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
Friday, May 30, 2008
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
REJIONDER: UNEASY CALM IN BAWKU
In the May 9th edition of the daily graphic a statement made by the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) in the above article and I quote ‘Mr. Abanga said Bawku had been on the verge of attaining peace when the last incident occurred. “After the meeting between the President and the chiefs of the feuding sides and intensification of peace efforts at the local level, we were all very hopeful that peace was gradually returning, only to be hit hard by this latest development,”
This statement was misunderstood and mischievously commented upon by one Abugri Michael Mbe of the Internal Revenue Service, Suame Kumasi.
Mr. Abugri in his letter in the 19th edition of the daily graphic among other things said “One would understand that the president met the Kusasi chief on one side and then the Mamprusi on the other. This goes to say that there are two chiefs in Bawku”. “If my understanding is right, then is Mr. Abanga, who is the Municipal Chief Executive of Bawku, and supposed to know better, not aware that there is only one paramount chief in Bawku”? “If this is so, then Mr. Abanga should speak for himself”.
When I first read the letter challenging MCE to speak up, I wanted to ignore it but upon second thought and the peace we are all seeking for in Bawku compelled me to write this rejoinder.
First and foremost, I must state emphatically there is no doubt that Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is the paramount chief of the Bawku traditional area. Secondly to state clearly that the MCE was not referring to two chiefs in Bawku rather he meant, when the president invited the feuding sides, Bawku Naba asigri Abugrago Azoka II met the president in accompany of some of his divisional chiefs. Similarly, the king of Mamprugu did so in a large company of his chiefs.
In effect the “chiefs” used in the MCE’s statement referred to all the chiefs who went to the castle at the invitation of the president.
It is therefore surprising that Mr. Abugre who knows Bawku too well would want to start such a controversy.
Perhaps what Mr. Abugre needs to know is that the Bawku Naba and his chiefs and the Mamprusi have cooperated well with the MUSEC, REGSEC and Government and we intend have exhibited our neutrality in the handling of the crisis in Bawku. I therefore want to invite Mr. Abugre and all well meaning people from Bawku to team up with the security agencies and government to see how we can find lasting peace in Bawku and not make inflammatory comments capable of derailing the peace efforts made so far.
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
BAWKU MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
POST OFFICE BOX 1
BAWKU-UPPER EAST REGION
Thursday, May 22, 2008
FRESH VIOLENCE IN BAWKU AGAIN
Bawku- Cinkasse bound vehicle was attacked near Widana and two killed and one seriously injured at the early hours of 6 and 7am today Thursday 22nd May 2008.
The one of the two who were killed was slaughtered and the other half burnt. Some of the market women were not sparred as they were beaten and their monies taken from them.
Consequently, when the information got to Bawku Township a young man believed to be a Kusasi was chased and knocked down with cement block three times but survived it when his murderes to be saw a police officer and fled leaving their victim to his fate.
As a result, people started running halter skelter and parents also rushing to schools to pick up their wards. At the time of compiling this story most shops have been closed down with the streets in Bawku partially deserted and the security has intensified their patrols.
Nkunu and Dorgbetor
ISD-BAWKU
The one of the two who were killed was slaughtered and the other half burnt. Some of the market women were not sparred as they were beaten and their monies taken from them.
Consequently, when the information got to Bawku Township a young man believed to be a Kusasi was chased and knocked down with cement block three times but survived it when his murderes to be saw a police officer and fled leaving their victim to his fate.
As a result, people started running halter skelter and parents also rushing to schools to pick up their wards. At the time of compiling this story most shops have been closed down with the streets in Bawku partially deserted and the security has intensified their patrols.
Nkunu and Dorgbetor
ISD-BAWKU
Monday, May 19, 2008
101 GHANAIANS SEEK REFUGE IN TOGO
The latest Bawku Conflict has displaced 101 Mamprusis residents in Pusiga forcing them to seek refuge at Goulongonsi in Togo, a village of about six kilometres from Pusiga when they had been chased.
In all four stores with their contents worth several millions of Ghana Cedis, two motorbikes, five bicycles other personal effects and unspecified number of houses all burnt into ashes.
The victims comprised 38 men, 28 women and 35 children are currently being housed by a 65 years old Good Samaritan, Mr. Nichema Nabila, a retired farmer.
This came to light when a team of information services Department (I. S. D.) went to assess their conditions yesterday at their new settlements.
