ABOUT two months ago, the Agogomanhene, Nana Akuako Sarpong was said to have ordered the Fulani herdsmen to leave his jurisdiction.
The chief was pressured into this decision following a massive demonstration by some of his subjects, who vowed to forcibly evict Fulani herdsmen from the Agogo Township, if the Chief did not annul a contractual agreement he had supposedly entered into with them.
It appears that many Ghanaians are increasingly becoming intolerant of the Fulani immigrants, particularly the herdsmen.
The destruction of crops by cattle shepherded by the Fulani, the pollution of water bodies and the rampant loss of cattle to rustlers have been identified as some of the key factors that are responsible for the anger against the Fulani herdsmen.
In addition, the Fulani pastoralists have been accused of unleashing brutality on inhabitants. Some locals claim that the Fulani are well-armed and they attack and kill anyone who causes harm to their cattle.
Steve Tonah (2002) also acknowledges in his paper on “Fulani pastoralists, indigenous farmers and the contest for land in Northern Ghana” that in Northern Ghana, conflicts between pastoralists and farmers had been heightened by increased competition for the most fertile land along the banks of the Volta Lake.
To add salt to injury, some Fulani immigrants have now become targets of the national security apparatus due to their alleged involvement in acts that breach the law, notably rape, murder and highway robbery.
Several arrests have been made and some of them are currently languishing in jail having been found guilty.
Again, because the Fulani herdsmen operate across borders, they mostly fail to pass through proper immigration processes before settling in their host communities and this contravenes both national and international laws.
As Dr Ly Boubacar of the School of Wisdom in Burkina Faso would say, “the Fulani know no borders.”
Some of them have consequently been sited in cases of illegal immigration. For instance, on 24th April, 2010, the Ghana Immigration Service officials arrested five Fulani herdsmen on the Ghana-Togo border, and drove their 700 cattle back into Togo.
With these and many other factors, one can therefore appreciate why many people are raising their voices against the Fulani, particularly the herdsmen.
In fact, the West African Network for Peace-building (WANEP) has repeatedly attempted drawing the government’s attention to this rising tension, but it appears government remains oblivious of this emerging threat to peace and stability.
The government has failed to come out with a more pragmatic approach towards addressing the challenges involving the operations of nomadic pastoralists in the country.
Instead, government officials have only reacted to calls for the expulsion of Fulani herdsmen from the country, insisting that the ECOWAS protocol ties the hands of the government.
Indeed, the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment, promulgated in Dakar, Senegal, on 29th of May, 1979, stipulates that each citizen of the Community have the right to enter, reside and establish in the territory of member states.
However, member states reserve the right under the protocol to expel any immigrant citizen in accordance with laid down procedures “for reasons of national security, public order or morality.”
But should the discussion about Fulani herdsmen and their activities be limited to a debate of whether they should be sacked or not? Of course not, this is certainly an un-pragmatic way of dealing with the issue.
Otherwise, we should have advocated that all Nigerians be expelled due to the involvement of a few of them in fraudulent transactions.
Resolving the conflicts between the Fulani herdsmen and the Ghanaian community cannot be pursued, successfully, if the biases and prejudice against the Fulani race are not erased.
Whiles there is some justification for the revolt against Fulani herdsmen, there is little logic in branding the Fulani people as criminals, because that is unjustifiable.
The extension of the anger against some Fulani herdsmen or criminal elements onto all Fulani people is a form of cultural stereotyping that threatens to cloud sound judgement on how to address the issue of pastoralists.
Just as we cannot conclude that all Ghanaians are rapists simply because some Ghanaians engage in rape, similarly, it would be unfair to characterise all Fulani people as criminals.
In reality, the solution to the so-called ‘Fulani menace’ cannot be addressed by a single stitch, as the issues are multi-faceted. Each issue must be tackled on its merits.
Whiles our law enforcement agencies deal with the criminal aspects, all stakeholders must come together to address conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and local people with respect to access to land and water, especially at this time where climate change poses a threat to these two resources.
It is worth noting that participants at the end of a two-day Consultative Meeting on Agriculture and Pastoralist Conflicts in West Africa, held in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso between 21st and 24th February, 2011, made some recommendations towards addressing these conflicts.
Key among these was the need for governments in West Africa to give due recognition to pastoral agriculture and consider ways of harmonising its operations in line with other forms of agriculture.
They suggested the establishment of entry points and grazing reserves or routes for transhumance and also institute alternative dispute resolution processes to resolve the conflicts between nomadic pastoralists and their Ghanaian hosts, especially the sedentary farmers.
The participants noted that pastoralists and sedentary farmers have co-existed since time immemorial and, therefore, it is possible to build bridges between them.
Again, resolving the conflicts would also mean listening to both parties in the conflict. In fact, the voice of the Fulani community has been virtually drowned and relegated.
According to the Fulani chief of Tamale, Naaba Abdul Karim Adam, “anytime people hear that a Fulani man is engaged in a conflict with an indigene, they tend to side with the indigene and join in meting out violence on the Fulani.”
“Is that fair,” he asked rhetorically.
In conclusion, it is clear that a solution to the conflicts between indigenous inhabitants and migrant Fulani pastoralists should go beyond ethnic sentiments, because the Fulani are not our enemies.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
MONITOR FEEDBACK ON GOVT PROJECTS - SAYS BE-AWURIBE (PAGE 12, MAR 31, 2011)
THE District Chief Executive (DCE) for Central Gonja, Mr Salisu Issifu Be-Awuribe has charged newly inaugurated assembly members to monitor feedback from their communities on the implementation of projects by the government.
According to him, the needs of communities keep changing with time and therefore it was crucial for the assembly to know if these projects were indeed addressing the development needs of the people at a particular time.
Mr Be-Awuribe made these remarks when he addressed the members of the newly constituted assembly for the Central Gonja district.
He said there was the need for the assembly members to adopt an effective and efficient methodology of reaching out to the people at the grassroots to explain government policies and programmes and monitor feedback.
Mr Be-Awuribe also tasked the assembly members to device effective community mobilizing skills to undertake community initiated projects without always looking up to the assembly.
In his estimation, not all development challenges at the local level could be addressed effectively by the assembly.
“I must also warn you that the position carries with it a huge challenges and burden, sacrifice and dedication, disappointment and frustrations insults and praises, suffering and little rewards especially the elected ones,” he further stated.
On the progress of development in the region, the DCE noted that the district had a huge natural and human resource potential, which is why the government intended transforming Buipe into the industrial hub of Northern Ghana.
He made mention of some gains that have been chalked in the district by the assembly in the areas of education, agriculture, health, Information Communication and Technology (ICT), youth employment and skills training.
He cited the revival of the cotton industry, which would involve farmers in the district and create new avenues of employment for the youth.
Mr Be-Awuribe said as part of efforts to open up the roads in the district, the assembly had acquired some heavy equipment that includes a motor grader and tipper truck.
“These set of equipment have enabled the assembly to open up the district to the satisfaction of many communities, but there is an urgent need for a bull dozer and wheel loader,” he indicated.
The DCE however cited some security challenges posed by the protracted Buipe chieftaincy dispute, highway robbery, land disputes and the conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and indigenes, and entreated the new assembly to work towards addressing these issues.
According to him, the needs of communities keep changing with time and therefore it was crucial for the assembly to know if these projects were indeed addressing the development needs of the people at a particular time.
Mr Be-Awuribe made these remarks when he addressed the members of the newly constituted assembly for the Central Gonja district.
He said there was the need for the assembly members to adopt an effective and efficient methodology of reaching out to the people at the grassroots to explain government policies and programmes and monitor feedback.
Mr Be-Awuribe also tasked the assembly members to device effective community mobilizing skills to undertake community initiated projects without always looking up to the assembly.
In his estimation, not all development challenges at the local level could be addressed effectively by the assembly.
“I must also warn you that the position carries with it a huge challenges and burden, sacrifice and dedication, disappointment and frustrations insults and praises, suffering and little rewards especially the elected ones,” he further stated.
On the progress of development in the region, the DCE noted that the district had a huge natural and human resource potential, which is why the government intended transforming Buipe into the industrial hub of Northern Ghana.
He made mention of some gains that have been chalked in the district by the assembly in the areas of education, agriculture, health, Information Communication and Technology (ICT), youth employment and skills training.
He cited the revival of the cotton industry, which would involve farmers in the district and create new avenues of employment for the youth.
Mr Be-Awuribe said as part of efforts to open up the roads in the district, the assembly had acquired some heavy equipment that includes a motor grader and tipper truck.
“These set of equipment have enabled the assembly to open up the district to the satisfaction of many communities, but there is an urgent need for a bull dozer and wheel loader,” he indicated.
The DCE however cited some security challenges posed by the protracted Buipe chieftaincy dispute, highway robbery, land disputes and the conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and indigenes, and entreated the new assembly to work towards addressing these issues.
EPA TAKES INITIATIVE TO CONTROL BUSHFIRES (PAGE 50, MAR 31, 2011)
FRUSTRATION and bitterness could aptly describe the feeling of farmers who lose their farms each year due to bushfires.
The fires are mostly set by game hunters and farmers whose intention it is to clear the old vegetation in preparation for the new one, but this has often led to the destruction of food crops and economic trees, like rice, cowpea, shea nut, dawadawa and mango.
Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had on countless occasions spoken against this negative practice, it had rarely made any significant gains towards halting the practice.
However, one significant development this year was that the EPA moved from rhetoric to action towards bringing to book the perpetrators of bush fires.
It caused the arrest of nine persons who were among a group of 50 that had set fire to farms and bushes in Nyamalga, a community in the East Gonja district, in its quest for game.
The nine persons were picked up by the Police Mobile Task Force on the evening of Saturday January 22nd, 2011, following an emergency call made by the Director of the EPA, Mr Iddrisu Abu.
As usual, some influential people began to impress upon the officials of the EPA to pardon the nine persons. Unlike many other heads of institutions who would have succumbed to this pressure, Mr Abu and his team shoved off this negative pressure.
Consequently, the nine suspects were arraigned before the Tamale district magistrate court, presided over by His Worship Gabriel Mate-Teye.
Six of them, who were classified as juveniles, were later bonded by the court for two years to be of good behaviour and avoid participating in any activity that is harmful to the environment.
The other three, who were identified as Osman Adam, 18, student, Latif Osman, 20, farmer and Adam Fuseini, 20, electrician, were charged for negligently causing unlawful damage contrary to section 12 and 172 of Act 29/30 of the Criminal Code.
The court later sentenced Osman Adam and Latif Osman to two weeks imprisonment, whiles Adam Fuseini, who pleaded not guilty, has his case still pending.
The prosecution of these nine persons should send a signal to all persons in the region that the EPA is ready to bare its teeth.
It is heart-warming to note that the judiciary has also thrown its weight behind the EPA in this regard.
During the court proceedings, the judge did give a note of caution to persons who engage in bush fires, saying that such people, when brought before the court, would be made to face the music for their actions.
He said the court would remain resolute in ensuring that no one gets away with it after causing damage to the environment, which, he noted, was humans’ source of livelihood.
Mr Mate-Teye chided some politicians, chiefs, opinion leaders and members of the clergy for attempting to seek reprieve for perpetrators of bush fires, stressing that all must begin to act responsibly in the interest of the state.
Apart from the prosecutions, the EPA officials also did the unimaginable this year by moving from community to community trying to stop fires with the help of the community folk.
