees as most of them attribute lack of finance for their failure to do their own businesses,” she stated.
Ms Alhassan, therefore, entreated the trainees to draw effective business plans that would qualify them to receive the needed financial assistance to expand their businesses.
She also commended the district assembly for its immense contribution to the training programmes.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Central Gonja, Mr Salifu Issifu Be-Awuribe, said the training was in line with the government’s policy to empower the youth.
“This government is very much prepared to support any initiative that would reduce unemployment and take our youth from the streets and from organised crime,” he stated.
The trainees appealed to the government to explore ways of encouraging Ghanaians to purchase made-in-Ghana goods.
The trainees said they ran at a loss anytime they produced items that were not patronised by the public.
The participants were trained in grass cutter and guinea fowl rearing, cassava processing, soap making, batik, tie and dye production and fashion designing.
The training programme is part of a major initiative to build the capacity of young people, particularly women, to engage in productive activity that will earn them income.
The head of the BAC in the Central Gonja District, Ms Rashida Alhassan, made this known at the passing-out parade of 75 newly trained youth in Buipe.
She said 24 community-based skills training and management training programmes had been designed by the BAC to empower the youth to be self-employed.
Ms Alhassan said the centre had put together a graduate apprentice start-up kit, which is presented to the trainees to enable them to start their own businesses upon graduation.
She also stated that some financial institutions had been brought on board to support graduate trainees who needed funds to start their own businesses.
“These institutions have agreed to provide soft loans for the trainees as most of them attribute lack of finance for their failure to do their own businesses,” she stated.
Ms Alhassan, therefore, entreated the trainees to draw effective business plans that would qualify them to receive the needed financial assistance to expand their businesses.
She also commended the district assembly for its immense contribution to the training programmes.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Central Gonja, Mr Salifu Issifu Be-Awuribe, said the training was in line with the government’s policy to empower the youth.
“This government is very much prepared to support any initiative that would reduce unemployment and take our youth from the streets and from organised crime,” he stated.
The trainees appealed to the government to explore ways of encouraging Ghanaians to purchase made-in-Ghana goods.
The trainees said they ran at a loss anytime they produced items that were not patronised by the public.
4 ARRESTED OVER GAME POACHER'S DEATH (BACK PAGE, SEPT 18, 2010)
FOUR persons have been arrested in connection with the death of a game poacher in the Mole Game Reserve in the West Gonja District in the Northern Region.
Two suspects, whose names were not provided for security reasons are in police custody assisting in investigations.
A police source that gave the name of the deceased as Abdulai Seidu Suale, aged 32, said the man died of gunshot wounds when he got caught up in an exchange of fire between anti-poachers of the Mole Game Reserve and some hunters who had strayed into the reserve last Sunday night.
“The game guards realised that some hunters had entered the reserve, and therefore, attempted to arrest them.
However, the hunters resisted and that led to an exchange of gunfire,” the source said.
It said later on, somebody was found dead in the reserve and investigations conducted by the police revealed that he sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of the fire.
It said the body of the deceased was transported to the Tamale Teaching Hospital morgue and later buried after clearance from the court.
In another development, a farmer whose name was only given as Illiasu has drowned in a river as a result of the floods in the northern parts of the country.
According to the police, the deceased left Damongo last Wednesday to visit his farm at Kotito, a community in the West Gonja District.
They said when the deceased was returning to Damongo, he attempted crossing the Sori River and got drowned.
Two suspects, whose names were not provided for security reasons are in police custody assisting in investigations.
A police source that gave the name of the deceased as Abdulai Seidu Suale, aged 32, said the man died of gunshot wounds when he got caught up in an exchange of fire between anti-poachers of the Mole Game Reserve and some hunters who had strayed into the reserve last Sunday night.
“The game guards realised that some hunters had entered the reserve, and therefore, attempted to arrest them.
However, the hunters resisted and that led to an exchange of gunfire,” the source said.
It said later on, somebody was found dead in the reserve and investigations conducted by the police revealed that he sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of the fire.
It said the body of the deceased was transported to the Tamale Teaching Hospital morgue and later buried after clearance from the court.
In another development, a farmer whose name was only given as Illiasu has drowned in a river as a result of the floods in the northern parts of the country.
According to the police, the deceased left Damongo last Wednesday to visit his farm at Kotito, a community in the West Gonja District.
They said when the deceased was returning to Damongo, he attempted crossing the Sori River and got drowned.
Friday, September 17, 2010
MORE DISPLACED BY NORTHERN FLOODS (BACK PAGE, SEPT 17, 2010)
ABOUT 10,000 people have been displaced following the destruction of over 800 houses by floods in parts of the Northern Region.
This is as a result of days of torrential rains and the intensified spillage of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso, which have led to the overflow of the Volta rivers and their tributaries.
So far, only four people have been confirmed dead, while other reported deaths in the East Mamprusi District are still being investigated.
The Northern Regional Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Alhaji Abdulai Mahama Silimboma, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale.
He said the floods had also affected food production due to the destruction of many acres of farmlands.
The co-ordinator noted that the worst hit communities were in the West Mamprusi and West Gonja districts.
He said in the West Mamprusi District alone, 681 houses in 26 communities had collapsed and over 3000 acres of farmlands destroyed.
“In the West Gonja District, 200 houses in 65 communities have collapsed and 6000 acres of farmlands submerged,” he stated.
Alhaji Silimboma noted that the Central Gonja and Kpandai districts had also been affected.
The co-ordinator said the national secretariat had earlier supplied some relief items to the regional office, which have been distributed to the affected districts.
“We are expecting more relief items to enable us to meet the demand,” he noted.
Confirming the damage caused to communities in his district, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Central Gonja, Mr Salifu Issifu Be-Awuribe, mentioned that over 3000 people had been displaced in nine communities.
The communities include Chepe, Yapei, Jakpapei, Katanga, Bonyang and Afiso.
He said 80 houses had been destroyed and about 1500 acres of farmlands submerged.
This is as a result of days of torrential rains and the intensified spillage of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso, which have led to the overflow of the Volta rivers and their tributaries.
So far, only four people have been confirmed dead, while other reported deaths in the East Mamprusi District are still being investigated.
The Northern Regional Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Alhaji Abdulai Mahama Silimboma, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Tamale.
He said the floods had also affected food production due to the destruction of many acres of farmlands.
The co-ordinator noted that the worst hit communities were in the West Mamprusi and West Gonja districts.
He said in the West Mamprusi District alone, 681 houses in 26 communities had collapsed and over 3000 acres of farmlands destroyed.
“In the West Gonja District, 200 houses in 65 communities have collapsed and 6000 acres of farmlands submerged,” he stated.
Alhaji Silimboma noted that the Central Gonja and Kpandai districts had also been affected.
The co-ordinator said the national secretariat had earlier supplied some relief items to the regional office, which have been distributed to the affected districts.
“We are expecting more relief items to enable us to meet the demand,” he noted.
Confirming the damage caused to communities in his district, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Central Gonja, Mr Salifu Issifu Be-Awuribe, mentioned that over 3000 people had been displaced in nine communities.
The communities include Chepe, Yapei, Jakpapei, Katanga, Bonyang and Afiso.
He said 80 houses had been destroyed and about 1500 acres of farmlands submerged.
IGP'S RESIGNATION NOT SOLUTION TO YOUTH VIOLENCE (PAGE 12, SEPT 17, 2010)
THE National Co-ordinator for the Ghana Network for Peace-building (GHANEP), Mr Justin Bayor has described the call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye to resign as misplaced.
According to him, the resignation of the IGP would not be the solution to incidence of mob violence among the youth and stressed that what civil society needed to do was to advocate more logistical support for the police service to enable it to deal effectively with the rampaging youth.
“We also have to continue to advocate the independence of the police service to free it from any political interference that may affect its work,” he stated.
Mr Bayor, made these remarks when he spoke with the Daily Graphic, on the call made by the Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), a pressure group, for the IGP to resign.
Recently, some members of AFAG held a press conference to demand the resignation of the IGP due to what, they claimed, was growing mistrust among sections of the Ghanaian society regarding the conduct of the police service.
The group cited the recent cases of violence in Atiwa and the fact that the police had not arrested the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Dr Kwabena Adjei for the alleged threat on the judiciary as some of the reasons why some people were losing confidence in the police.
He said the police had on countless occasions shown that when resourced adequately and allowed to work independently, they would be more proactive and professional.
Mr Bayor said the government needed to support the police because whether the government believed it or not, the actions of the rampaging youth in various parts of the county were tarnishing its image.
He said the various incidents of mob violence smacks of a break down in law and order and the failure to deal with the architects of such illegal actions reinforced the perception that the government was controlling the police.
Mr Bayor mentioned that the GHANEP, through its electronic database centre, had recorded recent cases of mob violence among the youth in at least seven towns. They are Jirapa, Tamale, Wenchi, Karaga, Walewale Oda and Kibi.
“These incidents are becoming worrisome to the extent that some youth even dare the police not to stand in their way,” he lamented, adding that it was high time the police brought these law breakers to order.
Mr Bayor also urged the various political parties to activate their internal party structures which were meant to resolve disputes and harmonise the opposing interests among party members.
“Politicians should also desist from making electoral promises that are unattainable, since failure to actualise these promises usually leads to these violent protests,” he further suggested.
According to him, the resignation of the IGP would not be the solution to incidence of mob violence among the youth and stressed that what civil society needed to do was to advocate more logistical support for the police service to enable it to deal effectively with the rampaging youth.
“We also have to continue to advocate the independence of the police service to free it from any political interference that may affect its work,” he stated.
Mr Bayor, made these remarks when he spoke with the Daily Graphic, on the call made by the Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), a pressure group, for the IGP to resign.
Recently, some members of AFAG held a press conference to demand the resignation of the IGP due to what, they claimed, was growing mistrust among sections of the Ghanaian society regarding the conduct of the police service.
The group cited the recent cases of violence in Atiwa and the fact that the police had not arrested the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Dr Kwabena Adjei for the alleged threat on the judiciary as some of the reasons why some people were losing confidence in the police.
He said the police had on countless occasions shown that when resourced adequately and allowed to work independently, they would be more proactive and professional.
Mr Bayor said the government needed to support the police because whether the government believed it or not, the actions of the rampaging youth in various parts of the county were tarnishing its image.
He said the various incidents of mob violence smacks of a break down in law and order and the failure to deal with the architects of such illegal actions reinforced the perception that the government was controlling the police.
Mr Bayor mentioned that the GHANEP, through its electronic database centre, had recorded recent cases of mob violence among the youth in at least seven towns. They are Jirapa, Tamale, Wenchi, Karaga, Walewale Oda and Kibi.
“These incidents are becoming worrisome to the extent that some youth even dare the police not to stand in their way,” he lamented, adding that it was high time the police brought these law breakers to order.
Mr Bayor also urged the various political parties to activate their internal party structures which were meant to resolve disputes and harmonise the opposing interests among party members.
“Politicians should also desist from making electoral promises that are unattainable, since failure to actualise these promises usually leads to these violent protests,” he further suggested.
TAMALE TAXI DRIVERS BEMOAN POOR RETURNS (PAGE 23, SEPT 16, 2010)
TAMALE is one of Ghana’s fastest growing cities due largely to its central location, linking the north to the south.
Apart from an increase in population, retail businesses, hospitality industry, banking and insurance, telecommunications and many other sectors have equally witnessed significant growth.
One would therefore expect that the transport sector would be the beneficiary of such growth due to increased mobility, both intra-city and inter-city.
However, this appears not to be the situation for the intra-city transport operators.
According to Taxi drivers in the Tamale metropolis, business has rather been declining and this they blame on the increased availability of cheaper private means of transport and lower income levels.
Tamale may not be a city of cars, but it definitely is a city of motorbikes. Many households in the city have at least a motorbike, which is used to facilitate movement to and from work, shopping and other endeavours.
The motorbikes come if various forms, notably scooters, mopeds, standard bikes, cruisers, touring bikes and dual-purpose bikes.
The most popular are the scooters, which have come to be known in Tamale as ‘mapouka’ bikes. These bikes are fashionable, inexpensive, low-fuel consuming and easily movable.
Due to these features, the taxi drivers said the residents had become used to riding instead of using vehicles.
“Even those who do not have motorbikes borrow those of others,” stated Richard Abu, a taxi driver.
In interview, the Chairman of the Taxi-Trotro branch No.1 of the GPRTU, Mr Abdul-Razak Mahama confirmed the complaint of the drivers, but attributed the poor patronage of taxis to low income.
“A lot of our people earn very little and therefore cannot afford being transported by taxis,” he explained.
Mr Mahama said he was optimistic that Tamale would soon become a major city, which would attract investments, create employment and increase the incomes of residents.
Apart from an increase in population, retail businesses, hospitality industry, banking and insurance, telecommunications and many other sectors have equally witnessed significant growth.
One would therefore expect that the transport sector would be the beneficiary of such growth due to increased mobility, both intra-city and inter-city.
However, this appears not to be the situation for the intra-city transport operators.
According to Taxi drivers in the Tamale metropolis, business has rather been declining and this they blame on the increased availability of cheaper private means of transport and lower income levels.
Tamale may not be a city of cars, but it definitely is a city of motorbikes. Many households in the city have at least a motorbike, which is used to facilitate movement to and from work, shopping and other endeavours.
The motorbikes come if various forms, notably scooters, mopeds, standard bikes, cruisers, touring bikes and dual-purpose bikes.
The most popular are the scooters, which have come to be known in Tamale as ‘mapouka’ bikes. These bikes are fashionable, inexpensive, low-fuel consuming and easily movable.
Due to these features, the taxi drivers said the residents had become used to riding instead of using vehicles.
“Even those who do not have motorbikes borrow those of others,” stated Richard Abu, a taxi driver.
In interview, the Chairman of the Taxi-Trotro branch No.1 of the GPRTU, Mr Abdul-Razak Mahama confirmed the complaint of the drivers, but attributed the poor patronage of taxis to low income.
“A lot of our people earn very little and therefore cannot afford being transported by taxis,” he explained.
Mr Mahama said he was optimistic that Tamale would soon become a major city, which would attract investments, create employment and increase the incomes of residents.