Narrating their ordeal, Abdulai Faruk a teacher and stationery dealer said his store with goods valued at GH¢ 1500 were completely burnt and a Uniliver Key Distributor’s store also suffered the same fate.
Giving the circumstances surrounding their misfortune, Mr. Seidu Musah, an opinion leader of the refugees said that on the may 3rd between the hours of 6 and 7 pm, there was sporadic gunshot all over Pusiga township.
He explained further that not quite afterwards he saw his younger brother’s house on fire. While rushing to the scene, he heard a voice instructing someone to pour petrol on his house but his daughter was shouting “don’t burn it, it is my father’s house”. Yet, the perpetrators went ahead and burn the house without retrieving anything from it that included their valid documents such as National Health Insurance Card, Voter ID’s, birth certificates and their wards’ school materials all perished in the fire.
Mr. Seidu said, thereafter, they were being chased out of town and for the fear of their dear lives they took off without anything.
They appealed to the government to intervene and facilate their repatriation home safely with assurance that their lives would be secured henceforth. They also asked for support from all concerned Ghanaians and N. G. O’s for water, food and mat to sleep on.
In an interview with Pusiga Naba, Tambisballem Ayuma at his palace, he confirmed the story but explained that Mamprusis in Pusiga are in two groups, the Akparibo Gate and Musah Gate. However, the Akparibo have returned to Pusiga but the Musah could not do so because the whole town was against them as a result of their troublesome nature.
Citing an example, Naba, Tambisballem said one of them Faruk called him (the Chief) on phone and told him that they would go to Bawku and settle but would never forgive him.
Earlier on, the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga paid a visit to the place and donated 14 mini bags of rice and half bag of maize plus GH¢ 100 cash.
The displaced included a teacher, a postal agent, a senior revenue superintendent of Bawku Municipal Assembly, a community police, stenographer at Gbewa Training College, local chairman of G.P.R.T.U and the rest self employed.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
In all four stores with their contents worth several millions of Ghana Cedis, two motorbikes, five bicycles other personal effects and unspecified number of houses all burnt into ashes.
The victims comprised 38 men, 28 women and 35 children are currently being housed by a 65 years old Good Samaritan, Mr. Nichema Nabila, a retired farmer.
This came to light when a team of information services Department (I. S. D.) went to assess their conditions yesterday at their new settlements.
Narrating their ordeal, Abdulai Faruk a teacher and stationery dealer said his store with goods valued at GH¢ 1500 were completely burnt and a Uniliver Key Distributor’s store also suffered the same fate.
Giving the circumstances surrounding their misfortune, Mr. Seidu Musah, an opinion leader of the refugees said that on the may 3rd between the hours of 6 and 7 pm, there was sporadic gunshot all over Pusiga township.
He explained further that not quite afterwards he saw his younger brother’s house on fire. While rushing to the scene, he heard a voice instructing someone to pour petrol on his house but his daughter was shouting “don’t burn it, it is my father’s house”. Yet, the perpetrators went ahead and burn the house without retrieving anything from it that included their valid documents such as National Health Insurance Card, Voter ID’s, birth certificates and their wards’ school materials all perished in the fire.
Mr. Seidu said, thereafter, they were being chased out of town and for the fear of their dear lives they took off without anything.
They appealed to the government to intervene and facilate their repatriation home safely with assurance that their lives would be secured henceforth. They also asked for support from all concerned Ghanaians and N. G. O’s for water, food and mat to sleep on.
In an interview with Pusiga Naba, Tambisballem Ayuma at his palace, he confirmed the story but explained that Mamprusis in Pusiga are in two groups, the Akparibo Gate and Musah Gate. However, the Akparibo have returned to Pusiga but the Musah could not do so because the whole town was against them as a result of their troublesome nature.
Citing an example, Naba, Tambisballem said one of them Faruk called him (the Chief) on phone and told him that they would go to Bawku and settle but would never forgive him.
Earlier on, the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga paid a visit to the place and donated 14 mini bags of rice and half bag of maize plus GH¢ 100 cash.
The displaced included a teacher, a postal agent, a senior revenue superintendent of Bawku Municipal Assembly, a community police, stenographer at Gbewa Training College, local chairman of G.P.R.T.U and the rest self employed.
JAMES DORGBETOR
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Government called to state her position on Bawku conflict
The paramount chief and president of the Bawku traditional area Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II have made a passionate appeal to the government to publicly state her position on the conflict in Bawku.
