Unlike the 7th December polls which saw long queues as early as 5:30am at most polling stations, the run-off took off slowly and as one presiding officer puts, “the turn out is not low rather its slow”.
At exactly 7am most polling stations had started voting whereas the remaining, frantic efforts in terms of the conveying of electoral materials to the polling stations were being made for them to also to start in good time.
When the queues started forming at the polling stations, adequate security were already deployed which by and large saw a peaceful and orderly voting pattern in the municipality. By 3pm most polling stations were eventually empty with electoral officials waiting patiently to bring the voting to a close at the official time of 5pm.
Counting and declaration at the polling stations generally were very peaceful with few recording votes which were contested by some party agents and when they failed to reconcile the figures in good time it led to the contesting agents sustaining cutlass injuries in their heads. They were subsequently admitted, treated and discharged the next day. Some other group of persons who attempted cheating were also apprehended and the cases are under investigation by the police in Bawku.
By the end of the collation and declaration of the results, NDC Prof J.E.A Mills won all the three constituencies within the municipality. In Bawku central, NDC had 23800 votes as against NPP Nana Addo 18540. In Pusiga and Binduri constituencies, NDC won by 12996 votes and 13139 whiles NPP had 4399 votes and 5449 votes respectively.
Generally the polls in Bawku were peaceful, calm and orderly with security totally on top of the area.
James Dorgbetor
Municipal Information Officer
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
AYEEKOO TO THE SECURITY AND PEOPLE OF BAWKU
The Sunday December 7th election in Bawku Municipality was generally peaceful and very calm and orderly contrary to the expectation of many people that elections in Bawku would be marred by violence and skirmishes.
This success story could be attributed to the due diligence of the heavy police and military present in the municipality months before the elections which put fear and respect in the residents that any miscreant would not be spared when caught.
Additionally the people equally displayed high degree of comportment and cooperation that has not been seen in several months. The people have shown that they have a strong will and just when most people expected something unpleasant to happen they delved into their inner most and exhibited the calmness and peaceful nature the area is noted for, before the conflicts.
Worth mentioning is the general calmness of the people when both the parliamentary and presidential results were declared especially with the parliamentary results which had to be sent to Bolgatanga before it was finally declared which gave the NPP candidate Mr. Daramani Adamu 20157 as against the incumbent Hon. Mahama Ayariga, 17385 votes.
With all these internal and external commendations we wish to urge all residents in Bawku to keep it up and remember that absolute peace is not a one shop event but a process which demands our constant efforts to sustain it.
For the men in uniform, we love your style and show of strength and bravery!
As you sacrifice your lives to protect others may God bless you abundantly and promote you in your chosen career Amen.
Godwin Nkunu and James Dorgbetor
ISD- Bawku
Monday, November 24, 2008
NDC RECORDS ONE DEATH DURING THE VISIT OF JJ RAWLINGS TO BAWKU
A 30 years old man Iddi Idrisu died on Saturday at 1:15pm when he jumped off the motor they were riding to welcome the Former President Flight Lt. John Jerry Rawlings.
Idrisu, a farmer by profession who was the Secretary for the National Democratic Congress (N.D.C) for Binduri Constituency in the Bawku Municipal in the Upper East Region was behind the motor rider who was riding on high speed as has been the practice anytime such politicians were visiting the Municipality.
Unfortunately for them the burst front tire and in attempt to escape the looming danger he jumped and fell on the back of his head and when he was rushed to the Quality Medical Care Centre, a private hospital he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Saturday 22 November 2008, could be described as eventful for most people in Bawku and it surroundings towns and villages when the news filtered in the air that the Former President was coming.
As early as 8.0 ‘clock in the morning, the main street was packed with people from all walks of life, with the Youngman and Ladies riding motors in a very reckless manner that suggested that something unpleasant would happen.
When the Former President finally arrived at 2:30pm, most shops and stores were partly closed, market women abandoned their work running everywhere just to catch a glance at him.
By Godwin Nkunu
Journalist- ISD
Idrisu, a farmer by profession who was the Secretary for the National Democratic Congress (N.D.C) for Binduri Constituency in the Bawku Municipal in the Upper East Region was behind the motor rider who was riding on high speed as has been the practice anytime such politicians were visiting the Municipality.
Unfortunately for them the burst front tire and in attempt to escape the looming danger he jumped and fell on the back of his head and when he was rushed to the Quality Medical Care Centre, a private hospital he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Saturday 22 November 2008, could be described as eventful for most people in Bawku and it surroundings towns and villages when the news filtered in the air that the Former President was coming.
As early as 8.0 ‘clock in the morning, the main street was packed with people from all walks of life, with the Youngman and Ladies riding motors in a very reckless manner that suggested that something unpleasant would happen.
When the Former President finally arrived at 2:30pm, most shops and stores were partly closed, market women abandoned their work running everywhere just to catch a glance at him.
By Godwin Nkunu
Journalist- ISD
JJ RAWLINGS URGED FEUDING FACTIONS IN BAWKU TO DEFUSE TENTION
Former President Flight Lt. John Jerry Rawlings on Saturday addressed a mammoth rally at Bawku Community centre and appealed to the fending factious in the center of the Bawku Conflict to defuse the tension handing over politics.
He told the crowd that Kusasis and Mamprusis have inter married over the period and are now one people, therefore, should not let politicians to exploit the conflict to their advantage which would end up impoverish them and their children yet unborn.
“How many Kusasis haven’t married to Mamprusis and how Mamprusis are not married to kusasis, you have uncles, aunties from the both sides so why killed yourselves.
The Former president said that politics was not about tribal lines and ethnicity but development of the nation and the people so he advised them to be united and formed a common solidarity in order to find solution to the stress as the result of the conflict.
Flight Lt Rawlings alleged that during the 2004 election, the New Patriotic Party (N.P.P) filled the boxes with identical thumb print ballot papers, stressing that the stole the election but admitted that the 2000 election was won by N.P.P through the psychology they played on the minds of Ghanaians.
He also alleged that the N.P.P was trying to introduce violence, therefore, advised Ghanaians to be vigilant for the December polls.
The Former President said that the 7th election was crucial for the National Democratic Congress (N.D.C) and was hopeful that victory was sure for Prof. John Evans Atta Mills to “build a strong nation by pooling the nation along not a few because the winds of change is blowing every where they went ”.
According to him, the suffering have increased, tariffs and school fees have shot up making life very difficult for parents to pay their wards fees, “don’t become immune to suffering of the N.P.P, I told you not to give your votes to them, I hope you will not repeat such mistake again” he concluded.
Before, the mammoth rally, the former President paid a courtesy call on Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II Paramount Chief of Bawku traditional are. After exchanging pleasantries, he told Naba that people turned to forget the progress made during the 1979 and 1981 revolutions, therefore, this election represent the best opportunity for Ghanaians to express their freedom to continue the noble work they began.
He urged Bawku Naba to unit the people devoid of all divisions to prevent politicians from exploiting the people through the conflict.
Flight Lt. Rawlings said billions of old cedi had been spent to resolved the Dagbon conflict and kept the place under state of emergency for two years instead of spending such amount on education and sanitation.
Earlier on Former President visited the families of the late Alhji Oga and Teacher Rokes Yirimea who were opinion leaders of Kusasis and Mamprusis respectively who lost their lives during the just ended conflict to sympathize with them.
Though the former president’s visit was peaceful, some people around the central part of Bawku (Natinga area) Township threw stones at the convoy which broke one of the side glasses of one of the long buses but there was no injury. Earlier on, one Mr. Iddi Iddrisu died on the spot when the motorbike he sat on burst tire. This was part of motorbike display to welcome JJ Rawlings to Bawku.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD- Bawku
He told the crowd that Kusasis and Mamprusis have inter married over the period and are now one people, therefore, should not let politicians to exploit the conflict to their advantage which would end up impoverish them and their children yet unborn.
“How many Kusasis haven’t married to Mamprusis and how Mamprusis are not married to kusasis, you have uncles, aunties from the both sides so why killed yourselves.
The Former president said that politics was not about tribal lines and ethnicity but development of the nation and the people so he advised them to be united and formed a common solidarity in order to find solution to the stress as the result of the conflict.
Flight Lt Rawlings alleged that during the 2004 election, the New Patriotic Party (N.P.P) filled the boxes with identical thumb print ballot papers, stressing that the stole the election but admitted that the 2000 election was won by N.P.P through the psychology they played on the minds of Ghanaians.
He also alleged that the N.P.P was trying to introduce violence, therefore, advised Ghanaians to be vigilant for the December polls.
The Former President said that the 7th election was crucial for the National Democratic Congress (N.D.C) and was hopeful that victory was sure for Prof. John Evans Atta Mills to “build a strong nation by pooling the nation along not a few because the winds of change is blowing every where they went ”.
According to him, the suffering have increased, tariffs and school fees have shot up making life very difficult for parents to pay their wards fees, “don’t become immune to suffering of the N.P.P, I told you not to give your votes to them, I hope you will not repeat such mistake again” he concluded.
Before, the mammoth rally, the former President paid a courtesy call on Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II Paramount Chief of Bawku traditional are. After exchanging pleasantries, he told Naba that people turned to forget the progress made during the 1979 and 1981 revolutions, therefore, this election represent the best opportunity for Ghanaians to express their freedom to continue the noble work they began.
He urged Bawku Naba to unit the people devoid of all divisions to prevent politicians from exploiting the people through the conflict.
Flight Lt. Rawlings said billions of old cedi had been spent to resolved the Dagbon conflict and kept the place under state of emergency for two years instead of spending such amount on education and sanitation.
Earlier on Former President visited the families of the late Alhji Oga and Teacher Rokes Yirimea who were opinion leaders of Kusasis and Mamprusis respectively who lost their lives during the just ended conflict to sympathize with them.
Though the former president’s visit was peaceful, some people around the central part of Bawku (Natinga area) Township threw stones at the convoy which broke one of the side glasses of one of the long buses but there was no injury. Earlier on, one Mr. Iddi Iddrisu died on the spot when the motorbike he sat on burst tire. This was part of motorbike display to welcome JJ Rawlings to Bawku.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD- Bawku
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
BAWKU NABA SAYS POLITICAL CLASHES IS UNNECESSARY
The Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoga II has bemoaned the unnecessary confrontation clashes among political parties’ supporters resulting into deaths and injuries.
He said he felt disappointed at this negative phenomenon which was disintegrating people with common vision and destiny instead of uniting them for national development.
Naba Asigri explained a local adage to the effect that even dogs have now joined forces in their neighbourhood to protect themselves and fight evils that evade their communities so wondered why people who are rational beings would kill or injury themselves in the name of winning power to rule.
He advised political parties’ leaders and their supporters to learn from animals as they co-exist in peace and unity for development.
He made these remarks when a team of pastors were at his palace to pray for the chief and his council for peace before, during and after the general elections considering the just ended tribal conflict in Bawku.
The Paramount chief of the area noted that politics was not a “do and die” affair but a healthy competition to lead the nation and added that God had already chosen who would lead our great nation after President Kufuor’s term expire in January next year so the confrontation and clashes would not change God’s Plan.
He explained that what happened in Bawku would not have happened if majority of the inhabitant were Christians “my name is George and you all know what that means, the Bible has the truth and we must all preach that truth,” he concluded.
The Deputy Co-coordinator of the Bawku Municipal Assembly Mr. David Naa-Ire was full of praise to the effort of the pastors since the eruption of the conflict some eight months that helped in maintaining the relative peace we are enjoying now.
He promised them of the Assembly’s readiness to assist in any direction in order to consolidate the peace as the December 7 elections approaches.
Preaching at the evening session to climax the one week fasting and prayers, a visiting Pastor from Nigeria, Bishop Bernard Ogbedada assured the inhabitants of the land to have faith in the Lord because God has already answered their prayers.
“Don’t be afraid, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, God Himself is fighting for the battle of Bawku”’ he assured.
Quoting Exodus 14:13, from the Holy Bible, Bishop Ogbedada indicated that it had been decreed that Bawku and its environs would be peaceful forever.
He explained that the Bawku conflict went beyond physical battle blaming the Pastors for not doing well spiritually to nip in the bud the conflict.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD- BAWKU
He said he felt disappointed at this negative phenomenon which was disintegrating people with common vision and destiny instead of uniting them for national development.
Naba Asigri explained a local adage to the effect that even dogs have now joined forces in their neighbourhood to protect themselves and fight evils that evade their communities so wondered why people who are rational beings would kill or injury themselves in the name of winning power to rule.
He advised political parties’ leaders and their supporters to learn from animals as they co-exist in peace and unity for development.
He made these remarks when a team of pastors were at his palace to pray for the chief and his council for peace before, during and after the general elections considering the just ended tribal conflict in Bawku.
The Paramount chief of the area noted that politics was not a “do and die” affair but a healthy competition to lead the nation and added that God had already chosen who would lead our great nation after President Kufuor’s term expire in January next year so the confrontation and clashes would not change God’s Plan.
He explained that what happened in Bawku would not have happened if majority of the inhabitant were Christians “my name is George and you all know what that means, the Bible has the truth and we must all preach that truth,” he concluded.
The Deputy Co-coordinator of the Bawku Municipal Assembly Mr. David Naa-Ire was full of praise to the effort of the pastors since the eruption of the conflict some eight months that helped in maintaining the relative peace we are enjoying now.
He promised them of the Assembly’s readiness to assist in any direction in order to consolidate the peace as the December 7 elections approaches.
Preaching at the evening session to climax the one week fasting and prayers, a visiting Pastor from Nigeria, Bishop Bernard Ogbedada assured the inhabitants of the land to have faith in the Lord because God has already answered their prayers.
“Don’t be afraid, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, God Himself is fighting for the battle of Bawku”’ he assured.
Quoting Exodus 14:13, from the Holy Bible, Bishop Ogbedada indicated that it had been decreed that Bawku and its environs would be peaceful forever.
He explained that the Bawku conflict went beyond physical battle blaming the Pastors for not doing well spiritually to nip in the bud the conflict.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD- BAWKU
Satellite Market for the People of Missiga near Bawku
A Satellite market valued at GH¢ 400,000.00 will be constructed for the people of Misiga, a farming Community near Bawku in the Upper East Region.
The market which will be completed in eight months will have a 3 set 60 lockable stores, a 3 set 60 stalls, five units ware houses, 3 classroom block kindergarten for children whose mothers would trade in the new market and butchers’ shop.
This was disclosed by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Abdulai Abanga at a sod cutting Ceremony to commerce works at Missiga.
The project which is the first phase of a market complex is sponsored by the government of Ghana through the Jubilee bond as part of its efforts in reducing poverty, creating wealth and generating revenue.
Hon. Abanga said this was as the New Patriotic Party (N.P.P) determination in sharing the national cake evenly and fairly among Ghanaians as a measure to open the economy and provide firm ground to compete effectively with countries in the sub-region.
He added that the market would serve people from the neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, Togo and Niger because of its strategic location and would increase the revenue base for the Assembly for further developments.
The leader of the Community, Mr. Akakeb Assana described the project as eye-opener for the people in the community, therefore his people were so happy about it.
He said the project would create jobs for the idled youth and upon completion women would not have to travel far distance to market their farm produce.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD - BAWKU
The market which will be completed in eight months will have a 3 set 60 lockable stores, a 3 set 60 stalls, five units ware houses, 3 classroom block kindergarten for children whose mothers would trade in the new market and butchers’ shop.