CENTRAL GONJA TO FULFILL 'BETTER GHANA AGENDA' (PAGE 13, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2010)
THE Central Gonja district assembly in the Northern Region is optimistic of fulfilling the ‘Better Ghana Agenda’, following the progress being made in various sectors of development in the area.
According to the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr Salifu Issifu Be-Awuribe, the district has made significant improvement in internal revenue generation, education, water and sanitation, agriculture and forest development.
Addressing the Second Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the district, Mr Be-Awuribe noted that the district had projected to collect a total revenue of GH¢122,670 for the year.
He said as at the end of July, the assembly had already collected a total amount of GH¢99,649 and this represents 81.23 per cent of the total budgeted figure.
Under education, the DCE indicated that the assembly had stepped up efforts to expand existing infrastructure, make available more teachers and motivate students to improve upon their performance.
He said with support from development partners, classroom blocks and teachers’ quarters were being constructed in several communities in the district, such as Kpejipe, Jukuku, Yala, Kokope, Chama, Sankpala, Mpaha and Kalinka.
He also mentioned that the assembly was considering implementing the Rural Volunteer Teaching Programme, which would bring on board at least 50 volunteer teachers to assist the professional teachers.
He said already, the district was sponsoring a number of teacher trainees who have been bonded to serve the district after graduation.
The DCE further indicated that the assembly had instituted a three-year sponsorship award package for the best male and female students who qualify for Senior High School.
This, he explained, was meant to challenge the students to learn hard and improve upon their performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE).
In the area of water and sanitation, the DCE said the district had a difficult hydro-geological terrain, which made it difficult to get enough ground water to fill bore holes and hand-dug wells.
He said the assembly, through the support of UNICEF, was working on the Buipe water system, which seeks to provide the Buipe Township with pipe-borne water.
Mr Be-Awuribe said the UNICEF, under its I-WASH project, would also undertake the mechanization of water systems at Mpaha, Kikale and Kegbripe.
“The assembly is also constructing water closet toilets at the Buipe market and 16-Vault chambers at Yapei and Mpaha,” he further mentioned.
For agriculture, the DCE noted that the district was undertaking the block farming project and that several bags of rice and maize seeds were supplied for the project.
He said the district was also positioning itself to benefit from the National Forest Plantation Development Programme to enable it resist desertification.
He said the district was allocated 150 acres of land for the programme and that site preparation had already completed at the various sites, such as Mpaha, Fufulso, Yapei, Sankpala and Tuluwe.
With these ongoing development projects, the DCE said the district was making steady progress and appealed to the assembly members to take active interest in these developments and ensure their success.
According to the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr Salifu Issifu Be-Awuribe, the district has made significant improvement in internal revenue generation, education, water and sanitation, agriculture and forest development.
Addressing the Second Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the district, Mr Be-Awuribe noted that the district had projected to collect a total revenue of GH¢122,670 for the year.
He said as at the end of July, the assembly had already collected a total amount of GH¢99,649 and this represents 81.23 per cent of the total budgeted figure.
Under education, the DCE indicated that the assembly had stepped up efforts to expand existing infrastructure, make available more teachers and motivate students to improve upon their performance.
He said with support from development partners, classroom blocks and teachers’ quarters were being constructed in several communities in the district, such as Kpejipe, Jukuku, Yala, Kokope, Chama, Sankpala, Mpaha and Kalinka.
He also mentioned that the assembly was considering implementing the Rural Volunteer Teaching Programme, which would bring on board at least 50 volunteer teachers to assist the professional teachers.
He said already, the district was sponsoring a number of teacher trainees who have been bonded to serve the district after graduation.
The DCE further indicated that the assembly had instituted a three-year sponsorship award package for the best male and female students who qualify for Senior High School.
This, he explained, was meant to challenge the students to learn hard and improve upon their performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE).
In the area of water and sanitation, the DCE said the district had a difficult hydro-geological terrain, which made it difficult to get enough ground water to fill bore holes and hand-dug wells.
He said the assembly, through the support of UNICEF, was working on the Buipe water system, which seeks to provide the Buipe Township with pipe-borne water.
Mr Be-Awuribe said the UNICEF, under its I-WASH project, would also undertake the mechanization of water systems at Mpaha, Kikale and Kegbripe.
“The assembly is also constructing water closet toilets at the Buipe market and 16-Vault chambers at Yapei and Mpaha,” he further mentioned.
For agriculture, the DCE noted that the district was undertaking the block farming project and that several bags of rice and maize seeds were supplied for the project.
He said the district was also positioning itself to benefit from the National Forest Plantation Development Programme to enable it resist desertification.
He said the district was allocated 150 acres of land for the programme and that site preparation had already completed at the various sites, such as Mpaha, Fufulso, Yapei, Sankpala and Tuluwe.
With these ongoing development projects, the DCE said the district was making steady progress and appealed to the assembly members to take active interest in these developments and ensure their success.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
KAWASTONE TAKES THE MIC FOR PEACE (GRAPHIC SHOWBIZ, PAGE 4, SEPT 16, 2010)
By Nurudeen Salifu
HE is a Tamale-based musician whose soothing voice has endeared him to many music lovers in the north and other parts of the country since the early 2000s when he and another artiste, Flex, composed and sang Fe Ma No and N-yura.
Today, Kawastone, formerly of Blackstone fame, has chosen to go beyond just singing to entertain to using music to build bridges and unite people who have been separated by ethnic conflicts.
To realise this goal, Kawastone, whose real name is Mohammed Abdul-Rashid, has put together a Peace Project, which would take him and several other popular Northern musicians to at least 10 towns in the three northern regions to sing for peace.
They would perform before an audience dominated by young people, particularly those in second-cycle schools. Each event would involve music and talk: while the musicians dish out exciting songs, there would be intermittent breaks to allow resource persons to deliver peace messages to the youth.
Some of the musicians billed to join the tour include reggae star Sherif Ghale, Abu Sadiq, Ahmed Adam, King Ayisoba, Rafious Amiyo, KKC, Mama Rams, Abada and Deensi.
Speaking to Showbiz on the planned peace project, Kawawastone said the main goal is to bring the youth of the various towns to the same platform, irrespective of their ethnic, political and religious differences, to socialise and reinforce friendships.
“The youth are the future and if we are able to get them to appreciate each other and bury their differences, we would find the peace and harmony that we’re looking for,” he stated.
Kawastone has already produced a peace song for his peace campaign. It is called Di Nan To Mali (The conflict can still be resolved.) The chorus is in Dagbani, Twi and Pidgin English.
Kawastone is, however, worried that the peace project could suffer a huge setback if enough financial support is not mobilised to fund it. The young artiste is therefore appealing to corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations, philanthropic institutions, individuals and other development partners interested in promoting peace in the country to reach out and support his course.
“I am not doing this for my own sake, but to save the youth. They need to be given the opportunity to realise their dreams to enable them help their families out of deprivation.
“If the conflicts continue, these youth would not realise these goals and would probably end up like their elders: fighting for resources that can not guarantee them better lives,” he pointed out.
Kawastone’s music career began in 1997 when he featured on songs by other musicians. It was, however, in 2000 that he came into the limelight after he and Flex (real name Kamal Aryee Mudasiru) formed Blackstone and released an eight-track album which enjoyed considerable airplay throughout the country with Fe Ma No as the title track.
Kawastone, who also works as a presenter with the Tamale-based radio station, Fiila FM, later went solo when Flex left the shores of the country. In 2005, he released a single Ma Ni (Me).
A year later, Kawastone served his fans another sweetly-packaged dose of good music when he launched his Tamaha (Hope) album with songs like Tamaha and Waa waa becoming the toast of fans. Tamaha still enjoys considerable airplay.
HE is a Tamale-based musician whose soothing voice has endeared him to many music lovers in the north and other parts of the country since the early 2000s when he and another artiste, Flex, composed and sang Fe Ma No and N-yura.
Today, Kawastone, formerly of Blackstone fame, has chosen to go beyond just singing to entertain to using music to build bridges and unite people who have been separated by ethnic conflicts.
To realise this goal, Kawastone, whose real name is Mohammed Abdul-Rashid, has put together a Peace Project, which would take him and several other popular Northern musicians to at least 10 towns in the three northern regions to sing for peace.
They would perform before an audience dominated by young people, particularly those in second-cycle schools. Each event would involve music and talk: while the musicians dish out exciting songs, there would be intermittent breaks to allow resource persons to deliver peace messages to the youth.
Some of the musicians billed to join the tour include reggae star Sherif Ghale, Abu Sadiq, Ahmed Adam, King Ayisoba, Rafious Amiyo, KKC, Mama Rams, Abada and Deensi.
Speaking to Showbiz on the planned peace project, Kawawastone said the main goal is to bring the youth of the various towns to the same platform, irrespective of their ethnic, political and religious differences, to socialise and reinforce friendships.
“The youth are the future and if we are able to get them to appreciate each other and bury their differences, we would find the peace and harmony that we’re looking for,” he stated.
Kawastone has already produced a peace song for his peace campaign. It is called Di Nan To Mali (The conflict can still be resolved.) The chorus is in Dagbani, Twi and Pidgin English.
Kawastone is, however, worried that the peace project could suffer a huge setback if enough financial support is not mobilised to fund it. The young artiste is therefore appealing to corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations, philanthropic institutions, individuals and other development partners interested in promoting peace in the country to reach out and support his course.
“I am not doing this for my own sake, but to save the youth. They need to be given the opportunity to realise their dreams to enable them help their families out of deprivation.
“If the conflicts continue, these youth would not realise these goals and would probably end up like their elders: fighting for resources that can not guarantee them better lives,” he pointed out.
Kawastone’s music career began in 1997 when he featured on songs by other musicians. It was, however, in 2000 that he came into the limelight after he and Flex (real name Kamal Aryee Mudasiru) formed Blackstone and released an eight-track album which enjoyed considerable airplay throughout the country with Fe Ma No as the title track.
Kawastone, who also works as a presenter with the Tamale-based radio station, Fiila FM, later went solo when Flex left the shores of the country. In 2005, he released a single Ma Ni (Me).
A year later, Kawastone served his fans another sweetly-packaged dose of good music when he launched his Tamaha (Hope) album with songs like Tamaha and Waa waa becoming the toast of fans. Tamaha still enjoys considerable airplay.
FACES OF FEMALE ASPIRANTS IN ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS (PAGE 11, SEPT 16, 2010)
MRS Haulatu Abubakari, a teacher in the Northern Region, holds the conviction that women, when given adequate representation in governance, could transform the lives of people in their communities.
She said women had the patience, ingenuity and willingness to go the extra mile to improve on the lives of others.
With the belief in her own ability to promote development in her community, Mrs Abubakari has decided to contest this year’s assembly elections in the Kamina/Zagyuri Electoral Area in the Tamale metropolis.
If given the nod, Mrs Haulatu said she would work towards securing the social, economic and political well-being of her community, particularly the youth, women and children.
Her interventions would include enhancing the income earning capacities of the youth and women. She said she would do this by working together with non-governmental organisations and state institutions that provide micro-credit to extend such facilities to the people.
“I would also ensure that the beneficiaries engage in viable ventures to enable them to repay such credit facilities,” she added.
Another intervention dear to her heart is education. Mrs Haulatu says she will intensify the campaign for girl-child education and also impress upon the assembly to improve educational facilities in her community.
She also has plans to improve sanitation in her electoral area by partnering the assembly to provide and maintain sanitation facilities and also organise regular clean-up exercises.
Mrs Haulatu hopes to achieve all these, not by her own might, but in partnership with the chiefs, opinion leaders, political leaders and other stakeholders.
She has, therefore, appealed to all people in the Kamina/Zagyuri Electoral Area to test her ability by electing her as their representative in the assembly.
Ms Theresa Mensah, the Assembly Member for Korle Bu Electoral Area in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), is contesting the seat for the third consecutive time. Although she described the work of the assembly as tedious, she said she was committed to continue working assiduously to serve the people, despite the challenges.
She has, therefore, appealed to the electorate to vote for her to enable her to continue with the good work.
She said her work as an assembly member had not been easy over the past eight years as a result of apathy on the part of some residents and financial challenges. She, however, commended the AMA for instituting a common fund for assembly members and said the fund had helped her in executing projects in the area.
She mentioned the fixing of more than 100 street lights at various parts of the community to light up the area in the night to improve on security in the area.
She said she had also constructed a 12-seater bath house for the Korle Bu Police Station, and distributed mosquito nets to pregnant women in support of the fight against the spread of malaria. She called for support to enable her to provide streetlights for the Korle Bu Nurses Flats to beef up security in the area and ward off miscreants.
She said some drains and streets in the area also needed to be rehabilitated and appealed for assistance to execute those projects.
Asked how she was able to win the confidence of the electorate who voted for her in 2002 and 2006, she said she had cultivated a cordial relationship with the people, who freely communicated their problems to her and contacted her at all times for assistance and resolution of their problems.
She, therefore, appealed to the electorate to vote for her to continue with her good works and advised women intending to contest in the upcoming elections to be convinced of the importance of their cause and their inalienable rights as human beings to be accorded equal access and opportunity in governance, politics and the development agenda of the country.
Mrs Sampo Elizabeth Anamabiak is a teacher who intends to contest the assembly elections for the Nawuni/Afayili Electoral Area in the Tolon/Kumbungu District of the Northern Region. She said the capacity of women to facilitate development in their communities would only be proven if they were given the opportunity to participate in governance.
According to the aspirant, she has built her capacity enough “to take the driver’s seat” in helping her people escape poverty.
She said when elected into office, her major priority would be to transform the lives of women and the youth, since they formed the majority of the population in her community.
“I want to empower them to engage in economically viable ventures so as to enable earn counterparts to take care of their families,” she stated.
She said there were a lot of skills training programmes being spearheaded by the government and the private sector and that she would work towards making those programmes accessible to her community.
Mrs Anamabiak said she would also work hand in hand with the assembly to improve the education of children, particularly the girl-child.
Again, she said she would work with other women in the community to build their capacity to contest future elections and take leading roles in local and national governance.