The chief made this appeal today at his palace when he addressed members of the traditional council and large crowd to condemn the eruption of violence again in Bawku some few days ago.
“Our Mamprusi cousins used to rely on the myth of chieftaincy dispute in Bawku however all relevant facts pertaining to the issue have put the matter to rest. After the government-General’s Committee of enquiry report on the dispute in 1957 and its white paper accepting the recommendations contained therein in the same year, there was the judgment of the Appeal court in 1958 upholding the government- general’s decision. There was also the judgment of the supreme court in 2003 which put the matter to rest permanently’’. Naba Azoka II explained
The chief added that the president HE J A Kufuor also invited the two factions engaged in the conflict (Kusasi and Mamprusi) as well as Nayiri of Mamprugu at separate dates in March to the castle for frank discussions which he believes gave the President a deeper insight into the problem in Bawku.
He said I and my traditional council have confidence in the president in his wise counsel when he met all factions and interacted with them but what remains to be done is a public statement by government on the issue.
The chief said it appears leaders of some political parties are also compounding the problem to the extend that when they pay a courtesy call on Bawku naba Azoka II they do same for a Mamprusi Regent which has far reaching consequences. He advised all those behind the scene perpetuating the violence in Bawku to desist from it.
It is recalled that after series of efforts including the personal intervention of the President J A Kufuor to settle the conflict in Bawku since violence broke out 31st December 2007, a degree of normalcy returned to Bawku but out of the blue one of the opinion leaders of the Kusasi Alhji Karim Musah (alias Karim Ogah) was gruesomely murdered leading fresh violence which have killed many people and several properties destroyed. Meanwhile the military and police have been able to contain the situation and there is relative stability in Bawku.
James Dorgbetor
Municipal Information Officer
The chief made this appeal today at his palace when he addressed members of the traditional council and large crowd to condemn the eruption of violence again in Bawku some few days ago.
“Our Mamprusi cousins used to rely on the myth of chieftaincy dispute in Bawku however all relevant facts pertaining to the issue have put the matter to rest. After the government-General’s Committee of enquiry report on the dispute in 1957 and its white paper accepting the recommendations contained therein in the same year, there was the judgment of the Appeal court in 1958 upholding the government- general’s decision. There was also the judgment of the supreme court in 2003 which put the matter to rest permanently’’. Naba Azoka II explained
The chief added that the president HE J A Kufuor also invited the two factions engaged in the conflict (Kusasi and Mamprusi) as well as Nayiri of Mamprugu at separate dates in March to the castle for frank discussions which he believes gave the President a deeper insight into the problem in Bawku.
He said I and my traditional council have confidence in the president in his wise counsel when he met all factions and interacted with them but what remains to be done is a public statement by government on the issue.
The chief said it appears leaders of some political parties are also compounding the problem to the extend that when they pay a courtesy call on Bawku naba Azoka II they do same for a Mamprusi Regent which has far reaching consequences. He advised all those behind the scene perpetuating the violence in Bawku to desist from it.
It is recalled that after series of efforts including the personal intervention of the President J A Kufuor to settle the conflict in Bawku since violence broke out 31st December 2007, a degree of normalcy returned to Bawku but out of the blue one of the opinion leaders of the Kusasi Alhji Karim Musah (alias Karim Ogah) was gruesomely murdered leading fresh violence which have killed many people and several properties destroyed. Meanwhile the military and police have been able to contain the situation and there is relative stability in Bawku.
James Dorgbetor
Municipal Information Officer
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Calm Returns To Bawku
Close to three weeks now no clashes nor attacks have been recorded in Bawku after three months of communal conflict in Bawku and its environs in the Upper East Region. Calm has finally return to the area.The people who hitherto could not move freely about and to areas termed as enermy territory can now do so.
Market women and men especially those from the Mamprusi side have been able to go to cinkase market and other markets either dominated by the Kusasi or needed the mamprusi to move through the kusasi to reach their destination have done so without any incidence.Likewise the Kusasi have equally moved into or passed Mamprusi dominated areas and come out freely without any attacks.The Central market is also experincing brisk business and many people who fled the conflict are returning to the area.
The usual busy streets of Bawku have been seen in recent times. What is more, the municipal security committee in its quest to further consolidate the gains made so far encouraged the organisation of this year's independence day celebrations which came on in grand style.
