IT was a fight that begun in 1989 with little hope as to whether the country would succeed or not. Today, one would be apt to conclude that Ghana has won the fight against guinea worm.
The country has not recorded any single case of guinea since May last year because the transmission of the disease has been interrupted in the Northern Region.
According to health officials, the remaining caseload was limited to only the precincts of the Northern Region, but for the past 13 months, the region has not detected any case.
In 1989, when Ghana began the guinea worm eradication programme, there was a total of 180,000 recorded cases, but by May 2010, only eight cases had been detected and those were the last evidence of any detected case of guinea worm.
Ghana would now enter into the pre-certification phase which would involve sustaining the gains made for the next three years in order to be formally declared guinea worm free by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Speaking at a press briefing in Tamale, the Northern Regional Manager of the Guinea Worm Eradication Programme (GWEP), Mr Gilbert Dery mentioned that the country needed to go through a 12-calendar-month period without recording any case.
“We are into the 13th month without any case, so we can say we have cleared the hurdle,” he stated, adding that the GWEP had even increased the cash award for any detected case of guinea worm from GH¢50 to GH¢100.
Mr Dery again mentioned that a total of 69 suspected and rumoured cases were thoroughly investigated by the GWEP, but none of them were found to be guinea worm.
“We examined and continue to examine all cases that have a semblance to guinea worm infection, like blisters and boils,” he further stated.
The guinea worm manager also indicated that a National Certification Committee had been set up to put together a paper indicating the gains made in the eradication of guinea worm in Ghana.
He said the committee would later present its work to the WHO, which would in turn, send down a team of personnel to ascertain the facts presented to them.
“When the facts presented are confirmed as true, the WHO would then proceed to declare Ghana guinea worm free,” he added.
Mr Dery said although the transmission had been interrupted, more work still needed to be done, which includes intensification of surveillance and more sensitisation.
“We must also ensure that the provision of safe water remains in place, particularly the small water systems that were constructed as part of the eradication programme,” he noted.
He said another task ahead of the GWEP was how to educate people who had never seen or head of guinea worm in their lives before, because they need to be able to identify the signs so as to report it.
He entreated the media to remain partners with the health service in the fight against guinea worm by raising alarm, where it is necessary.
“The media must bring to attention any broken down wells, boreholes and other water systems,” he stated.
Mr Dery hinted that The Carter Centre, which has been one of the trusted funding partners for the activities of GWEP, will be pulling out in August.
“They have done a lot to support our work and since it is clear that together we have made significant strides, they now think the time is right for them to pull out,” he said.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
NORTHERN CHIEFS, PEOPLE REVIEW NEW ENVIRONMENT POLICY (PAGE 34, APRIL 26, 2011)
SOME chiefs and people of the Northern Region have made recommendations towards improving the new National Environmental Policy being drafted by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.
Key among these is the need to give adequate mention and attention to the menace of bush fires and uncontrolled activities of pastoralists, particularly the Fulani herdsmen.
They argued that bush fires had negative implications for soil fertility, vegetative growth and biodiversity, in addition to the destruction caused to human settlements and property.
They also noted that the Fulani herdsmen were causing damage to water bodies, farmlands and engaged in over grazing, all of which have a heavy toll on the environment.
The recommendations were made at a consultative workshop in Tamale organised by the environment ministry as part of efforts to seek the inputs of stakeholders in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions on the draft policy.
The ministry is drafting the new environment policy with support from the United Nations Development Programme.
The draft policy identifies land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, loss of biodiversity, mining and industrial development, marine and coastal degradation, urbanisation and climate change as some of the key environmental challenges.
Chief Von Salifu, one of the participants argued that there was the need for the new policy to capture all aspects of environmental concerns pertaining to various parts of the country.
“For us in the north, we know that bushfires is one, if not the main, environmental challenge facing us. It would be a disaster, therefore, if this new policy fails to adequately address this canker,” he stated.
Chief Salifu again stressed the need for this policy to lead to positive action to salvage the environment, explaining that past policies have been poorly implemented.
Making a presentation on the draft policy, the Technical Director at the MEST, Dr Nicholas Kassim Iddi mentioned that the formulation of environmental policies was aimed at ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of the country’s environmental policies.
He mentioned that the 1992 Environmental Policy attempted to meet these goals, but noted that the challenge has been ineffective enforcement of the policies and laws that exist to achieve these goals.
Dr Iddi said the new policy would attempt to restructure and redirect the implementation strategy to achieve the desired results.
The Director of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Northern Region, Mr Iddrisu Abu noted that the recommendations would be incorporated to ensure that the policy meets the expectations for stakeholders.
He however entreated the participants, particularly chiefs and local government authorities, to play a lead role in helping protect the country’s environment.
“As chiefs, you are the custodians of the land and you command authority, so you are in the right position to bring a stop to some of the activities that are helping degrade the environment at an alarming rate,” Mr Abu stated.
Key among these is the need to give adequate mention and attention to the menace of bush fires and uncontrolled activities of pastoralists, particularly the Fulani herdsmen.
They argued that bush fires had negative implications for soil fertility, vegetative growth and biodiversity, in addition to the destruction caused to human settlements and property.
They also noted that the Fulani herdsmen were causing damage to water bodies, farmlands and engaged in over grazing, all of which have a heavy toll on the environment.
The recommendations were made at a consultative workshop in Tamale organised by the environment ministry as part of efforts to seek the inputs of stakeholders in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions on the draft policy.
The ministry is drafting the new environment policy with support from the United Nations Development Programme.
The draft policy identifies land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, loss of biodiversity, mining and industrial development, marine and coastal degradation, urbanisation and climate change as some of the key environmental challenges.
Chief Von Salifu, one of the participants argued that there was the need for the new policy to capture all aspects of environmental concerns pertaining to various parts of the country.
“For us in the north, we know that bushfires is one, if not the main, environmental challenge facing us. It would be a disaster, therefore, if this new policy fails to adequately address this canker,” he stated.
Chief Salifu again stressed the need for this policy to lead to positive action to salvage the environment, explaining that past policies have been poorly implemented.
Making a presentation on the draft policy, the Technical Director at the MEST, Dr Nicholas Kassim Iddi mentioned that the formulation of environmental policies was aimed at ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of the country’s environmental policies.
He mentioned that the 1992 Environmental Policy attempted to meet these goals, but noted that the challenge has been ineffective enforcement of the policies and laws that exist to achieve these goals.
Dr Iddi said the new policy would attempt to restructure and redirect the implementation strategy to achieve the desired results.
The Director of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Northern Region, Mr Iddrisu Abu noted that the recommendations would be incorporated to ensure that the policy meets the expectations for stakeholders.