Mrs Anamabiak said her major challenge was finance, but expressed hope that the electorate would give her the mandate to enable her to make meaningful impact on their lives.
She said women had the patience, ingenuity and willingness to go the extra mile to improve on the lives of others.
With the belief in her own ability to promote development in her community, Mrs Abubakari has decided to contest this year’s assembly elections in the Kamina/Zagyuri Electoral Area in the Tamale metropolis.
If given the nod, Mrs Haulatu said she would work towards securing the social, economic and political well-being of her community, particularly the youth, women and children.
Her interventions would include enhancing the income earning capacities of the youth and women. She said she would do this by working together with non-governmental organisations and state institutions that provide micro-credit to extend such facilities to the people.
“I would also ensure that the beneficiaries engage in viable ventures to enable them to repay such credit facilities,” she added.
Another intervention dear to her heart is education. Mrs Haulatu says she will intensify the campaign for girl-child education and also impress upon the assembly to improve educational facilities in her community.
She also has plans to improve sanitation in her electoral area by partnering the assembly to provide and maintain sanitation facilities and also organise regular clean-up exercises.
Mrs Haulatu hopes to achieve all these, not by her own might, but in partnership with the chiefs, opinion leaders, political leaders and other stakeholders.
She has, therefore, appealed to all people in the Kamina/Zagyuri Electoral Area to test her ability by electing her as their representative in the assembly.
Ms Theresa Mensah, the Assembly Member for Korle Bu Electoral Area in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), is contesting the seat for the third consecutive time. Although she described the work of the assembly as tedious, she said she was committed to continue working assiduously to serve the people, despite the challenges.
She has, therefore, appealed to the electorate to vote for her to enable her to continue with the good work.
She said her work as an assembly member had not been easy over the past eight years as a result of apathy on the part of some residents and financial challenges. She, however, commended the AMA for instituting a common fund for assembly members and said the fund had helped her in executing projects in the area.
She mentioned the fixing of more than 100 street lights at various parts of the community to light up the area in the night to improve on security in the area.
She said she had also constructed a 12-seater bath house for the Korle Bu Police Station, and distributed mosquito nets to pregnant women in support of the fight against the spread of malaria. She called for support to enable her to provide streetlights for the Korle Bu Nurses Flats to beef up security in the area and ward off miscreants.
She said some drains and streets in the area also needed to be rehabilitated and appealed for assistance to execute those projects.
Asked how she was able to win the confidence of the electorate who voted for her in 2002 and 2006, she said she had cultivated a cordial relationship with the people, who freely communicated their problems to her and contacted her at all times for assistance and resolution of their problems.
She, therefore, appealed to the electorate to vote for her to continue with her good works and advised women intending to contest in the upcoming elections to be convinced of the importance of their cause and their inalienable rights as human beings to be accorded equal access and opportunity in governance, politics and the development agenda of the country.
Mrs Sampo Elizabeth Anamabiak is a teacher who intends to contest the assembly elections for the Nawuni/Afayili Electoral Area in the Tolon/Kumbungu District of the Northern Region. She said the capacity of women to facilitate development in their communities would only be proven if they were given the opportunity to participate in governance.
According to the aspirant, she has built her capacity enough “to take the driver’s seat” in helping her people escape poverty.
She said when elected into office, her major priority would be to transform the lives of women and the youth, since they formed the majority of the population in her community.
“I want to empower them to engage in economically viable ventures so as to enable earn counterparts to take care of their families,” she stated.
She said there were a lot of skills training programmes being spearheaded by the government and the private sector and that she would work towards making those programmes accessible to her community.
Mrs Anamabiak said she would also work hand in hand with the assembly to improve the education of children, particularly the girl-child.
Again, she said she would work with other women in the community to build their capacity to contest future elections and take leading roles in local and national governance.
Mrs Anamabiak said her major challenge was finance, but expressed hope that the electorate would give her the mandate to enable her to make meaningful impact on their lives.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
GHANASCO HOLDS ANNIVERSARY LECTURES (PAGE 12, SEPT 15, 2010)
THE Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Tamale has held a public lecture as part of activities to mark its Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The school, which was established in 1950, launched the anniversary celebrations last year and has since held several events, including clean up exercises and donations, to mark the event.
Speaking on the topic “Education as a tool for poverty reduction”, the Accountant of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Northern Region, Mr Charles Adama, said various definitions had been posited for education, but noted that the main purpose of education was to inculcate the requisite skills and qualities into an individual to enable him or her play an active and meaningful role in society.
He said the benefits of education to poverty reduction were not far-fetched due to abundant evidence.
“Educated people have higher income earning potential and therefore are better able to improve the quality of their lives. They are less likely to be marginalised within society and they participate more actively in local and national governance issues,” he indicated.
The accountant noted that education empowered the disadvantaged to move from the bottom of the ladder of development to the top.
He again mentioned that one of the key ways to combat poverty in Ghana was to empower women, since they form a larger chunk of the Ghanaian population as per the 2000 Population and Housing Census.
“Women who are not educated tend to marry early and have high birth rates. They have low family per capita income, high mortality, suffer poor nutrition and practice poor hygiene,” he indicated.
“An educated woman tends to marry only when she is prepared, desires to practice family planning and seeks proper healthcare, since she is much aware of her health needs. Also, an educated woman has a high income earning potential because she is more likely to acquire a lucrative career,” he added.
Mr Adama entreated teachers to go beyond imparting knowledge to identify and nurture the talents in their students, stressing that it is only when education enhances talent, that we reap the most benefit from people, “otherwise we risk training people who have nothing much to add to society.”
The Headmistress of GHANASCO, Mrs Mary Asobayire, said the anniversary celebrations would be climaxed in November this year and that events that were to be held to mark the Golden Jubilee include debates, durbar, symposia and a fund raising dinner dance.
The school, which was established in 1950, launched the anniversary celebrations last year and has since held several events, including clean up exercises and donations, to mark the event.
Speaking on the topic “Education as a tool for poverty reduction”, the Accountant of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Northern Region, Mr Charles Adama, said various definitions had been posited for education, but noted that the main purpose of education was to inculcate the requisite skills and qualities into an individual to enable him or her play an active and meaningful role in society.
He said the benefits of education to poverty reduction were not far-fetched due to abundant evidence.
“Educated people have higher income earning potential and therefore are better able to improve the quality of their lives. They are less likely to be marginalised within society and they participate more actively in local and national governance issues,” he indicated.
The accountant noted that education empowered the disadvantaged to move from the bottom of the ladder of development to the top.
He again mentioned that one of the key ways to combat poverty in Ghana was to empower women, since they form a larger chunk of the Ghanaian population as per the 2000 Population and Housing Census.
“Women who are not educated tend to marry early and have high birth rates. They have low family per capita income, high mortality, suffer poor nutrition and practice poor hygiene,” he indicated.
“An educated woman tends to marry only when she is prepared, desires to practice family planning and seeks proper healthcare, since she is much aware of her health needs. Also, an educated woman has a high income earning potential because she is more likely to acquire a lucrative career,” he added.
Mr Adama entreated teachers to go beyond imparting knowledge to identify and nurture the talents in their students, stressing that it is only when education enhances talent, that we reap the most benefit from people, “otherwise we risk training people who have nothing much to add to society.”
The Headmistress of GHANASCO, Mrs Mary Asobayire, said the anniversary celebrations would be climaxed in November this year and that events that were to be held to mark the Golden Jubilee include debates, durbar, symposia and a fund raising dinner dance.
TAMA INTROUDCES STICKERS FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES (PAGE 23, SEPT 15, 2010)
THE Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) has introduced commercial vehicle permit stickers to facilitate revenue collection in the transport sector.
The stickers were developed by the Flip Africa Media Consultancy (FAMeC), a media and events company, on behalf of TaMA.
The prices of the stickers vary, depending on the type of vehicle, the lowest being GH¢2, whiles the highest is GH¢20.
Launching the stickers, the Mayor of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Haruna Friday said the assembly needed to intensify its revenue generation activities to enable them undertake more development projects.
He said the assembly was mandated to improve the welfare of residents by mobilising community resources to undertake development projects, but added that this mandate would not be achieved if residents shun their tax obligations.
The mayor said paying taxes was a responsibility placed on each citizen by the law, adding that even the various religions admonished adherents to pay taxes and support the government to promote development.
He cautioned against the attack of persons who had been authorised to collect such moneys, adding that any one caught in that act would be prosecuted.
The Director of FAMeC, Mr Prince Tawfick Tikuma, said the introduction of the sticker system was meant to address the lapses in revenue collection from transport owners.
“With the old system, money collected sometimes unaccounted for due to the absence of an effective structure. But with this system, vehicle owners pay to the appropriate authority to receive the sticker for a specified period and this is more transparent,” he explained.
Mr Tikuma stated that any vehicle or transport owner, who defaulted in paying for the stickers, would be liable to pay some fines.
“The fines were agreed by the various stakeholders, including public and private transport owners and the assembly,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Taxi-Trotro branch No.1 of the GPRTU, Mr Abdul-Razak Mahama, commended efforts by the assembly to make its revenue collection more effective.
He, however, entreated the authorities to use the revenue collected for development purposes including rehabilitating the lorry stations, particularly the central taxi rank.
The stickers were developed by the Flip Africa Media Consultancy (FAMeC), a media and events company, on behalf of TaMA.
The prices of the stickers vary, depending on the type of vehicle, the lowest being GH¢2, whiles the highest is GH¢20.
Launching the stickers, the Mayor of Tamale, Alhaji Abdulai Haruna Friday said the assembly needed to intensify its revenue generation activities to enable them undertake more development projects.
He said the assembly was mandated to improve the welfare of residents by mobilising community resources to undertake development projects, but added that this mandate would not be achieved if residents shun their tax obligations.
The mayor said paying taxes was a responsibility placed on each citizen by the law, adding that even the various religions admonished adherents to pay taxes and support the government to promote development.
He cautioned against the attack of persons who had been authorised to collect such moneys, adding that any one caught in that act would be prosecuted.
The Director of FAMeC, Mr Prince Tawfick Tikuma, said the introduction of the sticker system was meant to address the lapses in revenue collection from transport owners.
“With the old system, money collected sometimes unaccounted for due to the absence of an effective structure. But with this system, vehicle owners pay to the appropriate authority to receive the sticker for a specified period and this is more transparent,” he explained.
Mr Tikuma stated that any vehicle or transport owner, who defaulted in paying for the stickers, would be liable to pay some fines.
“The fines were agreed by the various stakeholders, including public and private transport owners and the assembly,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Taxi-Trotro branch No.1 of the GPRTU, Mr Abdul-Razak Mahama, commended efforts by the assembly to make its revenue collection more effective.
He, however, entreated the authorities to use the revenue collected for development purposes including rehabilitating the lorry stations, particularly the central taxi rank.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
DANIDA SUPPORTS YOUTH SEXUALITY EDUCATION (PAGE 11, SEPT 14, 2010)
THE Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) has provided US$254,000 to fund a new sexuality education project for the youth in the Northern Region.
This follows the realisation that many young people were falling prey to the effects of unguarded sexual behaviour, not because of their own stubbornness, but largely as a result of their ignorance about their sexuality.
The project, dubbed the Innovative Sexuality Education Project (ISEP), therefore seeks to improve on the knowledge and awareness of young people about their sexuality to enable them to take control of their lives.
The ultimate goal of the project is to empower the youth to make the right choices about their sexual life in order to reduce the incidence of teenage childbearing and HIV and AIDS.
The ISEP is being implemented by a Ghanaian gender-based advocacy organisation, the Northern Sector Action on Awareness Centre (NORSAAC), in collaboration with AXIS, a Danish non-governmental organisation.
Launching the project in Tamale, the Director of NORSAAC, Mr Alhassan Mohammed Awal noted that the ISEP was a build-up of a similar project known as the Community Based Sexuality Education Project.
He said under that project, over 12,000 young people in schools and communities in Savelugu, Tamale and Tolon/Kumbungu were assisted to learn more about their sexuality through the use of dialogue-based tools.
“The project helped change the perception of those young people about their sexuality and this enabled them to make wise decisions about their sexual life,” he explained, adding that “They also learnt to appreciate and manage the changes they experience within the adolescent stage.”
Mr Awal said in some of the schools and communities, young people blamed teachers and parents for failing to give them adequate information on their menstrual cycle.
“It is also sad to state that in most of the schools in the rural areas where the project was implemented, at least one girl dropped out from school as a result of pregnancy. Should we tolerate this situation,” he asked.
Mr Awal said the ISEP would target over 300,000 young people in the Tamale metropolis and the Karaga, Savelugu/Nanton and Tolon/Kumbungu districts.
He said the project would also conduct a research on young people’s sexual behaviours in the Northern Region to influence the interventions to improve the sexuality needs of the young people.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, commended DANIDA for its contribution to the country’s efforts towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
He also urged NORSAAC to continue to initiate measures to improve on the reproductive health of women and children, since they formed a larger part of the country’s population.
This follows the realisation that many young people were falling prey to the effects of unguarded sexual behaviour, not because of their own stubbornness, but largely as a result of their ignorance about their sexuality.
The project, dubbed the Innovative Sexuality Education Project (ISEP), therefore seeks to improve on the knowledge and awareness of young people about their sexuality to enable them to take control of their lives.
The ultimate goal of the project is to empower the youth to make the right choices about their sexual life in order to reduce the incidence of teenage childbearing and HIV and AIDS.
The ISEP is being implemented by a Ghanaian gender-based advocacy organisation, the Northern Sector Action on Awareness Centre (NORSAAC), in collaboration with AXIS, a Danish non-governmental organisation.
Launching the project in Tamale, the Director of NORSAAC, Mr Alhassan Mohammed Awal noted that the ISEP was a build-up of a similar project known as the Community Based Sexuality Education Project.
He said under that project, over 12,000 young people in schools and communities in Savelugu, Tamale and Tolon/Kumbungu were assisted to learn more about their sexuality through the use of dialogue-based tools.
“The project helped change the perception of those young people about their sexuality and this enabled them to make wise decisions about their sexual life,” he explained, adding that “They also learnt to appreciate and manage the changes they experience within the adolescent stage.”