The school children came in their numbers and the parade grounds was packed to capacity.
It is the wish of everybody that come next week the curfew will be reviewed further to enhance movement of people.
Source: ISD (James Dorgbetor)Posted: 10/03/08
Market women and men especially those from the Mamprusi side have been able to go to cinkase market and other markets either dominated by the Kusasi or needed the mamprusi to move through the kusasi to reach their destination have done so without any incidence.Likewise the Kusasi have equally moved into or passed Mamprusi dominated areas and come out freely without any attacks.The Central market is also experincing brisk business and many people who fled the conflict are returning to the area.
The usual busy streets of Bawku have been seen in recent times. What is more, the municipal security committee in its quest to further consolidate the gains made so far encouraged the organisation of this year's independence day celebrations which came on in grand style.
The school children came in their numbers and the parade grounds was packed to capacity.
It is the wish of everybody that come next week the curfew will be reviewed further to enhance movement of people.
Source: ISD (James Dorgbetor)Posted: 10/03/08
President’s Intervention Yielding Results In Bawku
The Upper East Regional Minister Hon. Alhassan Samari has observed with happiness the returning of peace to the Bawku Municipality ever since President J. A. Kufuor took it upon himself and invited the feuding factions in the Bawku conflict to Accra for a peace process to begin.
He said the conflict which in a few weeks back was seen not to be abating has experienced remarkable improvement since the start of the presidential peace process.
“The curfew time before the President intervened was at 3pm to 7am. This has been extended to 5pm and 6am through to 8pm and 5am and currently at 10pm to 4am, based on the relative stability of the area” he pointed out.
The Minister assured the people of Bawku that the curfew will be extended further or lifted completely if they conduct themselves properly and live by the laws of the country.
The Hon. Samari made this remarks at the 7th annual conference of the Northern Presbytery held at Garu in the Garu-Tempane District.
“I am particularly happy about the laudable objectives of the church which do not only limit itself to the preaching of the word of God but also goes out to involve itself in the provision of social and development services such as health, education, agriculture, water harvesting and the rehabilitation of the physically challenged. This undoubtedly, exemplifies the off-quoted portion of the Holy scripture to the effect that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” he said.
Hon. Samari commended the leadership of the Presbyterian Church for their intimate knowledge of the socio-economic problems confronting us as a people and making valuable contributions over the years as part of crucial efforts to improving the living standards of the people.
He appealed to the church to assist the Bawku peace process to achieve lasting peace among the many ethnic groups who live in mutual suspicion of one another in the area.
The chairman of the Northern Presbytery Rev Kwasi Addea Naami said the Presbytery has in place an educational strategic plan - 2007 to 2010 aimed at addressing the inadequate number of trained teachers, teaching and learning materials as well as low enrolment of girls in schools. He said the plan with support from Oikonomos foundation and PRISMA will benefit from a yearly amount of £100,000.00.
“One of the components of the project is the scholarship package which will sponsor fifteen students in training colleges so that at the end of their studies they will serve In Presbyterian schools” he added.
Rev Naami mentioned the establishment of an ICT resource center for Presbyterian institutions in Tamale which are now networked through WLAN and have access to the worldwide web via V-sat.
He praised four districts; Bolga, Garu, Sandema and Tamale rural and urban for setting up credit unions which will go a long way to meet the financial needs of its members and urged the remaining districts to do same.
The Garu-Tempane District Chief Executive Hon. Emmanuel Sin-Nyet Asigri whose speech was read on his behalf thanked the Presbyterian Church for the assistance given to the people of the district through the Garu Presby Agric station, community base rehabilitation center and relief items to flood victims.
Hon. Asigri stated that the district is peaceful and a land of spicy onions and guinea fowls. He urged everybody especially the commissioners to visit their markets.
Source: ISD (James Dorgbetor)
He said the conflict which in a few weeks back was seen not to be abating has experienced remarkable improvement since the start of the presidential peace process.
“The curfew time before the President intervened was at 3pm to 7am. This has been extended to 5pm and 6am through to 8pm and 5am and currently at 10pm to 4am, based on the relative stability of the area” he pointed out.
The Minister assured the people of Bawku that the curfew will be extended further or lifted completely if they conduct themselves properly and live by the laws of the country.
The Hon. Samari made this remarks at the 7th annual conference of the Northern Presbytery held at Garu in the Garu-Tempane District.