This was disclosed by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Abdulai Abanga at a sod cutting Ceremony to commerce works at Missiga.
The project which is the first phase of a market complex is sponsored by the government of Ghana through the Jubilee bond as part of its efforts in reducing poverty, creating wealth and generating revenue.
Hon. Abanga said this was as the New Patriotic Party (N.P.P) determination in sharing the national cake evenly and fairly among Ghanaians as a measure to open the economy and provide firm ground to compete effectively with countries in the sub-region.
He added that the market would serve people from the neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, Togo and Niger because of its strategic location and would increase the revenue base for the Assembly for further developments.
The leader of the Community, Mr. Akakeb Assana described the project as eye-opener for the people in the community, therefore his people were so happy about it.
He said the project would create jobs for the idled youth and upon completion women would not have to travel far distance to market their farm produce.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD - BAWKU
PUBLIC REACTION ON PRESIDENTIAL COMPLEX
Even though majority of people commended the bold initiative of President John Agykum kufour in Building a befitting place of the presidency. Others expressed reservations.
A good number of people said such an edifice was long over due considering the economic status of Ghana as compared to the neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, Nigeria etc.
They expressed dissatisfaction about the presidency operating from building (OSU CASTLE) constructed by our colonial masters where our brothers and sisters were carted away as slaves to the detriment of our development.
Notwithstanding, its proximity to the sea, also added a great cost of maintaining “the slaves masters monument”, therefore did not befit the state.
On the other hand, others who did not condemn the project were of the view that there was much needed necessity of life rather than such a luxury for the comfort of the president to the disadvantage of the masses.
They cited the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital where accidents victims and patients died in the process of transfer to Kole-Bu in Accra or Komfo-Anokye Hospital in Kumasi due to lack of qualified doctors and logistics.
They also argued out that qualified doctors refused postings to Upper East and upper west particular as a result of deprivation in terms of quarters for doctors, water and roads.
By Godwin Nkunu
ISD- BAWKU
A good number of people said such an edifice was long over due considering the economic status of Ghana as compared to the neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, Nigeria etc.
They expressed dissatisfaction about the presidency operating from building (OSU CASTLE) constructed by our colonial masters where our brothers and sisters were carted away as slaves to the detriment of our development.
Notwithstanding, its proximity to the sea, also added a great cost of maintaining “the slaves masters monument”, therefore did not befit the state.
On the other hand, others who did not condemn the project were of the view that there was much needed necessity of life rather than such a luxury for the comfort of the president to the disadvantage of the masses.
They cited the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital where accidents victims and patients died in the process of transfer to Kole-Bu in Accra or Komfo-Anokye Hospital in Kumasi due to lack of qualified doctors and logistics.
They also argued out that qualified doctors refused postings to Upper East and upper west particular as a result of deprivation in terms of quarters for doctors, water and roads.
By Godwin Nkunu
ISD- BAWKU
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
DOUBLE VOTING IS NOT POSSIBLE ON ELECTION DAY
There is no way any electorate can vote double come December 7 , this is because , the EC has already identified some double registration in its register and is taking steps to deal with it , the Bawku Municipal Electoral Officer Mr. Bosco Azuh has said.
“In addition, the indelible ink to be used on the day of the election is highly indelible in the sense that , once applied , it will take more than six months to erase, even in the face of funny methods employed by some unpatriotic people in the past” he emphasized .
Mr. Bosco Azuh has therefore described the forth coming elections as purely one electorate, one vote. He said this at voter education forums organized by the Bawku Literally Society and sponsored by IBIS Ghana, a Non governmental Organization.
Mr. Azuh advised parents especially not to allow their underage children who cheated to register to stay clear off the polls because if they ignore all warnings they would be arrested at the point of voting and it will include the parent.
There is no need to cheat in this election because God has already chosen our leaders so why endanger one’s life in face of very tight security network because anybody who attempts to cheat will surely be arrested and imprisoned for not less than two years. Mr. Bosco Azuh said.
The Deputy Chief Imam Mohammed Mutala emphsaised that Islam means peace so therefore is not proper for any Moslem to engage in violent acts or shameful behavior that will bring Islam in to disrepute and cautioned that anybody who commits crime or destroys in the name of elections will be punished by the law, the same way God will not spare that person.
He admonished the youth who are the future leaders of the country not to allow any boy to deceive them into violent acts during this elections because the resultant effects of violence could ruin their bright future and bring misery to them and the country as a whole.
Imam Mohammed Mutala said God created the human being as one and we must ensure continuity not allowing politics to divide us.
The Pastor of the church of Pentecost in Bawku, James O Banor said democracy is all about people tolerating divergent views and allowing the rule of law to work.
“To make our young democracy work, it is incumbent on us to exhibit maturity as a people by toleranting all views including those of different parties” Pastor Banor advised.
Pastor Banor said if a brother is wearing a party T-shirt that doesn’t necessarily suggest that, that brother will surely vote that party’s candidate because experience have shown that not all such people vote in that line.
He urged the people to fear God, do good and love each other and come December 7, we will elect our leaders and peace will surely prevail.
A member of the Bawku Literary Society Mr. Lukeman Imoro praised the people of Bawku for their comportment and maturity they exhibited during the voters registration exercise and urged them to translate the same into the December 7 elections, this he believes will ensure that peace prevails after the elections.
Mr. Lukeman Imoro thanked IBIS Ghana for their sponsorship and is hopeful that this collaboration with IBIS Ghana will last for a long time to come.
The voter education program took place in some selected communities within the Bawku municipality these included; Pusiga, Binduri, Possum, Gingande, South Natinga, and Sabongari.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
MINUS WOULD BE ARRESTED IF THEY ATTEMPT TO VOTE
The Bawku Municipal Officer of E.C Mr. Boscos Azuh has warned that minus who forged their birth certificates and managed to get their names into the EC’s votes register will be arrested on the day of the elections should they ignore all warnings and come to vote.
“With the help of the security who are expected to be on high alert on December 7, all minus would be arrested and put before court to face the full rigors of electoral fraud” he said.
If you know you are underage but was encouraged by some bad political activists, advise yourself in order not to put your life in trouble; he advised.
Mr. Boscos Azuh said these at a stakeholder engagement forum organized in Bawku by the Bawku Literary Society with funding support from IBIS Ghana.
Mr. Azuh blamed the registration of underage on some party agents who have assumed some level of power to the extend that they feel that they can direct the affairs at polling centers meanwhile when they asked such agents to come for training in order for them to do the right thing, they fail to turn up. He advised all electorates to abide by the rules of election to ensure violent free elections this year.
The Bawku Municipal Crime Officer, Mr. J.A. Apoya advised Ghanaians to distant themselves from criminal and violence acts during this election year because the police are leaving no stone unturned to nib in the bud any criminal activity.
“If all the political parties are seeking for the good and development of Ghana why then should their supporters turn round to engage in acts that could mar the elections and possibly affect the development of the country, he asked?
The Senior Registrar of the Circuit Court in Bawku, Mr. Hamza Ustaz attributed violence especially at the coalition canters to the fact some individual get in and out of the coalition centers whiles coalition of results is in progress and more often, those people come out with wrong figures to incite others. He therefore advised that when coalition of results is still on going, security should be tightened to check any such movement.
A member of the Bawku Literary Society, Mr. Lukeman Imoro said this year’s election is indeed a test of the country’s democratic dispensation and a challenge to all Ghanaians to ensure that there is national cohesion, harmony and above all human security.
“With the current violent skirmishes in Tamale, Gushegu and some other places, we have no alternative but to step up efforts towards maintaining the relative peace in Ghana and most importantly in our dear town Bawku, he said.
Mr. Lukeman Imoro said as part of the society contribution toward peaceful and violent free elections, it will among other thing, engage key stakeholders, organize radio discussions, community outreach programs and parliamentary debates, all aimed at educating the people in Bawku on the need for peace and to enhance the public understanding of the electioneering process to enable Bawku to go through the elections peacefully.
JAMES DORGBETOR
BAWKU MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
“With the help of the security who are expected to be on high alert on December 7, all minus would be arrested and put before court to face the full rigors of electoral fraud” he said.
If you know you are underage but was encouraged by some bad political activists, advise yourself in order not to put your life in trouble; he advised.
Mr. Boscos Azuh said these at a stakeholder engagement forum organized in Bawku by the Bawku Literary Society with funding support from IBIS Ghana.
Mr. Azuh blamed the registration of underage on some party agents who have assumed some level of power to the extend that they feel that they can direct the affairs at polling centers meanwhile when they asked such agents to come for training in order for them to do the right thing, they fail to turn up. He advised all electorates to abide by the rules of election to ensure violent free elections this year.
The Bawku Municipal Crime Officer, Mr. J.A. Apoya advised Ghanaians to distant themselves from criminal and violence acts during this election year because the police are leaving no stone unturned to nib in the bud any criminal activity.
“If all the political parties are seeking for the good and development of Ghana why then should their supporters turn round to engage in acts that could mar the elections and possibly affect the development of the country, he asked?
The Senior Registrar of the Circuit Court in Bawku, Mr. Hamza Ustaz attributed violence especially at the coalition canters to the fact some individual get in and out of the coalition centers whiles coalition of results is in progress and more often, those people come out with wrong figures to incite others. He therefore advised that when coalition of results is still on going, security should be tightened to check any such movement.
A member of the Bawku Literary Society, Mr. Lukeman Imoro said this year’s election is indeed a test of the country’s democratic dispensation and a challenge to all Ghanaians to ensure that there is national cohesion, harmony and above all human security.
“With the current violent skirmishes in Tamale, Gushegu and some other places, we have no alternative but to step up efforts towards maintaining the relative peace in Ghana and most importantly in our dear town Bawku, he said.
Mr. Lukeman Imoro said as part of the society contribution toward peaceful and violent free elections, it will among other thing, engage key stakeholders, organize radio discussions, community outreach programs and parliamentary debates, all aimed at educating the people in Bawku on the need for peace and to enhance the public understanding of the electioneering process to enable Bawku to go through the elections peacefully.
JAMES DORGBETOR
BAWKU MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
SYMBOLIC HANDING OVER OF HAND DUG WELLS TO BMA
Zuuri Organic Vegetable Farmers Association (ZOVFA) with financial support from Oxfam GB has constructed 13 No hand dug wells fitted with 7 NIRA AF 85 and 6 Rope pumps and handed them over to the Bawku Municipal Assembly (BMA) at a ceremony at Bawku in the upper east region.
The beneficially communities included Poayamire, Kompargog, Tansia, Titaka, Zuuri, Komnatinga, and Narangsang,
The Programs Coordinator of ZOVFA Mr. Philip Ayamba who handed the wells over to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) said, in addition to the provision of the wells, WATSAN committee and caretakers were set up and trained in each community to take responsibility for sustained operation and maintenance of the water points.
Mr. Philip Ayamba said it is the pleasure of ZOVFA and its partners Oxfam GB as partners and actors in fighting against rural poverty, disease and suffering to hand over these facilities to the communities through the Bawku Municipal Assembly as the statutory body responsible for the development of the area.
The Country Director of Oxfam GB Mr. Justin Morgan was happy that the hand dug wells have been successfully completed and their aim of providing portable water to the targeted communities is achieved. He urged the beneficially communities to take ownership of the wells because through this they can manage the wells properly.
The MCE Hon. Abdulai Abanga thanked ZOVFA and Oxfam GB for their kind gestures which will provide portable drinking water for these communities and for dry season gardening. This obviously would eliminate water borne diseases which before now characterized their source of water, he emphasized.
Hon. Abdulai Abanga urged the beneficially communities to take good care of the wells as it will determine the durability of the wells. He appealed to other development partners to support the Assembly in its developmental projects.
Mr. Thomas Atampiiga from, Tateuko community, thanked the providers for the wells. He said it will cut down the long hours their wives and children covered to fetch water because the wells are just close to their households. Children who were late for their classes can now fetch water quickly and be early for school.
He said the communities can now breath a sigh of relieve because they can now drink clean water devoid of diseases and also use the water to support their dry season gardening.
JAMES DORGBETOR
Bawku Municipal Information Officer
The beneficially communities included Poayamire, Kompargog, Tansia, Titaka, Zuuri, Komnatinga, and Narangsang,
The Programs Coordinator of ZOVFA Mr. Philip Ayamba who handed the wells over to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) said, in addition to the provision of the wells, WATSAN committee and caretakers were set up and trained in each community to take responsibility for sustained operation and maintenance of the water points.
Mr. Philip Ayamba said it is the pleasure of ZOVFA and its partners Oxfam GB as partners and actors in fighting against rural poverty, disease and suffering to hand over these facilities to the communities through the Bawku Municipal Assembly as the statutory body responsible for the development of the area.
The Country Director of Oxfam GB Mr. Justin Morgan was happy that the hand dug wells have been successfully completed and their aim of providing portable water to the targeted communities is achieved. He urged the beneficially communities to take ownership of the wells because through this they can manage the wells properly.
The MCE Hon. Abdulai Abanga thanked ZOVFA and Oxfam GB for their kind gestures which will provide portable drinking water for these communities and for dry season gardening. This obviously would eliminate water borne diseases which before now characterized their source of water, he emphasized.
Hon. Abdulai Abanga urged the beneficially communities to take good care of the wells as it will determine the durability of the wells. He appealed to other development partners to support the Assembly in its developmental projects.
Mr. Thomas Atampiiga from, Tateuko community, thanked the providers for the wells. He said it will cut down the long hours their wives and children covered to fetch water because the wells are just close to their households. Children who were late for their classes can now fetch water quickly and be early for school.
He said the communities can now breath a sigh of relieve because they can now drink clean water devoid of diseases and also use the water to support their dry season gardening.
JAMES DORGBETOR
Bawku Municipal Information Officer
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
BAWKU, CHRISTIANS PRAY FOR PEACE
Christians from all denominations of churches within the Bawku Municipality thronged to the Central Baptist Church and embarked upon a one week fasting and prayer and sought the intervention of God for sustainable peace to prevail in the land of Bawku.
For them, the intermittent occurrence of conflict in the land was enough and was time that they sought for divine help to put an end to all the troubles in Bawku.
According to them, their motivation and inspiration is the theme of the crusade; “Redeeming the land” which is contained in the Holy Bible: 2 chronicles 7:14 “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, them I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land”.
At the climax of the crusade, the host, Rev. John Kojo Atubiga thanked God for the crusade and the astonishing impact it has started making in the lives of the people.
“Most of the people after listening to the main speaker from Nigeria Bishop Tendoo Angbagh and the other preachers, broken down in tears and wept bitterly which is a sign of regret and resolved not to let such a thing happen to them again” he said.
Rev. John Kojo Atubiga said though he is not resident in Bawku but for the fact that he is a native of the place he couldn’t sit down unconcern but had to quickly put this programme together for the healing of the land. This is just the beginning of series of the healing crusades in Bawku he added.
The chairman of the local council of churches in Bawku, Rev. Fr. Dominic Akologo said, though many people might have concluded in their hearts that the end of Bawku is come, but they have always confessed positively.
Rev. Fr. Akologo said this crusade is just the beginning of the many good things to come such that it would not be long when the name of Bawku is mentioned it will be for the good reasons.
The NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Binduri constituency Mr. Stephen Yakubu said the land needs gatherings like this because is the only way to for the people to live together as one.