Mr Awal said in some of the schools and communities, young people blamed teachers and parents for failing to give them adequate information on their menstrual cycle.
“It is also sad to state that in most of the schools in the rural areas where the project was implemented, at least one girl dropped out from school as a result of pregnancy. Should we tolerate this situation,” he asked.
Mr Awal said the ISEP would target over 300,000 young people in the Tamale metropolis and the Karaga, Savelugu/Nanton and Tolon/Kumbungu districts.
He said the project would also conduct a research on young people’s sexual behaviours in the Northern Region to influence the interventions to improve the sexuality needs of the young people.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, commended DANIDA for its contribution to the country’s efforts towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
He also urged NORSAAC to continue to initiate measures to improve on the reproductive health of women and children, since they formed a larger part of the country’s population.
Monday, September 13, 2010
NORTHERN GHANA URGED TO EMBRACE SADA (PAGE 42, SEPT 13, 2010)
THE Northern Ghana Youth Network for Development (NGYND) has cautioned that the initiatives of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) would make little impact on the lives of the people in northern Ghana if they fail to embrace peace.
According to the network, the most obvious threat to SADA was the absence of peace in some parts of northern Ghana, which could undermine the various projects to be undertaken by the authority.
In a press release co-signed by the Executive Director, Mr Muhammed Yakubu, and the Research and Policy Analyst, Mr Mark Stephen Kubire, the network argued that the pursuit of justice by some parties in the various chieftaincy disputes “ought not to be at the expense of poverty eradication”.
It, therefore, entreated the residents of the three northern regions to put behind them seeming differences and work together.
“We, as a people, must wake up to the reality that we are the same and that our friends from southern Ghana do not see any differences amongst us as to whether one is from the Upper East, Upper West or Northern Regions,” the statement read.
“Our development challenges and solutions are closely related. We must, therefore, find a common ground to spearhead a united development agenda,” it further stated.
The network said it would do its part to mobilise the youth in the north onto a common platform to monitor the activities of SADA and ensure that it addressed the pertinent issues.
The statement said to realise that objective, the network would organise a maiden conference in October, this year, which would bring youth from the three regions together to deliberate on the theme: “Bridging the capacity gap of the northern youth: Issues, challenges and strategies for an Accelerated Savannah Youth Development.”
The network commended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government and Parliament for expediting action on the SADA law.
“We are particularly appreciative to Members of Parliament for burying their political differences and putting a strong voice in the build-up to the enactment of the SADA legislation, which, in our view, would favour the public good of Ghanaians as a whole,” the statement said.
The network said the SADA bill was one of the most comprehensive initiatives ever taken by the government to speed up the development process in the region.
It, however, recommended that the authority paid much attention to the development of adequate infrastructure, particularly improving the road network, telecommunication, electricity supply and the provision of potable water.
The statement stressed the need for the government to actualise its pledge to extend railway lines to northern Ghana and also consider building an international airport for cargo transport in northern Ghana.
“This will facilitate the export of cash crops and other non-traditional exports such as sorghum and sheanut. It will also promote economic integration with our neighbours such as Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Niger and Mali,” the statement stressed.
According to the network, the most obvious threat to SADA was the absence of peace in some parts of northern Ghana, which could undermine the various projects to be undertaken by the authority.
In a press release co-signed by the Executive Director, Mr Muhammed Yakubu, and the Research and Policy Analyst, Mr Mark Stephen Kubire, the network argued that the pursuit of justice by some parties in the various chieftaincy disputes “ought not to be at the expense of poverty eradication”.
It, therefore, entreated the residents of the three northern regions to put behind them seeming differences and work together.
“We, as a people, must wake up to the reality that we are the same and that our friends from southern Ghana do not see any differences amongst us as to whether one is from the Upper East, Upper West or Northern Regions,” the statement read.
“Our development challenges and solutions are closely related. We must, therefore, find a common ground to spearhead a united development agenda,” it further stated.
The network said it would do its part to mobilise the youth in the north onto a common platform to monitor the activities of SADA and ensure that it addressed the pertinent issues.
The statement said to realise that objective, the network would organise a maiden conference in October, this year, which would bring youth from the three regions together to deliberate on the theme: “Bridging the capacity gap of the northern youth: Issues, challenges and strategies for an Accelerated Savannah Youth Development.”
The network commended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government and Parliament for expediting action on the SADA law.
“We are particularly appreciative to Members of Parliament for burying their political differences and putting a strong voice in the build-up to the enactment of the SADA legislation, which, in our view, would favour the public good of Ghanaians as a whole,” the statement said.
The network said the SADA bill was one of the most comprehensive initiatives ever taken by the government to speed up the development process in the region.
It, however, recommended that the authority paid much attention to the development of adequate infrastructure, particularly improving the road network, telecommunication, electricity supply and the provision of potable water.
The statement stressed the need for the government to actualise its pledge to extend railway lines to northern Ghana and also consider building an international airport for cargo transport in northern Ghana.
“This will facilitate the export of cash crops and other non-traditional exports such as sorghum and sheanut. It will also promote economic integration with our neighbours such as Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Niger and Mali,” the statement stressed.
Friday, September 10, 2010
ITFC JOINS FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA (PAGE 18, SEPT 10, 2010)
THE Integrated Tamale Fruit Company (ITFC), a fruit processing company in the Northern Region, has joined forces with the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) to strengthen the fight against malaria.
The company is supporting the NMCP to reach out to farmers in its operational communities to educate them on malaria prevention techniques.
It would also institute a workplace malaria control initiative that would build the capacity of its workers to stay uninfected.
The management of the ITFC made these commitments when it held discussions with a combined team of personnel from the NMCP, Promoting Malaria Prevention and Treatment (ProMPT) Ghana, Improving Malaria Diagnostics (IMaD), Research Triangle International (RTI) and Vestergaard Frandsen, manufacturers of PermaNet.
The team had paid a visit to the ITFC’s factory to brief the management and workers of the company on the current status of malaria control in the country.
As part of the visit, the team assisted the company to hold its maiden malaria sensitisation forum, during which 300 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) were distributed to the workers.
The team also screened 92 workers of ITFC who showed signs and symptoms of malaria and 29 of them received medication after they were diagnosed of carrying the parasite.
The Malaria Technical Advisor of ProMPT Ghana, Dr Richmond Ato Selby, said the decision to bring on board ITFC was part of a countrywide initiative that sought to get corporate bodies involved in the fight against malaria.
“We want to foster greater partnership with these companies to enable us to bring the anti-malaria campaign to their doorsteps and also encourage them to support malaria control at the local, regional or national levels,” he explained.
A medical entomologist with the NMCP, Mrs Aba Baffoe-Wilmot, noted that there were various ways that companies could support the malaria control programme.
“As a company, you could help us address the challenges facing the supply of essential malaria drugs to clinics around your catchment areas,” she stated.
Mrs Baffoe-Wilmot reminded the workers of the need to use the nets provided them in order not to expose themselves to mosquito bites and defeat the objective of the control programme.
“Is it not unwise for us to cite reasons of discomfort for not using the nets, whilst allowing ourselves to be feasted upon by mosquitoes, thereby increasing our risk of getting infected with malaria?” she stated.
The Assistant General Manager of the ITFC, Mr James Amaligo, said the company would attach a health officer to each of its farmer groups to constantly sensitise the farmers and their families to the malaria disease.
He said already the company was implementing an HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B prevention campaigns and was therefore incorporating the Anti-Malaria initiative into it.
The company is supporting the NMCP to reach out to farmers in its operational communities to educate them on malaria prevention techniques.
It would also institute a workplace malaria control initiative that would build the capacity of its workers to stay uninfected.
The management of the ITFC made these commitments when it held discussions with a combined team of personnel from the NMCP, Promoting Malaria Prevention and Treatment (ProMPT) Ghana, Improving Malaria Diagnostics (IMaD), Research Triangle International (RTI) and Vestergaard Frandsen, manufacturers of PermaNet.
The team had paid a visit to the ITFC’s factory to brief the management and workers of the company on the current status of malaria control in the country.
As part of the visit, the team assisted the company to hold its maiden malaria sensitisation forum, during which 300 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) were distributed to the workers.
The team also screened 92 workers of ITFC who showed signs and symptoms of malaria and 29 of them received medication after they were diagnosed of carrying the parasite.
The Malaria Technical Advisor of ProMPT Ghana, Dr Richmond Ato Selby, said the decision to bring on board ITFC was part of a countrywide initiative that sought to get corporate bodies involved in the fight against malaria.
“We want to foster greater partnership with these companies to enable us to bring the anti-malaria campaign to their doorsteps and also encourage them to support malaria control at the local, regional or national levels,” he explained.
A medical entomologist with the NMCP, Mrs Aba Baffoe-Wilmot, noted that there were various ways that companies could support the malaria control programme.
“As a company, you could help us address the challenges facing the supply of essential malaria drugs to clinics around your catchment areas,” she stated.
Mrs Baffoe-Wilmot reminded the workers of the need to use the nets provided them in order not to expose themselves to mosquito bites and defeat the objective of the control programme.
“Is it not unwise for us to cite reasons of discomfort for not using the nets, whilst allowing ourselves to be feasted upon by mosquitoes, thereby increasing our risk of getting infected with malaria?” she stated.
The Assistant General Manager of the ITFC, Mr James Amaligo, said the company would attach a health officer to each of its farmer groups to constantly sensitise the farmers and their families to the malaria disease.
He said already the company was implementing an HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B prevention campaigns and was therefore incorporating the Anti-Malaria initiative into it.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
WORKS ON TAMALE LIBRARY COMPLEX ON HOLD (PAGE 11, SEPT 8, 2010)
THE construction of an ultra-modern library complex in Tamale in the Northern Region has come to a standstill due to the lack of funds to complete the project.
The Bassari Youth Association (BAYA), which started the project, has, therefore, called on corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to help the association continue and complete the project, which is now a little above the foundation stage.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Deputy Secretary of BAYA, Mr Emmanuel Bensonimbu, lamented the current state of the library facility.
“It is quite sad that this project, which is a major initiative to improve education in our district, has come to a standstill,” he stated.
Mr Bensonimbu indicated that the state of education in the district was appalling and noted that about 65 per cent of the pupils who sat for last year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) failed, whilst those who passed creditably were less than 20 per cent.
He blamed the poor performance of the children on the lack of trained teachers, poor school infrastructure and inadequate teaching and learning materials.
“Also, the high incidence of poverty among households in the various communities was contributing to the poor performance of the children and, in some cases, compelled some children to drop out,” he further said.
Mr Bensonimbu said the construction of the library was, therefore, one of the initiatives designed to improve the children’s reading habits and enhance their academic performance.
“The library would create an environment conducive for the children to learn,” he noted.
He commended the Member of Parliament (MP) for Zabzugu/Tatale, Mr John Benam, the district assembly and other individuals who supported the project to its current level.
The Bassari Youth Association (BAYA), which started the project, has, therefore, called on corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to help the association continue and complete the project, which is now a little above the foundation stage.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Deputy Secretary of BAYA, Mr Emmanuel Bensonimbu, lamented the current state of the library facility.
“It is quite sad that this project, which is a major initiative to improve education in our district, has come to a standstill,” he stated.
Mr Bensonimbu indicated that the state of education in the district was appalling and noted that about 65 per cent of the pupils who sat for last year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) failed, whilst those who passed creditably were less than 20 per cent.
He blamed the poor performance of the children on the lack of trained teachers, poor school infrastructure and inadequate teaching and learning materials.
“Also, the high incidence of poverty among households in the various communities was contributing to the poor performance of the children and, in some cases, compelled some children to drop out,” he further said.
Mr Bensonimbu said the construction of the library was, therefore, one of the initiatives designed to improve the children’s reading habits and enhance their academic performance.
“The library would create an environment conducive for the children to learn,” he noted.
He commended the Member of Parliament (MP) for Zabzugu/Tatale, Mr John Benam, the district assembly and other individuals who supported the project to its current level.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
WE NEED GAS, TAMALE RESIDENTS CRY OUT (PAGE 29, SEPT 8, 2010)
FOR the past few days, there has been a shortage of LP gas in most parts of the country. According to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the shortage is partly driven by the upsurge in demand, especially the increase in the number of cars that use gas.
In Tamale in particular the shortage has lasted for almost two weeks. Occasionally some of the outlets have had limited stock to sell out.
Many people may presume the lack of gas to be a minor problem. However, the absence of this essential commodity has caused more problems than expected in some homes. It has fuelled quarrels among siblings and couples and forced people to go hungry.
It has particularly affected some Muslims who are undertaking the Ramadan. Hajia Alhassan Katumi narrates the ordeal that her family goes through cooking meals without gas:
“Our gas got finished three days after the gas shortage occurred. Since then, we are compelled to wake up early each dawn to make fire using the coal pot to enable us to prepare and take meals after the fasting.
“Unfortunately, last week Friday, we overslept and woke up six minutes after 4:00a.m. The charcoal we were to use had been dampened by an overnight rain and so it took my little girl over 20 minutes to make the fire.
Another parent told the Daily Graphic that a quarrel broke out between one of his daughters and her younger brother because the latter had used the little gas left to heat water to bath.
“She was furious because she proposed that we use the remaining gas only for emergency situations and I think she was right,” he stated.
In Mr Rashid’s home, the absence of gas has denied his family some pleasures.
“We can no more drink hot tea at our own time. Sometimes, we are forced to eat food that has gone cold or bath cold water, because it is difficult to make fire just to heat food or water,” he said.
For most people, the return to the use of charcoal brings back the discomfort of cooking in an environment engulfed in smoke and ash, as Latif Sakina complains: “Anytime we use charcoal, our veranda gets dirty with ash and our clothes sometimes smell of smoke.”
And for little Amina, she hates it when her mother uses charcoal to cook because it stains the sauce pans and pots that they use to cook.
“I have to go through some difficulty to clean them and it wastes a lot of time,” she stated.
For now, it is not clear when this shortage would be over, but the residents of Tamale are urging the government to address this problem and free them of the anguish they go through having to return to the use of charcoal.