He however entreated the participants, particularly chiefs and local government authorities, to play a lead role in helping protect the country’s environment.
“As chiefs, you are the custodians of the land and you command authority, so you are in the right position to bring a stop to some of the activities that are helping degrade the environment at an alarming rate,” Mr Abu stated.
TAMALE YOUTH SHOW INTEREST IN AVIATION INDUSTRY (PAGE 34, APRIL 26, 2011)
FOR several years, many young people in Tamale have limited their career choices to nursing, teaching, marketing, accounting, and other orthodox careers.
However, in the face of increasing graduate unemployment, many of them now believe it is time they ventured into other career areas.
Consequently, they have realised the need to acquire new skills and knowledge to enable them take up career opportunities presented by the 21st century world of industry.
The aviation industry happens to be one of the areas being considered by some of the youth and this explains why a number of them snatched the opportunity to attend a two-day orientation seminar on the aviation industry that took place at the Gariba Lodge in Tamale.
The seminar introduced the participants to the nature of the aviation industry and the career and training opportunities offered by the industry.
Kilo Alpha Aviation holdings, a company specialised in Aviation training, events management, air travel arrangements and airline safety, among others, organised the seminar as part of efforts to prepare the youth for opportunities in the aviation industry.
According to the Chairman of the company, Capt Victor Kwesi Amoah, the youth have certainly made the right choice exploring new opportunities, especially in the aviation sector.
He said the aviation industry was a lucrative business that is sustainable and more beneficial to the country than some other industries that the country had over-focused on.
Capt Amoah mentioned that the aviation industry was even poised for further growth for two main reasons: “first, there are no suitable alternatives to air transport and second, the increase in population growth means an increase in demand for airline services.”
“Airlines which hitherto operated only twice a week between Ghana and other countries, now operate daily and sometimes, twice a day,” he further noted.
Capt Amoah, who at one time was a pilot, but has widened his expertise to include other areas, including airline safety and quality management solutions, believes that many young people are either unaware of the opportunities in the airline industry or do not know how to get in there.
“If we are not careful, expatriates would take over the industry as it grows, to the disadvantage of our own citizens,” he cautioned.
Some of the youth who attended the orientation were certainly elated having had a rare opportunity to meet operators in the airline industry who gave them relevant insights into the operations of the industry.
“I have always had an interest in the airline industry, but I have never known how I could be employed in the industry. So, today’s orientation has been very beneficial,” a participant, Edmund Gyebi stated.
Another participant, Abdul-Mumin said he had been oriented sufficiently and motivated as well to venture into the aviation industry. “From now on, I am determined to pursue the various aviation courses because I know that is the key to open the door to the industry,”
According to Capt Amoah, the 21st century airline industry requires a certain calibre of employees who have the knack to champion the businesses of companies in the sector to a competitive advantage.
He therefore advised interested youth to seek the required training and update their skills and knowledge periodically.
However, in the face of increasing graduate unemployment, many of them now believe it is time they ventured into other career areas.
Consequently, they have realised the need to acquire new skills and knowledge to enable them take up career opportunities presented by the 21st century world of industry.
The aviation industry happens to be one of the areas being considered by some of the youth and this explains why a number of them snatched the opportunity to attend a two-day orientation seminar on the aviation industry that took place at the Gariba Lodge in Tamale.
The seminar introduced the participants to the nature of the aviation industry and the career and training opportunities offered by the industry.
Kilo Alpha Aviation holdings, a company specialised in Aviation training, events management, air travel arrangements and airline safety, among others, organised the seminar as part of efforts to prepare the youth for opportunities in the aviation industry.
According to the Chairman of the company, Capt Victor Kwesi Amoah, the youth have certainly made the right choice exploring new opportunities, especially in the aviation sector.
He said the aviation industry was a lucrative business that is sustainable and more beneficial to the country than some other industries that the country had over-focused on.
Capt Amoah mentioned that the aviation industry was even poised for further growth for two main reasons: “first, there are no suitable alternatives to air transport and second, the increase in population growth means an increase in demand for airline services.”
“Airlines which hitherto operated only twice a week between Ghana and other countries, now operate daily and sometimes, twice a day,” he further noted.
Capt Amoah, who at one time was a pilot, but has widened his expertise to include other areas, including airline safety and quality management solutions, believes that many young people are either unaware of the opportunities in the airline industry or do not know how to get in there.
“If we are not careful, expatriates would take over the industry as it grows, to the disadvantage of our own citizens,” he cautioned.
Some of the youth who attended the orientation were certainly elated having had a rare opportunity to meet operators in the airline industry who gave them relevant insights into the operations of the industry.
“I have always had an interest in the airline industry, but I have never known how I could be employed in the industry. So, today’s orientation has been very beneficial,” a participant, Edmund Gyebi stated.
Another participant, Abdul-Mumin said he had been oriented sufficiently and motivated as well to venture into the aviation industry. “From now on, I am determined to pursue the various aviation courses because I know that is the key to open the door to the industry,”
According to Capt Amoah, the 21st century airline industry requires a certain calibre of employees who have the knack to champion the businesses of companies in the sector to a competitive advantage.
He therefore advised interested youth to seek the required training and update their skills and knowledge periodically.
LIFE IN BOMAHAGU - NO WATER, ELECTRICITY OR ROADS (PAGE 34, APRIL 26, 2011)
WHEN was the last time you moved into a new house located in a new neighbourhood?
I guess you remember how pleased you felt having moved from an old building into a new one that is still awash with brightening paint colours, spacious rooms and a clean surrounding.
It is even much gratifying when you move from a noisy environment located in the heart of the city to a quite serene developing area, where you have the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature.
Each morning, the cockerel crows to wake you up and in the afternoons, the chirpings of the birds produces a lovely rhythm, which combined with the soothing air blown by the dancing tree branches, puts man to sleep.
However, this joy suddenly disappears when you realise that your new area is, after all, not as interesting as you thought. There is no light, no water or even accessible roads.
This is the situation that inhabitants of Bomahagu, Koblimahagu, and other new suburbs of Tamale find themselves. Their joy of moving into a new house and vicinity has been suppressed by the unavailability of electricity and water supply.
Each day, as I drive past one of the small paths in the area, I meet women and children sitting by a dug-out waiting for the water to gush out in drips so they could fetch.
Sometimes, they sit by the dug out throughout the night just waiting for some water to fetch home.
Some of the residents whose economic status is above average are able to rent tanker services, which is certainly costly and unsustainable.
“We are really suffering without water. During the dry season, we have to trek long distances to fetch water in gallons and this affects our children’s schooling and domestic chores,” Mma Abiba, a resident of Bomahagu lamented.