“We should not think that one day there will be ethnic cleansing therefore, let us continue to live peacefully together irrespective of our tribes and avoid politicians who preach divide and rule tribal politics” he said.
The Security Agencies in a speech read on their behalf by a member of the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) and also the Deputy Coordinating Director Hon. David Naa- Ire thanked the people of Bawku for the level of peace and cooperation so far but still believes that sustainable peace is possible and within the people themselves which they must exhibit fully.
Hon. David Naa – Ire appealed to the public to provide information on criminal activities to the security agencies for proper handling.
The Paramount Chief of Bawku Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II in a speech read on his behalf said no ruler can be happy when his area is experiencing bouts of violence including the gruesome killings of women and children, therefore he sees the prayer crusade as most important and very timely .
Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II pledged to contribute his quota in every way possible to assist in the preservation of peace in Bawku Traditional Area.
“In exercising my duties as the traditional ruler of this area I will be fair and just with all my subjects and residents of the Bawku Traditional Area, irrespective of their ethnic differences, which appears to be at the core of the current conflict” Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II Assured.
The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga said no place can develop without peace therefore if Christians have come together to pray for sustainable peace in Bawku, invariably they, are bringing development to Bawku.
He expressed optimism that this time round sustainable is possible in Bawku. He however urged the people to continue to maintain peace and observe rule of law.
JAMES DORGBETOR
BAWKU MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
For them, the intermittent occurrence of conflict in the land was enough and was time that they sought for divine help to put an end to all the troubles in Bawku.
According to them, their motivation and inspiration is the theme of the crusade; “Redeeming the land” which is contained in the Holy Bible: 2 chronicles 7:14 “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, them I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land”.
At the climax of the crusade, the host, Rev. John Kojo Atubiga thanked God for the crusade and the astonishing impact it has started making in the lives of the people.
“Most of the people after listening to the main speaker from Nigeria Bishop Tendoo Angbagh and the other preachers, broken down in tears and wept bitterly which is a sign of regret and resolved not to let such a thing happen to them again” he said.
Rev. John Kojo Atubiga said though he is not resident in Bawku but for the fact that he is a native of the place he couldn’t sit down unconcern but had to quickly put this programme together for the healing of the land. This is just the beginning of series of the healing crusades in Bawku he added.
The chairman of the local council of churches in Bawku, Rev. Fr. Dominic Akologo said, though many people might have concluded in their hearts that the end of Bawku is come, but they have always confessed positively.
Rev. Fr. Akologo said this crusade is just the beginning of the many good things to come such that it would not be long when the name of Bawku is mentioned it will be for the good reasons.
The NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Binduri constituency Mr. Stephen Yakubu said the land needs gatherings like this because is the only way to for the people to live together as one.
“We should not think that one day there will be ethnic cleansing therefore, let us continue to live peacefully together irrespective of our tribes and avoid politicians who preach divide and rule tribal politics” he said.
The Security Agencies in a speech read on their behalf by a member of the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) and also the Deputy Coordinating Director Hon. David Naa- Ire thanked the people of Bawku for the level of peace and cooperation so far but still believes that sustainable peace is possible and within the people themselves which they must exhibit fully.
Hon. David Naa – Ire appealed to the public to provide information on criminal activities to the security agencies for proper handling.
The Paramount Chief of Bawku Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II in a speech read on his behalf said no ruler can be happy when his area is experiencing bouts of violence including the gruesome killings of women and children, therefore he sees the prayer crusade as most important and very timely .
Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II pledged to contribute his quota in every way possible to assist in the preservation of peace in Bawku Traditional Area.
“In exercising my duties as the traditional ruler of this area I will be fair and just with all my subjects and residents of the Bawku Traditional Area, irrespective of their ethnic differences, which appears to be at the core of the current conflict” Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II Assured.
The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga said no place can develop without peace therefore if Christians have come together to pray for sustainable peace in Bawku, invariably they, are bringing development to Bawku.
He expressed optimism that this time round sustainable is possible in Bawku. He however urged the people to continue to maintain peace and observe rule of law.
JAMES DORGBETOR
BAWKU MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
Friday, September 19, 2008
BAWKU CENTRAL NDC RECEIVES MOTORBIKE
A former youth activist, Mr. Alhassan Mbalba, now based in the UK as a social worker has donated a brand new Sukida motorbike worth $800 to the Bawku central constituency of the NDC to help the party in their campaigns towards the December elections.
Making the donation at the party office in Bawku, Mr. Alhassan Mbalba said he was compelled by the fact that the party needed a lot of resources to carryout an effective and efficient campaign to ensure resounding victory.
Mr. Alhassan Mbalba who is currently a member of the UK and Northern Ireland branch of the NDC said with this Motorbike and some other resources the party would be providing would enable members of the party to enter every corner of the constituency to enable a landslide victory for both Hon. Mahama Ayariga as MP and Prof Atta Mills.
Mr. Mbalba said the Hon. Mahama Ayariga would make history to become the first MP to retain the Bawku central constituency seat since the beginning of the 4th republic of Ghana.
Though victory is imminent for the NDC, party members should not relent or be complacent in their campaigns rather should work very hard to make the victory an easy one. He added.
Mr. Mbalba advised voters to be mind of desperate politicians who will promise turning every constituency in the country into a district and also setting up a factory in each of them.
“I am calling on the electorate to ignore the false and most times exaggerated comments purported to have been made by the former president Flt Lt J J Rawlings. To me Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is the farther of the nation and Flt Lt Rawlings is the father of democracy in Ghana as far as the 4th republic is concern” he said.
He urged NDC party faithful to rise up and be counted by making generous donations and contributions to support the resource base of the party to ensure a comprehensive victory this year.
James Dorgbetor
Municipal Information Officer
Making the donation at the party office in Bawku, Mr. Alhassan Mbalba said he was compelled by the fact that the party needed a lot of resources to carryout an effective and efficient campaign to ensure resounding victory.
Mr. Alhassan Mbalba who is currently a member of the UK and Northern Ireland branch of the NDC said with this Motorbike and some other resources the party would be providing would enable members of the party to enter every corner of the constituency to enable a landslide victory for both Hon. Mahama Ayariga as MP and Prof Atta Mills.
Mr. Mbalba said the Hon. Mahama Ayariga would make history to become the first MP to retain the Bawku central constituency seat since the beginning of the 4th republic of Ghana.
Though victory is imminent for the NDC, party members should not relent or be complacent in their campaigns rather should work very hard to make the victory an easy one. He added.
Mr. Mbalba advised voters to be mind of desperate politicians who will promise turning every constituency in the country into a district and also setting up a factory in each of them.
“I am calling on the electorate to ignore the false and most times exaggerated comments purported to have been made by the former president Flt Lt J J Rawlings. To me Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is the farther of the nation and Flt Lt Rawlings is the father of democracy in Ghana as far as the 4th republic is concern” he said.
He urged NDC party faithful to rise up and be counted by making generous donations and contributions to support the resource base of the party to ensure a comprehensive victory this year.
James Dorgbetor
Municipal Information Officer
BAWKU, MASLOC RECIPIENTS ADVISED TO PUT LOANS TO APPROPRIATE USE
The Northern Zonal Coordinator of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Mr. Simon Aamwaa Yiryel has strongly advised recipients of MASLOC funds not to divert the loans into other things rather than the intended purpose.
Mr. Aamwaa Yiryel said the loans you are receiving today are meant to assist you in your businesses, so be careful not to misapply the loans.
Citing WA in the upper west region as a bad example where some recipients misapplied their loans and bought motorbikes for pleasure rides and even married additional wife, he said such a bad practice is definitely unacceptable and unthinkable.
“It is better for you not to take the loans than take it only to misapply it and when the repayment time is due you throw your hands in the air” he advised.
Mr. Yiryel said this in Bawku when his outfit disbursed MASLOC loans to the tune of GH ¢56600 to 323 people in twenty one (21) different groups.
Mr. Yiryel said it is not easy for the Government to continue to pump money into MASLOC so therefore when recipients like you are lucky to be selected, you should ensure that the loans are repaid to enable others to benefit.
On his part the Bawku Municipal Chief executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga thanked the government on her decision to assist business women and men in the country with loans to help them grow their businesses.
Hon. Abdulai Abanga said “I am very happy today to see people in Bawku benefit from MASLOC loans because when the disbursement of the loans delayed due to the conflict at the time, some politicians took advantage and multiplied their lies to the effect that the Government had deceived them”.
Hon. Abanga advised the recipients to invest the loans wisely in their business.
On the conflict, Hon. Abanga stated clearly that the Government has no hands in the conflict therefore nobody should politicized it and should allow everybody to join and vote for a political party of their choice irrespective of their tribe, sex, or social groupings.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
Mr. Aamwaa Yiryel said the loans you are receiving today are meant to assist you in your businesses, so be careful not to misapply the loans.
Citing WA in the upper west region as a bad example where some recipients misapplied their loans and bought motorbikes for pleasure rides and even married additional wife, he said such a bad practice is definitely unacceptable and unthinkable.
“It is better for you not to take the loans than take it only to misapply it and when the repayment time is due you throw your hands in the air” he advised.
Mr. Yiryel said this in Bawku when his outfit disbursed MASLOC loans to the tune of GH ¢56600 to 323 people in twenty one (21) different groups.
Mr. Yiryel said it is not easy for the Government to continue to pump money into MASLOC so therefore when recipients like you are lucky to be selected, you should ensure that the loans are repaid to enable others to benefit.
On his part the Bawku Municipal Chief executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga thanked the government on her decision to assist business women and men in the country with loans to help them grow their businesses.
Hon. Abdulai Abanga said “I am very happy today to see people in Bawku benefit from MASLOC loans because when the disbursement of the loans delayed due to the conflict at the time, some politicians took advantage and multiplied their lies to the effect that the Government had deceived them”.
Hon. Abanga advised the recipients to invest the loans wisely in their business.
On the conflict, Hon. Abanga stated clearly that the Government has no hands in the conflict therefore nobody should politicized it and should allow everybody to join and vote for a political party of their choice irrespective of their tribe, sex, or social groupings.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
MOVE TO SUSTAIN PEACE IN BAWKU
The Upper East Regional Director of NCCE Mr. Mike Fuoh has asked the people of Bawku to be tolerant of each others view and at the same time be mindful of their utterances.
According to Mr. Mike fuoh, what we say has a bearing on the sustenance of peace in Bawku so anybody who feels like commenting on the situation should use his or her month responsibly to avoid the eruption of violence in Bawku again because “It is difficult to heal a psychological or emotional wound cause by a hurtful expression”
Mr. Mike Fuoh said this at a Stakeholder Information Staring Forum on NCCE planned activities towards consolidating peace in Bawku with sponsorship from National Peace Council.
Mr. Fuoh paraphrased the eighth commandment in the Holy Bible and said thou shall bare withness but not false withness.
He therefore encouraged the people to guide themselves against tendencies that lead to violence because it should not happen that the people of Bawku will go out with a lantern in broad day light looking for peace but must resolve to sustain the prevailing peace.
Commenting on the planned activities of the NCCE, the Municipal Director of NCCE Mr. P.P Apaabey Baba said, the NCCE intends to hold focused group discussions with 20 communities, sensitized 25 schools and organize mini durbars at 7 seven market places.
Mr. P.P Apaabey Baba said the objectives of the move is to educate the citizens on the constitutional provisions on the rule of law and also seek the views of the citizens on how to sustain the prevailing peace in and around Bawku.
“Thus why we see the inputs by the participants at this very forum as valuable which would enrich our discussions when we engage the people in the field” he emphasized.
The opinion leader who represented the kusasis, Mr. Thomas Abilla urged the NCCE to tell everybody in Bawku that if a neighbour wrongs or is disturbing them there are structures for proper redress and should avoid conduct where at the slightest provocation bow and arrows or arms are use to resolve issues. Mr. Abilla advised everybody to live peacefully together.
On this part, the opinion leader of the Mamprusis Mr. David Molli said the education should target eradicating ignorance from among the people in Bawku and also should seek to build trust among the feuding factions. He however decried the way some of the security men in Bawku handle their weapons which sometimes lead to the guns going off and how some would drink and cannot even handle their weapons.
The Bawku church of Pentecost Pastor, James. O. Barnor suggested the inclusion of filmshow and drama in the discussions of the NCCE.
“A religious leader we are always available and willing to assist the NCCE and any other body to disseminate the message on peace because we’ve always preached for peaceful co-existence” Pastor James. O. Barnor said.
Participant after participant at the forum emphasized the need for peaceful co-existence in Bawku. They also entreated everybody to preach peace in their small way and make the conscious efforts to sustain the current peace in Bawku.
JAMES DORGBETOR
(Municipal Information Officer)
According to Mr. Mike fuoh, what we say has a bearing on the sustenance of peace in Bawku so anybody who feels like commenting on the situation should use his or her month responsibly to avoid the eruption of violence in Bawku again because “It is difficult to heal a psychological or emotional wound cause by a hurtful expression”
Mr. Mike Fuoh said this at a Stakeholder Information Staring Forum on NCCE planned activities towards consolidating peace in Bawku with sponsorship from National Peace Council.
Mr. Fuoh paraphrased the eighth commandment in the Holy Bible and said thou shall bare withness but not false withness.
He therefore encouraged the people to guide themselves against tendencies that lead to violence because it should not happen that the people of Bawku will go out with a lantern in broad day light looking for peace but must resolve to sustain the prevailing peace.
Commenting on the planned activities of the NCCE, the Municipal Director of NCCE Mr. P.P Apaabey Baba said, the NCCE intends to hold focused group discussions with 20 communities, sensitized 25 schools and organize mini durbars at 7 seven market places.
Mr. P.P Apaabey Baba said the objectives of the move is to educate the citizens on the constitutional provisions on the rule of law and also seek the views of the citizens on how to sustain the prevailing peace in and around Bawku.
“Thus why we see the inputs by the participants at this very forum as valuable which would enrich our discussions when we engage the people in the field” he emphasized.
The opinion leader who represented the kusasis, Mr. Thomas Abilla urged the NCCE to tell everybody in Bawku that if a neighbour wrongs or is disturbing them there are structures for proper redress and should avoid conduct where at the slightest provocation bow and arrows or arms are use to resolve issues. Mr. Abilla advised everybody to live peacefully together.
On this part, the opinion leader of the Mamprusis Mr. David Molli said the education should target eradicating ignorance from among the people in Bawku and also should seek to build trust among the feuding factions. He however decried the way some of the security men in Bawku handle their weapons which sometimes lead to the guns going off and how some would drink and cannot even handle their weapons.
The Bawku church of Pentecost Pastor, James. O. Barnor suggested the inclusion of filmshow and drama in the discussions of the NCCE.
“A religious leader we are always available and willing to assist the NCCE and any other body to disseminate the message on peace because we’ve always preached for peaceful co-existence” Pastor James. O. Barnor said.
Participant after participant at the forum emphasized the need for peaceful co-existence in Bawku. They also entreated everybody to preach peace in their small way and make the conscious efforts to sustain the current peace in Bawku.
JAMES DORGBETOR
(Municipal Information Officer)
REPORT ON PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
GENERAL: The Information Services Department in Bawku in its quest to educate everybody within the Bawku Municipality on government programs and policies carried the message to the people including the hard to reach communities.