According to the regional director, the decision to embark on this venture followed several calls by community folk to notify the EPA about fires in their communities and their potential to cause havoc.
Mr Abu admitted that it was a difficult task trying to stop Harmattan fires, because they spread so fast.
He mentioned the unavailability of water as a challenge, but noted that the use of dampened sacks sometimes proved helpful.
The EPA, through the Ghana Environmental Management Project (GEMP), also organised a forum for chiefs in the three regions of the north to discuss the bush fire menace and make commitments towards its prevention.
Already, some of the chiefs were enforcing a non-burning policy in their respective jurisdictions and this served as an example for others to emulate.
In short, the determination shown by officials of the EPA to control bushfires has been remarkable and worthy of praise.
Whiles we commend the EPA for its drive to halt the bushfire menace, all other partners must get on board because bushfires have negative implications for food security and environmental sustainability.
The fires are mostly set by game hunters and farmers whose intention it is to clear the old vegetation in preparation for the new one, but this has often led to the destruction of food crops and economic trees, like rice, cowpea, shea nut, dawadawa and mango.
Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had on countless occasions spoken against this negative practice, it had rarely made any significant gains towards halting the practice.
However, one significant development this year was that the EPA moved from rhetoric to action towards bringing to book the perpetrators of bush fires.
It caused the arrest of nine persons who were among a group of 50 that had set fire to farms and bushes in Nyamalga, a community in the East Gonja district, in its quest for game.
The nine persons were picked up by the Police Mobile Task Force on the evening of Saturday January 22nd, 2011, following an emergency call made by the Director of the EPA, Mr Iddrisu Abu.
As usual, some influential people began to impress upon the officials of the EPA to pardon the nine persons. Unlike many other heads of institutions who would have succumbed to this pressure, Mr Abu and his team shoved off this negative pressure.
Consequently, the nine suspects were arraigned before the Tamale district magistrate court, presided over by His Worship Gabriel Mate-Teye.
Six of them, who were classified as juveniles, were later bonded by the court for two years to be of good behaviour and avoid participating in any activity that is harmful to the environment.
The other three, who were identified as Osman Adam, 18, student, Latif Osman, 20, farmer and Adam Fuseini, 20, electrician, were charged for negligently causing unlawful damage contrary to section 12 and 172 of Act 29/30 of the Criminal Code.
The court later sentenced Osman Adam and Latif Osman to two weeks imprisonment, whiles Adam Fuseini, who pleaded not guilty, has his case still pending.
The prosecution of these nine persons should send a signal to all persons in the region that the EPA is ready to bare its teeth.
It is heart-warming to note that the judiciary has also thrown its weight behind the EPA in this regard.
During the court proceedings, the judge did give a note of caution to persons who engage in bush fires, saying that such people, when brought before the court, would be made to face the music for their actions.
He said the court would remain resolute in ensuring that no one gets away with it after causing damage to the environment, which, he noted, was humans’ source of livelihood.
Mr Mate-Teye chided some politicians, chiefs, opinion leaders and members of the clergy for attempting to seek reprieve for perpetrators of bush fires, stressing that all must begin to act responsibly in the interest of the state.
Apart from the prosecutions, the EPA officials also did the unimaginable this year by moving from community to community trying to stop fires with the help of the community folk.
According to the regional director, the decision to embark on this venture followed several calls by community folk to notify the EPA about fires in their communities and their potential to cause havoc.
Mr Abu admitted that it was a difficult task trying to stop Harmattan fires, because they spread so fast.
He mentioned the unavailability of water as a challenge, but noted that the use of dampened sacks sometimes proved helpful.
The EPA, through the Ghana Environmental Management Project (GEMP), also organised a forum for chiefs in the three regions of the north to discuss the bush fire menace and make commitments towards its prevention.
Already, some of the chiefs were enforcing a non-burning policy in their respective jurisdictions and this served as an example for others to emulate.
In short, the determination shown by officials of the EPA to control bushfires has been remarkable and worthy of praise.
Whiles we commend the EPA for its drive to halt the bushfire menace, all other partners must get on board because bushfires have negative implications for food security and environmental sustainability.
TEACHING HOSPITAL TO IMPROVE CLIENT RELATIONS (PAGE 50, MAR 31, 2011)
THE Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) has commenced a series of training programmes to enhance the skills of its staff in the areas of client relations and counselling.
This follows complaints by some clients of the hospital that some of its staffs were poor in handling clients, thereby resulting in poor service delivery, which consequently caused disaffection against the hospital.
The first of such trainings took place at the hospital’s premises for the midwives and was facilitated by a communication specialist and a clinical psychologist.
Some of the topics treated included general counselling, psychotherapy, pre and post-pregnancy counselling, customer care and effective communication techniques.
The Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Gabriel Nii Otu Ankrah told the Daily Graphic at the sidelines of the training, that it was the desire of the hospital to address the grey areas in its operations.
“Like any other health facility in Ghana, we receive complaints from patients and clients of ill-treatment from some of our nurses and this we have resolved to bring a stop to,” he stated.
Nii Otu mentioned that the priority of the hospital for the 2011 year was to transform the attitudes of its personnel in line with the standards expected of staffs of tertiary health facilities.
He said the training was therefore intended for personnel of all the units and departments in the hospital, ranging from clinical to allied health.
Nii Otu further noted that the training programme had started with midwives because most of the complaints received were traced to the maternity and labour wards.
“These units are very critical to maternal and child health and therefore any complaint regarding poor service delivery in these areas deserves some urgent attention,” he added.
The Director of Nursing Services at the TTH, Mrs Elizabeth Danso indicated that the situation where patients or clients were at loggerheads with nurses could soon become a thing of the past if the training programmes were given a priority.
One of the trainees, who is also a principal midwifery officer, Madam Salifu Awabu described the training as very useful, since it had offered them the opportunity to learn new techniques and approaches to effective communication and counselling.
Although she admitted that mistreating clients was unprofessional, she entreated the public to appreciate the strenuous conditions under which midwives work to ensure the health of both mother and child.
Meanwhile, the hospital has begun performing minor clinical surgeries on a daily basis on patients with conditions, such as hernia and minor cuts at its rehabilitated casualty theatre.
According to the hospital authorities, this has helped to reduce the number of admissions of surgical cases at the facility, as well as the pressure at the main theatre.
This follows complaints by some clients of the hospital that some of its staffs were poor in handling clients, thereby resulting in poor service delivery, which consequently caused disaffection against the hospital.
The first of such trainings took place at the hospital’s premises for the midwives and was facilitated by a communication specialist and a clinical psychologist.
Some of the topics treated included general counselling, psychotherapy, pre and post-pregnancy counselling, customer care and effective communication techniques.
The Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Gabriel Nii Otu Ankrah told the Daily Graphic at the sidelines of the training, that it was the desire of the hospital to address the grey areas in its operations.
“Like any other health facility in Ghana, we receive complaints from patients and clients of ill-treatment from some of our nurses and this we have resolved to bring a stop to,” he stated.
Nii Otu mentioned that the priority of the hospital for the 2011 year was to transform the attitudes of its personnel in line with the standards expected of staffs of tertiary health facilities.
He said the training was therefore intended for personnel of all the units and departments in the hospital, ranging from clinical to allied health.
Nii Otu further noted that the training programme had started with midwives because most of the complaints received were traced to the maternity and labour wards.
“These units are very critical to maternal and child health and therefore any complaint regarding poor service delivery in these areas deserves some urgent attention,” he added.
The Director of Nursing Services at the TTH, Mrs Elizabeth Danso indicated that the situation where patients or clients were at loggerheads with nurses could soon become a thing of the past if the training programmes were given a priority.
One of the trainees, who is also a principal midwifery officer, Madam Salifu Awabu described the training as very useful, since it had offered them the opportunity to learn new techniques and approaches to effective communication and counselling.
Although she admitted that mistreating clients was unprofessional, she entreated the public to appreciate the strenuous conditions under which midwives work to ensure the health of both mother and child.
Meanwhile, the hospital has begun performing minor clinical surgeries on a daily basis on patients with conditions, such as hernia and minor cuts at its rehabilitated casualty theatre.
According to the hospital authorities, this has helped to reduce the number of admissions of surgical cases at the facility, as well as the pressure at the main theatre.
GOVT URGED TO PROMOTE RAINWATER HARVESTING (PAGE 54, MAR 31, 2011)
THE government has been urged to formulate and implement a deliberate policy to promote rainwater harvesting in the country.
Duraqua Company Limited, a construction company that has been building rainwater tanks, made the call during a short ceremony to mark this year’s World Water Day celebrations.
According to the General Manager of the company, Mr Baku Patrick, each year huge quantities of water go waste due to the failure of Ghanaians to harvest the water for future use.
He said by adopting various rainwater harvesting technologies, individuals, families and institutions could collect and store huge amounts of rainwater during the raining season for use, particularly in the dry season.
Mr Patrick explained that it was a huge task for government to attempt to resolve the country’s water challenges by providing pipe borne and rural water facilities.
“It is prudent to promote other methods which the people themselves could adopt to help alleviate their suffering,” he noted.
Duraqua company has in collaboration with some funding partners and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) constructed numerous rainwater harvesting tanks for schools, clinics and households.
Figures made available to the Daily Graphic indicates that the company has constructed over 80 rainwater tanks in various parts of the Northern Region.
In Wanbong in the Yendi municipality, the company constructed four rainwater harvesting tanks for three households and a school, under the sponsorship and authorisation of the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC).
In Kpenchila, a farming community in the East Gonja district, Duraqua Company constructed two 30,000 litre rainwater tanks for the inhabitants, with funding from a roofing company in Atlanta Georgia in the United States of America, Reliable Roofing Company.
Mr Patrick explained that the company had taken so much interest in rainwater harvesting because “as for the rain, we know it comes each season and the water flows freely at no cost to humans.”
He said the sinking of boreholes in many communities in the region had a low yielding rate due to the low water table.
Mr Patrick debunked claims that rainwater tanks cannot store much water, explaining that the tanks are constructed in line with the demand.
“We usually construct 11,000-litre tanks for households and 30,000 or 45,000-litre tanks for community use,” he indicated.
Duraqua Company Limited, a construction company that has been building rainwater tanks, made the call during a short ceremony to mark this year’s World Water Day celebrations.
According to the General Manager of the company, Mr Baku Patrick, each year huge quantities of water go waste due to the failure of Ghanaians to harvest the water for future use.
He said by adopting various rainwater harvesting technologies, individuals, families and institutions could collect and store huge amounts of rainwater during the raining season for use, particularly in the dry season.
Mr Patrick explained that it was a huge task for government to attempt to resolve the country’s water challenges by providing pipe borne and rural water facilities.
“It is prudent to promote other methods which the people themselves could adopt to help alleviate their suffering,” he noted.
Duraqua company has in collaboration with some funding partners and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) constructed numerous rainwater harvesting tanks for schools, clinics and households.
Figures made available to the Daily Graphic indicates that the company has constructed over 80 rainwater tanks in various parts of the Northern Region.
In Wanbong in the Yendi municipality, the company constructed four rainwater harvesting tanks for three households and a school, under the sponsorship and authorisation of the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC).
In Kpenchila, a farming community in the East Gonja district, Duraqua Company constructed two 30,000 litre rainwater tanks for the inhabitants, with funding from a roofing company in Atlanta Georgia in the United States of America, Reliable Roofing Company.
Mr Patrick explained that the company had taken so much interest in rainwater harvesting because “as for the rain, we know it comes each season and the water flows freely at no cost to humans.”