In Tamale in particular the shortage has lasted for almost two weeks. Occasionally some of the outlets have had limited stock to sell out.
Many people may presume the lack of gas to be a minor problem. However, the absence of this essential commodity has caused more problems than expected in some homes. It has fuelled quarrels among siblings and couples and forced people to go hungry.
It has particularly affected some Muslims who are undertaking the Ramadan. Hajia Alhassan Katumi narrates the ordeal that her family goes through cooking meals without gas:
“Our gas got finished three days after the gas shortage occurred. Since then, we are compelled to wake up early each dawn to make fire using the coal pot to enable us to prepare and take meals after the fasting.
“Unfortunately, last week Friday, we overslept and woke up six minutes after 4:00a.m. The charcoal we were to use had been dampened by an overnight rain and so it took my little girl over 20 minutes to make the fire.
Another parent told the Daily Graphic that a quarrel broke out between one of his daughters and her younger brother because the latter had used the little gas left to heat water to bath.
“She was furious because she proposed that we use the remaining gas only for emergency situations and I think she was right,” he stated.
In Mr Rashid’s home, the absence of gas has denied his family some pleasures.
“We can no more drink hot tea at our own time. Sometimes, we are forced to eat food that has gone cold or bath cold water, because it is difficult to make fire just to heat food or water,” he said.
For most people, the return to the use of charcoal brings back the discomfort of cooking in an environment engulfed in smoke and ash, as Latif Sakina complains: “Anytime we use charcoal, our veranda gets dirty with ash and our clothes sometimes smell of smoke.”
And for little Amina, she hates it when her mother uses charcoal to cook because it stains the sauce pans and pots that they use to cook.
“I have to go through some difficulty to clean them and it wastes a lot of time,” she stated.
For now, it is not clear when this shortage would be over, but the residents of Tamale are urging the government to address this problem and free them of the anguish they go through having to return to the use of charcoal.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SADA (PAGE 13, SEPT 7, 2010)
THE initiatives of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) will only benefit the people in the northern part of the country if they take advantage of these interventions, the Member of Parliament for Yapei/Kusawgu, Alhaji Amadu Seidu, has observed.
According to him, the authority will undertake certain development projects in the areas of infrastructure, health, education, job creation and agriculture and, therefore, require the services of skilled people in those areas.
Alhaji Seidu, who was addressing the second ordinary general assembly meeting of the Central Gonja District, therefore, entreated his constituents to build their capacity to qualify them to undertake these projects or benefit from them.
“Of course, the authority will not offer construction contracts to unqualified contractors, neither will it include non-farmers as beneficiaries for agric interventions,” he stated.
The MP said SADA would drive the development of the north by transforming its economy and people.
“It will lead to a more aggressive utilisation of the north’s resources and the implementation of programmes to reduce unemployment, promote agric and combat environmental degradation,” he explained.
The MP mentioned that efforts were underway to improve education, health, water and electricity supply, roads and other infrastructure in the Central Gonja District.
He said 15 communities had been selected to be connected to the national grid under the Rural Electrification Project and gave an assurance that more communities would benefit in due time.
Alhaji Seidu also mentioned that the district would benefit from the national project that sought to abolish the schools-under-trees and replace them with classroom blocks to facilitate teaching and learning.
He indicated that currently, three of the schools operating under trees in deprived parts of the district were already being tackled.
“I am also considering partnering with the assembly to rehabilitate dams that have been silted because our people depend on them”, he added.
The MP cautioned his constituents not to allow their political biases to influence their contribution to development.
“Politics is different and development is different, even though the two are both important. We must learn to discern when it is appropriate to do politics and when it is counter-productive to do so”, he remarked.
Alhaji Seidu said he had observed that some persons were usually inclined to sabotage government projects in order to ensure the failure of the party in power.
“Such attitudes would only lead to further impoverishment of our people and deprive them of very basic amenities”, he noted.
According to him, the authority will undertake certain development projects in the areas of infrastructure, health, education, job creation and agriculture and, therefore, require the services of skilled people in those areas.
Alhaji Seidu, who was addressing the second ordinary general assembly meeting of the Central Gonja District, therefore, entreated his constituents to build their capacity to qualify them to undertake these projects or benefit from them.
“Of course, the authority will not offer construction contracts to unqualified contractors, neither will it include non-farmers as beneficiaries for agric interventions,” he stated.
The MP said SADA would drive the development of the north by transforming its economy and people.
“It will lead to a more aggressive utilisation of the north’s resources and the implementation of programmes to reduce unemployment, promote agric and combat environmental degradation,” he explained.
The MP mentioned that efforts were underway to improve education, health, water and electricity supply, roads and other infrastructure in the Central Gonja District.
He said 15 communities had been selected to be connected to the national grid under the Rural Electrification Project and gave an assurance that more communities would benefit in due time.
Alhaji Seidu also mentioned that the district would benefit from the national project that sought to abolish the schools-under-trees and replace them with classroom blocks to facilitate teaching and learning.
He indicated that currently, three of the schools operating under trees in deprived parts of the district were already being tackled.
“I am also considering partnering with the assembly to rehabilitate dams that have been silted because our people depend on them”, he added.
The MP cautioned his constituents not to allow their political biases to influence their contribution to development.
“Politics is different and development is different, even though the two are both important. We must learn to discern when it is appropriate to do politics and when it is counter-productive to do so”, he remarked.
Alhaji Seidu said he had observed that some persons were usually inclined to sabotage government projects in order to ensure the failure of the party in power.
“Such attitudes would only lead to further impoverishment of our people and deprive them of very basic amenities”, he noted.
Monday, September 6, 2010
70 PHADRMACY ASSISTANTS GRADUATE IN TAMALE (PAGE 23, SEPT 4, 2010)
SEVENTY (70) newly trained pharmacy assistants have graduated after completing a six-month training course at the Chamalt MCA Training Institute in Tamale.
The pharmacy assistants, formerly known as Medicine-Counter Assistants (MCAs), received certificates from the Pharmacy Council and are qualified to work in pharmacies across the country.
Already some of the graduates have been working in pharmacies at the Tamale West Hospital, Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Hospital, Yendi Government Hospital and some private pharmacies.
The training and certification of the assistants is part of measures to sanitise and guarantee standard practice in the pharmaceutical service delivery sector.
MCAs assist other members in the pharmaceutical care team to perform various tasks, which include dispensing of drugs, sale of over-the-counter medicines, taking inventory, clerical duties and sorting out of medicines.
Addressing the graduates, the Head of Education and Training at the Pharmacy Council, Mr Emmanuel Opoku-Adjei, revealed that so far over 2,800 MCAs had been trained throughout the country.
He said the council had instituted a training policy that sets out special goals, course structure and modules, job description and the accreditation standards for the training of MCAs.
“The main goal of this policy is to build a trusted group of pharmacy support personnel to provide competent, acceptable and ethical methods of handling medications,” he explained.
Mr Opoku-Adjei revealed that 16 institutions in various parts of the country had been accredited to run the MCA course.
“Their accreditation is renewable every three years if they comply strictly with the agreed standards and protocols,” he noted.
Mr Opoku-Adjei entreated operators of pharmacies to secure the services of trained professionals and ensure that personnel who lack this training are enrolled to take the training.
“It is mandatory for all personnel who work in pharmacies and related facilities to have undergone some form of formal training, at least the minimum being MCA,” he stated.
The Director of Nursing Services in the Northern Region, Mr Prince Gunguni, noted that the training of MCAs was very crucial because the pharmaceutical sector was woefully under-staffed.
“We need more pharmacy personnel for our numerous Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) zones, as well as our clinics, health centres and hospitals,” he stated.
Mr Gunguni said the Regional Health Directorate would make proposals to the Ghana Health Service to consider recruiting the MCAs to serve in the rural health facilities.
He commended Chamalt Institute for spearheading the training of pharmacy assistants, noting that it would promote standards in the pharmacy industry.
The pharmacy assistants, formerly known as Medicine-Counter Assistants (MCAs), received certificates from the Pharmacy Council and are qualified to work in pharmacies across the country.
Already some of the graduates have been working in pharmacies at the Tamale West Hospital, Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Hospital, Yendi Government Hospital and some private pharmacies.
The training and certification of the assistants is part of measures to sanitise and guarantee standard practice in the pharmaceutical service delivery sector.
MCAs assist other members in the pharmaceutical care team to perform various tasks, which include dispensing of drugs, sale of over-the-counter medicines, taking inventory, clerical duties and sorting out of medicines.
Addressing the graduates, the Head of Education and Training at the Pharmacy Council, Mr Emmanuel Opoku-Adjei, revealed that so far over 2,800 MCAs had been trained throughout the country.
He said the council had instituted a training policy that sets out special goals, course structure and modules, job description and the accreditation standards for the training of MCAs.
“The main goal of this policy is to build a trusted group of pharmacy support personnel to provide competent, acceptable and ethical methods of handling medications,” he explained.
Mr Opoku-Adjei revealed that 16 institutions in various parts of the country had been accredited to run the MCA course.
“Their accreditation is renewable every three years if they comply strictly with the agreed standards and protocols,” he noted.
Mr Opoku-Adjei entreated operators of pharmacies to secure the services of trained professionals and ensure that personnel who lack this training are enrolled to take the training.
“It is mandatory for all personnel who work in pharmacies and related facilities to have undergone some form of formal training, at least the minimum being MCA,” he stated.
The Director of Nursing Services in the Northern Region, Mr Prince Gunguni, noted that the training of MCAs was very crucial because the pharmaceutical sector was woefully under-staffed.
“We need more pharmacy personnel for our numerous Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) zones, as well as our clinics, health centres and hospitals,” he stated.
Mr Gunguni said the Regional Health Directorate would make proposals to the Ghana Health Service to consider recruiting the MCAs to serve in the rural health facilities.
He commended Chamalt Institute for spearheading the training of pharmacy assistants, noting that it would promote standards in the pharmacy industry.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
TWO FARMERS DROWN IN WHITE VOLTA (BACK PAGE, SEPT 2, 2010)
TWO farmers who failed to heed the advice of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) not to visit their farms have drowned in the White Volta.
The two, Kassim Mohammed, 27, and Armeyaw Mohammed, 36, were returning from their farms in a small boat when it capsized due to the increasing level of water in the river as a result of the spilling of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso.
According to the Northern Regional Co-ordinator of NADMO, Alhaji Abdulai Mahama Silimboma, the two farmers hailed from Jagsi, an ‘overseas’ community in the West Mamprusi District of the Northern Region.
He said on August 29, 2010, Kassim and Armeyaw and two other farmers travelled across the White Volta in a small boat to harvest corn on their farms, which were located at the other side of the river.
“On their return, the water level of the river began to rise as more water flowed in from Burkina Faso following the opening of the Bagre Dam,” he narrated.
The co-ordinator said due to the weight of the corn and the humans, the boat could not withstand the waters and keeled over.
He said two of the farmers were able to swim and escape death, while the other two, who could not swim drowned in the process.
Meanwhile, there is renewed anxiety over a possible disaster following the decision by authorities in Burkina Faso to open more spill ways of the Bagre dam.
Days of heavy rains in the neighbouring country had led to the dam exceeding its capacity, thereby compelling the authorities to open it.
Initially, the authorities had undertaken a controlled spillage, which caused minimum damage to communities located along the Volta and its tributaries.
Alhaji Silimboma expressed worry that this maximum spillage could cause more havoc which could overwhelm the organisation.
He said in spite of this, the NADMO would continue to intensify education in the flood-prone communities and also intensify preparations for relief operations.
The two, Kassim Mohammed, 27, and Armeyaw Mohammed, 36, were returning from their farms in a small boat when it capsized due to the increasing level of water in the river as a result of the spilling of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso.
According to the Northern Regional Co-ordinator of NADMO, Alhaji Abdulai Mahama Silimboma, the two farmers hailed from Jagsi, an ‘overseas’ community in the West Mamprusi District of the Northern Region.
He said on August 29, 2010, Kassim and Armeyaw and two other farmers travelled across the White Volta in a small boat to harvest corn on their farms, which were located at the other side of the river.
“On their return, the water level of the river began to rise as more water flowed in from Burkina Faso following the opening of the Bagre Dam,” he narrated.
The co-ordinator said due to the weight of the corn and the humans, the boat could not withstand the waters and keeled over.
He said two of the farmers were able to swim and escape death, while the other two, who could not swim drowned in the process.
Meanwhile, there is renewed anxiety over a possible disaster following the decision by authorities in Burkina Faso to open more spill ways of the Bagre dam.
Days of heavy rains in the neighbouring country had led to the dam exceeding its capacity, thereby compelling the authorities to open it.
Initially, the authorities had undertaken a controlled spillage, which caused minimum damage to communities located along the Volta and its tributaries.
Alhaji Silimboma expressed worry that this maximum spillage could cause more havoc which could overwhelm the organisation.
He said in spite of this, the NADMO would continue to intensify education in the flood-prone communities and also intensify preparations for relief operations.
CAMPION DEFENDS APPOINTMENT OF DCE FOR BUNKPRUGU-YUNYOO (PAGE 12, SEPT 2, 2010)
THE Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Yenukwah John Campion, has defended the procedure used in the selection of a candidate for appointment as the new District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area.
According to him, applications were received from all interested persons, some of whom were subsequently shortlisted and interviewed in accordance with the laid-down procedure.
The chairman was responding to some media reports that claimed that the nomination and vetting of some persons vying for the position were shrouded in secrecy.
In a statement to the press, he said due process was followed in selecting the three candidates and that there was no discrimination or favouritism.
Mr Campion cautioned those saying ethnicity went into the selection process to desist from that, since it had the tendency to mar the existing harmonious relationship among people from the various ethnic groups.
He said the successful appointment of a new DCE would bring stability to the area and facilitate the execution of developmental activities.
The constituency chairman also said allegations that the former DCE, Hajia Mavis Meriga Bawah, was removed from office following petitions by some party members were untrue.
“The former DCE was removed based on incompetence and non-performance as per the publication terminating her appointment and for that matter, they should give us a break,” he stated.
Mr Campion, however, alleged that the people who were preparing to oppose the new DCE who would be appointed by the President were not true members of the NDC.