“I am particularly happy about the laudable objectives of the church which do not only limit itself to the preaching of the word of God but also goes out to involve itself in the provision of social and development services such as health, education, agriculture, water harvesting and the rehabilitation of the physically challenged. This undoubtedly, exemplifies the off-quoted portion of the Holy scripture to the effect that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” he said.
Hon. Samari commended the leadership of the Presbyterian Church for their intimate knowledge of the socio-economic problems confronting us as a people and making valuable contributions over the years as part of crucial efforts to improving the living standards of the people.
He appealed to the church to assist the Bawku peace process to achieve lasting peace among the many ethnic groups who live in mutual suspicion of one another in the area.
The chairman of the Northern Presbytery Rev Kwasi Addea Naami said the Presbytery has in place an educational strategic plan - 2007 to 2010 aimed at addressing the inadequate number of trained teachers, teaching and learning materials as well as low enrolment of girls in schools. He said the plan with support from Oikonomos foundation and PRISMA will benefit from a yearly amount of £100,000.00.
“One of the components of the project is the scholarship package which will sponsor fifteen students in training colleges so that at the end of their studies they will serve In Presbyterian schools” he added.
Rev Naami mentioned the establishment of an ICT resource center for Presbyterian institutions in Tamale which are now networked through WLAN and have access to the worldwide web via V-sat.
He praised four districts; Bolga, Garu, Sandema and Tamale rural and urban for setting up credit unions which will go a long way to meet the financial needs of its members and urged the remaining districts to do same.
The Garu-Tempane District Chief Executive Hon. Emmanuel Sin-Nyet Asigri whose speech was read on his behalf thanked the Presbyterian Church for the assistance given to the people of the district through the Garu Presby Agric station, community base rehabilitation center and relief items to flood victims.
Hon. Asigri stated that the district is peaceful and a land of spicy onions and guinea fowls. He urged everybody especially the commissioners to visit their markets.
Source: ISD (James Dorgbetor)
The People Of Bawku Are One With A Common Destiny
The Bawku Traditional Council stands for the welfare of all the people of the area irrespective of ethnic differences. Even more unifying is the fact that they have inter married and did things in common as one people.
“We therefore call on all our people to exercise restraint in these trying moments to allow the conflict situation return to normal as quickly as possible to enable all the people to move freely in pursuit of their means of livelihood, after all we are one people with a common destiny.”
The paramount chief of the Bawku traditional area, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II said this at a press conference organised at his palace in Bawku to address certain issues following the recent communal conflict between the ethnic tribes, Kusasis and Mamprusis in Bawku.
He said to allow lasting stability return to Bawku as quickly as possible the truth about the remote cause of the disturbances in Bawku which is chieftaincy dispute must be told in plain language for the whole world to hear and appreciate.
Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka ll, said the chieftaincy disputes had been resolved by the highest courts of competent jurisdiction in Ghana, firstly, by court of appeal in 1958 and secondly by the Supreme Court in 2003, hence chieftaincy matter in Bawku is legally a dead letter. He said “government and state institutions concerned need to tell the mamprusis the truth that Bawku chieftaincy has been settled for ever”
He appealed to government officials in particular to stop condoning the practice of a parallel chieftaincy in Bawku by visiting a group and addressing their regents. This attitude, he said, gives false hopes to the Mamprusis that they can be chiefs or are chiefs, which is not the case.
“The current situation in Bawku as we see it, is that though the guns are silent now, there is an uneasy calm, and the area is divided into hostile zones, with the Mamprusis based between the centre of the town and the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital, and the Kusaiss virtually surround the Mamprusis such that members of each community cannot cross into “enemy” territory and get out scot-free, unless they are escorted by members of the security agencies patrolling the town which certainly is not a healthy state of affairs” he lamented.
He said we demand that rule of law must be enforced in Bawku as it has always been in Ghana and that no individual or group should be allowed to use violence in pursuit of their private agenda, flouting the laws of the land with impunity.
Source: ISD (James Dorgbetor)
“We therefore call on all our people to exercise restraint in these trying moments to allow the conflict situation return to normal as quickly as possible to enable all the people to move freely in pursuit of their means of livelihood, after all we are one people with a common destiny.”
The paramount chief of the Bawku traditional area, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II said this at a press conference organised at his palace in Bawku to address certain issues following the recent communal conflict between the ethnic tribes, Kusasis and Mamprusis in Bawku.