He said the sinking of boreholes in many communities in the region had a low yielding rate due to the low water table.
Mr Patrick debunked claims that rainwater tanks cannot store much water, explaining that the tanks are constructed in line with the demand.
“We usually construct 11,000-litre tanks for households and 30,000 or 45,000-litre tanks for community use,” he indicated.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
YOUTH, WOMEN HELP PROMOTE PEACE IN DAGBON (PAGE 23, MAR 28, 2011)
IN the words of legendary Martin Luther King Junior, “real peace is not merely the absence of some negative force – tension, confusion, or law –but real peace is the presence of some positive force – justice, goodwill, and brotherhood.
The absence of war in the Northern Region does not therefore imply the presence of peace, since there are conflict undertones that need to be addressed.
Like many other regions, the Northern Region is still battling with some conflicts that have threatened to mar the social fabric and hospitality of residents of this region.
From Bimbilla, Buipe, Bunkpurugu, Yendi, Gusheigu to Zabzugu, one can pinpoint one or two issues that have been a bone of contention either among or between ethnic groups.
The Dagbon crisis appears to be one of the most prominent of such issues due to the interventions that the state has made towards bringing a closure to this matter.
It is an undeniable fact that this conflict has dealt a big blow to the development of the Dagbon traditional area, due to the absence of sustained leadership, direction and concerted efforts.
It is in the light of this, that the Ghana chapter of the West African Network for Peace-building (WANEP) thought it wise to build the capacities of youth and women groups in Dagbon to engage each other in peace-building efforts towards restoring real peace in Dagbon – one that would be driven by brotherliness and mutual understanding.
The first of such training programmes took place in Tamale recently and was supported by the Canadian High Commission, Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Sustainable Peace Initiative.
“We at WANEP-Ghana are looking for avenues to help build bridges among the people of Dagbon as a way to promote peace,” Mr Justin Bayor, the National Co-ordinator of WANEP-Ghana stated in an interview.
“What we are doing at these training programmes is to let the people see the other side of conflicts, that is the opportunity to strengthen the relationships that exists between them by addressing the grey areas in a very harmonious way,” he added.
Indeed, targeting the youth is more than appropriate. Of course, conflicts would have died long ago along with their architects if not for the continuation of these conflicts by the youth. It is the youth who are the instruments used by adults to perpetuate conflicts.
They are indoctrinated with hate and ethnocentric sentiments, thereby preparing them to pursue the conflicts started by their great grandfathers, even when these conflicts become irrelevant to modern times.
Any effort aimed at restoring lasting peace to Dagbon must, hence, seek to involve the youth.
In the opinion of Ms Nuala Lawlor, the Counsellor on Political, Economic Relations and Public Affairs to the Canadian High Commission, the inclusion of women in such training programmes is also in the right direction.
“While women and children are often the most vulnerable during times of conflict, this is not to say that they cannot be the most powerful agents for peace,” she noted, adding that women needed to be involved in peace-building efforts.
One of the key areas of the training is the focus on the use of early warning signals to prevent the escalation of conflicts.
In the estimation of WANEP-Ghana, violent conflicts that occur in Ghana are pre-emptive and therefore instituting an early and effective response to conflict signals could be a sure way to managing such conflicts.
Mr Ishmael Falilu, one of the participants at the workshop told the Daily Graphic that the training programme was very helpful, particularly due to the ongoing efforts to resolve the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis.
“I think this training re-echoes the need for all of us to come on board since it is in the interest of all that this conflict is laid to rest, so that we open a new chapter of unity and a single sense of purpose,” he mentioned.
“For me, this training has opened our eyes on the need to make interventions early and not to wait till matters get out of hand,” another participant, Ms Mariam Adam, told this paper.
All in all, the most important thing is for such training programmes to translate into fruitful results for the benefit of Dagbon and Ghana.
The absence of war in the Northern Region does not therefore imply the presence of peace, since there are conflict undertones that need to be addressed.
Like many other regions, the Northern Region is still battling with some conflicts that have threatened to mar the social fabric and hospitality of residents of this region.
From Bimbilla, Buipe, Bunkpurugu, Yendi, Gusheigu to Zabzugu, one can pinpoint one or two issues that have been a bone of contention either among or between ethnic groups.
The Dagbon crisis appears to be one of the most prominent of such issues due to the interventions that the state has made towards bringing a closure to this matter.
It is an undeniable fact that this conflict has dealt a big blow to the development of the Dagbon traditional area, due to the absence of sustained leadership, direction and concerted efforts.
It is in the light of this, that the Ghana chapter of the West African Network for Peace-building (WANEP) thought it wise to build the capacities of youth and women groups in Dagbon to engage each other in peace-building efforts towards restoring real peace in Dagbon – one that would be driven by brotherliness and mutual understanding.
The first of such training programmes took place in Tamale recently and was supported by the Canadian High Commission, Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Sustainable Peace Initiative.
“We at WANEP-Ghana are looking for avenues to help build bridges among the people of Dagbon as a way to promote peace,” Mr Justin Bayor, the National Co-ordinator of WANEP-Ghana stated in an interview.
“What we are doing at these training programmes is to let the people see the other side of conflicts, that is the opportunity to strengthen the relationships that exists between them by addressing the grey areas in a very harmonious way,” he added.
Indeed, targeting the youth is more than appropriate. Of course, conflicts would have died long ago along with their architects if not for the continuation of these conflicts by the youth. It is the youth who are the instruments used by adults to perpetuate conflicts.
They are indoctrinated with hate and ethnocentric sentiments, thereby preparing them to pursue the conflicts started by their great grandfathers, even when these conflicts become irrelevant to modern times.
Any effort aimed at restoring lasting peace to Dagbon must, hence, seek to involve the youth.
In the opinion of Ms Nuala Lawlor, the Counsellor on Political, Economic Relations and Public Affairs to the Canadian High Commission, the inclusion of women in such training programmes is also in the right direction.
“While women and children are often the most vulnerable during times of conflict, this is not to say that they cannot be the most powerful agents for peace,” she noted, adding that women needed to be involved in peace-building efforts.
One of the key areas of the training is the focus on the use of early warning signals to prevent the escalation of conflicts.
In the estimation of WANEP-Ghana, violent conflicts that occur in Ghana are pre-emptive and therefore instituting an early and effective response to conflict signals could be a sure way to managing such conflicts.
Mr Ishmael Falilu, one of the participants at the workshop told the Daily Graphic that the training programme was very helpful, particularly due to the ongoing efforts to resolve the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis.
“I think this training re-echoes the need for all of us to come on board since it is in the interest of all that this conflict is laid to rest, so that we open a new chapter of unity and a single sense of purpose,” he mentioned.
“For me, this training has opened our eyes on the need to make interventions early and not to wait till matters get out of hand,” another participant, Ms Mariam Adam, told this paper.
All in all, the most important thing is for such training programmes to translate into fruitful results for the benefit of Dagbon and Ghana.
TWO UNIVERSITIES EXPLORE AREAS FOR PARTNERSHIP (PAGE 23, MAR 28, 2011)
AUTHORITIES of the University for Development Studies (UDS) and the University of Electronic Science and Technology, China (UESTC) have held talks to explore ways of establishing a viable partnership between the two institutions.
The discussions took place in Tamale at the UDS administrative block following the visit to the UDS by a six-member delegation from the UESTC, led by its president, Mr Wang Jin Song.
Some of the possible areas of co-operation that were considered were the establishment of staff and student exchange programmes, as well capacity building in the area of Information Communication and Technology.
The UESTC also pledged to offer some scholarships to some students and staff from the UDS to study in that university, which is situated in Chengdu, China.
Mr Jin Song said this was the first time that members of the delegation were in Africa and that Ghana had been chosen as their first destination due to its international repute.
He said Ghanaians studying in China had also helped in enhancing the image of the country by distinguishing themselves in all areas of study.
Mr Jing Song expressed hope of establishing a fruitful relationship with the UDS which would be mutually beneficial to both institutions.
The VC of the UDS, Prof Yakubu Haruna, who led the UDS team in the discussions, noted that it was very important for institutions across the world to establish partnerships to help further their mandates and extend their coverage.
He said the UDS, having emerged from humble beginnings, had the plan to establish relationships with universities all over the world that placed premium on practically-oriented training.
“Our desire has always been to remain a leader in producing well-baked graduates who are practically and academically proficient to meet the needs of the market,” the VC explained.
He mentioned the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP) as the university’s flagship programme that is used to meet the objective of providing the practical aspect of the training.
The UESTC, which is one of China’s leading science and technology institutions, already has an existing partnership with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the Koforidua Polytechnic.
The discussions took place in Tamale at the UDS administrative block following the visit to the UDS by a six-member delegation from the UESTC, led by its president, Mr Wang Jin Song.
Some of the possible areas of co-operation that were considered were the establishment of staff and student exchange programmes, as well capacity building in the area of Information Communication and Technology.
The UESTC also pledged to offer some scholarships to some students and staff from the UDS to study in that university, which is situated in Chengdu, China.
Mr Jin Song said this was the first time that members of the delegation were in Africa and that Ghana had been chosen as their first destination due to its international repute.
He said Ghanaians studying in China had also helped in enhancing the image of the country by distinguishing themselves in all areas of study.
Mr Jing Song expressed hope of establishing a fruitful relationship with the UDS which would be mutually beneficial to both institutions.
The VC of the UDS, Prof Yakubu Haruna, who led the UDS team in the discussions, noted that it was very important for institutions across the world to establish partnerships to help further their mandates and extend their coverage.
He said the UDS, having emerged from humble beginnings, had the plan to establish relationships with universities all over the world that placed premium on practically-oriented training.
“Our desire has always been to remain a leader in producing well-baked graduates who are practically and academically proficient to meet the needs of the market,” the VC explained.
He mentioned the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP) as the university’s flagship programme that is used to meet the objective of providing the practical aspect of the training.
The UESTC, which is one of China’s leading science and technology institutions, already has an existing partnership with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the Koforidua Polytechnic.
TWO MINISTERS INVOLVED IN SEPARATE ACCIDENTS (PAGE 49, MAR 28, 2011)
THE Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Mahama Ayariga is responding to treatment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) where he has been hospitalised after he was involved in an accident in the early hours of Sunday.
At press time, yesterday (Sunday), he was being attended to by specialists at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), after he had earlier on been operated upon.
The Chief Executive Officer of the TTH, Dr Ken Sagoe said the hospital would brief the media on the situation of the deputy minister at a time deemed appropriate.
Information gathered by this paper revealed that Mr Ayariga was on his way to Tamale from Bolga along with his driver and another passenger when they crushed onto a cargo truck parked on a portion of the road at Nasia, in the West Mamprusi district.
The driver of the vehicle and the other passenger, whose names were not given, sustained minor injuries and were treated and discharged.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, who visited Mr Ayariga at the hospital, told the Daily Graphic that the deputy minister was recuperating.
“I could not gather much from him on the nature of the accident and how he was feeling because he was in pain,” he stated.
The Minister commended the doctors at the TTH for their swift response, adding that “they have done a good job on Ayariga.”
At press time, yesterday (Sunday), he was being attended to by specialists at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), after he had earlier on been operated upon.
The Chief Executive Officer of the TTH, Dr Ken Sagoe said the hospital would brief the media on the situation of the deputy minister at a time deemed appropriate.
Information gathered by this paper revealed that Mr Ayariga was on his way to Tamale from Bolga along with his driver and another passenger when they crushed onto a cargo truck parked on a portion of the road at Nasia, in the West Mamprusi district.