And after an impressive and very productive 14 days campaign, it came to light that a total of 3822 pregnant women have registered with the Bawku Mutual Health Insurance Scheme and are currently benefiting from the free maternal care policy graciously offered by the NPP government.
According to the IT officer of the scheme, Mr. Thompson Abagna, the women upon hearing the good news starting pouring in at the premises of the scheme like “wild fire” to register. He said, for barely a month now, the greater part of the scheme’ work is to quickly register the pregnant women and process their cards same day.
When the Municipal Director Health Services, Dr. Mensah Afful, was contacted, he confirmed it and said the policy has the capacity to reduce maternal deaths because the jinx and critical reasons that prevented some pregnant women to access medical care has been broken and any pregnant woman who fails to take advantage of this policy is simply an enemy to herself and her unborn child. He was however quick to add that if it is cultural and traditional reasons or barriers that prevented some pregnant women to attend antenatal care at the health centers than such women are likely not to take advantage of the policy but with continuous education they may change.
He advised families to plan their families properly and should not think that once there is a free policy they will indulge in multiple births because the policy is not a license to go and impregnate your wife(s)
Also significant, was the flood alert message to communities along the river banks in the Bawku Municipality. The message was timely because it afforded some farmers whose crops were due for harvest to quickly do so and users of the river equally distant themselves on the days the Bagre dam in neighboring Burkina Faso was opened.
These massages averted destruction of crops and lost of lives in the Bawku Municipality.
The impact made by the subsidy of fertilizer can not be over emphasized. At the moment farmers got the message, they rushed in large numbers to the offices of Ministry of Agric to collect their coupons. Many of the farmers we interviewed praised the government and were hopeful of a bumper harvest this year because they can now afford fertilizer for their crops.
On the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the people in the Municipality are happy to be selected along side few districts to pilot the program, so far 97 people have benefited from a cash transfer of GH¢2092. The beneficiaries were full of praise for the kind gesture of the NPP government. For those who did not benefit from the LEAP funds, though they were some how happy for the beneficiaries they did not minced words when they called on government to source for more funds to cover many needy people in the Municipality.
The school feeding program and how is being managed came under serious critic. The people we interviewed said they were not happy about the conduct of the food contractors /suppliers and some matrons. They have therefore called on government to set up mechanism which will monitor and supervise the program very well. Also, they advocated for the extension of the feeding program to cover many schools.
On peaceful elections; residences in Bawku have called on government to increase the numerical strength of the security and equally motivate them to deliver on purpose to ensure sustainable peace before, during and after the elections.
COMMUNITIES AND POPULATION COVERED; A total of 42 communities and popular spots with an estimated population of about 130,000 population were dutifully covered.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The campaign was highly successful. On some of the policies such as LEAP and school feeding program which are yet on pilot basis, efforts should be made to extend their coverage.
Finally, for the maximum impact of the policies that need the direct participation of people, the education campaign drive should continue, sustained and well resourced.
JAMES DORGBETOR
(Municipal Information Officer)
And after an impressive and very productive 14 days campaign, it came to light that a total of 3822 pregnant women have registered with the Bawku Mutual Health Insurance Scheme and are currently benefiting from the free maternal care policy graciously offered by the NPP government.
According to the IT officer of the scheme, Mr. Thompson Abagna, the women upon hearing the good news starting pouring in at the premises of the scheme like “wild fire” to register. He said, for barely a month now, the greater part of the scheme’ work is to quickly register the pregnant women and process their cards same day.
When the Municipal Director Health Services, Dr. Mensah Afful, was contacted, he confirmed it and said the policy has the capacity to reduce maternal deaths because the jinx and critical reasons that prevented some pregnant women to access medical care has been broken and any pregnant woman who fails to take advantage of this policy is simply an enemy to herself and her unborn child. He was however quick to add that if it is cultural and traditional reasons or barriers that prevented some pregnant women to attend antenatal care at the health centers than such women are likely not to take advantage of the policy but with continuous education they may change.
He advised families to plan their families properly and should not think that once there is a free policy they will indulge in multiple births because the policy is not a license to go and impregnate your wife(s)
Also significant, was the flood alert message to communities along the river banks in the Bawku Municipality. The message was timely because it afforded some farmers whose crops were due for harvest to quickly do so and users of the river equally distant themselves on the days the Bagre dam in neighboring Burkina Faso was opened.
These massages averted destruction of crops and lost of lives in the Bawku Municipality.
The impact made by the subsidy of fertilizer can not be over emphasized. At the moment farmers got the message, they rushed in large numbers to the offices of Ministry of Agric to collect their coupons. Many of the farmers we interviewed praised the government and were hopeful of a bumper harvest this year because they can now afford fertilizer for their crops.
On the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the people in the Municipality are happy to be selected along side few districts to pilot the program, so far 97 people have benefited from a cash transfer of GH¢2092. The beneficiaries were full of praise for the kind gesture of the NPP government. For those who did not benefit from the LEAP funds, though they were some how happy for the beneficiaries they did not minced words when they called on government to source for more funds to cover many needy people in the Municipality.
The school feeding program and how is being managed came under serious critic. The people we interviewed said they were not happy about the conduct of the food contractors /suppliers and some matrons. They have therefore called on government to set up mechanism which will monitor and supervise the program very well. Also, they advocated for the extension of the feeding program to cover many schools.
On peaceful elections; residences in Bawku have called on government to increase the numerical strength of the security and equally motivate them to deliver on purpose to ensure sustainable peace before, during and after the elections.
COMMUNITIES AND POPULATION COVERED; A total of 42 communities and popular spots with an estimated population of about 130,000 population were dutifully covered.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The campaign was highly successful. On some of the policies such as LEAP and school feeding program which are yet on pilot basis, efforts should be made to extend their coverage.
Finally, for the maximum impact of the policies that need the direct participation of people, the education campaign drive should continue, sustained and well resourced.
JAMES DORGBETOR
(Municipal Information Officer)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
DISBBURSEMENT OF LEAP FUNDS TAKES OFF IN BAWKU
The disbursement of the livelihood empowerment against poverty (LEAP) funds which was slated to have begun some four months back but had to be put on hold due to the conflict in Bawku at the time has finally taken off in a grant style.
In all, 97 people from four different communities benefited from a total cash transfer of GH¢2092. The communities included Barebare, south Natinga, Zawse and Yarigungu all within the Bawku Municipality.
The beneficiary received cash transfers ranging from GH¢ 16 to GH¢ 30.
According to the Bawku Municipal Director of social welfare, Mr J.B Ayaya the preparation to disburse these funds started in 2007 during which all communities were sanitized.
On the criteria for selection of people to benefit from the LEAP funds among other things included people who could not meet their daily or basic needs and also for people who were taking care of the disable and orphans.
“Even with these criteria it was the people themselves who identified who should benefit and also selected people who should over see the entire process. The staff of social welfare then went through the list of names; cross examined the list and made the necessary correction before the final list was concluded.” He explained.
Mr. Ayaya said the money is not free money as is being misinterpret in some quarters rather beneficiaries have to meet some conditions to enable them continue to receive the cash transfers.
He said all beneficiaries have to ensure that after taking the money, their children are enrolled in schools, register with NHIS, birth and death, complete their immunizations, and should not engage their children in child labor or allow them to be trafficked.
The Regional Director of social welfare Mr. Christopher Baboro said the LEAP program is not a mine day wonder because it has come to stay and in five years time all districts would be covered.
He said, there cash transfers are not aimed at vote buying but to assist some people who otherwise could not stand on their own.
We know that this money is not so big but would go along way to supplement the feeding of the benefiting households and individuals – He said.
The Regional Director of Ghana Post Mr. Ali Dakurah said Ghana post is happy to be a collaborator of this kind gesture of the government to assist the needed. He Ghana post provides several services which includes the instant money transfer.
He explained that it is through this instant money transfer that the LEAP funds are transmitted before disbursement is made to the beneficiaries.
The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive Hon.Abudulai Abanga was grateful to the NPP government for choosing the Bawku Municipality to be part of the 31districts nation wide to pilot this laudable program.
Hon. Abanga said this disbursement is the third cycle of payment however the beneficiaries within the municipality could not receive the 1st and 2nd cycles due to the conflict.
“Peace is an inevitable component of development and progress and any body that leaves without it would remain backwards.” He said.
He appealed to the people to give peace a chance and exercise maximum restraint in order to sustain the current prevailing peace in Bawku.
“With the situation now returning to normal I would urge everybody to use the security agencies and appropriate medium to seek for redness.” The MCE advised
He stated categorically that he the MCE and government have no interest what soever in the conflict or misunderstanding in Bawku and so would never ever take side.
He advised the people not to allow any politician to use the conflict as campaign material rather when such politicians come they should politely tell them to leave the conflict situation out of their politics.
The beneficiaries expressed their joy and thankfulness to the government when they received the money and wished the government continuous in office to help other people through its good policies.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
In all, 97 people from four different communities benefited from a total cash transfer of GH¢2092. The communities included Barebare, south Natinga, Zawse and Yarigungu all within the Bawku Municipality.
The beneficiary received cash transfers ranging from GH¢ 16 to GH¢ 30.
According to the Bawku Municipal Director of social welfare, Mr J.B Ayaya the preparation to disburse these funds started in 2007 during which all communities were sanitized.
On the criteria for selection of people to benefit from the LEAP funds among other things included people who could not meet their daily or basic needs and also for people who were taking care of the disable and orphans.
“Even with these criteria it was the people themselves who identified who should benefit and also selected people who should over see the entire process. The staff of social welfare then went through the list of names; cross examined the list and made the necessary correction before the final list was concluded.” He explained.
Mr. Ayaya said the money is not free money as is being misinterpret in some quarters rather beneficiaries have to meet some conditions to enable them continue to receive the cash transfers.
He said all beneficiaries have to ensure that after taking the money, their children are enrolled in schools, register with NHIS, birth and death, complete their immunizations, and should not engage their children in child labor or allow them to be trafficked.
The Regional Director of social welfare Mr. Christopher Baboro said the LEAP program is not a mine day wonder because it has come to stay and in five years time all districts would be covered.
He said, there cash transfers are not aimed at vote buying but to assist some people who otherwise could not stand on their own.
We know that this money is not so big but would go along way to supplement the feeding of the benefiting households and individuals – He said.
The Regional Director of Ghana Post Mr. Ali Dakurah said Ghana post is happy to be a collaborator of this kind gesture of the government to assist the needed. He Ghana post provides several services which includes the instant money transfer.
He explained that it is through this instant money transfer that the LEAP funds are transmitted before disbursement is made to the beneficiaries.
The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive Hon.Abudulai Abanga was grateful to the NPP government for choosing the Bawku Municipality to be part of the 31districts nation wide to pilot this laudable program.
Hon. Abanga said this disbursement is the third cycle of payment however the beneficiaries within the municipality could not receive the 1st and 2nd cycles due to the conflict.
“Peace is an inevitable component of development and progress and any body that leaves without it would remain backwards.” He said.
He appealed to the people to give peace a chance and exercise maximum restraint in order to sustain the current prevailing peace in Bawku.
“With the situation now returning to normal I would urge everybody to use the security agencies and appropriate medium to seek for redness.” The MCE advised
He stated categorically that he the MCE and government have no interest what soever in the conflict or misunderstanding in Bawku and so would never ever take side.
He advised the people not to allow any politician to use the conflict as campaign material rather when such politicians come they should politely tell them to leave the conflict situation out of their politics.
The beneficiaries expressed their joy and thankfulness to the government when they received the money and wished the government continuous in office to help other people through its good policies.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES IN BAWKU PLEDGE THEMSELVES TO GOOD CONDUCT
Parliamentary Candidates for 2008 general elections in Bawku Central Constituency have committed themselves towards peaceful elections in Bawku.
One word that ran through their submission during the forum was the need for peace in Bawku, especially having emerged from conflict; they could not afford to plunge the area into a state of confusion again.
Stressing on the need for peace in Bawku in particular, the Upper East Regional Director of the National Commission on Civic Education (N.C.C.E) Mr. H.S Haruna said that Democracy goes beyond free and fair election since it is only one of the virtues of democracy “our past political errors which led to violent clashes and prejudices in our communities during and after election 2000 should mean something to us” he advised.
He continued that Ghanaians were looking for leaders who would consider every one regardless of their political linage.
Mr. Haruna cautioned politicians and legible voters to desist from vote buying and described it as counter productive and a criminal denial of the citizen’s right to freedom of choice citing what happened during the just ended primaries in some parts of the country.
Touching on the vision of the N.C.C.E, Mr. P.P Apaabey Baba, and the Bawku Municipal Directory noted that their vision is an effective independent democratic commission delivering quality civic education.
He added that as contained in the 1992 constitutions, some of the N.C.C.E functions are to create and sustain within the society the awareness of the principles and objectives of this constitution as the fundamental law of the people of Ghana.
Also to educate and encourage the public to defend this constitution at all times against all forms of abuse and violation.
He told the participants to have a vision of a peaceable municipality where peace is viewed as a deliberate effort to be made day by day and moment after moment by both natives and strangers.
The political candidates who were at the engagement forum included Hon, Mahama Ayarga for National Democratic Congress (N.D.C) Mr., Dramani Adamu New Patriotic Party (N.P.P), Roda Imoro Ayarna Convention Peoples Party (C.P.P) and Democratic Freedom Party Alhaji Imoro Nkum (D.F.P) all pledged to exhibit high standard behavior to ensure peace before, during and after the elections in Bawku come December 7.
Godwin Nkunu/James Dorgbetor (ISD-BAWKU)
One word that ran through their submission during the forum was the need for peace in Bawku, especially having emerged from conflict; they could not afford to plunge the area into a state of confusion again.
Stressing on the need for peace in Bawku in particular, the Upper East Regional Director of the National Commission on Civic Education (N.C.C.E) Mr. H.S Haruna said that Democracy goes beyond free and fair election since it is only one of the virtues of democracy “our past political errors which led to violent clashes and prejudices in our communities during and after election 2000 should mean something to us” he advised.
He continued that Ghanaians were looking for leaders who would consider every one regardless of their political linage.
Mr. Haruna cautioned politicians and legible voters to desist from vote buying and described it as counter productive and a criminal denial of the citizen’s right to freedom of choice citing what happened during the just ended primaries in some parts of the country.
Touching on the vision of the N.C.C.E, Mr. P.P Apaabey Baba, and the Bawku Municipal Directory noted that their vision is an effective independent democratic commission delivering quality civic education.
He added that as contained in the 1992 constitutions, some of the N.C.C.E functions are to create and sustain within the society the awareness of the principles and objectives of this constitution as the fundamental law of the people of Ghana.
Also to educate and encourage the public to defend this constitution at all times against all forms of abuse and violation.
He told the participants to have a vision of a peaceable municipality where peace is viewed as a deliberate effort to be made day by day and moment after moment by both natives and strangers.
The political candidates who were at the engagement forum included Hon, Mahama Ayarga for National Democratic Congress (N.D.C) Mr., Dramani Adamu New Patriotic Party (N.P.P), Roda Imoro Ayarna Convention Peoples Party (C.P.P) and Democratic Freedom Party Alhaji Imoro Nkum (D.F.P) all pledged to exhibit high standard behavior to ensure peace before, during and after the elections in Bawku come December 7.