The darkness that hangs over Bomahagu and its surroundings between the hours of 6pm and 6am speaks volumes of the plight of the inhabitants in the absence of electricity.
They are denied the comfort of watching TV, ironing their clothes or charging their phones. In fact, the darkness in the area has made it difficult for the residents to drive away reptiles. Being a waterlogged area with less human population, snakes have found the area as a suitable habitat.
“Sometimes you come from work in the evening only to find a snake lying in your veranda,” Mr Rashid, a resident of the community, mentioned.
Aside the need for water and lights, the absence of roads is yet another key developmental challenge in Bomahagu and other new suburbs of Tamale.
The urban roads department has not opened up new roads in Bomahagu and thus residents in this area have to create pathways to facilitate the movement of both humans and automobiles.
Each year, the residents contribute money to purchase some gravel and fill in some of the pot holes on the pathway, but their efforts go in vain when the rains come in huge quantities, because the paths get flooded and tall grasses grow in every direction.
“At a point, I had to pack my car and walk through the mud anytime I was going to town or coming home,” stated Mr Rashid.
The question one is tempted then to ask is: what is being done to address these challenges?
Indeed, officials at the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) have repeatedly promised that Bomahagu, Koblimahagu, Taha, Kpanbiewu and many other peri-urban communities of Tamale would soon be connected to the national grid through the Rural Electrification Project.
However, there is yet no signal of the commencement of this project and the residents remain hopeless.
For water and roads, it appears there is no immediate plan by the TaMA to provide any of these to the people of Bomahagu and its surroundings as checks have revealed nothing substantial.
May be they are waiting for a public protest by the inhabitants before they see the need to expand these services to these people. Well, the people are waiting and their patience may run out soon.
I guess you remember how pleased you felt having moved from an old building into a new one that is still awash with brightening paint colours, spacious rooms and a clean surrounding.
It is even much gratifying when you move from a noisy environment located in the heart of the city to a quite serene developing area, where you have the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature.
Each morning, the cockerel crows to wake you up and in the afternoons, the chirpings of the birds produces a lovely rhythm, which combined with the soothing air blown by the dancing tree branches, puts man to sleep.
However, this joy suddenly disappears when you realise that your new area is, after all, not as interesting as you thought. There is no light, no water or even accessible roads.
This is the situation that inhabitants of Bomahagu, Koblimahagu, and other new suburbs of Tamale find themselves. Their joy of moving into a new house and vicinity has been suppressed by the unavailability of electricity and water supply.
Each day, as I drive past one of the small paths in the area, I meet women and children sitting by a dug-out waiting for the water to gush out in drips so they could fetch.
Sometimes, they sit by the dug out throughout the night just waiting for some water to fetch home.
Some of the residents whose economic status is above average are able to rent tanker services, which is certainly costly and unsustainable.
“We are really suffering without water. During the dry season, we have to trek long distances to fetch water in gallons and this affects our children’s schooling and domestic chores,” Mma Abiba, a resident of Bomahagu lamented.
The darkness that hangs over Bomahagu and its surroundings between the hours of 6pm and 6am speaks volumes of the plight of the inhabitants in the absence of electricity.
They are denied the comfort of watching TV, ironing their clothes or charging their phones. In fact, the darkness in the area has made it difficult for the residents to drive away reptiles. Being a waterlogged area with less human population, snakes have found the area as a suitable habitat.
“Sometimes you come from work in the evening only to find a snake lying in your veranda,” Mr Rashid, a resident of the community, mentioned.
Aside the need for water and lights, the absence of roads is yet another key developmental challenge in Bomahagu and other new suburbs of Tamale.
The urban roads department has not opened up new roads in Bomahagu and thus residents in this area have to create pathways to facilitate the movement of both humans and automobiles.
Each year, the residents contribute money to purchase some gravel and fill in some of the pot holes on the pathway, but their efforts go in vain when the rains come in huge quantities, because the paths get flooded and tall grasses grow in every direction.
“At a point, I had to pack my car and walk through the mud anytime I was going to town or coming home,” stated Mr Rashid.
The question one is tempted then to ask is: what is being done to address these challenges?
Indeed, officials at the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) have repeatedly promised that Bomahagu, Koblimahagu, Taha, Kpanbiewu and many other peri-urban communities of Tamale would soon be connected to the national grid through the Rural Electrification Project.
However, there is yet no signal of the commencement of this project and the residents remain hopeless.
For water and roads, it appears there is no immediate plan by the TaMA to provide any of these to the people of Bomahagu and its surroundings as checks have revealed nothing substantial.
May be they are waiting for a public protest by the inhabitants before they see the need to expand these services to these people. Well, the people are waiting and their patience may run out soon.
TB CONTROL IN NR RECORDS SUCCESS (BACK PAGE, JUNE 21, 2011)
THE control of Tuberculosis in the Northern Region is recording some modest gains.
According to the Regional Co-ordinator of the TB Control Programme, Mr Abu Accrachie, outcomes resulting from the management of TB cases in the region has been very positive.
He said this was reflected by the treatment success rate recorded each year.
He mentioned that in 2006, the success rate was 77.8 per cent and in 2007 and 2008, the rate increased to 83 and 87 per cent, respectively.
“In 2009, we recorded a success rate of 85.2 per cent and although it was a decline from that of 2008, it was still a positive outcome,” he noted.
Mr Accrachie said the control programme had three main objectives, which are: to reduce morbidity and mortality due to TB, to control TB transmission such that it doesn’t become a public health concern and to prevent the development of TB drug resistance.
He said the programme had therefore adopted certain measures aimed towards meeting these objectives.
“We are sending the treatment to the doorsteps of patients through their relatives, caretakers and other supporters,” he noted.
Mr Accrachie further revealed that the control programme will commence Contact Tracing of all TB patients, which involve finding out the various persons who have contact with the patient, so that they could also be tested.
He also mentioned that the programme would engage many more people, be they youth groups, churches or schools, to sensitize them to ways of preventing TB infection or helping in its management.
He again noted that whilst undertaking those measures, the health providers would continue to adhere to a standardised treatment regiment for all patients based on a categorisation procedure.
“We have also adopted a standardised diagnostic tool for TB patients, a standardised reporting system and an uninterrupted drug supply system,” he further mentioned.
The TB control co-ordinator however stated that the challenge with the control programme in the Northern Region was how to make case detection more effective.
In his estimation, the number of cases recorded each year could not be the realistic picture on the ground, since the figures were too low.
“The region was expected to record about 4000 cases each year, but that is not the case for us,” he stated.
He said in 2008, 677 cases were detected, whiles in 2009 and 2010, 549 and 541 cases were detected, respectively, thereby indicating a decline in case detection.