The driver of the vehicle and the other passenger, whose names were not given, sustained minor injuries and were treated and discharged.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, who visited Mr Ayariga at the hospital, told the Daily Graphic that the deputy minister was recuperating.
“I could not gather much from him on the nature of the accident and how he was feeling because he was in pain,” he stated.
The Minister commended the doctors at the TTH for their swift response, adding that “they have done a good job on Ayariga.”
DEAD RATS IN COURT - AS POLICE EXHIBITS (MIRROR, PAGE 3, MAR 26, 2011)
A STATE prosecutor created an interesting spectacle in court when he brought in a quantity of dead rats into the courtroom as evidence to back the prosecution of some nine persons.
They had been arrested for allegedly setting fire to a farm whiles hunting for rats and other rodents.
He told the Tamale district magistrate court, presided over by His Worship Gabriel Mate-Teye, that the rats, contained in a PP mesh (fertilizer) bag, were the catch of the group and that they were seized by the police during the arrest and preserved in a fridge.
Other items seized from the group, which includes 16 bicycles and a motorbike, were also brought to court as more exhibits.
The judge sentenced two of the suspects – Osman Adam, 18, student and Latif Osman, 20, farmer – to two weeks imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to the charge of negligently causing unlawful damage contrary to section 12 and 172 of Act 29/30 of the Criminal Code.
The two are also to pay the cost of the damage that was caused to the farm, failure of which would further attract a one-month jail sentence.
He again ruled that the bicycles and motorbike be given to community volunteers who are helping the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the Ghana Environmental Management Project (GEMP).
The judge however let out some comic relief when he asked the observers in the court what should be done to the rats.
The case of another suspect, Adam Fuseini, 20, an electrician, who pleaded not guilty, was adjourned to Friday, March 25, after he was granted surety of GH¢200.
Earlier on Wednesday, March 16, the other six suspects, who were identified as juveniles, appeared before the juvenile court and they were found guilty.
Consequently, the court bonded them for a period of two years to be of good behaviour and avoid partaking in any activity that is harmful to the environment.
The prosecutor, Insp. Johnson Cheremeh said the nine persons, who were among a group of hunters, were arrested by the Police Mobile Task Force on the evening of Saturday January 22nd, 2011, following an urgent report made to the police by the EPA.
He said the group had set fire to farms and bushes in Nyamalga, a farming community in the East Gonja district.
Insp. Cheremeh mentioned that the group went on the hunting expedition with motorbikes and bicycles and were desperate to catch some bush animals.
He said in the process, the group set fire to a 36-acre cowpea farm, because a rodent they were pursuing had supposedly run into the nearby farm.
The case involving the nine persons opened in court last Monday, March 14, 2011, but the magistrate requested that a separate charge sheet be prepared, since six of the suspects were identified as juveniles.
Meanwhile, Mr Mate-Teye has cautioned all persons who engage in bush burning to avoid the practice or be made to face the music.
He said the court would remain resolute in ensuring that no one gets away with it after causing damage to the environment, which, he noted, was humans’ source of livelihood.
Mr Mate-Teye was full of praise for officials of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for pursuing the matter, in spite of pressure from various influential persons for the case to be dropped.
They had been arrested for allegedly setting fire to a farm whiles hunting for rats and other rodents.
He told the Tamale district magistrate court, presided over by His Worship Gabriel Mate-Teye, that the rats, contained in a PP mesh (fertilizer) bag, were the catch of the group and that they were seized by the police during the arrest and preserved in a fridge.
Other items seized from the group, which includes 16 bicycles and a motorbike, were also brought to court as more exhibits.
The judge sentenced two of the suspects – Osman Adam, 18, student and Latif Osman, 20, farmer – to two weeks imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to the charge of negligently causing unlawful damage contrary to section 12 and 172 of Act 29/30 of the Criminal Code.
The two are also to pay the cost of the damage that was caused to the farm, failure of which would further attract a one-month jail sentence.
He again ruled that the bicycles and motorbike be given to community volunteers who are helping the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the Ghana Environmental Management Project (GEMP).
The judge however let out some comic relief when he asked the observers in the court what should be done to the rats.
The case of another suspect, Adam Fuseini, 20, an electrician, who pleaded not guilty, was adjourned to Friday, March 25, after he was granted surety of GH¢200.
Earlier on Wednesday, March 16, the other six suspects, who were identified as juveniles, appeared before the juvenile court and they were found guilty.
Consequently, the court bonded them for a period of two years to be of good behaviour and avoid partaking in any activity that is harmful to the environment.
The prosecutor, Insp. Johnson Cheremeh said the nine persons, who were among a group of hunters, were arrested by the Police Mobile Task Force on the evening of Saturday January 22nd, 2011, following an urgent report made to the police by the EPA.
He said the group had set fire to farms and bushes in Nyamalga, a farming community in the East Gonja district.
Insp. Cheremeh mentioned that the group went on the hunting expedition with motorbikes and bicycles and were desperate to catch some bush animals.
He said in the process, the group set fire to a 36-acre cowpea farm, because a rodent they were pursuing had supposedly run into the nearby farm.
The case involving the nine persons opened in court last Monday, March 14, 2011, but the magistrate requested that a separate charge sheet be prepared, since six of the suspects were identified as juveniles.
Meanwhile, Mr Mate-Teye has cautioned all persons who engage in bush burning to avoid the practice or be made to face the music.
He said the court would remain resolute in ensuring that no one gets away with it after causing damage to the environment, which, he noted, was humans’ source of livelihood.
Mr Mate-Teye was full of praise for officials of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for pursuing the matter, in spite of pressure from various influential persons for the case to be dropped.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
ELIMINATING OBSTETRIC FISTULA - ALL HANDS ON DECK (PAGE 11, MAR 24, 2011)
IT does not take only health professionals to fight the canker of obstetric fistula, since this deadly condition can be prevented with the support of various actors in the community.
This is the message that the Department of Women in the Northern Region has decided to drum home to the ears of inhabitants of the region, most of whom have for long stood aloof and watched women affected by fistula to suffer in silence.
This condition, according to medical experts, is a severe medical condition in which a hole, known as a fistula, develops either between the rectum and vagina or between the bladder and vagina of a woman after severe or failed childbirth.
It occurs when adequate medical care is not available for the woman in times of complications or sometimes due to sexual trauma.
Women who develop any of these conditions either pass urine or stool or both through the vagina, thereby putting them in a debilitating state.
As a result, they become outcasts in their families and communities because their condition makes them dirty in the eyes of other people and, consequently, many of them lose their marriages.
In some communities, fistula patients are even considered to have been afflicted by some form of witchcraft or a curse.
Personnel at the Department of Women therefore believe it is high time that the northern community are educated on the nature of fistula and how all could contribute towards its prevention.
In line with this objective, the department organised a symposia in Tamale to shed light on how every member of the community could help prevent fistula.
The symposia, which also discussed other areas of gender empowerment, formed part of activities to mark the centenary celebrations of the International Women’s Day.
In order to reach a wide range of critical actors in the community, the department ensured that the function was attended by opinion leaders, traditional rulers, women, students, health professionals, media personnel, among others.
Speaking at the symposia, a gynaecologist at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr Banabas Gandaw noted that the occurrence of fistula was an indication of the failure of all partners to ensure the proper management of pregnancies.
He said pregnant women required a number of services to enable them undergo safe delivery and recuperation, some which include, family planning, antenatal care, comprehensive and emergency obstetric care and post-natal care.
Dr Gandaw, who spoke on the topic “proper management of pregnancies and obstetric fistula and related damages,” further explained that there were various roles that communities could play in ensuring safe motherhood.
Some of these, he mentioned, include providing transport, supporting the work of health professionals, encouraging men to be responsible, abolishing harmful traditional practices, championing the education of the girl-child and giving a voice to women.
“In fact, a prepared and responsible family and community is the primary source of good pregnancy outcomes,” he added.
Dr Gandaw stressed that pregnancy care should be the concern of all, “because it has to do with human existence,” adding that the birth of a girl child should mark the beginning of efforts to groom the child to undergo safe childbirth in her adult life.
In an interview, the Northern Regional Director of the Department of Women, Mr Zakari-Saa Patrick Seidu mentioned that several cases of obstetric fistula were now being reported in the region as the department raised awareness on this condition.
“We have been sensitising the communities on the need to support their women who are living with fistula by bringing them for treatment and showing care and concern to facilitate their recuperation,” he stated.
He said since the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) started supporting the fight against fistula, many women have been treated and successfully reintegrated into their families and communities.
The director again mentioned that parents were being encouraged to protect their female children from early marriages and teenage pregnancies, since these exposed the children to complications, such as fistula.
With these efforts, it is hoped that more women who are suffering in silence due to fistula would seek care and that the number of women who develop this condition each year would also reduce considerably.
This is the message that the Department of Women in the Northern Region has decided to drum home to the ears of inhabitants of the region, most of whom have for long stood aloof and watched women affected by fistula to suffer in silence.
This condition, according to medical experts, is a severe medical condition in which a hole, known as a fistula, develops either between the rectum and vagina or between the bladder and vagina of a woman after severe or failed childbirth.
It occurs when adequate medical care is not available for the woman in times of complications or sometimes due to sexual trauma.
Women who develop any of these conditions either pass urine or stool or both through the vagina, thereby putting them in a debilitating state.
As a result, they become outcasts in their families and communities because their condition makes them dirty in the eyes of other people and, consequently, many of them lose their marriages.
In some communities, fistula patients are even considered to have been afflicted by some form of witchcraft or a curse.
Personnel at the Department of Women therefore believe it is high time that the northern community are educated on the nature of fistula and how all could contribute towards its prevention.
In line with this objective, the department organised a symposia in Tamale to shed light on how every member of the community could help prevent fistula.
The symposia, which also discussed other areas of gender empowerment, formed part of activities to mark the centenary celebrations of the International Women’s Day.
In order to reach a wide range of critical actors in the community, the department ensured that the function was attended by opinion leaders, traditional rulers, women, students, health professionals, media personnel, among others.
Speaking at the symposia, a gynaecologist at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Dr Banabas Gandaw noted that the occurrence of fistula was an indication of the failure of all partners to ensure the proper management of pregnancies.
He said pregnant women required a number of services to enable them undergo safe delivery and recuperation, some which include, family planning, antenatal care, comprehensive and emergency obstetric care and post-natal care.
Dr Gandaw, who spoke on the topic “proper management of pregnancies and obstetric fistula and related damages,” further explained that there were various roles that communities could play in ensuring safe motherhood.
Some of these, he mentioned, include providing transport, supporting the work of health professionals, encouraging men to be responsible, abolishing harmful traditional practices, championing the education of the girl-child and giving a voice to women.
“In fact, a prepared and responsible family and community is the primary source of good pregnancy outcomes,” he added.
Dr Gandaw stressed that pregnancy care should be the concern of all, “because it has to do with human existence,” adding that the birth of a girl child should mark the beginning of efforts to groom the child to undergo safe childbirth in her adult life.
In an interview, the Northern Regional Director of the Department of Women, Mr Zakari-Saa Patrick Seidu mentioned that several cases of obstetric fistula were now being reported in the region as the department raised awareness on this condition.
“We have been sensitising the communities on the need to support their women who are living with fistula by bringing them for treatment and showing care and concern to facilitate their recuperation,” he stated.
He said since the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) started supporting the fight against fistula, many women have been treated and successfully reintegrated into their families and communities.