He revealed that some individuals had planned to use youth from other political parties to demonstrate against any nomination, so as to satisfy their selfish interests.
Mr Campion entreated all true party supporters and residents to support the President to achieve the ‘Better Ghana Agenda’.
“Any progress made by the government in improving education, utility supply, roads and transport, security, commerce and job creation would transform the lives of all persons, irrespective of their political and ethnic affiliations,” he added.
According to him, applications were received from all interested persons, some of whom were subsequently shortlisted and interviewed in accordance with the laid-down procedure.
The chairman was responding to some media reports that claimed that the nomination and vetting of some persons vying for the position were shrouded in secrecy.
In a statement to the press, he said due process was followed in selecting the three candidates and that there was no discrimination or favouritism.
Mr Campion cautioned those saying ethnicity went into the selection process to desist from that, since it had the tendency to mar the existing harmonious relationship among people from the various ethnic groups.
He said the successful appointment of a new DCE would bring stability to the area and facilitate the execution of developmental activities.
The constituency chairman also said allegations that the former DCE, Hajia Mavis Meriga Bawah, was removed from office following petitions by some party members were untrue.
“The former DCE was removed based on incompetence and non-performance as per the publication terminating her appointment and for that matter, they should give us a break,” he stated.
Mr Campion, however, alleged that the people who were preparing to oppose the new DCE who would be appointed by the President were not true members of the NDC.
He revealed that some individuals had planned to use youth from other political parties to demonstrate against any nomination, so as to satisfy their selfish interests.
Mr Campion entreated all true party supporters and residents to support the President to achieve the ‘Better Ghana Agenda’.
“Any progress made by the government in improving education, utility supply, roads and transport, security, commerce and job creation would transform the lives of all persons, irrespective of their political and ethnic affiliations,” he added.
THUMBS UP FOR MOSES MABENGA (PAGE 13, SEPT 2, 2010)
IF there are any of President Mills’s ministers who are constantly under pressure, then the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, who until recently was also the acting Upper West Regional Minister, is certainly one of them.
He was elevated from the position of a deputy regional minister to that of a substantive minister about eight months ago, following the removal of the then minister, Mr Stephen Sumani Nayina.
He did not occupy a seat full of roses, but probably one with a lot of thorns. Several factors make the administration of the Northern Region very difficult and only the strong-hearted could succeed.
The region occupies one-third of the land mass in Ghana, with 20 districts. As of 2009, only 31 per cent of roads in the region were rated as good, while 22 per cent were considered poor. The rest are fairly usable.
The maintenance of security, however, appears to be the most noticeable challenge facing the region. The Northern Region has several ethnic groups that have largely co-habited peacefully, except for some few setbacks, particularly, in the eastern corridor of the region.
Intra-ethnic conflict has rather been the devil showing its ugly head in many endeavours. The battle to occupy the position of paramount chief among some ethnic groups in the region has also caused more harm than good.
Political violence has also been very rife, mostly perpetrated by youth of the various political parties.
Again, due to its cultural diversity, various people have their interests and how to harmonise these interests for the purpose of development has always been a difficult task for various administrators.
With these obvious setbacks, anyone who occupies the seat of minister for the Northern Region cannot be considered as a privileged person.
Therefore, when Mr Mabengba was elevated from deputy to substantive Northern Regional Minister, some observers began prying to know if he had the abilities to handle the region.
But less than a year into his leadership, Mr Mabengba is already receiving favourable assessments from residents of the region.
Among the issues he has been commended for is his handling of security, his human relations and attitude towards work.
When he assumed the position of minister, Mr Mabengba was greeted with several security challenges, some of which tended to undermine his administration.
The most popular is the famous Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo refugee saga, which took an international dimension when Togolese officials announced that some Ghanaians had fled the violent clashes to seek refuge in their part of the border between Northern Ghana and Togo.
This was supposedly the result of a chieftaincy dispute between some clans in the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo area. Though the figures were exaggerated, the fact still remained that there was a state of insecurity in the area.
Indeed, the minister did not look on helplessly. He, together with other members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and other partners, took some pragmatic measures to salvage the situation.
Immediately the clashes occurred, the REGSEC dispatched a team of security personnel to halt the violence and maintain peace, whiles efforts at resolution commenced.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) was also mobilised to make arrangements for relief items to be distributed to the displaced persons and all these yielded some positive results.
Apart from Bunkpurugu, there were also isolated incidents of violence in other parts, perpetrated chiefly by the youth. All these incidents were quickly addressed and calm restored.
Even the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, commended the minister for his handling of disturbances in Karaga, which was sparked by disagreements over the selection of a new DCE for the area.
Like other parts of the country, the Northern Region is still battling with several unresolved chieftaincy disputes, which pose a threat to peace and security. It is clear that these conflicts cannot be resolved within a short time or single-handedly.
What is significant however is that, the use of violence in resolving differences has gradually been on a decline for sometime now.
Whiles several peace initiatives continue for cases in Yendi, Bimbilla and Buipe, the minister and his partners also continue to dialogue with the parties to ensure that violence does not remain an option.
Even when very sensitive arrests were made in Yendi and Gusheigu, residents who were for and against those arrests used appropriate means to express their grievances and seek redress where necessary.
This marks a significant departure from the days when the youth took the law into their own hands and unleashed violence when they felt aggrieved.
Also, until recently, there were several violent incidents in the Tamale Metropolis which were largely traced to political intolerance, mainly between supporters of the two major parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Since the beginning of 2010, however, there have not been any of such disturbances, even though the voter’s registration exercise, which is usually characterised by such tensions, took place during the year.
These developments have led to the region enjoying relative peace, which Mr Mabengba is being commended for.
On his human relations, many residents have observed that Mr Mabengba has a hearty attitude that endears him to all those who come into contact with him.
He has won the hearts of party functionaries, members of the clergy, staff of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) and heads of institutions.
Similarly, members of the inky fraternity also hail this minister due to the flourishing relationship he has established with them. Mr Francis Npong of The Enquirer newspaper confessed that he had not come across a regional minister as friendly and jovial as Mr Mabengba.
“He has this ability to make people feel at ease through humour and this creates an environment conducive for effective interaction,” he remarked.
Mr Mabengba has actually been commended for his sense of duty.
Various heads of institutions have observed that this minister does not miss meetings and scheduled public events even if he has to spend a whole day attending to such matters, depending on their importance. Due to this, he is always on the move.
The heads of institutions also claim that the minister is very responsive and makes efforts towards addressing the challenges facing the various institutions and departments in the region.
At a recent meeting of the RCC, the Northern Regional Director of Health, Dr Akwasi Twumasi, gave credence to Mr Mabengba’s industriousness.
He said following the refusal of doctors to serve in the region, Mr Mabengba collaborated with the Regional Health Directorate to host some newly posted young doctors who were in the region to serve their houseman-ship.
“This was very encouraging and would lead to the retention of some of them,” Dr Twumasi stated.
Aside hosting these doctors, Mr Mabengba is said to have made efforts towards providing accommodation for these doctors and other health professionals.
As if not enough work for him, the minister was some few months back given additional responsibilities. Apart from acting as District Chief Executive (DCE) for three districts, he was also asked to act as regional minister for the Upper West Region, following the removal of the minister, Mr Mahmoud Khalid.
He shuttled between Tamale and Wa until recently when a new minister was appointed for the Upper West region. One can only wish the Minister well!
He was elevated from the position of a deputy regional minister to that of a substantive minister about eight months ago, following the removal of the then minister, Mr Stephen Sumani Nayina.
He did not occupy a seat full of roses, but probably one with a lot of thorns. Several factors make the administration of the Northern Region very difficult and only the strong-hearted could succeed.
The region occupies one-third of the land mass in Ghana, with 20 districts. As of 2009, only 31 per cent of roads in the region were rated as good, while 22 per cent were considered poor. The rest are fairly usable.
The maintenance of security, however, appears to be the most noticeable challenge facing the region. The Northern Region has several ethnic groups that have largely co-habited peacefully, except for some few setbacks, particularly, in the eastern corridor of the region.
Intra-ethnic conflict has rather been the devil showing its ugly head in many endeavours. The battle to occupy the position of paramount chief among some ethnic groups in the region has also caused more harm than good.
Political violence has also been very rife, mostly perpetrated by youth of the various political parties.
Again, due to its cultural diversity, various people have their interests and how to harmonise these interests for the purpose of development has always been a difficult task for various administrators.
With these obvious setbacks, anyone who occupies the seat of minister for the Northern Region cannot be considered as a privileged person.
Therefore, when Mr Mabengba was elevated from deputy to substantive Northern Regional Minister, some observers began prying to know if he had the abilities to handle the region.
But less than a year into his leadership, Mr Mabengba is already receiving favourable assessments from residents of the region.
Among the issues he has been commended for is his handling of security, his human relations and attitude towards work.
When he assumed the position of minister, Mr Mabengba was greeted with several security challenges, some of which tended to undermine his administration.
The most popular is the famous Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo refugee saga, which took an international dimension when Togolese officials announced that some Ghanaians had fled the violent clashes to seek refuge in their part of the border between Northern Ghana and Togo.
This was supposedly the result of a chieftaincy dispute between some clans in the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo area. Though the figures were exaggerated, the fact still remained that there was a state of insecurity in the area.
Indeed, the minister did not look on helplessly. He, together with other members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and other partners, took some pragmatic measures to salvage the situation.
Immediately the clashes occurred, the REGSEC dispatched a team of security personnel to halt the violence and maintain peace, whiles efforts at resolution commenced.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) was also mobilised to make arrangements for relief items to be distributed to the displaced persons and all these yielded some positive results.
Apart from Bunkpurugu, there were also isolated incidents of violence in other parts, perpetrated chiefly by the youth. All these incidents were quickly addressed and calm restored.
Even the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, commended the minister for his handling of disturbances in Karaga, which was sparked by disagreements over the selection of a new DCE for the area.
Like other parts of the country, the Northern Region is still battling with several unresolved chieftaincy disputes, which pose a threat to peace and security. It is clear that these conflicts cannot be resolved within a short time or single-handedly.
What is significant however is that, the use of violence in resolving differences has gradually been on a decline for sometime now.
Whiles several peace initiatives continue for cases in Yendi, Bimbilla and Buipe, the minister and his partners also continue to dialogue with the parties to ensure that violence does not remain an option.
Even when very sensitive arrests were made in Yendi and Gusheigu, residents who were for and against those arrests used appropriate means to express their grievances and seek redress where necessary.
This marks a significant departure from the days when the youth took the law into their own hands and unleashed violence when they felt aggrieved.
Also, until recently, there were several violent incidents in the Tamale Metropolis which were largely traced to political intolerance, mainly between supporters of the two major parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Since the beginning of 2010, however, there have not been any of such disturbances, even though the voter’s registration exercise, which is usually characterised by such tensions, took place during the year.
These developments have led to the region enjoying relative peace, which Mr Mabengba is being commended for.
On his human relations, many residents have observed that Mr Mabengba has a hearty attitude that endears him to all those who come into contact with him.
He has won the hearts of party functionaries, members of the clergy, staff of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) and heads of institutions.
Similarly, members of the inky fraternity also hail this minister due to the flourishing relationship he has established with them. Mr Francis Npong of The Enquirer newspaper confessed that he had not come across a regional minister as friendly and jovial as Mr Mabengba.
“He has this ability to make people feel at ease through humour and this creates an environment conducive for effective interaction,” he remarked.
Mr Mabengba has actually been commended for his sense of duty.
Various heads of institutions have observed that this minister does not miss meetings and scheduled public events even if he has to spend a whole day attending to such matters, depending on their importance. Due to this, he is always on the move.
The heads of institutions also claim that the minister is very responsive and makes efforts towards addressing the challenges facing the various institutions and departments in the region.
At a recent meeting of the RCC, the Northern Regional Director of Health, Dr Akwasi Twumasi, gave credence to Mr Mabengba’s industriousness.
He said following the refusal of doctors to serve in the region, Mr Mabengba collaborated with the Regional Health Directorate to host some newly posted young doctors who were in the region to serve their houseman-ship.
“This was very encouraging and would lead to the retention of some of them,” Dr Twumasi stated.
Aside hosting these doctors, Mr Mabengba is said to have made efforts towards providing accommodation for these doctors and other health professionals.
As if not enough work for him, the minister was some few months back given additional responsibilities. Apart from acting as District Chief Executive (DCE) for three districts, he was also asked to act as regional minister for the Upper West Region, following the removal of the minister, Mr Mahmoud Khalid.
He shuttled between Tamale and Wa until recently when a new minister was appointed for the Upper West region. One can only wish the Minister well!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
ROAD COMPANY PROMOTES PEACE THROUGH SPORTS (PAGE 23, SEPT 2, 2010)
PEACE has been acknowledged worldwide as a necessary ingredient for every successful democratic and progressive institution or nation. The existence of peace creates an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, as well as promote society’s well-being.
For this reason, the A&R Hatoum Limited, a roads and building construction company in Tamale, has chosen to honour its corporate social responsibility by supporting initiatives that seek to promote peace.
In line with this, the company sponsored and organised a soccer gala for youths from the various suburbs of Tamale in a bid to engender better co-operation, harmony and engagement among the youth.
The tournament, which was dubbed the ‘A&R Hatoum Peace Cup’, involved teams from 24 suburbs.
After weeks of exciting and competitive soccer, teams from Lamashegu, Ward ‘K’, Moshi Zongo and Nobisco Area qualified for the final games, which came off on Saturday at the Tamale Sports Stadium annex.
The team from Lamashegu emerged winners and were given the cash equivalent of the trophy, which was worth GH¢450. The Ward ‘K’ team emerged second and was presented with GH¢250.
Teams from Moshi Zongo and Nobisco area won the third and fourth places and were given GH¢150 and GH¢50, respectively.
The Managing Director of A&R Hatoum, Mr Raja Hatoum, told the participants to explore harmonious and progressive means of resolving their differences, such as the use of dialogue and mediation.
He said the use of violence further entrenched conflicts, strained relationships and retarded development.
Mr Hatoum said his company had identified sports as one of the avenues to reach many of the youth in Tamale and inculcate in them the spirit of togetherness and willingness to co-exist.