Mr Accrachie identified the low awareness about TB and its symptoms as one of the reasons for the low case detection.
He also mentioned that although nurses and other health workers who attend to patients had been told that any patient who coughs for up to two weeks or more should be tested for TB, not all of the personnel adhered to this and therefore some of those living with the condition remain undiagnosed.
“We need more regular and committed staff, because many of those who have been trained did not stay longer to apply the skills,” he added.
According to the Regional Co-ordinator of the TB Control Programme, Mr Abu Accrachie, outcomes resulting from the management of TB cases in the region has been very positive.
He said this was reflected by the treatment success rate recorded each year.
He mentioned that in 2006, the success rate was 77.8 per cent and in 2007 and 2008, the rate increased to 83 and 87 per cent, respectively.
“In 2009, we recorded a success rate of 85.2 per cent and although it was a decline from that of 2008, it was still a positive outcome,” he noted.
Mr Accrachie said the control programme had three main objectives, which are: to reduce morbidity and mortality due to TB, to control TB transmission such that it doesn’t become a public health concern and to prevent the development of TB drug resistance.
He said the programme had therefore adopted certain measures aimed towards meeting these objectives.
“We are sending the treatment to the doorsteps of patients through their relatives, caretakers and other supporters,” he noted.
Mr Accrachie further revealed that the control programme will commence Contact Tracing of all TB patients, which involve finding out the various persons who have contact with the patient, so that they could also be tested.
He also mentioned that the programme would engage many more people, be they youth groups, churches or schools, to sensitize them to ways of preventing TB infection or helping in its management.
He again noted that whilst undertaking those measures, the health providers would continue to adhere to a standardised treatment regiment for all patients based on a categorisation procedure.
“We have also adopted a standardised diagnostic tool for TB patients, a standardised reporting system and an uninterrupted drug supply system,” he further mentioned.
The TB control co-ordinator however stated that the challenge with the control programme in the Northern Region was how to make case detection more effective.
In his estimation, the number of cases recorded each year could not be the realistic picture on the ground, since the figures were too low.
“The region was expected to record about 4000 cases each year, but that is not the case for us,” he stated.
He said in 2008, 677 cases were detected, whiles in 2009 and 2010, 549 and 541 cases were detected, respectively, thereby indicating a decline in case detection.
Mr Accrachie identified the low awareness about TB and its symptoms as one of the reasons for the low case detection.
He also mentioned that although nurses and other health workers who attend to patients had been told that any patient who coughs for up to two weeks or more should be tested for TB, not all of the personnel adhered to this and therefore some of those living with the condition remain undiagnosed.
“We need more regular and committed staff, because many of those who have been trained did not stay longer to apply the skills,” he added.
CATHOLIC LADIES DONATE TO SHEKINAH CLINIC (PAGE 18, JUNE 18, 2011)
THE Grand Ladies Auxiliary District Four of the Catholic Church in Tamale has donated a number of assorted items and cash to the Shekinah clinic, a home that provides medical care for destitute and the mentally-challenged in Tamale.
The items included bags of rice, maize, sugar, toiletries and used clothing.
Making the presentation, Sister Mary Dan-Braimah noted that the donation formed part of activities to mark the celebration of the Ladies week of the association held at the Sacred Heart Parish in Tamale.
“We chose Shekinah Clinic because we know the good work being done here by the caretakers and so we want to help ease your burden a little,” she stated.
Sister Mary commended the caretakers for demonstrate such care, noting that these were the virtues that Jesus Christ manifested for which man was expected to emulate.
The founder and Director of Shekinah Clinic, Dr David Abdulai, who received the items, thanked the ladies group for endeavouring to extend a hand of support to the inmates of the home.
He mentioned that, in spite of the difficulties, Shekinah Clinic continued to offer free medical care to the inmates, as well as other people who visit the home for care.
He also mentioned the free launch that is offered to mentally challenged persons dotted around the city as a way of helping cater for those who are not in the home, but need the support of the home.
The items included bags of rice, maize, sugar, toiletries and used clothing.
Making the presentation, Sister Mary Dan-Braimah noted that the donation formed part of activities to mark the celebration of the Ladies week of the association held at the Sacred Heart Parish in Tamale.
“We chose Shekinah Clinic because we know the good work being done here by the caretakers and so we want to help ease your burden a little,” she stated.
Sister Mary commended the caretakers for demonstrate such care, noting that these were the virtues that Jesus Christ manifested for which man was expected to emulate.
The founder and Director of Shekinah Clinic, Dr David Abdulai, who received the items, thanked the ladies group for endeavouring to extend a hand of support to the inmates of the home.
He mentioned that, in spite of the difficulties, Shekinah Clinic continued to offer free medical care to the inmates, as well as other people who visit the home for care.
He also mentioned the free launch that is offered to mentally challenged persons dotted around the city as a way of helping cater for those who are not in the home, but need the support of the home.
23 STUDENTS DISMISSED - FOR USING FAKE RESULTS FOR ADMISSION (PAGE 46, JUNE 1, 2011)
TWENTY-THREE past and present students of the Tamale Polytechnic (T-Poly) have been dismissed by the school’s authorities after it was revealed that these students had gained admission with fake result slips.
Whiles the past students would not be awarded their certificates, although they had completed their studies, the present students have been withdrawn from the polytechnic.
The Public Relations Officer of the polytechnic, Mr Mohammed Aziz, who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic, said the dismissals, though harsh, was the appropriate punishment for such offences, “because these students did not merit their status.”
He said the polytechnic had come to this decision following series of verification from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and other examination bodies, which all revealed contrary.
He also mentioned that it took so long to verify some of the documentations because the process was cumbersome, due to the pressure on the institutions verifying the documents.
Seven of the dismissed students were studying for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Secretaryship and Management Studies, whiles two groups of six were offering HND Accountancy and Marketing, respectively.
The rest were pursuing an HND in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management, Statistics and Mechanical Engineering.
The PRO indicated that the records of some of the affected students showed that some of them were admitted during the 2006-2007 academic year and had therefore completed their studies.
“As a result, the polytechnic has informed the National Board for Professional and Technical Examination (NABTEX) not to award certificates to any of these culprits,” he stated.
Mr Aziz said the polytechnic had resolved to publish the names of the affected students to serve as a deterrent to others who might be contemplating doing so.
Meanwhile, the polytechnic is currently verifying the results of students who have been offered admission into the first year and the PRO insists that students who are found to possess fake documentations would suffer the same fate as their predecessors.
“Our polytechnic is a serious one and therefore we cannot compromise on standards, which are the guiding principles for providing quality education,” he noted, adding that relaxing the rules could dent the credibility of the polytechnic.