The director again mentioned that parents were being encouraged to protect their female children from early marriages and teenage pregnancies, since these exposed the children to complications, such as fistula.
With these efforts, it is hoped that more women who are suffering in silence due to fistula would seek care and that the number of women who develop this condition each year would also reduce considerably.
ROCKY DAWUNI SINGS GUINEA WORM AWAY (SHOWBIZ, PAGE 6, MAR 24, 2011)
INTERNATIONALLY-acclaimed Ghanaian reggae and afro pop artiste, Rocky Dawuni sung his heart out last Saturday in support of efforts to bring an end to the spread of guinea worm in the country.
Although the concert served as this year’s version of Rocky Dawuni’s annual Independence Splash, which is organised by Africa LIVE, the main agenda was to inspire the residents of Tamale to join hands in saying goodbye to guinea worm.
Quite a number of reggae funs were at the Tamale Sports Stadium to show solidarity with the Ghanaian reggae icon and to demonstrate their support for the guinea worm eradication programme.
Rocky, spotted in his brown loose-top and white trousers, mounted the stage some minutes past 12:00pm and sparked the audience into some spontaneous reggae-style boogie as he delivered his African Reggae Fever, one of the notable songs on his latest album, Hymns for the Rebel Soul.
He also unleashed some of his popular songs, including Master Plan, Download the Revolution, Africa for Learn and Extraordinary Woman much to the delight of the audience.
Rocky’s rendition of his hit-song In Ghana, which actually brought him into limelight, was the icing on the cake as it turned the stadium into a jamboree, forcing Rocky Dawuni to step down from the stage to join the dancing crowd.
In fact, not only did Rocky sing, but he also gave out words of advice to the patrons of the show to be observant and report any case of guinea worm to health authorities for swift response.
“For long, we have suffered under the spell of this disease and we are about to win the war against this disease, so it is in our interest to support the eradication efforts,” he stated.
Prior to his performance, Northern hip-life artistes George Cliff and Lil Malik, as well as reggae icons, Blakk Rasta and Sherif Ghale, put up some exciting performances to warm up the audience.
An out of the blue performance by little Sophia and Aisha gave the concert a sweet childhood appeal, as they gave a lovely rendition of Rocky’s Take it slow (love, love, love), with Aisha playing on the guitar.
Their performance was greeted with a round of applause by the audience, who, apparently, were not expecting that side attraction.
Interestingly, Sophia, who is eight years, is the daughter of Rocky Dawuni, whiles 12 year-old Aisha is the daughter of Dr Sule Gariba, a board member of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA).
Meanwhile, in spite of the hype the concert enjoyed in the local media some days before the show, many of the patrons wondered why the show was poorly attended.
“I had expected to come and see a large crowd at the stadium, but I must admit that I am disappointed,” Ms Kanita Abdul-Somed told the Showbiz.
The concert was sponsored by UNICEF, European Union, The Carter Center and supported by other partners, including the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, CityLink Airlines, Gariba Lodge, Elike Dezigns and Naturel Soap.
Although the concert served as this year’s version of Rocky Dawuni’s annual Independence Splash, which is organised by Africa LIVE, the main agenda was to inspire the residents of Tamale to join hands in saying goodbye to guinea worm.
Quite a number of reggae funs were at the Tamale Sports Stadium to show solidarity with the Ghanaian reggae icon and to demonstrate their support for the guinea worm eradication programme.
Rocky, spotted in his brown loose-top and white trousers, mounted the stage some minutes past 12:00pm and sparked the audience into some spontaneous reggae-style boogie as he delivered his African Reggae Fever, one of the notable songs on his latest album, Hymns for the Rebel Soul.
He also unleashed some of his popular songs, including Master Plan, Download the Revolution, Africa for Learn and Extraordinary Woman much to the delight of the audience.
Rocky’s rendition of his hit-song In Ghana, which actually brought him into limelight, was the icing on the cake as it turned the stadium into a jamboree, forcing Rocky Dawuni to step down from the stage to join the dancing crowd.
In fact, not only did Rocky sing, but he also gave out words of advice to the patrons of the show to be observant and report any case of guinea worm to health authorities for swift response.
“For long, we have suffered under the spell of this disease and we are about to win the war against this disease, so it is in our interest to support the eradication efforts,” he stated.
Prior to his performance, Northern hip-life artistes George Cliff and Lil Malik, as well as reggae icons, Blakk Rasta and Sherif Ghale, put up some exciting performances to warm up the audience.
An out of the blue performance by little Sophia and Aisha gave the concert a sweet childhood appeal, as they gave a lovely rendition of Rocky’s Take it slow (love, love, love), with Aisha playing on the guitar.
Their performance was greeted with a round of applause by the audience, who, apparently, were not expecting that side attraction.
Interestingly, Sophia, who is eight years, is the daughter of Rocky Dawuni, whiles 12 year-old Aisha is the daughter of Dr Sule Gariba, a board member of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA).
Meanwhile, in spite of the hype the concert enjoyed in the local media some days before the show, many of the patrons wondered why the show was poorly attended.
“I had expected to come and see a large crowd at the stadium, but I must admit that I am disappointed,” Ms Kanita Abdul-Somed told the Showbiz.
The concert was sponsored by UNICEF, European Union, The Carter Center and supported by other partners, including the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, CityLink Airlines, Gariba Lodge, Elike Dezigns and Naturel Soap.
CSM CLAIMS 16 LIVES IN NORTHERN REGION (FRONT PAGE, A3, MAR 23, 2011)
SIXTEEN people have died of the heat-inflicted Celebro-Spinal Meningitis (CSM) in the Northern Region since the beginning of this year.
However, the Northern Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Akwasi Twumasi maintains the situation is under control and gives the assurance that there is no cause for alarm.
“Although the deaths may appear alarming, we are not at the point of an outbreak. We are monitoring the cases and it has not reached an alert or epidemic threshold,” he told the Daily Graphic in an interview in Tamale.
Also, a total of 95 cases of CSM have so far been recorded between January and March this year.
According to Dr Twumasi, this is certainly an improvement over that of last year, because last year, the region recorded 223 cases of CSM, “but this year, it may not even exceed 100 due to the onset of the rains.”
In his estimation, the annual CSM infection is on the decline due to a number of factors, such as increased surveillance and targeted vaccination.
“This year, the delayed rainy season and the presence of humidity may have contributed to the low case load,” Dr Twumasi mentioned.
According to the figures made available to this paper, three districts are leading with the highest number of recorded cases.
They are the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo, with 15 cases, East Mamprusi with 23 cases and West Mamprusi, eight cases. The Tamale metropolis has also recorded 11 cases.
The Regional Surveillance Officer, Mr Edward Accrachie Abu further indicated that every district had its alert threshold and that none of them had reached its threshold.
He therefore entreated the media to give the appropriate information regarding the CSM infection and avoiding creating panic among the general public.
According to medical experts, CSM is an epidemic and endemic febrile disease, characterised by inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, which gives rise to severe headaches, tenderness of the back of the neck and the eventual paralysis of the ocular muscles.
Though it is not contagious, it can kill its victims faster than expected. One of the recommended ways of avoiding CSM is to keep away from crowded areas during the heat season.
Meanwhile, Dr Twumasi also spoke on the Cholera outbreak in parts of the country, but indicated that no single case of the disease had been reported in the Northern Region.
“This does not mean that we are not at risk. The rains are coming and that is when Cholera is rife,” he stated.
Dr Twumasi noted that the Regional Health Directorate was on the look out for any suspected cases so as to arrest it and prevent it from spreading further.
“We are also educating the public to practice sanitation, such as hand-washing with soap and eating food prepared at hygienic places,” he added.
The director mentioned the Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IWASH) project being sponsored by the European Union (EU) and UNICEF as one of the interventions being directed towards sanitation and water provision.
“Under the project, toilets and water facilities are being provided and people are being sensitised on the need to practice hand-washing with soap,” he noted.
However, the Northern Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Akwasi Twumasi maintains the situation is under control and gives the assurance that there is no cause for alarm.
“Although the deaths may appear alarming, we are not at the point of an outbreak. We are monitoring the cases and it has not reached an alert or epidemic threshold,” he told the Daily Graphic in an interview in Tamale.
Also, a total of 95 cases of CSM have so far been recorded between January and March this year.
According to Dr Twumasi, this is certainly an improvement over that of last year, because last year, the region recorded 223 cases of CSM, “but this year, it may not even exceed 100 due to the onset of the rains.”
In his estimation, the annual CSM infection is on the decline due to a number of factors, such as increased surveillance and targeted vaccination.
“This year, the delayed rainy season and the presence of humidity may have contributed to the low case load,” Dr Twumasi mentioned.
According to the figures made available to this paper, three districts are leading with the highest number of recorded cases.
They are the Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo, with 15 cases, East Mamprusi with 23 cases and West Mamprusi, eight cases. The Tamale metropolis has also recorded 11 cases.
The Regional Surveillance Officer, Mr Edward Accrachie Abu further indicated that every district had its alert threshold and that none of them had reached its threshold.
He therefore entreated the media to give the appropriate information regarding the CSM infection and avoiding creating panic among the general public.
According to medical experts, CSM is an epidemic and endemic febrile disease, characterised by inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, which gives rise to severe headaches, tenderness of the back of the neck and the eventual paralysis of the ocular muscles.
Though it is not contagious, it can kill its victims faster than expected. One of the recommended ways of avoiding CSM is to keep away from crowded areas during the heat season.
Meanwhile, Dr Twumasi also spoke on the Cholera outbreak in parts of the country, but indicated that no single case of the disease had been reported in the Northern Region.
“This does not mean that we are not at risk. The rains are coming and that is when Cholera is rife,” he stated.
Dr Twumasi noted that the Regional Health Directorate was on the look out for any suspected cases so as to arrest it and prevent it from spreading further.
“We are also educating the public to practice sanitation, such as hand-washing with soap and eating food prepared at hygienic places,” he added.
The director mentioned the Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IWASH) project being sponsored by the European Union (EU) and UNICEF as one of the interventions being directed towards sanitation and water provision.
“Under the project, toilets and water facilities are being provided and people are being sensitised on the need to practice hand-washing with soap,” he noted.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
WOMEN IN GOVERNANCE MUST DELIVER TO INSPIRE (PAGE 11, MAR 22, 2011)
GETTING more women elected into governance positions should not be the ultimate concern for gender activists, a development practitioner, Ms Inger Millard has observed.
In her estimation, the real work for women begins when they get the opportunity to serve in decision making and implementation either at the local or national levels.
“They must justify their selection by delivering to meet expectations and also serve as a source of inspiration to other women,” Ms Millard stated in an interview with the Daily Graphic at the sidelines of a media review meeting organised by the Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA) in Tamale.
She noted that the attitudes and achievements of women in governance positions played a critical role in shaping people’s ideas about the capabilities of women, as well as urging other women to aspire to such positions.
She said the system was in dire need of role models who would be the examples of successful women leaders for others to emulate.
Ms Inger also mentioned the need for women in governance to meander their way into the corridors of power so as to make their voices heard and acted on.
“The power game has been dominated by men and so women who get into governance must get involved in this game to enable them create an enabling environment for other women to come on board,” she mentioned.
A Civil Society Organisation consultant, Ms Nina Lauritzen, who also spoke to this paper, mentioned the need for NGOs to provide some form of support to women who are already in the governance structure.