Godwin Nkunu/James Dorgbetor (ISD-BAWKU)
I am not An NPP Agent –Declares Roda Imoro –Ayarna
The CPP Parliamentary candidate for the Bawku central constituency Madam Roda Imoro-Ayarna has described as preposterous and mischievous the falsehood being circulated around especially in the Bawku central constituency that she is an NPP agent planted to divide votes.
I am not an NPP agent neither have I been plant by any one to divide the votes of any parliamentary candidate in the Bawku central constituency. Rather what I am is a fully breed CPP woman and native of Bawku poised to win the parliamentary seat in Bawku she declared.
“What my detractors do not know is that I’m one of the CPP members who have taken the NPP to court over the sale of GT and wondered why I would allow myself to be planted by NPP at the same time” she said.
Madam Roda mentioned Hon. Mahama Ayariga as one of those perpetuating the falsehood and urged him to stop the cheap propaganda and conduct a clean campaign devoid of personally attacks.
My father Alhaji Imoro –Ayarna is one of the people who championed the crusade for Ghana’s Independence and a leading member of the CPP and that has been the tradition of my entire family –she explained.
“I am a unifier, approachable, and hardworking that is why I’m appealing to the electorate in Bawku Central constituency to vote massively for me and Dr, Papa Kwesi Nduom to champion their cause for him” she said.
She urged other parliamentary candidates to play clean politics and urged their followers to do some to ensure that the prevailing peace in Bawku is sustained before, during and after election.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
I am not an NPP agent neither have I been plant by any one to divide the votes of any parliamentary candidate in the Bawku central constituency. Rather what I am is a fully breed CPP woman and native of Bawku poised to win the parliamentary seat in Bawku she declared.
“What my detractors do not know is that I’m one of the CPP members who have taken the NPP to court over the sale of GT and wondered why I would allow myself to be planted by NPP at the same time” she said.
Madam Roda mentioned Hon. Mahama Ayariga as one of those perpetuating the falsehood and urged him to stop the cheap propaganda and conduct a clean campaign devoid of personally attacks.
My father Alhaji Imoro –Ayarna is one of the people who championed the crusade for Ghana’s Independence and a leading member of the CPP and that has been the tradition of my entire family –she explained.
“I am a unifier, approachable, and hardworking that is why I’m appealing to the electorate in Bawku Central constituency to vote massively for me and Dr, Papa Kwesi Nduom to champion their cause for him” she said.
She urged other parliamentary candidates to play clean politics and urged their followers to do some to ensure that the prevailing peace in Bawku is sustained before, during and after election.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
RODA IMORU-AYARNA IS CPP PARLIAMENTARY
The CPP in Bawku at the weekend by popular acclamation confirmed Madam Rhoda Imoru-Ayarna as its parliamentary candidate for the Bawku central constituency to contest in the forth coming elections in December
Madam Rhoda Imoru-Ayarna is 50 years old, Hotelier/caterer by profession and self employed business woman.
In her acceptance speech, Madam Rhoda Imoru-ayarna thanked the CPP for the confidence reposed in her and the opportunity given her to serve the people of Bawku when elected as its MP.
“I bring on board new dynamism and hard work to serve the good people of Bawku to ensure total progress and development of the constituency” she said.
Madam Rhoda said Bawku has been CPP town since independence and it will be returned to CPP come December this year.
She said she has studied the situation in Bawku and known that, unemployment, poverty, diseases and ignorance are the major causes of the misunderstanding in Bawku and is better placed to help the area with her rich experience.
Madam Rhoda said the people of Bawku are one people with a common destiny and should not allow any thing to divide them.
She therefore asked the people to vote massively for her and Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom to deliver meaningful development, peace and prosperity to Ghanaians.
The Bawku Municipal Electoral Officer Mr. Bosco Azuh who supervised the acclamation ceremony said party politics is not a license for anybody to fight rather an opportunity to contribute once quota toward the development of Ghana.
“Anybody who engages him /her in a fight or creates confusion during political campaigns should known that the adverse effect of that persons’ conduct would tagged that political party as a party noted for such conducts” he said.
On the voters registration exercise, Mr. Bosco Azuh explained that the exercise is not whole sale registration for everybody rather for those who have just attained eighteen (18) years and those more than 18 but could not register for obvious reasons and warned that double registration is a crime.
He said the Electoral commission is a human institution and is ever ready to explain or assist anybody requiring assistance with regards to the electoral process
The constituency secretary Mr. Fuseini Musah said Madam Rhoda Imoru Ayarna has the backing and blessing of the entire membership of CPP in Bawku and are convinced of her victory in the December polls. He appealed to all political parties to preach peace and conduct their campaigns in a manner devoid of insults and personal attacks.
JAMES DORGBETOR
BAWKU MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
Madam Rhoda Imoru-Ayarna is 50 years old, Hotelier/caterer by profession and self employed business woman.
In her acceptance speech, Madam Rhoda Imoru-ayarna thanked the CPP for the confidence reposed in her and the opportunity given her to serve the people of Bawku when elected as its MP.
“I bring on board new dynamism and hard work to serve the good people of Bawku to ensure total progress and development of the constituency” she said.
Madam Rhoda said Bawku has been CPP town since independence and it will be returned to CPP come December this year.
She said she has studied the situation in Bawku and known that, unemployment, poverty, diseases and ignorance are the major causes of the misunderstanding in Bawku and is better placed to help the area with her rich experience.
Madam Rhoda said the people of Bawku are one people with a common destiny and should not allow any thing to divide them.
She therefore asked the people to vote massively for her and Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom to deliver meaningful development, peace and prosperity to Ghanaians.
The Bawku Municipal Electoral Officer Mr. Bosco Azuh who supervised the acclamation ceremony said party politics is not a license for anybody to fight rather an opportunity to contribute once quota toward the development of Ghana.
“Anybody who engages him /her in a fight or creates confusion during political campaigns should known that the adverse effect of that persons’ conduct would tagged that political party as a party noted for such conducts” he said.
On the voters registration exercise, Mr. Bosco Azuh explained that the exercise is not whole sale registration for everybody rather for those who have just attained eighteen (18) years and those more than 18 but could not register for obvious reasons and warned that double registration is a crime.
He said the Electoral commission is a human institution and is ever ready to explain or assist anybody requiring assistance with regards to the electoral process
The constituency secretary Mr. Fuseini Musah said Madam Rhoda Imoru Ayarna has the backing and blessing of the entire membership of CPP in Bawku and are convinced of her victory in the December polls. He appealed to all political parties to preach peace and conduct their campaigns in a manner devoid of insults and personal attacks.
JAMES DORGBETOR
BAWKU MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
HEALTH WORKERS IN BAWKU URGED TO GO BACK TO WORK
Health workers in the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital especially the nurse who have been absent from work during the seven months with regard to the Bawku conflict have been assured of enough security on their way to work and at the hospital, therefore, should take advantage of it and go to work reputedly.
They were told to report personally to the Divisional Police Commander or call him on his phone number 0244598322 of any threat, intimidation or attack from anybody.
Those who will fail to comply with this new arrangement will face internal disciplinary measures by the hospital authority.
This assurance come as a result of unannounced visit paid to the hospital by the Bawku Municipal Security committee last led by the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive Abdulai Abanga. It was revealed that almost three-quarter of the nurses were not at post on the ground because of insecurity.
Speaking at a short meeting with the hospital management team and workers, the Bawku Police Divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Peter Mawong said that police were over in Bawku however the problem is between individuals.
He assured them all threats received by the police would be delt with accordingly. Citing himself he said “I have received many threats but discarded them because they are empty threats. Someone will buy a new chip purposely to threaten you and there after throw it away; those culprits can’t be traced because of the sophisticated nature of our network.
The officer commanding ABF in Bawku Major Frank Walanyo Agbebo reiterated the same message emphasizing that his men were on the ground with enough logistics 24 hours a day, therefore the nurses should reciprocate this effort to go to work promptly and regularly in order to save lives.
The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Abdulai Abanga said that the hospital that earned both national and international recognition is as gradually dying off because of the communal conflict, adding that the hospital is important to the government and the assembly therefore, would do everything possible to preserve its status.
Mr. Belko David Moli a spokesman for the Mamprusi Delegation re-echoed that there is peace in Bawku and pleaded with the health workers to go about their work in confidence stressing that the conflict is now over between the Kusasis and Mamprusis.
He confirmed this by saying yesterday how he went to Tensia, Atuba and Benguri which are Kusasis storing hold to interact with teachers and pupils and shared his experience with them as a former educationist.
The newly inducted General Manager of the hospital Mr. John Abugri told the workers to exercise patience and tolerate with one another as they work and put behind them what happened in the past seven months so that the hospital could regain its lost glory.
GODWIN NKUNU
ISD, BAWKU
They were told to report personally to the Divisional Police Commander or call him on his phone number 0244598322 of any threat, intimidation or attack from anybody.
Those who will fail to comply with this new arrangement will face internal disciplinary measures by the hospital authority.
This assurance come as a result of unannounced visit paid to the hospital by the Bawku Municipal Security committee last led by the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive Abdulai Abanga. It was revealed that almost three-quarter of the nurses were not at post on the ground because of insecurity.
Speaking at a short meeting with the hospital management team and workers, the Bawku Police Divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Peter Mawong said that police were over in Bawku however the problem is between individuals.
He assured them all threats received by the police would be delt with accordingly. Citing himself he said “I have received many threats but discarded them because they are empty threats. Someone will buy a new chip purposely to threaten you and there after throw it away; those culprits can’t be traced because of the sophisticated nature of our network.
The officer commanding ABF in Bawku Major Frank Walanyo Agbebo reiterated the same message emphasizing that his men were on the ground with enough logistics 24 hours a day, therefore the nurses should reciprocate this effort to go to work promptly and regularly in order to save lives.
The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Abdulai Abanga said that the hospital that earned both national and international recognition is as gradually dying off because of the communal conflict, adding that the hospital is important to the government and the assembly therefore, would do everything possible to preserve its status.
Mr. Belko David Moli a spokesman for the Mamprusi Delegation re-echoed that there is peace in Bawku and pleaded with the health workers to go about their work in confidence stressing that the conflict is now over between the Kusasis and Mamprusis.
He confirmed this by saying yesterday how he went to Tensia, Atuba and Benguri which are Kusasis storing hold to interact with teachers and pupils and shared his experience with them as a former educationist.
The newly inducted General Manager of the hospital Mr. John Abugri told the workers to exercise patience and tolerate with one another as they work and put behind them what happened in the past seven months so that the hospital could regain its lost glory.
GODWIN NKUNU
ISD, BAWKU
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL ON BAWKU CONFLICT
The director of Amnesty International, Ghana section, Mr. Michael A. Brigandi has paid a two day working visit to Bawku to access at first hand the conflict situation in Bawku.
According to Mr. Brigandi, his meeting with the opinion leaders of the Kusasi and Mamprusi at separate meetings reviewed that both the Kusasi and Mamprusi are eager to see that the conflict come to an end but are however relying heavily on government to conclude her mediation efforts as soon as possible.
Mr. Brigandi emphasized that, the elders in particular have shown so much interest to see the end of the conflict in Bawku but the problem at the moment is the youth who must be given proper engagements.
He said the situation in Bawku is pathetic especially at Buabula where women and children were massacred because even weeks after the unfortunate incident, just by mere narration everybody including the elderly broke down in tears.
He said both sides indicated the high politicization of the conflict and appeal to all politicians to be circumspect in their utterances when it comes to the Bawku conflict.
He commended the Information Service Department and NCCE for their sensitization program on peace. He called on government and other stakeholders to give more resources to these department’s to deliver more educational programs because we need more education than the stiff curfew hours.
He urged government to take up concrete steps to resolving the situation in Bawku as soon as possible otherwise we may have to explore other means and ways available to Amnesty International.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
According to Mr. Brigandi, his meeting with the opinion leaders of the Kusasi and Mamprusi at separate meetings reviewed that both the Kusasi and Mamprusi are eager to see that the conflict come to an end but are however relying heavily on government to conclude her mediation efforts as soon as possible.
Mr. Brigandi emphasized that, the elders in particular have shown so much interest to see the end of the conflict in Bawku but the problem at the moment is the youth who must be given proper engagements.
He said the situation in Bawku is pathetic especially at Buabula where women and children were massacred because even weeks after the unfortunate incident, just by mere narration everybody including the elderly broke down in tears.
He said both sides indicated the high politicization of the conflict and appeal to all politicians to be circumspect in their utterances when it comes to the Bawku conflict.
He commended the Information Service Department and NCCE for their sensitization program on peace. He called on government and other stakeholders to give more resources to these department’s to deliver more educational programs because we need more education than the stiff curfew hours.
He urged government to take up concrete steps to resolving the situation in Bawku as soon as possible otherwise we may have to explore other means and ways available to Amnesty International.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
BE PATIENT – PEOPLE OF BAWKU
The Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC) Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson has asked the people of Bawku to be patient and give the council some time to work out things to ensure lasting peace in Bawku.
We know the anger and pain you are currently going through however, we believe that it is through wider consultations with all stakeholders in the conflict that the much needed peace we’re all searching for will come, he said.
Cardinal Peter Appiah said when the blacksmith continue to hit a hot iron several times it means something is at stake. That is why we of the Peace Council will continue to come to Bawku and interact with its people until peace is achieved in Bawku.
The Cardinal made this remark when the NPC made a third time visit to some parts of Bawku and interacted with its people. Cardinal Turkson said the NPC believes peace can reign in Bawku however, peace lies within the people themselves who much as matter urgency make conscious effort towards it. The cardinal expressed his condolences to all bereaved and prayed God to console them enough.
At Pusiga where the NPC visited the Naa Gbewaa Shrine, Maulvi Wahab Adam praised the people for keeping the shrine well. He however urged the people to strive more on the shrine to attract more tourists.
The Omanhene of Dormaa Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu was happy that at long last he has seen the Gbewaa Training College that trained his father and some other prominent citizens of Ghana. He said with all this landmarks and the good of the place, the people should embrace peace, which would automatically bring jobs and development to the area. He expressed desire to adopt some of the children who lost their parents in the conflict. Prof. Irene Adotei embraced and consoled the women who lost their children and husbands. She appealed to them to find a place in their heart to forgive those who have hurt them badly and take what has happened to God in prayers.
The Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga expressed worry over the conflict situation and appealed to the people of Bawku to exercise restraint and give peace a chance. He said we can resolve our differences through the use of rule of law and not with the guns.
The Pusiga Chief Naba Ayumah Tambisbalen said with all the blood that has been shed in the land there’s the need to pacify it through a ritual called collection of blood. The chief said the ritual could be done at one of the spots where blood was shed to cover all other spots scattered all over the municipality. He however, said the ritual have to be done by both the Kusasi and Mamprusi to pacify the land. Earlier, the NPC in Bawku paid a courtesy call on the Bawku Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II; the visit also took the NPC to Buabula, a suburb where children and women were murdered, Natinga, Bawku central market and lorry station and they finally ended the tour at Solminaba where the first incident of the conflict started.
The council members met some of the victims of the gruesome murders in person, console them and prayed for them.
The council in collaboration with the Bawku municipal Assembly donated 10 bags of maize, 4 bags of beans, 3 goats and unspecified large sum of money to some of the victims. Other dignitaries who accompanied the NPC in their interactive tour included the Deputy Coordinating Director Hon. David Naa-Irene, Mr. Frimpong Mensah executive secretary of NPC, Mr. Frank Afari research assistant, Officer Commanding the Air Borne Force in Bawku Major Worlanyo Agbebo.