Whiles the past students would not be awarded their certificates, although they had completed their studies, the present students have been withdrawn from the polytechnic.
The Public Relations Officer of the polytechnic, Mr Mohammed Aziz, who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic, said the dismissals, though harsh, was the appropriate punishment for such offences, “because these students did not merit their status.”
He said the polytechnic had come to this decision following series of verification from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and other examination bodies, which all revealed contrary.
He also mentioned that it took so long to verify some of the documentations because the process was cumbersome, due to the pressure on the institutions verifying the documents.
Seven of the dismissed students were studying for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Secretaryship and Management Studies, whiles two groups of six were offering HND Accountancy and Marketing, respectively.
The rest were pursuing an HND in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management, Statistics and Mechanical Engineering.
The PRO indicated that the records of some of the affected students showed that some of them were admitted during the 2006-2007 academic year and had therefore completed their studies.
“As a result, the polytechnic has informed the National Board for Professional and Technical Examination (NABTEX) not to award certificates to any of these culprits,” he stated.
Mr Aziz said the polytechnic had resolved to publish the names of the affected students to serve as a deterrent to others who might be contemplating doing so.
Meanwhile, the polytechnic is currently verifying the results of students who have been offered admission into the first year and the PRO insists that students who are found to possess fake documentations would suffer the same fate as their predecessors.
“Our polytechnic is a serious one and therefore we cannot compromise on standards, which are the guiding principles for providing quality education,” he noted, adding that relaxing the rules could dent the credibility of the polytechnic.
JOURNALISTS TRAINED IN PEACE-BUILDING (PAGE 34, JUNE 7, 2011)
FIFTEEN journalists selected from the three Northern Regions have completed the second in a series of training programmes on peace-building.
The training, which took place in Tamale, was designed towards building the capacity of the journalists to promote peace journalism instead of focusing on the violent aspects of conflicts.
Peace journalism, which is relatively new, is described as a type of journalism that unravels the root causes of conflicts and explores avenues for resolution.
The training programme was organised by the Rural Media Network (RUMNET), a grassroots media and rights-based advocacy organisation, with funding from the Sustainable Peace Initiative.
Speaking at the opening of the training, the Executive Director of the RUMNET, Mr Abdullah Kassim noted that the media could play a very important role in the process of peace-building by being a critical partner in promoting a culture of peace and non-violence.
“The media has both the capacity to promote peace and to trigger escalation of conflict and violence. Whatever a journalist does in his or her work has an effect on a society and influences the behaviour of individuals and groups,” he explained.
Mr Kassim said RUMNET had therefore embarked on the training following the realisation that conflicts in the north were sometimes exacerbated by unprofessional media reports.
“Our main goal is to groom a new crop of journalists who would be very sensitive and circumspect in their reportage on conflicts and would contribute to peace-building rather than worsening the conflicts,” he noted.
One of the lead facilitators, Mr Albert Yelyang of the Ghana Network for Peace-building (GHANEP) entreated the participants to promote conflict early warning systems, since timely interventions could stem the degeneration of conflicts.
He described early warning as the systematic collection and analysis of data for formulation of recommendations, adding that using this method to tackle conflicts would prevent an escalation of conflicts.
“When conflicts degenerate into violence, they become more difficult and costly to manage and therefore all of us must work towards prevent this scenario,” he added.
At the end of the training, some of the participants told the Daily Graphic that the training would make a difference in their reportage and discussions on conflicts.
“The early warning and conflict analysis would help me to report more properly on conflicts in the Upper East region, such as the one in Bawku,” Mr Samuel Akapule of the GNA in Bolga stated.
A correspondent for Citi FM, Mr Karim Nantogma noted that the workshop had exposed him to broad issues with regards to conflicts and its management or resolution.
“I now understand that as a journalist, I must go beyond reporting only the violent aspects of conflicts, but to dig deeper to unravel and analyse the root causes of these conflicts and thereby offer suggestions for peaceful resolution,” he explained.
The training, which took place in Tamale, was designed towards building the capacity of the journalists to promote peace journalism instead of focusing on the violent aspects of conflicts.
Peace journalism, which is relatively new, is described as a type of journalism that unravels the root causes of conflicts and explores avenues for resolution.
The training programme was organised by the Rural Media Network (RUMNET), a grassroots media and rights-based advocacy organisation, with funding from the Sustainable Peace Initiative.
Speaking at the opening of the training, the Executive Director of the RUMNET, Mr Abdullah Kassim noted that the media could play a very important role in the process of peace-building by being a critical partner in promoting a culture of peace and non-violence.
“The media has both the capacity to promote peace and to trigger escalation of conflict and violence. Whatever a journalist does in his or her work has an effect on a society and influences the behaviour of individuals and groups,” he explained.
Mr Kassim said RUMNET had therefore embarked on the training following the realisation that conflicts in the north were sometimes exacerbated by unprofessional media reports.
“Our main goal is to groom a new crop of journalists who would be very sensitive and circumspect in their reportage on conflicts and would contribute to peace-building rather than worsening the conflicts,” he noted.
One of the lead facilitators, Mr Albert Yelyang of the Ghana Network for Peace-building (GHANEP) entreated the participants to promote conflict early warning systems, since timely interventions could stem the degeneration of conflicts.
He described early warning as the systematic collection and analysis of data for formulation of recommendations, adding that using this method to tackle conflicts would prevent an escalation of conflicts.
“When conflicts degenerate into violence, they become more difficult and costly to manage and therefore all of us must work towards prevent this scenario,” he added.
At the end of the training, some of the participants told the Daily Graphic that the training would make a difference in their reportage and discussions on conflicts.
“The early warning and conflict analysis would help me to report more properly on conflicts in the Upper East region, such as the one in Bawku,” Mr Samuel Akapule of the GNA in Bolga stated.
A correspondent for Citi FM, Mr Karim Nantogma noted that the workshop had exposed him to broad issues with regards to conflicts and its management or resolution.
“I now understand that as a journalist, I must go beyond reporting only the violent aspects of conflicts, but to dig deeper to unravel and analyse the root causes of these conflicts and thereby offer suggestions for peaceful resolution,” he explained.
TAMALE LIBRARY GETS COPIES OF "A SENSE OF SAVANNAH" (PAGE 34, JUNE 7, 2011)
ADULTS and children who patronise the Northern Regional Library in Tamale now have the opportunity to read Kofi Akpabli’s “A Sense of Savannah – Tales of a friendly walk through Northern Ghana.”
The book, which has received rave reviews from various notable personalities and institutions, was presented to the library to enable library users to also have a feel of the book.
It was launched in Accra by the revered diplomat, Mr K. B. Asante and Dr Sulley Gariba, the Executive Director of the Institute for Policy Analysis (IPA), who is also a board member of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA).