According to her, at several international conventions, women from Latin America revealed that the challenge for them arose when they got elected into office, due to the huge expectations.
She explained that there are different support modules for women in governance and that Ghana needed to implement the one that suits its needs.
“In some countries, the support system is in the form of mentoring, where women achievers tend to support the development of other women who have been elected into office with little experience,” she said.
She therefore suggested the need for the NGOs to conduct needs assessments on women who are in governance so as to determine how to support these women to enable them perform in line with their capabilities.
The media review meeting discussed many issues regarding projects being implemented by the GDCA in areas such as women empowerment, rural water supply, hygiene and sanitation, education and youth development.
In her estimation, the real work for women begins when they get the opportunity to serve in decision making and implementation either at the local or national levels.
“They must justify their selection by delivering to meet expectations and also serve as a source of inspiration to other women,” Ms Millard stated in an interview with the Daily Graphic at the sidelines of a media review meeting organised by the Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA) in Tamale.
She noted that the attitudes and achievements of women in governance positions played a critical role in shaping people’s ideas about the capabilities of women, as well as urging other women to aspire to such positions.
She said the system was in dire need of role models who would be the examples of successful women leaders for others to emulate.
Ms Inger also mentioned the need for women in governance to meander their way into the corridors of power so as to make their voices heard and acted on.
“The power game has been dominated by men and so women who get into governance must get involved in this game to enable them create an enabling environment for other women to come on board,” she mentioned.
A Civil Society Organisation consultant, Ms Nina Lauritzen, who also spoke to this paper, mentioned the need for NGOs to provide some form of support to women who are already in the governance structure.
According to her, at several international conventions, women from Latin America revealed that the challenge for them arose when they got elected into office, due to the huge expectations.
She explained that there are different support modules for women in governance and that Ghana needed to implement the one that suits its needs.
“In some countries, the support system is in the form of mentoring, where women achievers tend to support the development of other women who have been elected into office with little experience,” she said.
She therefore suggested the need for the NGOs to conduct needs assessments on women who are in governance so as to determine how to support these women to enable them perform in line with their capabilities.
The media review meeting discussed many issues regarding projects being implemented by the GDCA in areas such as women empowerment, rural water supply, hygiene and sanitation, education and youth development.
POLYTECHNICS, KEY TO BETTER GHANA AGENDA - MOULD-IDDRISU (PAGE 13, MAR 17, 2011)
THE government’s desire to transform the country in line with the “Better Ghana” agenda would require the support of the country’s polytechnics, the Minister of Education, Mrs Betty Mould Iddrisu has observed.
According to her, one of the building blocks of a better Ghana is the availability of a competent middle level human resource to run the industries so as to increase production and reduce the country’s reliance on imported items.
She said the polytechnics were therefore expected to provide the opportunity for skills development, training and competencies in the relevant fields that would in turn provide the much needed middle level manpower needs of the nation.
Mrs Iddrisu said this in a speech read on her behalf in Tamale during the fifth congregation ceremony of the Tamale Polytechnic.
She said given the appropriate training and orientation, “the polytechnic graduate should be able to link and apply what has been learnt to the 21st century’s world of work and industry.”
The Education Minister further noted that the relevance of the polytechnics had become more pronounced following the country’s commencement of oil production.
“Discovery and drilling of oil in commercial quantities brings along with it the need for advanced petroleum engineers, laboratory technicians and many others,” she noted.
Mrs Iddrisu also mentioned job creation as another ingredient of the better Ghana, pointing out that polytechnics were expected to lead in providing self-employable skills to the youth.
“It is therefore the hope of government that polytechnic graduates would establish their own businesses and also employ others. This is the only way we can all come together to achieve our goal of a better Ghana for our children and posterity,” she mentioned.
The Minister said in recognition of the importance of polytechnics, the government, through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), had advanced some resources towards the infrastructural development of all public polytechnics in the country.
“The 10 polytechnics across the country have all witnessed massive infrastructural development through the GETFund support scheme,” she stated, pledging further support.
Aside from the improvement in infrastructure, Mrs Iddrisu made mention of efforts being made towards improving the conditions of service of polytechnic staff.
“The current Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) would attempt to correct existing anomalies that have been detected in both public and civil servants remunerations,” she mentioned.
The minister therefore urged the polytechnic staff to exercise restraint whiles the government fixes the challenges regarding the implementation of the new pay policy.
“Strikes are not effective ways of settling disagreements. At the end of every strike, all stakeholders in the education sector tend to lose. We should therefore always try to avoid them as much as possible,” she added.
According to her, one of the building blocks of a better Ghana is the availability of a competent middle level human resource to run the industries so as to increase production and reduce the country’s reliance on imported items.
She said the polytechnics were therefore expected to provide the opportunity for skills development, training and competencies in the relevant fields that would in turn provide the much needed middle level manpower needs of the nation.
Mrs Iddrisu said this in a speech read on her behalf in Tamale during the fifth congregation ceremony of the Tamale Polytechnic.
She said given the appropriate training and orientation, “the polytechnic graduate should be able to link and apply what has been learnt to the 21st century’s world of work and industry.”
The Education Minister further noted that the relevance of the polytechnics had become more pronounced following the country’s commencement of oil production.
“Discovery and drilling of oil in commercial quantities brings along with it the need for advanced petroleum engineers, laboratory technicians and many others,” she noted.
Mrs Iddrisu also mentioned job creation as another ingredient of the better Ghana, pointing out that polytechnics were expected to lead in providing self-employable skills to the youth.
“It is therefore the hope of government that polytechnic graduates would establish their own businesses and also employ others. This is the only way we can all come together to achieve our goal of a better Ghana for our children and posterity,” she mentioned.
The Minister said in recognition of the importance of polytechnics, the government, through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), had advanced some resources towards the infrastructural development of all public polytechnics in the country.
“The 10 polytechnics across the country have all witnessed massive infrastructural development through the GETFund support scheme,” she stated, pledging further support.
Aside from the improvement in infrastructure, Mrs Iddrisu made mention of efforts being made towards improving the conditions of service of polytechnic staff.
“The current Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) would attempt to correct existing anomalies that have been detected in both public and civil servants remunerations,” she mentioned.
The minister therefore urged the polytechnic staff to exercise restraint whiles the government fixes the challenges regarding the implementation of the new pay policy.
“Strikes are not effective ways of settling disagreements. At the end of every strike, all stakeholders in the education sector tend to lose. We should therefore always try to avoid them as much as possible,” she added.
UTILISE WARNING SIGNALS IN MANAGING CONFLICTS - NGOs URGE GOVT (PAGE 12, MAR 12, 2011)
LOCAL and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in the Northern Region have urged the government to utilise early warning signals towards managing conflicts in the country.
According to them, the failure of the government to tackle conflicts at their infancy contributes to the escalation of conflicts in many parts of the country, making it more difficult and costly to manage.
The NGOs made the call at a workshop in Tamale organised by the Ghana Network for Peace-building (GHANEP) to introduce the representatives of these NGOs to GHANEP’s early warning system and seek collaboration towards its successful implementation.
The NGOs noted that the government could avoid the situation of having to spend huge sums of money on peace operations and other conflict intervention measures.
It is estimated, for instance, that the government spends millions of cedis to cater for security officials who have been detailed to maintain peace in conflict prone zones in the country, as is currently the case in Bawku.
Such monies, the NGOs noted, could have been spent on the provision of schools, roads, health centres, educational materials and many more.
“We need to utilise early warning systems to enable us deal effectively with the countless conflict situations in all parts of the country,” Mr Damma Salifu, a representative of the United Nation’s Joint Human Security Programme stated.
He said early warning becomes irrelevant when it is not followed by an effective and timely response to these threats.
Mr Salifu again stressed the need for all the organisations working in the area of conflict management to avoid duplication of efforts and synergise their activities to achieve best results.
GHANEP launched the National Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) in 2009 to assist security institutions and peace analysts with timely information on security threats in various parts of the country, especially those identified as hot spots.
As part of the implementation, GHANEP operates a web-based system, known as ‘Ghanawarn’, which is designed to capture early warning information on possible crime and conflicts in the form of incident and situational reports. It is the second of that sort in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A database centre that is situated in Tamale, at the GHANEP secretariat, co-ordinates these reports from various surveillance teams and inputs this information onto the Ghanawarn system.
The objective of the EWRS is to shift the focus of the country from an interventionist approach of managing conflicts to a preventive and peace-building approach.
According to the National Co-ordinator of GHANEP, Mr Justin Bayor, it is far easier and less costly to intervene in conflicts at its early stage than when it degenerates.
He said this was the reason why GHANEP was promoting the early warning system as a more effective tool for managing conflicts in the country.
Mr Bayor noted that in addition to the implementation of the early warning system, GHANEP provided training to various groups in conflict transformation and management.
According to them, the failure of the government to tackle conflicts at their infancy contributes to the escalation of conflicts in many parts of the country, making it more difficult and costly to manage.
The NGOs made the call at a workshop in Tamale organised by the Ghana Network for Peace-building (GHANEP) to introduce the representatives of these NGOs to GHANEP’s early warning system and seek collaboration towards its successful implementation.
The NGOs noted that the government could avoid the situation of having to spend huge sums of money on peace operations and other conflict intervention measures.
It is estimated, for instance, that the government spends millions of cedis to cater for security officials who have been detailed to maintain peace in conflict prone zones in the country, as is currently the case in Bawku.
Such monies, the NGOs noted, could have been spent on the provision of schools, roads, health centres, educational materials and many more.
“We need to utilise early warning systems to enable us deal effectively with the countless conflict situations in all parts of the country,” Mr Damma Salifu, a representative of the United Nation’s Joint Human Security Programme stated.
He said early warning becomes irrelevant when it is not followed by an effective and timely response to these threats.
Mr Salifu again stressed the need for all the organisations working in the area of conflict management to avoid duplication of efforts and synergise their activities to achieve best results.
GHANEP launched the National Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) in 2009 to assist security institutions and peace analysts with timely information on security threats in various parts of the country, especially those identified as hot spots.
As part of the implementation, GHANEP operates a web-based system, known as ‘Ghanawarn’, which is designed to capture early warning information on possible crime and conflicts in the form of incident and situational reports. It is the second of that sort in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A database centre that is situated in Tamale, at the GHANEP secretariat, co-ordinates these reports from various surveillance teams and inputs this information onto the Ghanawarn system.
The objective of the EWRS is to shift the focus of the country from an interventionist approach of managing conflicts to a preventive and peace-building approach.
According to the National Co-ordinator of GHANEP, Mr Justin Bayor, it is far easier and less costly to intervene in conflicts at its early stage than when it degenerates.
He said this was the reason why GHANEP was promoting the early warning system as a more effective tool for managing conflicts in the country.
Mr Bayor noted that in addition to the implementation of the early warning system, GHANEP provided training to various groups in conflict transformation and management.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
VEEP INAUGURATES 5 POLYCLINICS IN NR (BACK PAGE, MAR 9, 2011)
THE Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama on Monday commissioned five new ultra-modern polyclinics for five towns in the Northern Region, but cautioned health authorities to ensure that these investments do not become victims of the poor maintenance culture of Ghanaians.
According to him, the country had on countless occasions inaugurated such huge projects, only for these projects to deteriorate in due time due to the failure of authorities to adhere strictly to a maintenance plan for these projects.
“This time around, we must tell a different story with these new projects. I have been told there is a maintenance plan in place and, therefore, it should be followed strictly to protect these investments,” he stated.