“Sports bring together people of various backgrounds, irrespective of their nationality, religion, ethnic affiliation, social standing or any form of identity,” he mentioned.
“It also promotes adherence to rules, patience, endurance and team work. These are traits that our youth need to cultivate to contribute positively to the development of their communities,” he added.
The MD reiterated his company’s commitment towards helping to improve the well-being of residents of Tamale.
“We consider social responsibility as one of the cardinal pillars based on which our company operates and therefore would do all our best to live by it,” he noted.
Some of the participants and observers were full of praise for the company, since the games it organised had helped renew the camaraderie existing between the youth of the various suburbs.
“I believe that if all companies were supporting these initiatives, Tamale could have been a far better place than it is now,” a sports presenter with Savannah Radio, Mr Samatan Killer stated.
For this reason, the A&R Hatoum Limited, a roads and building construction company in Tamale, has chosen to honour its corporate social responsibility by supporting initiatives that seek to promote peace.
In line with this, the company sponsored and organised a soccer gala for youths from the various suburbs of Tamale in a bid to engender better co-operation, harmony and engagement among the youth.
The tournament, which was dubbed the ‘A&R Hatoum Peace Cup’, involved teams from 24 suburbs.
After weeks of exciting and competitive soccer, teams from Lamashegu, Ward ‘K’, Moshi Zongo and Nobisco Area qualified for the final games, which came off on Saturday at the Tamale Sports Stadium annex.
The team from Lamashegu emerged winners and were given the cash equivalent of the trophy, which was worth GH¢450. The Ward ‘K’ team emerged second and was presented with GH¢250.
Teams from Moshi Zongo and Nobisco area won the third and fourth places and were given GH¢150 and GH¢50, respectively.
The Managing Director of A&R Hatoum, Mr Raja Hatoum, told the participants to explore harmonious and progressive means of resolving their differences, such as the use of dialogue and mediation.
He said the use of violence further entrenched conflicts, strained relationships and retarded development.
Mr Hatoum said his company had identified sports as one of the avenues to reach many of the youth in Tamale and inculcate in them the spirit of togetherness and willingness to co-exist.
“Sports bring together people of various backgrounds, irrespective of their nationality, religion, ethnic affiliation, social standing or any form of identity,” he mentioned.
“It also promotes adherence to rules, patience, endurance and team work. These are traits that our youth need to cultivate to contribute positively to the development of their communities,” he added.
The MD reiterated his company’s commitment towards helping to improve the well-being of residents of Tamale.
“We consider social responsibility as one of the cardinal pillars based on which our company operates and therefore would do all our best to live by it,” he noted.
Some of the participants and observers were full of praise for the company, since the games it organised had helped renew the camaraderie existing between the youth of the various suburbs.
“I believe that if all companies were supporting these initiatives, Tamale could have been a far better place than it is now,” a sports presenter with Savannah Radio, Mr Samatan Killer stated.
GHANA CADETS REHABILITATE SAKASAKA SCHOOLS (PAGE 23, SEPT 2, 2010)
IN a rare show of communalism and voluntarism, members of the Ghana National Cadet Corps during the weekend undertook renovation works at the Sakasaka Cluster of Schools in Tamale.
The young cadets contributed money and gave the classroom blocks for the Primary and junior high schools, which were initially in a shabby state, a new look.
Aside the painting, they also performed some carpentry works to put broken doors and windows back in good shape.
The cadets undertook this noble act as part of activities to mark their 9th National Cadet Leadership Training Camp, which took place in Tamale between August 21 and 28.
The periodic camping is to instil in the young cadets some military discipline through standard drills and exercises that they engage in under the direction of senior cadets and military personnel.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, who graced the official closing ceremony of the camping, commended the cadets for restoring the beauty of the Sakasaka cluster of schools.
He said the actions of the cadets amply demonstrated the critical role that cadets and the military in general played in the development of communities, aside maintaining security.
The deputy minister observed that many youth have used their new found freedom to engage in frivolities and criminal acts that have destroyed their lives and that of the nation.
“It is good to know, however, that you have chosen to join the cadet corps and use your free time to inculcate discipline and engage in communal beneficial projects,” he added.
He said the world as it was today, required a new breed of security personnel who were apt in character, well-educated and well-acquainted with modern developments and technology.
“I therefore entreat the youth who wish to join the security services to seek the requisite education and equip themselves with new technologies because the world is increasingly becoming sophisticated,” he advised.
The Wing Commander, Mr Bright Acquah Asamoah, expressed delight in the growing interest of the youth in the cadet organisation.
He said the cadet corps did not only instil some physical endurance in the youth, but also engendered the youth to uphold high moral discipline and the spirit of togetherness.
“It also stimulates their intellectual capacities as they engage in mental exercises and also learn from group work,” the Commander further stated.
The National Cadet Co-ordinator, Mr Nicholas Nii Tetteh Amartefio told the Daily Graphic that the decision to undertake a community support project was conceived during the previous year.
“We decided that, in addition to the physical drills and mental exercises, we should engage in some form of community work to leave behind an enviable legacy, when we depart the camp,” he explained.
Mr Amartefio said most often people waited for the government to improve their lives, but noted that: “there are certain things that we can do ourselves if we set our minds to it and mobilise our resources.”
The young cadets contributed money and gave the classroom blocks for the Primary and junior high schools, which were initially in a shabby state, a new look.
Aside the painting, they also performed some carpentry works to put broken doors and windows back in good shape.
The cadets undertook this noble act as part of activities to mark their 9th National Cadet Leadership Training Camp, which took place in Tamale between August 21 and 28.
The periodic camping is to instil in the young cadets some military discipline through standard drills and exercises that they engage in under the direction of senior cadets and military personnel.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi, who graced the official closing ceremony of the camping, commended the cadets for restoring the beauty of the Sakasaka cluster of schools.
He said the actions of the cadets amply demonstrated the critical role that cadets and the military in general played in the development of communities, aside maintaining security.
The deputy minister observed that many youth have used their new found freedom to engage in frivolities and criminal acts that have destroyed their lives and that of the nation.
“It is good to know, however, that you have chosen to join the cadet corps and use your free time to inculcate discipline and engage in communal beneficial projects,” he added.
He said the world as it was today, required a new breed of security personnel who were apt in character, well-educated and well-acquainted with modern developments and technology.
“I therefore entreat the youth who wish to join the security services to seek the requisite education and equip themselves with new technologies because the world is increasingly becoming sophisticated,” he advised.
The Wing Commander, Mr Bright Acquah Asamoah, expressed delight in the growing interest of the youth in the cadet organisation.
He said the cadet corps did not only instil some physical endurance in the youth, but also engendered the youth to uphold high moral discipline and the spirit of togetherness.
“It also stimulates their intellectual capacities as they engage in mental exercises and also learn from group work,” the Commander further stated.
The National Cadet Co-ordinator, Mr Nicholas Nii Tetteh Amartefio told the Daily Graphic that the decision to undertake a community support project was conceived during the previous year.
“We decided that, in addition to the physical drills and mental exercises, we should engage in some form of community work to leave behind an enviable legacy, when we depart the camp,” he explained.
Mr Amartefio said most often people waited for the government to improve their lives, but noted that: “there are certain things that we can do ourselves if we set our minds to it and mobilise our resources.”
TAMALE HOSTS 2ND NORTHERN BUSINESS FAIR (PAGE 23, SEPT 2, 2010)
PREPARATIONS are underway to stage the second edition of the Northern Business and Investment Fair, which will take place in Tamale between November 16 and 20 this year.
The fair, which was introduced last year, creates a platform for players in the business industry to showcase their services and products to potential customers and clients.
It is particularly of immense benefit to companies operating in the north as it enables them to reach their target audience and explore other opportunities.
The 2010 fair is expected to bring together various business groups, such as potential investors, small and medium scale enterprises, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), manufacturing companies, agro-processing enterprises and government institutions.
It is also expected to attract potential customers, individuals and groups that are seeking business partners and the general public.
The fair is the brainchild of the Business & Financial Times (BFT) newspaper and is held with support from other partners.
Briefing the media on the forthcoming event, the Events and Communications Manager of BFT, Mr Frederick Augustt noted that this year’s event would be an expanded and improved version over that of the first edition.
“We are working to ensure that district assemblies also get the space to mount exhibition stands and showcase the numerous investment opportunities available in their respective areas,” he stated.
“We also want to afford other government institutions the opportunity to interact with the general public and inform and educate them about their functions and services,” he added.
Mr Augustt observed that even though Ghana is fast becoming a preferred destination for most investors, the northern sector was reaping very little of these investments, in spite of its potentials.
“It is due to this reason that we introduced the fair to attract investors to the north to have firsthand information about the potentials of the north and how best they could take advantage,” he explained.
“The fair is also aimed at creating an opportunity for the various businesses in the north to interact, network and inter-trade so as to reach business deals and partnerships that would help in expanding their businesses,” Mr Augustt further mentioned.
He said in addition to all that, the fair would provide the platform for participating companies and institutions to receive valuable feedback from their potential and existing clients so as to help them reposition themselves appropriately to serve their clients.
He, therefore, encouraged all potential exhibitors to take full advantage of the fair and reap maximum benefits.
The fair, which was introduced last year, creates a platform for players in the business industry to showcase their services and products to potential customers and clients.
It is particularly of immense benefit to companies operating in the north as it enables them to reach their target audience and explore other opportunities.
The 2010 fair is expected to bring together various business groups, such as potential investors, small and medium scale enterprises, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), manufacturing companies, agro-processing enterprises and government institutions.
It is also expected to attract potential customers, individuals and groups that are seeking business partners and the general public.
The fair is the brainchild of the Business & Financial Times (BFT) newspaper and is held with support from other partners.
Briefing the media on the forthcoming event, the Events and Communications Manager of BFT, Mr Frederick Augustt noted that this year’s event would be an expanded and improved version over that of the first edition.
“We are working to ensure that district assemblies also get the space to mount exhibition stands and showcase the numerous investment opportunities available in their respective areas,” he stated.
“We also want to afford other government institutions the opportunity to interact with the general public and inform and educate them about their functions and services,” he added.
Mr Augustt observed that even though Ghana is fast becoming a preferred destination for most investors, the northern sector was reaping very little of these investments, in spite of its potentials.
“It is due to this reason that we introduced the fair to attract investors to the north to have firsthand information about the potentials of the north and how best they could take advantage,” he explained.
“The fair is also aimed at creating an opportunity for the various businesses in the north to interact, network and inter-trade so as to reach business deals and partnerships that would help in expanding their businesses,” Mr Augustt further mentioned.
He said in addition to all that, the fair would provide the platform for participating companies and institutions to receive valuable feedback from their potential and existing clients so as to help them reposition themselves appropriately to serve their clients.
He, therefore, encouraged all potential exhibitors to take full advantage of the fair and reap maximum benefits.
KPENCHILA BENEFITS FROM RAINWATER TANKS (PAGE 23, SEPT 1, 2010)
A ROOFING company in Atlanta Georgia in the United States of America, Reliable Roofing Company has funded the construction of two 30,000 litre rainwater harvesting tanks for inhabitants of Kpenchila, a farming community located 25miles from Tamale.
The tanks, which were constructed by Duraqua Company Limited, are expected to serve the water needs of about 3,000 inhabitants in the community.
It would also ease the suffering of women and children, who spend valuable time and energy walking long distances for water during the dry season.
The roofing company made available the funds after a request was made by Mr Ash Zook, the Executive Director of Young Leaders International, who had visited the Kpenchila community previously and realised that the people lacked potable water.
The funds was given to Hope for Life Ministries, a Christian-based organisation, to facilitate the construction of the tanks to enable the community to store rainwater for usage during the dry season.
Speaking at the inauguration of the tanks, Mr Zook said he was touched by a statement made by the chief of the area during his visit that the lack of potable water was like a wound on his leg.
“I hope your wound would now receive some healing after today and I entreat you to properly manage these tanks to enable you to reap maximum benefits from it,” he stated.
Mr Zook reiterated the adage that “water is life” and said he felt disturbed anytime he visited a community and the people there complained about water.
The Executive Director of Hope for Life Ministries, Mr Adam Brown, indicated that the two tanks, together with the existing water system, would provide the community with about 150,000 litres of water.
He said that still left them with a deficit of 5,250,000 litres because the water demands of the community was estimated to be 5.4m litres.
Mr Brown, therefore, called on the government and other benevolent organisations to come to the aid of the community to avoid the incidence of water-borne diseases.
The tanks, which were constructed by Duraqua Company Limited, are expected to serve the water needs of about 3,000 inhabitants in the community.
It would also ease the suffering of women and children, who spend valuable time and energy walking long distances for water during the dry season.
The roofing company made available the funds after a request was made by Mr Ash Zook, the Executive Director of Young Leaders International, who had visited the Kpenchila community previously and realised that the people lacked potable water.
The funds was given to Hope for Life Ministries, a Christian-based organisation, to facilitate the construction of the tanks to enable the community to store rainwater for usage during the dry season.
Speaking at the inauguration of the tanks, Mr Zook said he was touched by a statement made by the chief of the area during his visit that the lack of potable water was like a wound on his leg.
“I hope your wound would now receive some healing after today and I entreat you to properly manage these tanks to enable you to reap maximum benefits from it,” he stated.
Mr Zook reiterated the adage that “water is life” and said he felt disturbed anytime he visited a community and the people there complained about water.
The Executive Director of Hope for Life Ministries, Mr Adam Brown, indicated that the two tanks, together with the existing water system, would provide the community with about 150,000 litres of water.
He said that still left them with a deficit of 5,250,000 litres because the water demands of the community was estimated to be 5.4m litres.
Mr Brown, therefore, called on the government and other benevolent organisations to come to the aid of the community to avoid the incidence of water-borne diseases.
SAVANA SIGNATURES TRAINS TEACHERS, STUDENTS IN ICT (PAGE 11, SEPT 1, 2010)
SAVANA Signatures, a non-governemntal organisation (NGO), working in the northern part of Ghana, has commenced a programme to promote the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among teachers and students in the three northern regions.