Published by TREC, the book is a traveller’s narration of his experiences during his sojourn through northern Ghana, notably the Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions.
The author, a freelance journalist, is a CNN/Multichoice African Journalist for Arts and Culture award winner whose travel articles have been published in the national newspapers, including the Daily Graphic and Graphic Showbiz.
Whiles Mr Akpabli describes his book as a “witty collection of travel tales that best express the character of Ghana’s savannah setting,” the Rover Report Monthly thinks the book “opens the window for those who have never been to the northern parts of Ghana to appreciate how rich the people are in culture and human values.”
Receiving the books, the Manager of the Northern Regional Library, Mr Aaron Kuwornu thanked the author and publishers of the book for endeavouring to present some copies of their book to the library.
He said many a time, users of the library yearned for interesting and educative books like “A Sense of Savannah,” but were mostly disappointed.
Mr Kuwornu said the book was more than a tourist guide, adding that it is “one that tells the story of the north, its people and history in a relaxed and exciting manner.”
Meanwhile, copies of the book are currently being sold in some bookshops and supermarkets in the Tamale metropolis and some people who have bought and read the book have described it as informative and hilarious.
“For me, this publication tells the real story of the north and its people. A warm friendly environment with a people whose hospitality has been well acknowledged and not just one of conflicts and sufferings,” Mr Abdullah Issah stated.
For Hajia Katumi Alhassan, a retired midwife, the author deserves commendation for endeavouring to tell the story of the north, although he does not hail from the north.
She therefore reminded northern elites of the need to promote their homeland instead of destroying it.
The book, which has received rave reviews from various notable personalities and institutions, was presented to the library to enable library users to also have a feel of the book.
It was launched in Accra by the revered diplomat, Mr K. B. Asante and Dr Sulley Gariba, the Executive Director of the Institute for Policy Analysis (IPA), who is also a board member of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA).
Published by TREC, the book is a traveller’s narration of his experiences during his sojourn through northern Ghana, notably the Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions.
The author, a freelance journalist, is a CNN/Multichoice African Journalist for Arts and Culture award winner whose travel articles have been published in the national newspapers, including the Daily Graphic and Graphic Showbiz.
Whiles Mr Akpabli describes his book as a “witty collection of travel tales that best express the character of Ghana’s savannah setting,” the Rover Report Monthly thinks the book “opens the window for those who have never been to the northern parts of Ghana to appreciate how rich the people are in culture and human values.”
Receiving the books, the Manager of the Northern Regional Library, Mr Aaron Kuwornu thanked the author and publishers of the book for endeavouring to present some copies of their book to the library.
He said many a time, users of the library yearned for interesting and educative books like “A Sense of Savannah,” but were mostly disappointed.
Mr Kuwornu said the book was more than a tourist guide, adding that it is “one that tells the story of the north, its people and history in a relaxed and exciting manner.”
Meanwhile, copies of the book are currently being sold in some bookshops and supermarkets in the Tamale metropolis and some people who have bought and read the book have described it as informative and hilarious.
“For me, this publication tells the real story of the north and its people. A warm friendly environment with a people whose hospitality has been well acknowledged and not just one of conflicts and sufferings,” Mr Abdullah Issah stated.
For Hajia Katumi Alhassan, a retired midwife, the author deserves commendation for endeavouring to tell the story of the north, although he does not hail from the north.
She therefore reminded northern elites of the need to promote their homeland instead of destroying it.
FARMERS NETWORK PREPARES MEMBERS FOR FARMING SEASON (PAGE 34, JUNE 7, 2011)
THE Farmer Organisations Network of Ghana (FONG) is preparing farmers in the Northern Region to exploit various agricultural support packages that would assist them achieve higher yield during this year’s farming season.
As part of efforts to achieve this objective, the organisation brought farmers from the nook and cranny of the region to a symposium to sensitise them to ways of accessing agricultural support packages, either from government or the private sector.
The forum, which took place in Tamale, witnessed presentations by officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Northern Rural Growth Programme (NRGP), Rice Sector Support Project (RSSP), Masara N’Arziki and others.
Officials from MOFA indicated that the credit in kind scheme being offered to farmers who had opted to benefit from the Block Farming concept and the livestock project was still operational.
The farmers were therefore encouraged to link up with the extension officers in their respective communities to enable them tap these opportunities.
A caution was however issued to the farmers to desist from the practice of failing to repay credits offered them by either government or financial institutions.
According to officials of MoFA, many farmers who had acquired agric machinery under the credit scheme had failed to repay these loans and this was hindering the progress of the programme.
Personnel from the NRGP also entreated the farmers to tap the various opportunities being offered by the programme, which include subsidy on agric machinery and the linkage to financial institutions and input dealers.
The NRGP is a $104 million agric support project aimed at transforming agric in the three northern regions and parts of the Brong Ahafo region and it is co-funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), African Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Ghana.
In the estimation of Mr Mohammed Alhassan Adam, the Executive Director of GRAMEEN Ghana, a food security and micro-finance non-governmental organisation, “knowledge is the tool for people to access their rights.”
He explained that such forums enabled farmers to know what is meant for them and to build their capacities to benefit from these opportunities.
Meanwhile, one of the key issues that emerged at the forum was the need for the various farmer organisations nationwide to unite under one umbrella to champion the cause of farmers.
According to the Tamale Metropolitan Director of Agric, Mr Kwamena Arkorful, uniting under one body would give farmers a stronger voice.
He noted that the situation where farmers spoke through various channels weakened their advocacy and created some discrepancies.
Mr Arkoful further explained that farmers had a greater chance of being listened to by governments if they had a much stronger body, adding that their power to negotiate for fairer prices would also be enhanced.
“Our farmers would also have the opportunity to benefit from the information flow on best practices and new opportunities when we all operate under one umbrella,” Mr Arkoful further mentioned.
As part of efforts to achieve this objective, the organisation brought farmers from the nook and cranny of the region to a symposium to sensitise them to ways of accessing agricultural support packages, either from government or the private sector.
The forum, which took place in Tamale, witnessed presentations by officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Northern Rural Growth Programme (NRGP), Rice Sector Support Project (RSSP), Masara N’Arziki and others.
Officials from MOFA indicated that the credit in kind scheme being offered to farmers who had opted to benefit from the Block Farming concept and the livestock project was still operational.
The farmers were therefore encouraged to link up with the extension officers in their respective communities to enable them tap these opportunities.
A caution was however issued to the farmers to desist from the practice of failing to repay credits offered them by either government or financial institutions.
According to officials of MoFA, many farmers who had acquired agric machinery under the credit scheme had failed to repay these loans and this was hindering the progress of the programme.