He said to allow lasting stability return to Bawku as quickly as possible the truth about the remote cause of the disturbances in Bawku which is chieftaincy dispute must be told in plain language for the whole world to hear and appreciate.
Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka ll, said the chieftaincy disputes had been resolved by the highest courts of competent jurisdiction in Ghana, firstly, by court of appeal in 1958 and secondly by the Supreme Court in 2003, hence chieftaincy matter in Bawku is legally a dead letter. He said “government and state institutions concerned need to tell the mamprusis the truth that Bawku chieftaincy has been settled for ever”
He appealed to government officials in particular to stop condoning the practice of a parallel chieftaincy in Bawku by visiting a group and addressing their regents. This attitude, he said, gives false hopes to the Mamprusis that they can be chiefs or are chiefs, which is not the case.
“The current situation in Bawku as we see it, is that though the guns are silent now, there is an uneasy calm, and the area is divided into hostile zones, with the Mamprusis based between the centre of the town and the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital, and the Kusaiss virtually surround the Mamprusis such that members of each community cannot cross into “enemy” territory and get out scot-free, unless they are escorted by members of the security agencies patrolling the town which certainly is not a healthy state of affairs” he lamented.
He said we demand that rule of law must be enforced in Bawku as it has always been in Ghana and that no individual or group should be allowed to use violence in pursuit of their private agenda, flouting the laws of the land with impunity.
Source: ISD (James Dorgbetor)
Bawku Marks 51st Ghana’s Independence
Bawku last Thursday joined the rest of the country to mark the 51st independence anniversary parade at the forecourt of the Bawku community center in the Upper West Region.
Though just returning from a conflict situation, the parade was made possible after a careful study of the prevailing peace in the area by the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC). According to MUSEC, the successful organisation of the parade would further consolidate the gains made in the peace process in Bawku. In the end it paid off as it was highly successful.
Forty-five schools from the Primary and Junior High Schools drawn from three circuits within the Bawku Township took part in the parade.
The event which was the first ever social gathering for the people of Bawku this year was well attended by the Bawku Naba and elders, municipal chief executive, municipal coordinating director, heads of departments, security agencies and assembly members were some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion.
The municipal chief executive, municipal director of education, divisional commander of police and officer commanding the ABF detachment force in Bawku took the salute as the school children marched passed the dais.
The president’s speech was read on his behalf by the municipal chief executive, Hon Abdulai Abanga. He said, he was happy that for the first time since independence the country has enjoyed fifteen (15) years of uninterrupted constitutional governance and therefore called on every Ghanaian to be proud of this feat and resolve to help sustain this good record.
On the oil find, the President said, what is most important at all times needed in the management of this critical national resource is transparency, accountability and genuine commitment to best practices which will ensure maximum returns for the nation and visitors alike.
The municipal chief executive Hon Abdulai Abanga appealed to the good people of Bawku to give peace a chance because “development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.”
The recent conflict affected almost everything including our candidates who will be writing their BECE and WASSCE this year, he lamented. Hon Abanga appealed to NGO’s, institutions and philanthropists to come to the aid of the assembly to take care of conflict and flood disaster victims.
Source: ISD (James Dorgbetor)
Though just returning from a conflict situation, the parade was made possible after a careful study of the prevailing peace in the area by the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC). According to MUSEC, the successful organisation of the parade would further consolidate the gains made in the peace process in Bawku. In the end it paid off as it was highly successful.
Forty-five schools from the Primary and Junior High Schools drawn from three circuits within the Bawku Township took part in the parade.
The event which was the first ever social gathering for the people of Bawku this year was well attended by the Bawku Naba and elders, municipal chief executive, municipal coordinating director, heads of departments, security agencies and assembly members were some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion.
The municipal chief executive, municipal director of education, divisional commander of police and officer commanding the ABF detachment force in Bawku took the salute as the school children marched passed the dais.
The president’s speech was read on his behalf by the municipal chief executive, Hon Abdulai Abanga. He said, he was happy that for the first time since independence the country has enjoyed fifteen (15) years of uninterrupted constitutional governance and therefore called on every Ghanaian to be proud of this feat and resolve to help sustain this good record.
On the oil find, the President said, what is most important at all times needed in the management of this critical national resource is transparency, accountability and genuine commitment to best practices which will ensure maximum returns for the nation and visitors alike.
The municipal chief executive Hon Abdulai Abanga appealed to the good people of Bawku to give peace a chance because “development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.”