This follows the realisation that many teachers and students were not well-vexed in ICT which limited their ability to exploit this technology, as well as perform well in ICT examinations.
The NGO is, therefore, organising a series of training programmes to introduce teachers and students to the world of ICT and build their capacity to exploit ICT to facilitate their daily endeavours, particularly in enhancing their studies.
Together with the Community Outreach Programme (COP) of the Radboud University in Netherlands, the NGO organised a three-week intensive training programme for 20 teachers from the Tamale metropolis and Savelugu/Nanton District in the Northern Region.
Two facilitators from the Radboud University, Stephane Hasbach and Daniek Basch took the teachers through various topics including: Basic ICT, Introduction to computers, Keyboard skills, Microsoft Office programmes, Windows and Internet use.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Director of Savana Signatures, Mr Agbenyo John Stephen , noted that ICT was very critical to teaching and learning in the modern day world, adding that “It opens up avenues for greater student-teacher interaction through multimedia devices and also enhances learning through software programmes”.
He mentioned that ICT enables teachers and students to go online to conduct research into areas of study, which opened various sources of information and schools of thought to them.
He, however, contended that knowledge in ICT was not enough to guarantee one’s proficiency in the use of the computer, adding that both teachers and students needed constant practice on the computer so as to master those skills and use them to their benefit.
Mr Stephen, therefore, entreated the government, business entities, philanthropists and development partners to assist schools to acquire computers and other ICT accessories to facilitate the use of ICT.
He said research conducted by Savana Signatures and other partners had revealed that many students in the three northern regions were not prepared to write ICT examinations because they were not conversant with the subject.
“Apart from the fact that the computers are not available to facilitate learning, there are not enough ICT tutors to handle the subject,” he mentioned.
This follows the realisation that many teachers and students were not well-vexed in ICT which limited their ability to exploit this technology, as well as perform well in ICT examinations.
The NGO is, therefore, organising a series of training programmes to introduce teachers and students to the world of ICT and build their capacity to exploit ICT to facilitate their daily endeavours, particularly in enhancing their studies.
Together with the Community Outreach Programme (COP) of the Radboud University in Netherlands, the NGO organised a three-week intensive training programme for 20 teachers from the Tamale metropolis and Savelugu/Nanton District in the Northern Region.
Two facilitators from the Radboud University, Stephane Hasbach and Daniek Basch took the teachers through various topics including: Basic ICT, Introduction to computers, Keyboard skills, Microsoft Office programmes, Windows and Internet use.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Director of Savana Signatures, Mr Agbenyo John Stephen , noted that ICT was very critical to teaching and learning in the modern day world, adding that “It opens up avenues for greater student-teacher interaction through multimedia devices and also enhances learning through software programmes”.
He mentioned that ICT enables teachers and students to go online to conduct research into areas of study, which opened various sources of information and schools of thought to them.
He, however, contended that knowledge in ICT was not enough to guarantee one’s proficiency in the use of the computer, adding that both teachers and students needed constant practice on the computer so as to master those skills and use them to their benefit.
Mr Stephen, therefore, entreated the government, business entities, philanthropists and development partners to assist schools to acquire computers and other ICT accessories to facilitate the use of ICT.
He said research conducted by Savana Signatures and other partners had revealed that many students in the three northern regions were not prepared to write ICT examinations because they were not conversant with the subject.
“Apart from the fact that the computers are not available to facilitate learning, there are not enough ICT tutors to handle the subject,” he mentioned.
T-POLY SIFE STUDENTS COMMENDED FOR INGENUITY (PAGE 11, SEPT 1, 2010)
THE Rector of the Tamale Polytechnic (T-Poly), Dr Seidu Peligah has commended members of the T-Poly team of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) for their ingenuity and flair for entrepreneurship.
He commendation at the recently held first round of the 2010 SIFE Ghana National Competition held in Accra.
The competition provided a platform for SIFE teams of various campuses to make a presentation on their outreach projects, which are judged by business leaders based on specific criteria.
The projects being awarded are those that create economic opportunities for other people by helping them acquire the requisite skills to operate a successful business, such as business ethics, financial literacy skills and entrepreneurial skills.
These projects serve as working laboratories through which the participating students develop confidence, leadership skills, teamwork, business acumen and communication.
The T-poly team emerged winners after it made some brilliant presentations on four outreach projects which it embarked on. These are Woodlot establishment, Sanitation management, Biscuit making and Guinea -fowl rearing.
Among these projects, the one on Biscuit making impressed the judges greatly since it creates opportunities for many small scale business women to engage in this business and make good returns.
The team trained 25 women to make biscuits from roasted groundnut powder, known in Dagomba parlance as ‘kulikuli zim’. The biscuits are packed in 100 grams and sold in the market for 50Gp.
Initially, the women were only engaged in the selling of the groundnut powder without adding any value. The project therefore provided them the opportunity to add value and increase their profits, which, according to the team, had consequently risen by 40 per cent.
Dr Peligah observed that one way to tackle graduate unemployment in the country is for tertiary institutions to challenge their students to undertake entrepreneurial projects as part of their training.
According to him, such a move would stimulate the thinking capacities of students and help them acquire valuable experiences that could assist them greatly to start their own businesses after graduation.
He said instead of young graduates roaming the streets searching for white-collar jobs, they would rather be searching for prospective partners and institutions to collaborate with to develop fresh concepts and products.
“I feel very honoured that my students have achieved this feat and are showing signs of doing more,” he stated.
The Public Relations Officer of the polytechnic, Mr Mohammed Abdul-Aziz said the success chalked by the students demonstrated the capabilities of polytechnic students.
He said soon, T-poly would introduce a product fair to showcase the products and exploits of its students for the public to appreciate what went on at the polytechnics.
He commendation at the recently held first round of the 2010 SIFE Ghana National Competition held in Accra.
The competition provided a platform for SIFE teams of various campuses to make a presentation on their outreach projects, which are judged by business leaders based on specific criteria.
The projects being awarded are those that create economic opportunities for other people by helping them acquire the requisite skills to operate a successful business, such as business ethics, financial literacy skills and entrepreneurial skills.
These projects serve as working laboratories through which the participating students develop confidence, leadership skills, teamwork, business acumen and communication.
The T-poly team emerged winners after it made some brilliant presentations on four outreach projects which it embarked on. These are Woodlot establishment, Sanitation management, Biscuit making and Guinea -fowl rearing.
Among these projects, the one on Biscuit making impressed the judges greatly since it creates opportunities for many small scale business women to engage in this business and make good returns.
The team trained 25 women to make biscuits from roasted groundnut powder, known in Dagomba parlance as ‘kulikuli zim’. The biscuits are packed in 100 grams and sold in the market for 50Gp.
Initially, the women were only engaged in the selling of the groundnut powder without adding any value. The project therefore provided them the opportunity to add value and increase their profits, which, according to the team, had consequently risen by 40 per cent.
Dr Peligah observed that one way to tackle graduate unemployment in the country is for tertiary institutions to challenge their students to undertake entrepreneurial projects as part of their training.
According to him, such a move would stimulate the thinking capacities of students and help them acquire valuable experiences that could assist them greatly to start their own businesses after graduation.
He said instead of young graduates roaming the streets searching for white-collar jobs, they would rather be searching for prospective partners and institutions to collaborate with to develop fresh concepts and products.
“I feel very honoured that my students have achieved this feat and are showing signs of doing more,” he stated.
The Public Relations Officer of the polytechnic, Mr Mohammed Abdul-Aziz said the success chalked by the students demonstrated the capabilities of polytechnic students.
He said soon, T-poly would introduce a product fair to showcase the products and exploits of its students for the public to appreciate what went on at the polytechnics.
CENTRAL GONJA SPONSORS TRAINING OF DOCTORS (PAGE 35, SEPT 1, 2010)
IT IS an open secret that each year, many health professionals refuse posting to the deprived parts of the country, especially the three northern regions.
Though some may have genuine concerns, a lot of these health professionals simply do not want to work in areas outside Accra and other urban towns.
It is not surprising, therefore, that even some of those who accept posting to northern Ghana, refuse to move to the rural areas but prefer to remain in Tamale, Yendi, Walewale, Bolga, Wa and other big towns.
According to the Northern Regional Health Directorate, as at the beginning of 2010, only three out of 13 pharmacists who were posted to the Northern Region had reported for duty.
It added that not even one of the 15 doctors who were also posted to the region had confirmed their acceptance of the posting.
The Northern Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Akwasi Twumasi, was compelled to make a passionate appeal during the annual review to the government to take drastic measures to reverse this trend as it was impeding the delivery of healthcare in the region.
He said the region had only 15 doctors and 210 midwives, who were currently working in the regional and district health facilities in the region.
One wonders, therefore, how maternal and child mortality could be reduced if health professionals, such as midwives and medical specialists are unavailable to render very essential services to women.
In 2007, 155 women in the region lose their lives during labour and this figure dropped to 91 in 2008.
In 2009, however, the number of maternal deaths began to increase again from 91 to 96 and as things stand now, one cannot tell what the situation would be by the end of 2010.
It is for this reason that the Central Gonja District Assembly in the Northern Region is being commended for instituting a special sponsorship scheme to support the training of medical doctors and medical assistants.
Students who are benefiting from this scholarship have been made to sign a bond with the assembly that requires them under the law to serve the district for some years when they graduate from the medical school.
Currently, six medical students, one in Ukraine and the rest in Ghana, are benefiting from the scheme. Whilst two of the six students are training to be doctors, the others are medical assistant trainees.
This initiative by the assembly will ultimately guarantee the availability of doctors in the area in future if the bonds are enforced.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Central Gonja, Mr Issifu Salifu Be-Awuribe, told the Daily Graphic at the sidelines of an assembly meeting that the assembly was spending a total of GH¢80,000 on the sponsorship package for all beneficiary students.
He said about GH¢15,000 had been allocated to support the medical students, whilst the rest of the funds were being used to sponsor other tertiary students, including teachers, nurses and some university and polytechnic students.
The DCE stated that the decision to sponsor medical students was born out of the realisation that medical doctors were scarce in the region.
He said the assembly was making similar efforts towards providing the requisite health facilities, notably a hospital, clinics and Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) zones in various communities.
Commenting on the sponsorship for medical students, the Northern Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Akwasi Twumasi, described the move as appropriate.
He, however, stated that the problem was not about the sponsorship, but how to ensure that those beneficiaries stayed back to serve in the district upon completion of their training.
“The Bole District Assembly has sponsored a medical student before, but after completion, he never went there to serve,” he lamented.
Dr Twumasi said the bonds signed by those beneficiaries must be effective in order to guarantee the return of the trainees after graduation.
“Several stakeholders must be involved in the signing of the bonds, including parents of beneficiaries and opinion leaders so that in case of default, all these people would have to be made to pay,” he stressed.
The regional health service director described the failure of some graduates to serve in the districts that sponsored their training as very regrettable and shameful.
“These graduates have a moral obligation to serve their respective districts even if they are not bonded by legal instruments,” Dr Twumasi stated.
Though some may have genuine concerns, a lot of these health professionals simply do not want to work in areas outside Accra and other urban towns.
It is not surprising, therefore, that even some of those who accept posting to northern Ghana, refuse to move to the rural areas but prefer to remain in Tamale, Yendi, Walewale, Bolga, Wa and other big towns.
According to the Northern Regional Health Directorate, as at the beginning of 2010, only three out of 13 pharmacists who were posted to the Northern Region had reported for duty.
It added that not even one of the 15 doctors who were also posted to the region had confirmed their acceptance of the posting.
The Northern Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Akwasi Twumasi, was compelled to make a passionate appeal during the annual review to the government to take drastic measures to reverse this trend as it was impeding the delivery of healthcare in the region.
He said the region had only 15 doctors and 210 midwives, who were currently working in the regional and district health facilities in the region.
One wonders, therefore, how maternal and child mortality could be reduced if health professionals, such as midwives and medical specialists are unavailable to render very essential services to women.
In 2007, 155 women in the region lose their lives during labour and this figure dropped to 91 in 2008.
In 2009, however, the number of maternal deaths began to increase again from 91 to 96 and as things stand now, one cannot tell what the situation would be by the end of 2010.
It is for this reason that the Central Gonja District Assembly in the Northern Region is being commended for instituting a special sponsorship scheme to support the training of medical doctors and medical assistants.
Students who are benefiting from this scholarship have been made to sign a bond with the assembly that requires them under the law to serve the district for some years when they graduate from the medical school.
Currently, six medical students, one in Ukraine and the rest in Ghana, are benefiting from the scheme. Whilst two of the six students are training to be doctors, the others are medical assistant trainees.
This initiative by the assembly will ultimately guarantee the availability of doctors in the area in future if the bonds are enforced.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Central Gonja, Mr Issifu Salifu Be-Awuribe, told the Daily Graphic at the sidelines of an assembly meeting that the assembly was spending a total of GH¢80,000 on the sponsorship package for all beneficiary students.
He said about GH¢15,000 had been allocated to support the medical students, whilst the rest of the funds were being used to sponsor other tertiary students, including teachers, nurses and some university and polytechnic students.
The DCE stated that the decision to sponsor medical students was born out of the realisation that medical doctors were scarce in the region.
He said the assembly was making similar efforts towards providing the requisite health facilities, notably a hospital, clinics and Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) zones in various communities.
Commenting on the sponsorship for medical students, the Northern Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Akwasi Twumasi, described the move as appropriate.
He, however, stated that the problem was not about the sponsorship, but how to ensure that those beneficiaries stayed back to serve in the district upon completion of their training.
“The Bole District Assembly has sponsored a medical student before, but after completion, he never went there to serve,” he lamented.
Dr Twumasi said the bonds signed by those beneficiaries must be effective in order to guarantee the return of the trainees after graduation.
“Several stakeholders must be involved in the signing of the bonds, including parents of beneficiaries and opinion leaders so that in case of default, all these people would have to be made to pay,” he stressed.
The regional health service director described the failure of some graduates to serve in the districts that sponsored their training as very regrettable and shameful.
“These graduates have a moral obligation to serve their respective districts even if they are not bonded by legal instruments,” Dr Twumasi stated.
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