Personnel from the NRGP also entreated the farmers to tap the various opportunities being offered by the programme, which include subsidy on agric machinery and the linkage to financial institutions and input dealers.
The NRGP is a $104 million agric support project aimed at transforming agric in the three northern regions and parts of the Brong Ahafo region and it is co-funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), African Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Ghana.
In the estimation of Mr Mohammed Alhassan Adam, the Executive Director of GRAMEEN Ghana, a food security and micro-finance non-governmental organisation, “knowledge is the tool for people to access their rights.”
He explained that such forums enabled farmers to know what is meant for them and to build their capacities to benefit from these opportunities.
Meanwhile, one of the key issues that emerged at the forum was the need for the various farmer organisations nationwide to unite under one umbrella to champion the cause of farmers.
According to the Tamale Metropolitan Director of Agric, Mr Kwamena Arkorful, uniting under one body would give farmers a stronger voice.
He noted that the situation where farmers spoke through various channels weakened their advocacy and created some discrepancies.
Mr Arkoful further explained that farmers had a greater chance of being listened to by governments if they had a much stronger body, adding that their power to negotiate for fairer prices would also be enhanced.
“Our farmers would also have the opportunity to benefit from the information flow on best practices and new opportunities when we all operate under one umbrella,” Mr Arkoful further mentioned.
NORTHERN REGION REDUCES MATERNAL DEATHS (PAGE 11, JUNE 7, 2011)
IT has become a global objective to reduce drastically the number of women who die each year as a result of labour-related complications.
This therefore explains why world leaders made it one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that the world must attain by 2015.
It is the exactly the same reason why health personnel in Ghana have been making efforts, in the face of very difficult conditions, to improve maternal health, and consequently reduce maternal deaths.
In the Northern Region, the largest in the country, the drive to reduce maternal mortality is faced with even more difficulties.
Many women in the region have died during labour because they could not access healthcare at the time it was most needed for many reasons.
The lack of health facilities and health professionals to man the available facilities appears to be among the topmost factors promoting maternal death in the region.
By the end of last year, the region had 263 health facilities, 19 of which were hospitals, four maternity homes, three poly-clinics and the majority being Community Health and Planning Services (CHPS) compounds.
Recently, the Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama commissioned five new ultra-modern clinics for five towns. They are Janga, Chereponi, Karaga, Tatale and Kpandai.
Aside providing quality healthcare to the people, it is envisaged that these clinics would strengthen the countries’ drive towards achieving the MDGs on maternal and child health through safe delivery, immunisation, and the integrated management of childhood illness.
Again, the inadequacy of health professionals means many pregnant women undergo labour under the supervision of traditional birth attendants or unskilled birth attendants.
According to the Northern Regional Director of Health, Dr Akwasi Twumasi, there were only 15 doctors and 210 midwives working in the regional and district health facilities in the region by the end of 2010.
The poor nature of roads in the NR is certainly another reason why many pregnant women who live in inaccessible communities are denied safe motherhood services, especially during the rainy season when various roads are inundated.
As at the end of 2009, only 31 per cent of roads in the NR were rated good, whiles 22 per cent were considered poor. The rest were classified as fairly usable.
This situation definitely requires significant improvement if any progress is to be made in tackling maternal mortality.
In spite of all these challenges, figures released by the Northern Regional Health Directorate reveals that some modest gains are being made towards reducing maternal deaths.
According to the Deputy Director of Health in charge of Public Health, Dr Jacob Mahama, 91 maternal deaths were recorded in 2006, 115 in 2007, 91 in 2008 and 96 in 2009.
He said in 2010, the number of maternal deaths reduced to 81, which is an indication that some progress was being made in addressing maternal mortality.
Dr Mahama also mentioned that the number of supervised or skilled deliveries increased by 35 per cent in 2010, although the target was to increase it by 45 per cent.
He said the rate at which women patronised antenatal and postnatal care services also witnessed some slight increases, but pinpointed gaps in the acceptance and practice of family planning.
Dr Mahama said, hopefully, the region would strive to further reduce the number of labour-related deaths by strengthening various measures that have been adopted to promote safe motherhood.
Meanwhile, the only teaching hospital in the north, the Tamale Teaching Hospital also recorded some successes in reducing maternal mortality at that facility.
In 2008, the hospital recorded 54 maternal deaths and in 2009, the figure reduced to 33.
“The maternity department made these advances in the face of very trying conditions of limited space in the labour and delivery unit, the maternity and gynaecology wards, with mothers who have just delivered lying on the floor,” stated the Chief Executive Officer of the TTH, Dr Ken Sagoe during the 2010 annual performance review conference.
He identified Eclampsia, unsafe abortion, postpartum haemorrhage, severe anaemia and sepsis and septicaemia as the main causes of maternal deaths at the facility.
In short, much more needs to be done to sustain the current steady progress being made in reducing maternal deaths.
This therefore explains why world leaders made it one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that the world must attain by 2015.
It is the exactly the same reason why health personnel in Ghana have been making efforts, in the face of very difficult conditions, to improve maternal health, and consequently reduce maternal deaths.
In the Northern Region, the largest in the country, the drive to reduce maternal mortality is faced with even more difficulties.
Many women in the region have died during labour because they could not access healthcare at the time it was most needed for many reasons.
The lack of health facilities and health professionals to man the available facilities appears to be among the topmost factors promoting maternal death in the region.
By the end of last year, the region had 263 health facilities, 19 of which were hospitals, four maternity homes, three poly-clinics and the majority being Community Health and Planning Services (CHPS) compounds.
Recently, the Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama commissioned five new ultra-modern clinics for five towns. They are Janga, Chereponi, Karaga, Tatale and Kpandai.
Aside providing quality healthcare to the people, it is envisaged that these clinics would strengthen the countries’ drive towards achieving the MDGs on maternal and child health through safe delivery, immunisation, and the integrated management of childhood illness.
Again, the inadequacy of health professionals means many pregnant women undergo labour under the supervision of traditional birth attendants or unskilled birth attendants.
According to the Northern Regional Director of Health, Dr Akwasi Twumasi, there were only 15 doctors and 210 midwives working in the regional and district health facilities in the region by the end of 2010.
The poor nature of roads in the NR is certainly another reason why many pregnant women who live in inaccessible communities are denied safe motherhood services, especially during the rainy season when various roads are inundated.
As at the end of 2009, only 31 per cent of roads in the NR were rated good, whiles 22 per cent were considered poor. The rest were classified as fairly usable.
This situation definitely requires significant improvement if any progress is to be made in tackling maternal mortality.
In spite of all these challenges, figures released by the Northern Regional Health Directorate reveals that some modest gains are being made towards reducing maternal deaths.