James Dorgbetor
Municipal Information Officer
We know the anger and pain you are currently going through however, we believe that it is through wider consultations with all stakeholders in the conflict that the much needed peace we’re all searching for will come, he said.
Cardinal Peter Appiah said when the blacksmith continue to hit a hot iron several times it means something is at stake. That is why we of the Peace Council will continue to come to Bawku and interact with its people until peace is achieved in Bawku.
The Cardinal made this remark when the NPC made a third time visit to some parts of Bawku and interacted with its people. Cardinal Turkson said the NPC believes peace can reign in Bawku however, peace lies within the people themselves who much as matter urgency make conscious effort towards it. The cardinal expressed his condolences to all bereaved and prayed God to console them enough.
At Pusiga where the NPC visited the Naa Gbewaa Shrine, Maulvi Wahab Adam praised the people for keeping the shrine well. He however urged the people to strive more on the shrine to attract more tourists.
The Omanhene of Dormaa Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu was happy that at long last he has seen the Gbewaa Training College that trained his father and some other prominent citizens of Ghana. He said with all this landmarks and the good of the place, the people should embrace peace, which would automatically bring jobs and development to the area. He expressed desire to adopt some of the children who lost their parents in the conflict. Prof. Irene Adotei embraced and consoled the women who lost their children and husbands. She appealed to them to find a place in their heart to forgive those who have hurt them badly and take what has happened to God in prayers.
The Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga expressed worry over the conflict situation and appealed to the people of Bawku to exercise restraint and give peace a chance. He said we can resolve our differences through the use of rule of law and not with the guns.
The Pusiga Chief Naba Ayumah Tambisbalen said with all the blood that has been shed in the land there’s the need to pacify it through a ritual called collection of blood. The chief said the ritual could be done at one of the spots where blood was shed to cover all other spots scattered all over the municipality. He however, said the ritual have to be done by both the Kusasi and Mamprusi to pacify the land. Earlier, the NPC in Bawku paid a courtesy call on the Bawku Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II; the visit also took the NPC to Buabula, a suburb where children and women were murdered, Natinga, Bawku central market and lorry station and they finally ended the tour at Solminaba where the first incident of the conflict started.
The council members met some of the victims of the gruesome murders in person, console them and prayed for them.
The council in collaboration with the Bawku municipal Assembly donated 10 bags of maize, 4 bags of beans, 3 goats and unspecified large sum of money to some of the victims. Other dignitaries who accompanied the NPC in their interactive tour included the Deputy Coordinating Director Hon. David Naa-Irene, Mr. Frimpong Mensah executive secretary of NPC, Mr. Frank Afari research assistant, Officer Commanding the Air Borne Force in Bawku Major Worlanyo Agbebo.
James Dorgbetor
Municipal Information Officer
RELIGIOUS BODIES APPEAL FOR CALM IN BAWKU
Two religious councils delegation comprising Christians and Muslims in Bawku have also re-echoed the need for peace in Bawku in order to avert the looming hunger and poverty that might plague the municipality if the residents failed to heed to the plea of the nation.
In a four point communiqué jointly issued by the councils, dubbed, Christians and Muslims Dialogue, mentioned education, health, farming and freedom as the hard hit sections by the seven months communal violence which are likely to jeopardize the future of the nation leaders particular Bawku.
Speaking at separate meeting with the feuding factions in Bawku yesterday, Pastor J.O. Barnor of the Pentecost church in Bawku and Secretary to the council, said that education of the children who are the future leaders was being affected Seriously due to the conflict adding that resources that should have gone into providing infrastructure had been channeled towards peace keeping.
He added that health personnel fled the town resulting into unnecessary Deaths, Citing himself as an example; he said that during the 24hour curfew, he had stomach-ache, even though he had police escorts to be taken to the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital, there was no doctor or nurse to attend to him only God saved his life.
Pastor Barnor pleaded with Bawku Naba, to intervene and allow Mamprusis whose farm lands are located in the Kusasis dominated areas to farm, stressing that “Farming activities have also been hindered due to the conflict and this is likely to give birth to hunger, misery, poverty, therefore, we are pleading with you to give peace a chance”
The chairman of the Muslim council, Malam Inusah Musah, indicated that the absence of peace has affected the Friday and Sunday Congregational prayers and told them that they are one people created by one God, therefore should not fight one another and for peace to set in there should be mutual intervention and cordial relationship with both parties, “there we are pleading with you to stop fighting” he pleaded.
He added that worse of it was that people have denied their identities everywhere they go as he termed it “lost image” and also the international community and the entire nation are worried.
In his response, Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abrugrabo Azoka, blamed the imams for giving spiritual protections to the combatants to fight which is perpetuating the conflict adding that even though the Quran has good intentions, they should endeavor to impress upon its followers to positively relate with everybody for the good of humanity.
Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II explained he had instructed both his sub-chiefs and divisional as well as individual to allow Mamprusis to farm without any hindrance and urged any Mamprusis who feels intimidated or attacked by Kusasis should report the matter to the police and him.
An opinion leader of the Mamprusis, Mr. Ziblim Haruna said that it should be made clear that the conflict is not between Mamprusis and Kusasis a lone but involved other tribes in the municipality.
Buttressing his allegation, he said places like Possum and Patelemi all suburb of Bawku which are mostly dominated by moshie have been attacked by the kusasis, therefore calling for proper investigations into matter.
Contrary to Bawku Nabas stand on farm lands, Mr., Ziblim said, Mamprusis farm land in kusasis area is still being hold by kusasis making it difficult for them to farm during the season added they are hungry and tied and may likely push them to wall as he termed it “hungry man is an angry man”
They all thanked the effort by the councils and urged them to go at all length for permanent peace to restore to Bawku.
GODWIN NKUNU
ISD BAWKU
In a four point communiqué jointly issued by the councils, dubbed, Christians and Muslims Dialogue, mentioned education, health, farming and freedom as the hard hit sections by the seven months communal violence which are likely to jeopardize the future of the nation leaders particular Bawku.
Speaking at separate meeting with the feuding factions in Bawku yesterday, Pastor J.O. Barnor of the Pentecost church in Bawku and Secretary to the council, said that education of the children who are the future leaders was being affected Seriously due to the conflict adding that resources that should have gone into providing infrastructure had been channeled towards peace keeping.
He added that health personnel fled the town resulting into unnecessary Deaths, Citing himself as an example; he said that during the 24hour curfew, he had stomach-ache, even though he had police escorts to be taken to the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital, there was no doctor or nurse to attend to him only God saved his life.
Pastor Barnor pleaded with Bawku Naba, to intervene and allow Mamprusis whose farm lands are located in the Kusasis dominated areas to farm, stressing that “Farming activities have also been hindered due to the conflict and this is likely to give birth to hunger, misery, poverty, therefore, we are pleading with you to give peace a chance”
The chairman of the Muslim council, Malam Inusah Musah, indicated that the absence of peace has affected the Friday and Sunday Congregational prayers and told them that they are one people created by one God, therefore should not fight one another and for peace to set in there should be mutual intervention and cordial relationship with both parties, “there we are pleading with you to stop fighting” he pleaded.
He added that worse of it was that people have denied their identities everywhere they go as he termed it “lost image” and also the international community and the entire nation are worried.
In his response, Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abrugrabo Azoka, blamed the imams for giving spiritual protections to the combatants to fight which is perpetuating the conflict adding that even though the Quran has good intentions, they should endeavor to impress upon its followers to positively relate with everybody for the good of humanity.
Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka II explained he had instructed both his sub-chiefs and divisional as well as individual to allow Mamprusis to farm without any hindrance and urged any Mamprusis who feels intimidated or attacked by Kusasis should report the matter to the police and him.
An opinion leader of the Mamprusis, Mr. Ziblim Haruna said that it should be made clear that the conflict is not between Mamprusis and Kusasis a lone but involved other tribes in the municipality.
Buttressing his allegation, he said places like Possum and Patelemi all suburb of Bawku which are mostly dominated by moshie have been attacked by the kusasis, therefore calling for proper investigations into matter.
Contrary to Bawku Nabas stand on farm lands, Mr., Ziblim said, Mamprusis farm land in kusasis area is still being hold by kusasis making it difficult for them to farm during the season added they are hungry and tied and may likely push them to wall as he termed it “hungry man is an angry man”
They all thanked the effort by the councils and urged them to go at all length for permanent peace to restore to Bawku.
GODWIN NKUNU
ISD BAWKU
SUBSIDY ON FERTILIZER MAKES IMPACT
The government intervention on some basic fertilizers through subsidy mostly used by subsistence farmers is making a considerable impact at the grassroots level.
The positive impact of this policy is that, it made the purchasing of the fertilizers accessible and affordable as a result of the heavy subsidy and the evenly distribution of the commodities across the municipality as compared to the past when farmers had to journey over a considerable distance to get the items at a concentrated area.
The Bawku Municipal Information Officer Mr. James Dorgbetor said this when he granted an interview to this reporter.
Visit to Bawku Agricultural Office and some Agricultural Extension Agencies in the municipality saw a large crowd of farmers trying to buy some quantity.
For example at Yara Company, an Agricultural Extension Agency located at Zawse of about 8km from Bawku township has the mandate to distribute the fertilizers to farmers in that locality, therefore, making it convenient and comfortable for farmers to access it.
Some of the fertilizers subsided by the government where Urea, Sulphate of Ammonia (SOA), NPK (15:15:15) and NPK (23: 10: 05)
Before the reduction Urea was sold at GH¢ 49.00 per bag, but now sold at GH¢ 26.00, sulphate of Ammonia which was sold at GH ¢ 31.00 now selling at GH¢18.00, while N.P.K 15:15:15 with old price of GH ¢ 48.00 is currently selling at GH ¢ 26.00and N.P.K 23:10:05 with old price of GH ¢ 45.00, however is at GH ¢ 24.00.
The Bawku Municipal Information Officer Mr. James Dorgbetor explained that in order to access the fertilizers, farmers and prospective buyers have to get a presented coupon from Ministry of Food and Agricultural Office (MOFA), District Agricultural office (DAO) or Agricultural Extension office (A.E.O)
Mr. Dorgbetor said farmers who have not heard the good news are being advised and encouraged to take advantage of this policy to increase their production consequently improve their lives and avert the shortage of food experienced last year in the region.
On the conflict Mr. Dorgbetor said however that, there has been improvement in the conflict situation in the municipality and its environs as a result of the effort of all concerned stakeholders especially the security in the recent time.
Mr. Dorgbetor therefore, advised all and Sundry to comply with the by-laws in and around the municipality and move about their normal activities but cautiously, especially during these trying times where people seemed to have been taken the law into their own hands.
He said also, there has been improvement in the hospital attendance as the Statistical office has been recording huge figures daily as contrary reported in some media houses that the hospital had been closed down.
Godwin Nkunu.
ISD BAWKU
The positive impact of this policy is that, it made the purchasing of the fertilizers accessible and affordable as a result of the heavy subsidy and the evenly distribution of the commodities across the municipality as compared to the past when farmers had to journey over a considerable distance to get the items at a concentrated area.
The Bawku Municipal Information Officer Mr. James Dorgbetor said this when he granted an interview to this reporter.
Visit to Bawku Agricultural Office and some Agricultural Extension Agencies in the municipality saw a large crowd of farmers trying to buy some quantity.
For example at Yara Company, an Agricultural Extension Agency located at Zawse of about 8km from Bawku township has the mandate to distribute the fertilizers to farmers in that locality, therefore, making it convenient and comfortable for farmers to access it.
Some of the fertilizers subsided by the government where Urea, Sulphate of Ammonia (SOA), NPK (15:15:15) and NPK (23: 10: 05)
Before the reduction Urea was sold at GH¢ 49.00 per bag, but now sold at GH¢ 26.00, sulphate of Ammonia which was sold at GH ¢ 31.00 now selling at GH¢18.00, while N.P.K 15:15:15 with old price of GH ¢ 48.00 is currently selling at GH ¢ 26.00and N.P.K 23:10:05 with old price of GH ¢ 45.00, however is at GH ¢ 24.00.
The Bawku Municipal Information Officer Mr. James Dorgbetor explained that in order to access the fertilizers, farmers and prospective buyers have to get a presented coupon from Ministry of Food and Agricultural Office (MOFA), District Agricultural office (DAO) or Agricultural Extension office (A.E.O)
Mr. Dorgbetor said farmers who have not heard the good news are being advised and encouraged to take advantage of this policy to increase their production consequently improve their lives and avert the shortage of food experienced last year in the region.
On the conflict Mr. Dorgbetor said however that, there has been improvement in the conflict situation in the municipality and its environs as a result of the effort of all concerned stakeholders especially the security in the recent time.
Mr. Dorgbetor therefore, advised all and Sundry to comply with the by-laws in and around the municipality and move about their normal activities but cautiously, especially during these trying times where people seemed to have been taken the law into their own hands.
He said also, there has been improvement in the hospital attendance as the Statistical office has been recording huge figures daily as contrary reported in some media houses that the hospital had been closed down.
Godwin Nkunu.
ISD BAWKU
REJOINDER – MAMPRUGU YOUTH SUPPORT
I write to express my discontentment for the unfounded allegations and incriminating statement made by Alhassan Batesima Adams, Chairman of Mamprugu Youth Association against Hon. Abdulai Abanga with the headline “Mamprugu Youth support peace efforts in Bawku”, which was published in the Daily Graphic, July 1st edition.
Quoting from the paper, the fifth and six paragraphs say “The chairman of the association, Alhassan Batesima Adams, however, called for the removal of both the Upper East Regional Minister and the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Messrs Alhassan Samari and Emmanuel Abanga, respectively for their alleged complicity in the conflict”.
“He contended that before the appointment of the two, Bawku had experienced absolute peace, security and economic boom and wondered why the area had to relapse into conflict after their assumption of office”.
First and foremost, I would like to correct Mr. Adams for wrongly calling the Honourable “Emmanuel Abanga” as reported in the paper. The correct name is Honourable Abdulai Abanga.
Also, all and sundry knows that the current Bawku conflict started on December 31st, 2007. However, Hon. Abdulai Abanga after his appointment by His Excellency President J. A. Kuffuor, he was confirmed in January 24th, 2008. Therefore, if Mr. Adams would say that before, Hon. Abdulai Abanga assumed office Bawku had experienced absolute peace, security and economic boom and wondered why the area had to relapse into conflict is just the opposite. What Mr. Adams failed to acknowledge is that the conflict dates back 1958, which is far older than Hon. Abdulai Abanga.
The fact is that the conflict in Bawku had begun before Hon. Abdulai Abanga was confirmed let alone assume office. Further, administratively, it would take time for handover to take place for him to start work officially.
So for Mr. Adams, a whole chairman to exhibit such a blatant ignorance was unfortunate and unfounded. This shows that Mr. Adams is not in touch with events on the ground and therefore should not be allowed to make such wild and unsubstantiated comments capable of compounding the already dicey problem in Bawku which well-meaning Ghanaians are trying relentlessly to resolve for socio-economic development of the municipality.
To declare the neutrality of Hon. Abdulai Abanga as the Chief Executive of Bawku Municipality in the Bawku conflict, he did lot in consolidating the peace currently prevailing in Bawku such as assisting the National Peace Council and many other bodies to carryout their mediation and resolution efforts in Bawku. He is equally in constant consultation with the leadership from the Kusasi and Mamprusi who at any time call Hon. Abdulai Abanga to share or discuss Issues pertaining to the conflict and other general issues bordering on development.