A symbolic commissioning ceremony took place at the Janga clinic in the West Mamprusi district to signify the opening of the five polyclinics, with the other four located in Chereponi, Kpandai, Karaga and Tatale.
The construction of the five clinics, which commenced in March, 2009 and completed in July, 2010, was undertaken by the Ministry of Health with financial assistance from the government of Austria at an estimated cost of 7.6m Euros.
Each of these clinics comprises several units that include a 15-bed ward for male, female, paediatric and delivery, five treatment wards, pharmacy and dispensary, laboratory and laundry, as well as a special unit for mother and child health promotion.
It is envisaged that the operation of these new clinics would provide access to quality healthcare delivery for people living in and around these towns.
It is also expected to strengthen the countries’ drive towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on maternal and child health, particularly safe delivery, immunisation, and the integrated management of childhood illness.
The Vice President noted that these projects were a manifestation of the governments’ commitment to creating a decent environment for healthcare delivery by putting in place robust infrastructure for the health sector.
He said the government was also working towards providing health professionals to man these new facilities and gave the assurance that a medical doctor would assume duty at the Janga clinic in April this year.
The Minister of Health, Mr Joseph Yileh Chireh noted that the country had made significant progress in the control of communicable diseases, but added that the challenge now was how to address non-communicable diseases that are generated by poor lifestyles.
He therefore cautioned the people to shun excessive alcohol intake, tobacco smoking and other unhealthy lifestyles, noting that the provision of health facilities and professionals was not enough to guarantee one’s good health.
The health minister again noted that the government had instituted measures to address the problem of health professionals refusing postings to rural areas.
“The government’s policy has been designed in favour of health professionals who serve in rural areas,” he mentioned, adding that these professionals would be given incentives, such as further training and promotion.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba said the provision of the new clinics would improve health delivery in the region especially in the reduction of maternal and child mortality.
Other functionaries who graced the ceremony included the Minister of Communications, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, some deputy ministers, party functionaries and heads of institutions.
According to him, the country had on countless occasions inaugurated such huge projects, only for these projects to deteriorate in due time due to the failure of authorities to adhere strictly to a maintenance plan for these projects.
“This time around, we must tell a different story with these new projects. I have been told there is a maintenance plan in place and, therefore, it should be followed strictly to protect these investments,” he stated.
A symbolic commissioning ceremony took place at the Janga clinic in the West Mamprusi district to signify the opening of the five polyclinics, with the other four located in Chereponi, Kpandai, Karaga and Tatale.
The construction of the five clinics, which commenced in March, 2009 and completed in July, 2010, was undertaken by the Ministry of Health with financial assistance from the government of Austria at an estimated cost of 7.6m Euros.
Each of these clinics comprises several units that include a 15-bed ward for male, female, paediatric and delivery, five treatment wards, pharmacy and dispensary, laboratory and laundry, as well as a special unit for mother and child health promotion.
It is envisaged that the operation of these new clinics would provide access to quality healthcare delivery for people living in and around these towns.
It is also expected to strengthen the countries’ drive towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on maternal and child health, particularly safe delivery, immunisation, and the integrated management of childhood illness.
The Vice President noted that these projects were a manifestation of the governments’ commitment to creating a decent environment for healthcare delivery by putting in place robust infrastructure for the health sector.
He said the government was also working towards providing health professionals to man these new facilities and gave the assurance that a medical doctor would assume duty at the Janga clinic in April this year.
The Minister of Health, Mr Joseph Yileh Chireh noted that the country had made significant progress in the control of communicable diseases, but added that the challenge now was how to address non-communicable diseases that are generated by poor lifestyles.
He therefore cautioned the people to shun excessive alcohol intake, tobacco smoking and other unhealthy lifestyles, noting that the provision of health facilities and professionals was not enough to guarantee one’s good health.
The health minister again noted that the government had instituted measures to address the problem of health professionals refusing postings to rural areas.
“The government’s policy has been designed in favour of health professionals who serve in rural areas,” he mentioned, adding that these professionals would be given incentives, such as further training and promotion.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba said the provision of the new clinics would improve health delivery in the region especially in the reduction of maternal and child mortality.
Other functionaries who graced the ceremony included the Minister of Communications, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, some deputy ministers, party functionaries and heads of institutions.
COTTON PRODUCTION TO GET A MAJOR PUSH (BACK PAGE, WED, MAR 9, 2011)
GHANA’S cotton industry is set for a leap this year following the successful take-off of the cotton sector revival programme, dubbed the ‘White Gold Campaign’.
An estimated 100,000 metric tonnes of lint cotton is expected to be produced in Ghana by the end of next year, which would mark a significant departure from the current production levels of about 3000 metric tonnes.
About 100,000 farmers would undertake cotton farming this year and this figure is expected to double in the next coming years.
The Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama announced this in Nanton in the Northern Region when he launched the operations of Armajaro Ghana Limited, one of the three companies that have been licensed to deal in cotton under the programme.
The other two are Wienco Ghana Limited and Olam Ghana Limited. Under the programme, each of these companies has been allocated a zone to operate in allowing them to pre-finance the activities of cotton farmers in that zone and to engage in the purchase of the raw material.
The role of the Ghana Cotton Company Limited has been limited to the ginneries, where it would make profit from the processing of the raw material for any of the licensed buyers under a tolling arrangement.
Mr Mahama explained that the revival of the cotton sector by the government in partnership with the private sector was directed towards creating a sustainable cash crop economy for northern Ghana, just as cocoa was doing for the south.
“Such an initiative would open employment avenues for people in the north and help stem the tide of poverty, which is more pronounced in the Savannah areas,” he stated.
The Vice President indicated that the World Bank and the International Finance Co-operation (IFC) had agreed to support the cotton revival initiative, particularly in building strong farmer organisations to advance the interests of cotton farmers.
He said as part of reforms of the cotton sector, prices of cotton per tonne per period would be announced to ensure transparency in the dealings of players in the value chain.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr Kwesi Ahwoi attributed the successful take-off of the cotton revival initiative to a collaborative work between his ministry and that of trade and industry.
“Mention must be made particularly of Mr Mahama Ayariga, a former Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry for his unflinching commitment towards the conception and implementation of the project,” he stated.
The Chairman of Armajaro noted that his company had a proven track record of good performance in the trading of cocoa and gave the assurance that this performance would be replicated in the cotton sector.
“Last year we spent $3m to assist farming communities and this year we intend to invest a minimum of $8m,” he revealed, adding that by the third year, the company’s new investments would have exceeded $30m.
The fortunes of the cotton industry in Ghana had dwindled in the recent past owing to factors such as the rising cost of inputs, unstable international prices of cotton and high interest charges on agricultural loans, which posed operational challenges to the Ghana Cotton Company Limited.
An estimated 100,000 metric tonnes of lint cotton is expected to be produced in Ghana by the end of next year, which would mark a significant departure from the current production levels of about 3000 metric tonnes.
About 100,000 farmers would undertake cotton farming this year and this figure is expected to double in the next coming years.
The Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama announced this in Nanton in the Northern Region when he launched the operations of Armajaro Ghana Limited, one of the three companies that have been licensed to deal in cotton under the programme.
The other two are Wienco Ghana Limited and Olam Ghana Limited. Under the programme, each of these companies has been allocated a zone to operate in allowing them to pre-finance the activities of cotton farmers in that zone and to engage in the purchase of the raw material.
The role of the Ghana Cotton Company Limited has been limited to the ginneries, where it would make profit from the processing of the raw material for any of the licensed buyers under a tolling arrangement.
Mr Mahama explained that the revival of the cotton sector by the government in partnership with the private sector was directed towards creating a sustainable cash crop economy for northern Ghana, just as cocoa was doing for the south.
“Such an initiative would open employment avenues for people in the north and help stem the tide of poverty, which is more pronounced in the Savannah areas,” he stated.
The Vice President indicated that the World Bank and the International Finance Co-operation (IFC) had agreed to support the cotton revival initiative, particularly in building strong farmer organisations to advance the interests of cotton farmers.
He said as part of reforms of the cotton sector, prices of cotton per tonne per period would be announced to ensure transparency in the dealings of players in the value chain.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr Kwesi Ahwoi attributed the successful take-off of the cotton revival initiative to a collaborative work between his ministry and that of trade and industry.
“Mention must be made particularly of Mr Mahama Ayariga, a former Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry for his unflinching commitment towards the conception and implementation of the project,” he stated.
The Chairman of Armajaro noted that his company had a proven track record of good performance in the trading of cocoa and gave the assurance that this performance would be replicated in the cotton sector.
“Last year we spent $3m to assist farming communities and this year we intend to invest a minimum of $8m,” he revealed, adding that by the third year, the company’s new investments would have exceeded $30m.
The fortunes of the cotton industry in Ghana had dwindled in the recent past owing to factors such as the rising cost of inputs, unstable international prices of cotton and high interest charges on agricultural loans, which posed operational challenges to the Ghana Cotton Company Limited.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
KANSS ENTERTAINS TAMALE CHILDREN (PAGE 29, MARCH 4, 2011)
IF the old nursery adage that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” is indeed true, then certainly KANSS Resource and Recreational Centre Limited is moving in the right direction.
The company has suddenly brought some new life into the children of Tamale having introduced an open-door play event, which is gradually catching on with children and parents in the city.
The programme was first held in December, last year, and according to the organisers, about 1000 children attended that event, although it was the first ever play event of such magnitude in the metropolis.
The second edition of the programme took place at the Tamale Sports Stadium annex over the weekend and it witnessed even greater patronage as the entire play ground was filled to capacity by children of various ages.
The children had a good time playing with various play kits that they had previously seen only on television and they included trampolines, bouncers, a little swimming pool, scooters, power wheels and bobble-balls.
There was also sports equipment for games like basketball, football, table tennis and bicycle racing.
Six-year old Maltiti Hanan, who was certainly elated, told the Daily Graphic that she enjoyed herself and would want to be at the play grounds on more occasions.
“I would tell mommy to bring us here always,” she said.
“For me, I heaved a sigh of relief when I learnt of this party. I have always longed for an event where I could send the children to play and entertain themselves,” Ms Joyce Kande, a parent, said in an interview.
She said events like this brought relief to parents because, as she explained, “we get the opportunity to send our children away to such programmes and get time to relax or concentrate on other important activities.”
Another parent, who is also a teacher, Mr Mohammed Abdul Kudus said such events helped to build the confidence of the children and expose them to other children.
He entreated the organisers to make the event more regular, such as on monthly or weekly basis.
In an interview, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KANSS Resource and Recreational Centre, Mr Salia Akibu described the event as overwhelming.
According to him, records showed that about 2500 children patronised the event and this, he indicated, made it impossible for the company to present gifts to all the children, “because our plan was to gift out about 2000 gifts.”
Mr Akibu noted that the essence of the event was to make the kids have some fun outside the house, in addition to some physical exercise through sports.
He noted that the event encountered some challenges, such as ticket racketeering and poor co-operation from other partners, but expressed hope that these challenges would be addressed before the next event.
“We plan to hold another party in March, during the Independence celebrations,” he added.
Meanwhile, the KANSS Resource and Recreational Centre has its parent company in Georgia, Atlanta, in the United States (US).
The company has suddenly brought some new life into the children of Tamale having introduced an open-door play event, which is gradually catching on with children and parents in the city.
The programme was first held in December, last year, and according to the organisers, about 1000 children attended that event, although it was the first ever play event of such magnitude in the metropolis.