According to the Deputy Director of Health in charge of Public Health, Dr Jacob Mahama, 91 maternal deaths were recorded in 2006, 115 in 2007, 91 in 2008 and 96 in 2009.
He said in 2010, the number of maternal deaths reduced to 81, which is an indication that some progress was being made in addressing maternal mortality.
Dr Mahama also mentioned that the number of supervised or skilled deliveries increased by 35 per cent in 2010, although the target was to increase it by 45 per cent.
He said the rate at which women patronised antenatal and postnatal care services also witnessed some slight increases, but pinpointed gaps in the acceptance and practice of family planning.
Dr Mahama said, hopefully, the region would strive to further reduce the number of labour-related deaths by strengthening various measures that have been adopted to promote safe motherhood.
Meanwhile, the only teaching hospital in the north, the Tamale Teaching Hospital also recorded some successes in reducing maternal mortality at that facility.
In 2008, the hospital recorded 54 maternal deaths and in 2009, the figure reduced to 33.
“The maternity department made these advances in the face of very trying conditions of limited space in the labour and delivery unit, the maternity and gynaecology wards, with mothers who have just delivered lying on the floor,” stated the Chief Executive Officer of the TTH, Dr Ken Sagoe during the 2010 annual performance review conference.
He identified Eclampsia, unsafe abortion, postpartum haemorrhage, severe anaemia and sepsis and septicaemia as the main causes of maternal deaths at the facility.
In short, much more needs to be done to sustain the current steady progress being made in reducing maternal deaths.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
UNITING PEOPLE IN THE N/R (PAGE 7, APR 2, 2011)
IT is often difficult to put behind us the past misgivings and ethnic sentiments that we have against people from other ethnic groups because we have grown up with these ill-feelings.
Children are mostly the instruments used to perpetuate such hatred and this leads to prolonged conflicts.
The children are indoctrinated with hate ideas, prejudices and ethnocentric sentiments, thereby preparing them to pursue the conflicts started by their great grandfathers.
It is to bring a stop to this practice that two non-governmental organisations, the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC) and Tuma Kavi Development Programme, have been engaging children in the Eastern corridors of Northern Region in activities that tend to unite them.
It is the belief of these two organisations that helping to groom the children to love each other could be a major catalyst in ending conflicts in that part of the region.
Therefore, the CCFC and Tuma Kavi organise activities such as sports and other play activities to bring the children together to socialise and appreciate the value of each other.
One of such events took place over the weekend at Demon in the Saboba district, where most of the indigenes are either Kokombas or Dagombas, with a portion of them being settlers of Ewe origin.
Children selected from seven schools representing the various communities in the district took part in various outdoor sporting events.
At the end of it all, children from the Kpalba L/A primary school emerged the overall winners, whiles their colleagues from Demon L/A primary school were rewarded for their fair play.
In fact, the CCFC has carved a niche for itself in implementing interventions that help improve the welfare of children and women in deprived communities.
It has done this through various ways, such as the provision of schools, clinics, micro-credit, water facilities and educational materials.
It is therefore not surprising that the CCFC has extended its tentacles to peace efforts since it acknowledges the fact that the children need to grow in an atmosphere of harmony and hope of a better future.
“In all, about 20,000 children have benefited from the support we have provided in education alone,” Madam Sanatu Nantogma, the Country Director of the CCFC stated during the organisation’s 50th anniversary symposia.
According to her, from 2003 to date, a total of about 15.5 million Canadian dollars has been spent on various projects aimed at securing a better livelihood for children and women in deprived communities.
“Many children have ambitions and will like to achieve them. They want to be doctors, nurses, teachers, pilots and great footballers. How can they achieve these dreams if we do not help them today,” she asked, rhetorically.
According to the Programme Officer of Tuma Kavi, Mr Joshua Mogre, his organisation would remain committed to implementing child-centred interventions, not only to meet their physical needs, but to improve their general social and psychological wellbeing.
“This is why we only do not construct schools, but proceed to provide learning and play materials to create an enabling environment for their development,” he noted.
Mr Mogre pointed out that the play activities would not only engender positive socialisation among the children of various ethnic groups, but also build on their physical and mental health.
Children are mostly the instruments used to perpetuate such hatred and this leads to prolonged conflicts.
The children are indoctrinated with hate ideas, prejudices and ethnocentric sentiments, thereby preparing them to pursue the conflicts started by their great grandfathers.
It is to bring a stop to this practice that two non-governmental organisations, the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC) and Tuma Kavi Development Programme, have been engaging children in the Eastern corridors of Northern Region in activities that tend to unite them.
It is the belief of these two organisations that helping to groom the children to love each other could be a major catalyst in ending conflicts in that part of the region.
Therefore, the CCFC and Tuma Kavi organise activities such as sports and other play activities to bring the children together to socialise and appreciate the value of each other.
One of such events took place over the weekend at Demon in the Saboba district, where most of the indigenes are either Kokombas or Dagombas, with a portion of them being settlers of Ewe origin.
Children selected from seven schools representing the various communities in the district took part in various outdoor sporting events.
At the end of it all, children from the Kpalba L/A primary school emerged the overall winners, whiles their colleagues from Demon L/A primary school were rewarded for their fair play.
In fact, the CCFC has carved a niche for itself in implementing interventions that help improve the welfare of children and women in deprived communities.
It has done this through various ways, such as the provision of schools, clinics, micro-credit, water facilities and educational materials.
It is therefore not surprising that the CCFC has extended its tentacles to peace efforts since it acknowledges the fact that the children need to grow in an atmosphere of harmony and hope of a better future.
“In all, about 20,000 children have benefited from the support we have provided in education alone,” Madam Sanatu Nantogma, the Country Director of the CCFC stated during the organisation’s 50th anniversary symposia.
According to her, from 2003 to date, a total of about 15.5 million Canadian dollars has been spent on various projects aimed at securing a better livelihood for children and women in deprived communities.
“Many children have ambitions and will like to achieve them. They want to be doctors, nurses, teachers, pilots and great footballers. How can they achieve these dreams if we do not help them today,” she asked, rhetorically.
According to the Programme Officer of Tuma Kavi, Mr Joshua Mogre, his organisation would remain committed to implementing child-centred interventions, not only to meet their physical needs, but to improve their general social and psychological wellbeing.
“This is why we only do not construct schools, but proceed to provide learning and play materials to create an enabling environment for their development,” he noted.
Mr Mogre pointed out that the play activities would not only engender positive socialisation among the children of various ethnic groups, but also build on their physical and mental health.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
ARE THE FULANI OUR ENEMIES (PAGE 19, MAR 31, 2011)
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.
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.
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.”
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