By the invitation of the two sides by his Excellency President J. A. Kuffuor, Hon. Abanga facilitated the movement of the feuding factions in honouring the invitation.
Again, as a leader for all and sundry, Kusasis and Mamprusis inclusive, in May when the 101 Mamprusis in Pusiga were displaced and sought refugee status in Goulougousi, a village in Togo, Hon. Abanga initiated efforts for their welfare until 66 were safely repatriated home whiles efforts are still under way to bring the remaining home.
So how could he be involved in the conflict? Did Mr. Adams want to say that Hon. Abanga is enemy of his own progress? Obviously not.
Mr. Adams could have done everybody good if he had mention any acts of omission or commission but he failed to do so.
In addition, we can’t ignore the meritorious roles Hon. Abanga played as chairman of MUSEC who hold regular meetings on the current situation with single aim of restoring peace to the Municipality for effective and efficient management of his administration in reducing poverty. Quoting from the Holy Bible, it says “A house that stands against itself can’t stand” therefore how can he succeed in his administration and so saddens the hearts of many considering this unfounded allegation vis-avis his position in taking side in the conflict.
From the view point of many peace loving people, Mr. Adams wanted to derail the effort so far made; by concerned citizens both in and outside Bawku otherwise Mr. Adams should not have made such a vague statement which has no iota of truth.
We therefore, challenge Adams, to come out with facts possibly figures to substantiate his allegation for every Ghanaian to see the contributions of Hon. Abanga in either generating or fuelling the Bawku conflict. If not we urge Adams and people like him to desist from such utterances that might aggravate the situation.
On this note we plead with all concerned be it individuals, groups, or institutions to all put their shoulder to the wheel in restoring peace, we mean absolute peace in Bawku and its environs for socio-economic development of the municipality.
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
BAWKU MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
POST OFFICE BOX 1
BAWKU.
Quoting from the paper, the fifth and six paragraphs say “The chairman of the association, Alhassan Batesima Adams, however, called for the removal of both the Upper East Regional Minister and the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Messrs Alhassan Samari and Emmanuel Abanga, respectively for their alleged complicity in the conflict”.
“He contended that before the appointment of the two, Bawku had experienced absolute peace, security and economic boom and wondered why the area had to relapse into conflict after their assumption of office”.
First and foremost, I would like to correct Mr. Adams for wrongly calling the Honourable “Emmanuel Abanga” as reported in the paper. The correct name is Honourable Abdulai Abanga.
Also, all and sundry knows that the current Bawku conflict started on December 31st, 2007. However, Hon. Abdulai Abanga after his appointment by His Excellency President J. A. Kuffuor, he was confirmed in January 24th, 2008. Therefore, if Mr. Adams would say that before, Hon. Abdulai Abanga assumed office Bawku had experienced absolute peace, security and economic boom and wondered why the area had to relapse into conflict is just the opposite. What Mr. Adams failed to acknowledge is that the conflict dates back 1958, which is far older than Hon. Abdulai Abanga.
The fact is that the conflict in Bawku had begun before Hon. Abdulai Abanga was confirmed let alone assume office. Further, administratively, it would take time for handover to take place for him to start work officially.
So for Mr. Adams, a whole chairman to exhibit such a blatant ignorance was unfortunate and unfounded. This shows that Mr. Adams is not in touch with events on the ground and therefore should not be allowed to make such wild and unsubstantiated comments capable of compounding the already dicey problem in Bawku which well-meaning Ghanaians are trying relentlessly to resolve for socio-economic development of the municipality.
To declare the neutrality of Hon. Abdulai Abanga as the Chief Executive of Bawku Municipality in the Bawku conflict, he did lot in consolidating the peace currently prevailing in Bawku such as assisting the National Peace Council and many other bodies to carryout their mediation and resolution efforts in Bawku. He is equally in constant consultation with the leadership from the Kusasi and Mamprusi who at any time call Hon. Abdulai Abanga to share or discuss Issues pertaining to the conflict and other general issues bordering on development.
By the invitation of the two sides by his Excellency President J. A. Kuffuor, Hon. Abanga facilitated the movement of the feuding factions in honouring the invitation.
Again, as a leader for all and sundry, Kusasis and Mamprusis inclusive, in May when the 101 Mamprusis in Pusiga were displaced and sought refugee status in Goulougousi, a village in Togo, Hon. Abanga initiated efforts for their welfare until 66 were safely repatriated home whiles efforts are still under way to bring the remaining home.
So how could he be involved in the conflict? Did Mr. Adams want to say that Hon. Abanga is enemy of his own progress? Obviously not.
Mr. Adams could have done everybody good if he had mention any acts of omission or commission but he failed to do so.
In addition, we can’t ignore the meritorious roles Hon. Abanga played as chairman of MUSEC who hold regular meetings on the current situation with single aim of restoring peace to the Municipality for effective and efficient management of his administration in reducing poverty. Quoting from the Holy Bible, it says “A house that stands against itself can’t stand” therefore how can he succeed in his administration and so saddens the hearts of many considering this unfounded allegation vis-avis his position in taking side in the conflict.
From the view point of many peace loving people, Mr. Adams wanted to derail the effort so far made; by concerned citizens both in and outside Bawku otherwise Mr. Adams should not have made such a vague statement which has no iota of truth.
We therefore, challenge Adams, to come out with facts possibly figures to substantiate his allegation for every Ghanaian to see the contributions of Hon. Abanga in either generating or fuelling the Bawku conflict. If not we urge Adams and people like him to desist from such utterances that might aggravate the situation.
On this note we plead with all concerned be it individuals, groups, or institutions to all put their shoulder to the wheel in restoring peace, we mean absolute peace in Bawku and its environs for socio-economic development of the municipality.
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
BAWKU MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
POST OFFICE BOX 1
BAWKU.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
CHILDREN IN BAWKU AT RISK OF INFECTIONS BECAUSE OF THE CONFLICT
The Bawku municipal director of health services, Dr. Mensah Afful has hinted that most children in Bawku could be at risk of infections especially those under five because about 78% who were expected to be immunized have not been able to do so due to the conflict situation.
Dr. Mensah Afful explained that according to health policy, they were expected to immunize 90% of children under five years against polio and measles, however, as at march this year, only 20.4% and 22.3% of children were covered against polio and measles respectively as against 26.9 and 28.2 % during the same period last year.
Dr. Mensah revealed this when he addressed the youth of all the tribes in Bawku at a meeting organized by the Bawku Literary Society (BLS) with sponsorship from IBIS GHANA, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).
Dr. Mensah noted that this has resulted into a pool of infections leading to rising number of deaths among children because most of the nurses could not move freely to some parts of the Municipality and parents equally could not move to health centers to have their children immunized.
“Even now that the area is experiencing relative calm, hospital attendance is very low and one may wonder where they take the sick to and this is becoming a great worry to the health directorate” he lamented.
Dr. Mensah said that performance indicators on immunization, deliveries and out-patients Department (OPD) were all going down as a result of the restriction on movement especially the health personnel who belong to the feuding sides.
He said only six doctors are currently working under serious stress who are made up of two Cubans and two Ghanaians as general doctors and two ophthalmologists.
Dr. Mensah Afful described the conflict as unproductive and backwards considering the numerous negative effects on the socio-economic life of the people especially the health implications the people are grappling with.
Touching on education, the Human Resource Personnel of Ghana Education Service (GES) in Bawku, Madam Fatima Seidu said that teaching and learning come to stand still any time the conflict intensifies.
She added that as a result of the conflict, a lot of teachers thronged the office of GES for transfers and releases especially the non-natives to the detriment of the pupils.
She further added that a visit to some of the basic school revealed that out of 10 teachers only two were present and population of 150 in a school only 50 pupils were present.
Madam Fatima explained that education is the bedrock of development for every society, therefore, appealed to the youth to impact positively on their neighbors for effective teaching and learning when they return to the various communities.
Speaking under the theme “Tolerance Amongst the youth – A Pre – Requisite for sustainable peace in Bawku” the president of BLS, Miss Florence Bombande said the can never be any meaningful development in Bawku if there is no peace.
She admonished the youth not to allow themselves to be used as a tool in the conflict because is their future which is at stake here and any lapses on their part could jeopardize them greatly.
Miss Florence Bombande urged the youth in Bawku to see each other as one and try within all means possible to peacefully live together.
At the end of the meeting, the youth saw the need for peace to prevail in Bawku and its environs and came out with some resolution messages for peace, some of which read; Respect for individual opinion, let’s live in peace in Bawku, political campaigns should be peaceful, Discipline during the elections, and among others.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD Bawku
Dr. Mensah Afful explained that according to health policy, they were expected to immunize 90% of children under five years against polio and measles, however, as at march this year, only 20.4% and 22.3% of children were covered against polio and measles respectively as against 26.9 and 28.2 % during the same period last year.
Dr. Mensah revealed this when he addressed the youth of all the tribes in Bawku at a meeting organized by the Bawku Literary Society (BLS) with sponsorship from IBIS GHANA, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).
Dr. Mensah noted that this has resulted into a pool of infections leading to rising number of deaths among children because most of the nurses could not move freely to some parts of the Municipality and parents equally could not move to health centers to have their children immunized.
“Even now that the area is experiencing relative calm, hospital attendance is very low and one may wonder where they take the sick to and this is becoming a great worry to the health directorate” he lamented.
Dr. Mensah said that performance indicators on immunization, deliveries and out-patients Department (OPD) were all going down as a result of the restriction on movement especially the health personnel who belong to the feuding sides.
He said only six doctors are currently working under serious stress who are made up of two Cubans and two Ghanaians as general doctors and two ophthalmologists.
Dr. Mensah Afful described the conflict as unproductive and backwards considering the numerous negative effects on the socio-economic life of the people especially the health implications the people are grappling with.
Touching on education, the Human Resource Personnel of Ghana Education Service (GES) in Bawku, Madam Fatima Seidu said that teaching and learning come to stand still any time the conflict intensifies.
She added that as a result of the conflict, a lot of teachers thronged the office of GES for transfers and releases especially the non-natives to the detriment of the pupils.
She further added that a visit to some of the basic school revealed that out of 10 teachers only two were present and population of 150 in a school only 50 pupils were present.
Madam Fatima explained that education is the bedrock of development for every society, therefore, appealed to the youth to impact positively on their neighbors for effective teaching and learning when they return to the various communities.
Speaking under the theme “Tolerance Amongst the youth – A Pre – Requisite for sustainable peace in Bawku” the president of BLS, Miss Florence Bombande said the can never be any meaningful development in Bawku if there is no peace.
She admonished the youth not to allow themselves to be used as a tool in the conflict because is their future which is at stake here and any lapses on their part could jeopardize them greatly.
Miss Florence Bombande urged the youth in Bawku to see each other as one and try within all means possible to peacefully live together.
At the end of the meeting, the youth saw the need for peace to prevail in Bawku and its environs and came out with some resolution messages for peace, some of which read; Respect for individual opinion, let’s live in peace in Bawku, political campaigns should be peaceful, Discipline during the elections, and among others.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD Bawku
LAUNCH OF ANTI- TB/HIV/AIDS CAMPANIGN AT PUSIGA
About a third of the world’s population; 2 billion people carry TB bacteria, but most never develop the active disease. However, every year 8-10 million people catch the disease and 2 million die from it.
In the Bawku Municipality alone last year 2007, over one hundred new TB cases were detected and put on treatment.
The Bawku Municipal Director of Health Services Dr. Mensah Afful said this during the launching of Anti TB /HIV/AIDS campaign at Pusiga in the Bawku Municipality.
Dr. Mensah Afful said about 10% of people infected with TB actually develop the disease in their lifetimes, but this preparation is changing as HIV severely weakens the human immune system and makes people much more vulnerable.
“Tuberculosis, or TB is an infectious bacterial disease cause by mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lumps and its spread from an infectious person who is coughing to another person through “the air” he explained.
Dr. Afful said TB is treatable and is free with a six month course of antibiotics. He dispelled false beliefs that you can become infected by TB by touching someone who has it or being with an infected person for a few minutes rather it is transmitted only by prolonged close contact with coughing infectious patients. Also, TB patients who have taken their treatment for 2 weeks and are still taking are usually not infectious, he emphasized.
He advised anybody who coughs for 2 week should seek treatment from a health facility and don’t sit and die from a disease which is treatable and free at all government hospitals.
The Executive Director of the Rural – Urban Women and Children Development Agency (RUWACDA) Mr. Braimah Abdulai said the NGO which has been in existence barely 3 year is committed to providing social services in its focal communities by facilitating empowerment of women and the youth through reproductive health, education, providing economic empowerment through integrated approach by the provision of vocational training, promotion of sanitation and environmental sustainability.
He said the purpose of the launch is to disseminate Information Education and Communication and promote Behavioral Change Communication on the devastating diseases TB/HIV/AIDS that claim millions of lives every year and also to advocate for peace.
“This year RUWACDA in partnership with the National TB control program and Ghana Aids commission through the support of the Global fund is undertaking a behavioral change communication and information Education on TB/HIV/AIDS in the Bawku Municipality. In May 2007 RUWACDA was one of the few selected NGO’s by MOH, MOFA to provide public education intervention on avian influenza (Bird Fly)”he emphasized.
Mr. Braimah Abdulai impressed upon philanthropists, institutions, donor agencies, government and all actors to support RUWACDA.
The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abduai Abanga in a speech read on his behalf said the issue of TB/HIV/AIDS in the development of our society cannot be over emphasized and these two killer diseases are more than brothers who attack to kill.
“Fortunately TB is curable and its treatment is free but HIV/AIDS is not, however when HIV/AIDS patients receive anti-retroviral treatment their life’s can be prolonged. He therefore encouraged all who are suffering from these killer diseases to avail themselves at Health facilities for treatment” he said.
Hon. Abanga appealed to the people to rise up and fight the evils of poverty, hunger and disease rather than fighting amongst themselves.
“In these modern times when everybody’s attitude is changing from primitive thinking to progressive thinking, here we are still stacked in the cave of violence and conflicts of destruction” he lamented.
The chief of Pusiga Naba Ayumah Tambisballem thanked RUWACDA and believes the programme would bring life to an infected person who out of ignorance may be dying in silent.
Naba Ayuma Tambisballem prayed for lasting peace so that their programs and towns would not be guided by security men and women.
A day earlier, RUWACDA organized a workshop for its treatment support volunteers aimed at equipping the volunteers with the knowledge of TB and how to assist TB patients. And on the day of the launch, there was a procession through the principal streets of Pusiga Township, the processors carried placards some of which bored the inscription; stop aids love life, HIV/AIDS can kill, TB can be cured, and TB treatment is free.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
In the Bawku Municipality alone last year 2007, over one hundred new TB cases were detected and put on treatment.
The Bawku Municipal Director of Health Services Dr. Mensah Afful said this during the launching of Anti TB /HIV/AIDS campaign at Pusiga in the Bawku Municipality.
Dr. Mensah Afful said about 10% of people infected with TB actually develop the disease in their lifetimes, but this preparation is changing as HIV severely weakens the human immune system and makes people much more vulnerable.
“Tuberculosis, or TB is an infectious bacterial disease cause by mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lumps and its spread from an infectious person who is coughing to another person through “the air” he explained.