The second edition of the programme took place at the Tamale Sports Stadium annex over the weekend and it witnessed even greater patronage as the entire play ground was filled to capacity by children of various ages.
The children had a good time playing with various play kits that they had previously seen only on television and they included trampolines, bouncers, a little swimming pool, scooters, power wheels and bobble-balls.
There was also sports equipment for games like basketball, football, table tennis and bicycle racing.
Six-year old Maltiti Hanan, who was certainly elated, told the Daily Graphic that she enjoyed herself and would want to be at the play grounds on more occasions.
“I would tell mommy to bring us here always,” she said.
“For me, I heaved a sigh of relief when I learnt of this party. I have always longed for an event where I could send the children to play and entertain themselves,” Ms Joyce Kande, a parent, said in an interview.
She said events like this brought relief to parents because, as she explained, “we get the opportunity to send our children away to such programmes and get time to relax or concentrate on other important activities.”
Another parent, who is also a teacher, Mr Mohammed Abdul Kudus said such events helped to build the confidence of the children and expose them to other children.
He entreated the organisers to make the event more regular, such as on monthly or weekly basis.
In an interview, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KANSS Resource and Recreational Centre, Mr Salia Akibu described the event as overwhelming.
According to him, records showed that about 2500 children patronised the event and this, he indicated, made it impossible for the company to present gifts to all the children, “because our plan was to gift out about 2000 gifts.”
Mr Akibu noted that the essence of the event was to make the kids have some fun outside the house, in addition to some physical exercise through sports.
He noted that the event encountered some challenges, such as ticket racketeering and poor co-operation from other partners, but expressed hope that these challenges would be addressed before the next event.
“We plan to hold another party in March, during the Independence celebrations,” he added.
Meanwhile, the KANSS Resource and Recreational Centre has its parent company in Georgia, Atlanta, in the United States (US).
NEGATIVE REPORTS KEEP HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AWAY - DR SAGOE (PAGE 29, MARCH 4, 2011)
MANY health professionals refuse posting to the Northern Region due to the media’s over elaboration and sensationalism of divergent issues in the North, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) has observed.
According to him, many health professionals get alarmed by reports of violence in the north and this discourages them from accepting to serve in the north due to the fear of being victims of violence.
“I have spoken to many professionals outside the region and each time they refuse to come to Tamale, the reason they give is that they have heard in the news that the people are fighting and yet this is not true,” he stated.
Dr Sagoe made these remarks when he addressed media personnel based in Tamale at a media interaction dinner organised by the hospital.
He said the media must avoid exaggerating reports about violent conflicts and tone down on the language used to communicate such issues.
“We need to understand that the more negative our reports are, the more the conflicts are exacerbated and we remain underdeveloped. But if the reports paint a harmonious picture, it helps ease tensions and minimises fear,” he noted.
The CEO revealed that efforts were underway to transform the hospital into a centre of excellence in terms of healthcare delivery, research and medical training.
He said aside from the renovation of the hospital, being undertaken by the government, there were measures to enhance quality of service through the acquisition of the requisite medical equipment.
“Another area we are seeking to improve is the attitude of our staff towards clients. We have had complaints about the poor attitudes of some of our staff and so we would institute more training programmes to polish them up,” he noted.
“What we have realised is that a single episode of dissatisfaction on the part of the client with regards to our services is communicated to others faster that the many times that the clients are satisfied, so we would do everything to avoid these pitfalls, he further assured.
Dr Sagoe identified stress as partly responsible for the unprofessional conduct of some of the staff, explaining that “if a single midwife has to attend to many deliveries, then you can expect that she would become weary and less responsive to clients’ needs.
“We have therefore embarked on a recruitment drive to boost our staff strength. We are hoping to increase the number of nurses to about 650 by the end of this year,” he revealed.
The CEO noted that the number of midwives would soon increase considerably when the first batch of trainees at the midwifery school graduate.
“We would do our best to retain a large number of them else it would be a fruitless venture to train them and allow them to leave to other facilities outside the region,” he mentioned.
The media personnel urged the hospital management to be committed to their pledge of improving upon service delivery otherwise, the media would continue to highlight these issues so far as they remain a concern to the public.
“As for us, we are the voice of the people and so we would try to balance this responsibility with that of helping the teaching hospital to grow through positive image building,” Mr Francis Npong, a correspondent of The Enquirer stated.
According to him, many health professionals get alarmed by reports of violence in the north and this discourages them from accepting to serve in the north due to the fear of being victims of violence.
“I have spoken to many professionals outside the region and each time they refuse to come to Tamale, the reason they give is that they have heard in the news that the people are fighting and yet this is not true,” he stated.
Dr Sagoe made these remarks when he addressed media personnel based in Tamale at a media interaction dinner organised by the hospital.
He said the media must avoid exaggerating reports about violent conflicts and tone down on the language used to communicate such issues.
“We need to understand that the more negative our reports are, the more the conflicts are exacerbated and we remain underdeveloped. But if the reports paint a harmonious picture, it helps ease tensions and minimises fear,” he noted.
The CEO revealed that efforts were underway to transform the hospital into a centre of excellence in terms of healthcare delivery, research and medical training.
He said aside from the renovation of the hospital, being undertaken by the government, there were measures to enhance quality of service through the acquisition of the requisite medical equipment.
“Another area we are seeking to improve is the attitude of our staff towards clients. We have had complaints about the poor attitudes of some of our staff and so we would institute more training programmes to polish them up,” he noted.
“What we have realised is that a single episode of dissatisfaction on the part of the client with regards to our services is communicated to others faster that the many times that the clients are satisfied, so we would do everything to avoid these pitfalls, he further assured.
Dr Sagoe identified stress as partly responsible for the unprofessional conduct of some of the staff, explaining that “if a single midwife has to attend to many deliveries, then you can expect that she would become weary and less responsive to clients’ needs.
“We have therefore embarked on a recruitment drive to boost our staff strength. We are hoping to increase the number of nurses to about 650 by the end of this year,” he revealed.
The CEO noted that the number of midwives would soon increase considerably when the first batch of trainees at the midwifery school graduate.
“We would do our best to retain a large number of them else it would be a fruitless venture to train them and allow them to leave to other facilities outside the region,” he mentioned.
The media personnel urged the hospital management to be committed to their pledge of improving upon service delivery otherwise, the media would continue to highlight these issues so far as they remain a concern to the public.
“As for us, we are the voice of the people and so we would try to balance this responsibility with that of helping the teaching hospital to grow through positive image building,” Mr Francis Npong, a correspondent of The Enquirer stated.
MEDIA URGED TO ENLIGHTEN PUBLIC ON ACTS - FOR TREATMENT OF MALARIA (PAGE 23, MARCH 2, 2011)
THE National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) has called on the media in Ghana to stand up and safeguard the effective supply and use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) for Malaria control.
According to the NMCP, the media’s failure to do so could endanger the fight against Malaria since the factors that contribute to the development of resistance against a drug includes the introduction of imitated drugs and ineffective usage of the recommended drugs.
“The moment we allow fake ACTs to invade our markets, we are spelling doom for this country, because when people do not see any results from the usage of these drugs, they would raise their voices against these drugs,” Mr James Frimpong, a member of the NMCP stated.
“What we must know is that for now, we have no other redeemer to help us stem the tide of malaria infection except the ACTs. So, we must collectively safeguard these drugs in the interest of the nation,” he added.
Mr Frimpong made these comments when he made presentations on the malaria control programme in the country at a training workshop held in Tamale for print and broadcast journalists operating in the Northern Region.
The training, which was organised by the NMCP in collaboration with its partners, was directed towards building the capacity of journalists to lead the fight against malaria by supporting the effective dissemination of behavioural communication change messages.
One of the key roles expected of the media, as explained by Mr Frimpong, is to enlighten the public on the shift from mono-therapy to combination-based treatment.
“The media must let the public know that Chloroquine is know more the recommended treatment for Malaria and that a combination of drugs known as ACTs are now the recommended drugs for Malaria control,” he explained.
He said the shift from Chloroquine to the ACTs was influenced by the realisation that a resistance had been developed against the drug and that the current combination of drugs were the most effective to combat the malaria parasites.
Mr Frimpong said the media must, similarly, highlight the introduction of the affordable medicine facilities for the cure of Malaria.
“With this facility, the price for ACTs has been reduced considerably to enable every Ghanaian, irrespective of social status, to acquire it,” he stated.
The Northern Regional Focal Person on Malaria, Dr John Abenyeri also entreated the media to encourage pregnant women to visit the health facility to benefit from the intermittent preventive treatment.
“This treatment for malaria during pregnancy is based on the assumption that every pregnant woman living in areas of high malaria transmission is highly prone to the disease and thus need to be protected during that period,” he explained.
Dr Abenyiri also stressed the need for the media to encourage the general public to adapt to the usage of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), adding that having it is not enough.
The media practitioners expressed delight over the training programme, noting that they had been nourished with adequate information to enable them report from a more informed perspective.
“Indeed, we thought we knew much about Malaria, but this training has really exposed our weaknesses,” Mr Francis Npong of the Enquirer stated, adding that “we can now counter the negative perceptions about Malaria and save our people.”
According to the NMCP, the media’s failure to do so could endanger the fight against Malaria since the factors that contribute to the development of resistance against a drug includes the introduction of imitated drugs and ineffective usage of the recommended drugs.
“The moment we allow fake ACTs to invade our markets, we are spelling doom for this country, because when people do not see any results from the usage of these drugs, they would raise their voices against these drugs,” Mr James Frimpong, a member of the NMCP stated.
“What we must know is that for now, we have no other redeemer to help us stem the tide of malaria infection except the ACTs. So, we must collectively safeguard these drugs in the interest of the nation,” he added.
Mr Frimpong made these comments when he made presentations on the malaria control programme in the country at a training workshop held in Tamale for print and broadcast journalists operating in the Northern Region.
The training, which was organised by the NMCP in collaboration with its partners, was directed towards building the capacity of journalists to lead the fight against malaria by supporting the effective dissemination of behavioural communication change messages.
One of the key roles expected of the media, as explained by Mr Frimpong, is to enlighten the public on the shift from mono-therapy to combination-based treatment.
“The media must let the public know that Chloroquine is know more the recommended treatment for Malaria and that a combination of drugs known as ACTs are now the recommended drugs for Malaria control,” he explained.
He said the shift from Chloroquine to the ACTs was influenced by the realisation that a resistance had been developed against the drug and that the current combination of drugs were the most effective to combat the malaria parasites.
Mr Frimpong said the media must, similarly, highlight the introduction of the affordable medicine facilities for the cure of Malaria.
“With this facility, the price for ACTs has been reduced considerably to enable every Ghanaian, irrespective of social status, to acquire it,” he stated.
The Northern Regional Focal Person on Malaria, Dr John Abenyeri also entreated the media to encourage pregnant women to visit the health facility to benefit from the intermittent preventive treatment.
“This treatment for malaria during pregnancy is based on the assumption that every pregnant woman living in areas of high malaria transmission is highly prone to the disease and thus need to be protected during that period,” he explained.
Dr Abenyiri also stressed the need for the media to encourage the general public to adapt to the usage of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs), adding that having it is not enough.
The media practitioners expressed delight over the training programme, noting that they had been nourished with adequate information to enable them report from a more informed perspective.
“Indeed, we thought we knew much about Malaria, but this training has really exposed our weaknesses,” Mr Francis Npong of the Enquirer stated, adding that “we can now counter the negative perceptions about Malaria and save our people.”
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