Dr. Afful said TB is treatable and is free with a six month course of antibiotics. He dispelled false beliefs that you can become infected by TB by touching someone who has it or being with an infected person for a few minutes rather it is transmitted only by prolonged close contact with coughing infectious patients. Also, TB patients who have taken their treatment for 2 weeks and are still taking are usually not infectious, he emphasized.
He advised anybody who coughs for 2 week should seek treatment from a health facility and don’t sit and die from a disease which is treatable and free at all government hospitals.
The Executive Director of the Rural – Urban Women and Children Development Agency (RUWACDA) Mr. Braimah Abdulai said the NGO which has been in existence barely 3 year is committed to providing social services in its focal communities by facilitating empowerment of women and the youth through reproductive health, education, providing economic empowerment through integrated approach by the provision of vocational training, promotion of sanitation and environmental sustainability.
He said the purpose of the launch is to disseminate Information Education and Communication and promote Behavioral Change Communication on the devastating diseases TB/HIV/AIDS that claim millions of lives every year and also to advocate for peace.
“This year RUWACDA in partnership with the National TB control program and Ghana Aids commission through the support of the Global fund is undertaking a behavioral change communication and information Education on TB/HIV/AIDS in the Bawku Municipality. In May 2007 RUWACDA was one of the few selected NGO’s by MOH, MOFA to provide public education intervention on avian influenza (Bird Fly)”he emphasized.
Mr. Braimah Abdulai impressed upon philanthropists, institutions, donor agencies, government and all actors to support RUWACDA.
The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abduai Abanga in a speech read on his behalf said the issue of TB/HIV/AIDS in the development of our society cannot be over emphasized and these two killer diseases are more than brothers who attack to kill.
“Fortunately TB is curable and its treatment is free but HIV/AIDS is not, however when HIV/AIDS patients receive anti-retroviral treatment their life’s can be prolonged. He therefore encouraged all who are suffering from these killer diseases to avail themselves at Health facilities for treatment” he said.
Hon. Abanga appealed to the people to rise up and fight the evils of poverty, hunger and disease rather than fighting amongst themselves.
“In these modern times when everybody’s attitude is changing from primitive thinking to progressive thinking, here we are still stacked in the cave of violence and conflicts of destruction” he lamented.
The chief of Pusiga Naba Ayumah Tambisballem thanked RUWACDA and believes the programme would bring life to an infected person who out of ignorance may be dying in silent.
Naba Ayuma Tambisballem prayed for lasting peace so that their programs and towns would not be guided by security men and women.
A day earlier, RUWACDA organized a workshop for its treatment support volunteers aimed at equipping the volunteers with the knowledge of TB and how to assist TB patients. And on the day of the launch, there was a procession through the principal streets of Pusiga Township, the processors carried placards some of which bored the inscription; stop aids love life, HIV/AIDS can kill, TB can be cured, and TB treatment is free.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
Monday, June 9, 2008
PEACE, BAWKU, PEACE!
The communal clashes in Bawku which started some fifty years ago has claimed several lives and destroyed properties worth millions of Ghana cedi.
The conflict which takes its remote cause in chieftaincy and land dispute is gradually bringing Bawku and for that matter the entire Bawku municipality to its knees and also scaring away workers and potential investors.
The frequent breaks in social life, economic activities, quality health care assessment etc leaves much to be desired. What is more, the many projects and businesses that have been put on hold are having severe hardship and underdevelopment on the area. The man hours and resources lost to the conflict are overwhelming.
The revenue of the Bawku municipal Assembly have dwindled drastically and the little left plus what comes from the central Government are being used to keep peace in Bawku but could have been channeled to build schools, hospitals, roads, dams and markets.
Both JHS and SHS candidates of 2008 suffered a great deal of tuition since most teachers vacated the area. For instance, the JHS candidates at the wake of this recent conflict did not receive a steady tuition as any time the conflict erupted they had to run home for their dear lives which meant that particular week a lot of lesson period had been lost. Also some SHS candidates missed some of their final WASSCE papers which one wonders what the performance of these candidates of 2008 results will be.
Women especially the pregnant ones went through horrible experiences just to access health care resulting in the death of one of them. The children are looking on helplessly and not sure what the conflict situation would turn them into in the near future.
In fact any body you talk to speaks of frustrations and are not in the least happy about what is happening in Bawku.
A few workers who have braved the storm and still at post during this conflict times are equally worried and not sure how things will turn out. Their worry becomes worse when their families and relations keep calling them to vacate the area simply because the news that comes from Bawku any time there is renewed violence is enough to increase ones blood pressure
However the situation is not too bad that it cannot be corrected because the Kusasis and Mamprusis have many things in common than divide them. Firstly most Kusasis and Mamprusis have their parentage and close relations being either a Kusasi or a Mamprusi. Secondly they use the same markets, schools, hospitals and clinics, boreholes etc. Thirdly any time there is renewed violence, some few days later when you see how they interact you will wonder which people were fighting the previous days. The people of Bawku have a strong will and should be able to call a spade a spade and unanimously agree to stop the recent conflict which has lasted for five months no matter who is perceived to be down or up because in a conflict situation there is neither a victor nor vanquish especially when the combatants are closely related.
Let us have confidence in the peace process initiated by the President J A Kufuor which has now been handed over to the National Peace Council led by His eminence cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson. Let us listen to the soothing words of peace by these eminent personalities and move from our entrenched positions and allow peace to reign. Let do this for the sake of the children, women, and non native workers who are determined to help develop the area despite all the odds and for the values and identity we stand for. We should also cooperate and appreciate the securities who are sacrificing their lives day in day out to ensure that there is no further lost of life or property. But for the security things could have been worse. It doesn’t matter what has happened so far, they fortunes of Bawku can be turned around if they combatants decide today to stop the violence, attacks and destructions. It is possible peace can reign in Bawku again because nothing is impossible for he who believes. Shalom! Peace!!
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
BAWKU
The conflict which takes its remote cause in chieftaincy and land dispute is gradually bringing Bawku and for that matter the entire Bawku municipality to its knees and also scaring away workers and potential investors.
The frequent breaks in social life, economic activities, quality health care assessment etc leaves much to be desired. What is more, the many projects and businesses that have been put on hold are having severe hardship and underdevelopment on the area. The man hours and resources lost to the conflict are overwhelming.
The revenue of the Bawku municipal Assembly have dwindled drastically and the little left plus what comes from the central Government are being used to keep peace in Bawku but could have been channeled to build schools, hospitals, roads, dams and markets.
Both JHS and SHS candidates of 2008 suffered a great deal of tuition since most teachers vacated the area. For instance, the JHS candidates at the wake of this recent conflict did not receive a steady tuition as any time the conflict erupted they had to run home for their dear lives which meant that particular week a lot of lesson period had been lost. Also some SHS candidates missed some of their final WASSCE papers which one wonders what the performance of these candidates of 2008 results will be.
Women especially the pregnant ones went through horrible experiences just to access health care resulting in the death of one of them. The children are looking on helplessly and not sure what the conflict situation would turn them into in the near future.
In fact any body you talk to speaks of frustrations and are not in the least happy about what is happening in Bawku.
A few workers who have braved the storm and still at post during this conflict times are equally worried and not sure how things will turn out. Their worry becomes worse when their families and relations keep calling them to vacate the area simply because the news that comes from Bawku any time there is renewed violence is enough to increase ones blood pressure
However the situation is not too bad that it cannot be corrected because the Kusasis and Mamprusis have many things in common than divide them. Firstly most Kusasis and Mamprusis have their parentage and close relations being either a Kusasi or a Mamprusi. Secondly they use the same markets, schools, hospitals and clinics, boreholes etc. Thirdly any time there is renewed violence, some few days later when you see how they interact you will wonder which people were fighting the previous days. The people of Bawku have a strong will and should be able to call a spade a spade and unanimously agree to stop the recent conflict which has lasted for five months no matter who is perceived to be down or up because in a conflict situation there is neither a victor nor vanquish especially when the combatants are closely related.
Let us have confidence in the peace process initiated by the President J A Kufuor which has now been handed over to the National Peace Council led by His eminence cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson. Let us listen to the soothing words of peace by these eminent personalities and move from our entrenched positions and allow peace to reign. Let do this for the sake of the children, women, and non native workers who are determined to help develop the area despite all the odds and for the values and identity we stand for. We should also cooperate and appreciate the securities who are sacrificing their lives day in day out to ensure that there is no further lost of life or property. But for the security things could have been worse. It doesn’t matter what has happened so far, they fortunes of Bawku can be turned around if they combatants decide today to stop the violence, attacks and destructions. It is possible peace can reign in Bawku again because nothing is impossible for he who believes. Shalom! Peace!!
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
BAWKU
Friday, May 30, 2008
IMPERSONATOR CAUGHT AT SSNIT OFFICE IN BAWKU
A 42 years old house wife Mad. Adisa Sumaila who impersonated the wife of her husband elder brother to be paid an amount of Gh¢ 735.32 as death and survivors benefit has been arrested and she is assisting the police for further investigations.
Madam Sumaila feigned as Barikisu Dasmani, the wife of the late Amalbo Dasmani, formerly of the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital and had two children with him who are twins; Namawu Dasmani and Asana Dasmani.
According to the Bawku branch manager of social security and national insurance trust (SSNIT) Mr.Abudu Abdulai, Mad. Adisa Sumaila now identified as her real name came to the office and introduced herself as Barikisu Dasmani, the wife of the deceased. Therefore, she wanted to claim the benefit entitled to her two children as the SSNIT contribution by her late husband.
Mr. Abdulai explained that after processing all documents he asked Mad. Sumaila to produce the photographs of the children which is accordance with the children Act 560 0f 1960 when paying benefit involving minors to their guardians.
He explained further that Mad. Sumaila could not do so, however promised to bring them the following day but never retuned. The Manager said after waiting for two weeks without the woman showing up, he decided to follow up to find out what the problem was.
He added that upon reaching the village (Zawse) a suburb of Bawku in the upper east region, he asked of Mad. Barikisu and was shown a house near by only to chance upon the real mother of the twins who produced the National Health Insurance cards of the children but knew nothing of such benefits.
Mr. Abudu added that he again went to the house of Mad. Sumaila which was few meters away and invited her to come for the money even if she had not got the pictures.
He said in the SSNIT office, the two women met and when she Sumaila was asked whether she knew Barikisu, she responded in the negative but Barikisu said she knew her and established the relationship between them.
However, at the police station, she confessed impersonating Barikisu and said it was plot among her husband, her rival, one Razak Amalbo and herself. But the money has since been paid to the real mother.
The Manager issued a strong warning to those hatching such diabolic plan to desist from it since they are on the alert for such fraudsters and will be prosecuted in law court when caught.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD-Bawku
Madam Sumaila feigned as Barikisu Dasmani, the wife of the late Amalbo Dasmani, formerly of the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital and had two children with him who are twins; Namawu Dasmani and Asana Dasmani.
According to the Bawku branch manager of social security and national insurance trust (SSNIT) Mr.Abudu Abdulai, Mad. Adisa Sumaila now identified as her real name came to the office and introduced herself as Barikisu Dasmani, the wife of the deceased. Therefore, she wanted to claim the benefit entitled to her two children as the SSNIT contribution by her late husband.
Mr. Abdulai explained that after processing all documents he asked Mad. Sumaila to produce the photographs of the children which is accordance with the children Act 560 0f 1960 when paying benefit involving minors to their guardians.
He explained further that Mad. Sumaila could not do so, however promised to bring them the following day but never retuned. The Manager said after waiting for two weeks without the woman showing up, he decided to follow up to find out what the problem was.
He added that upon reaching the village (Zawse) a suburb of Bawku in the upper east region, he asked of Mad. Barikisu and was shown a house near by only to chance upon the real mother of the twins who produced the National Health Insurance cards of the children but knew nothing of such benefits.
Mr. Abudu added that he again went to the house of Mad. Sumaila which was few meters away and invited her to come for the money even if she had not got the pictures.
He said in the SSNIT office, the two women met and when she Sumaila was asked whether she knew Barikisu, she responded in the negative but Barikisu said she knew her and established the relationship between them.
However, at the police station, she confessed impersonating Barikisu and said it was plot among her husband, her rival, one Razak Amalbo and herself. But the money has since been paid to the real mother.
The Manager issued a strong warning to those hatching such diabolic plan to desist from it since they are on the alert for such fraudsters and will be prosecuted in law court when caught.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD-Bawku
Thursday, May 29, 2008
NATIONAL PEACE COUNCIL MEDIATE IN BAWKU CONFLICT
A five member delegation of the National Peace Council led by his Eminence Cardinal Peter Appiach Turkson yesterday interacted with the feuding factions in Bawku as a follow up on President Kufour’s previous effort in finding a lasting peace in Bawku.
The rest of the members were Dormahene Osadeayo Agyman Badu Maului Wahab Adam of Ahamadiya Movement Professor Irene Adoteyi and Sheik Mamuda Jerdail from the office of the National Chief Iman.
In his introductory speech, Cardinal Turkson Explained that all was not well in Bawku and this has been a great source of worry to the President and all concerned Ghanaians.
He said as a result, the President has tasked the council to endeavour to restore a pepertual harmony in Bawku.
Cardinal Trukson assured Bawku Naba and his divisional chiefs that the council is poised in its quest in bringing peace between the two dominant tribes in Bawku. He therefore, pleaded with them to exercise a great restraint in order not to worson the already volatile situation.
In his welcome address, the Bawku Naba Asigri Abrugrago Azoka II said the unrest and conflict was a matter great concern to him personally and to all his sub-chiefs and people in the area. Therefore, they readily welcome the council and were ready to co-operate and offer any assistance in resolving this situation peacefully, amicably and permanently.
The address which was read on his behalf by his secretary, Mr. Thomas Abilla, however, noted that before one could solve a problem they needed to be well acquainted with the detail especially how it started and where it has reached.
He therefore, added that it was in this light they felt obliged to furnish the council with the true fact for justice to be done. He said Kusasis belongs here and should be allowed to rule them selves
When they Mamprusi took their turn afterwards, Cardinal Turkson repeated the same message, stressing that what was happening in Bawku caused a great discomfort to them as peace loving people, therefore the solution is peace.
The spokesman for the Mamprusi, Mr. David Molley indicated that the bottom line in Bawku conflict is chieftaincy and farm land litigation.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD-Bawku
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
HON.ABANGA DONATES TO MILITARY IN BAWKU
The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga has made a personal donation of a cow and 15 cartoons of assorted drinks to the Air Borne Force (ABF) in Bawku.
Hon. Abanga said ever since the military started their operations in Bawku they have exhibited their duties with professionalism and have contained the conflict situation any time there was renewed clashes.
He said the donation was to let the military know that the Assembly and entire Bawku community appreciates their efforts at maintaining peace in Bawku. He charged them not to be fed up with the situation on the ground but be encouraged by the fact that other peace talks are under way and hopefully peace will be restored to Bawku soon.
The MCE assured the military that at the appropriate time government will reward them greatly.
The officer commanding the ABF in Bawku, Captain Victor Abbey who received the donation behalf of the 250 soldiers thanked the MCE for the donation.
Captain Abbey said it is refreshing and motivating to know that the people whom you are saving appreciate your efforts. He promised, the military will continue to carry out their duties as required and hoping that peace returns to Bawku soon.
James Dorgbetor
Municipal Information Officer
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