The recent conflict affected almost everything including our candidates who will be writing their BECE and WASSCE this year, he lamented. Hon Abanga appealed to NGO’s, institutions and philanthropists to come to the aid of the assembly to take care of conflict and flood disaster victims.
Source: ISD (James Dorgbetor)
Abanga Is New Bawku MCE
The Bawku Municipal Assembly (BMA) has voted massively to confirm the President’s nominee, Hon Abdulai Abanga for the position of Municipal Chief Executive (MCE).
He pulled 44 votes out of 50 votes cast representing 93% of the total vote.
In his acceptance speech, the new MCE Hon Abdulai Abanga thanked the President for the trust and honour beatowed upon him which he accepts with sincere gratitude. He also praised the general Assembly for the one touch endorsement which is a sign of a united front and show of support for his administration.
He pledged to serve everyone equally, irrespective of gender, religion, ethnicity and political affiliation.
“I am exceptionally passionate and concerned about improvement in education and Agricultural production. Irrigation will receive my attention to boost output in that sector and will ensure that revenue generation capacity of the Assembly is enhanced’’ he said.
He appealed to the feuding factions in Bawku to cease fire and called on NGO’s, organisations and individual to support the conflict victims with shelter, food and cloths to enable the victims cope up with life.
Hon Abanga is a professional accountant and was an employee of the Millenion Challenge Authority and the chairman of the finance and Administration sub-committee of BMA.
Earlier in the day, the presiding member Hon John Agobre expressed the assembly’s gratitude to the president for nominating Hon Abanga who is an assembly member to the high office of chief executive. He urged the general assembly to endorse the nominee whole heartedly without any reservation.
The Upper East Regional Minister Hon Alhassan Samari said confirming Hon Abanga was a step in the right direction because the fortunes of the Municipality to a large extend is pivoted on the personal drive of the Municipal Chief Executive.
The elections to confirm the MCE was conducted by the Electoral Commission. The upper east regional director of the EC, Mr Abdulai Alfa Iddrisu declared the Elections as free and fair.
The MCE elect was sworn into office immediately after the Elections by the district court Judge his honor Alex Owusu Ofori.
Source: James Dorgbetor (ISD)
He pulled 44 votes out of 50 votes cast representing 93% of the total vote.
In his acceptance speech, the new MCE Hon Abdulai Abanga thanked the President for the trust and honour beatowed upon him which he accepts with sincere gratitude. He also praised the general Assembly for the one touch endorsement which is a sign of a united front and show of support for his administration.
He pledged to serve everyone equally, irrespective of gender, religion, ethnicity and political affiliation.
“I am exceptionally passionate and concerned about improvement in education and Agricultural production. Irrigation will receive my attention to boost output in that sector and will ensure that revenue generation capacity of the Assembly is enhanced’’ he said.
He appealed to the feuding factions in Bawku to cease fire and called on NGO’s, organisations and individual to support the conflict victims with shelter, food and cloths to enable the victims cope up with life.
Hon Abanga is a professional accountant and was an employee of the Millenion Challenge Authority and the chairman of the finance and Administration sub-committee of BMA.
Earlier in the day, the presiding member Hon John Agobre expressed the assembly’s gratitude to the president for nominating Hon Abanga who is an assembly member to the high office of chief executive. He urged the general assembly to endorse the nominee whole heartedly without any reservation.
The Upper East Regional Minister Hon Alhassan Samari said confirming Hon Abanga was a step in the right direction because the fortunes of the Municipality to a large extend is pivoted on the personal drive of the Municipal Chief Executive.
The elections to confirm the MCE was conducted by the Electoral Commission. The upper east regional director of the EC, Mr Abdulai Alfa Iddrisu declared the Elections as free and fair.
The MCE elect was sworn into office immediately after the Elections by the district court Judge his honor Alex Owusu Ofori.
Source: James Dorgbetor (ISD)
Bawku Municipal Assembly Condemns Recent Ethnic Conflict
The Bawku Municipal Assembly has expressed a deep sense of sorrow, pain and regret following the recent ethnic conflict that claimed so many lives and a number of houses destroyed. The statement said the assembly condemns the violence and the perpetrators of this shameful action should burry their heads in shame.
The presiding member of the assembly Hon. John Agobre said this at an emergency meeting held in Bawku in the Upper East Region to condemn the unfortunate ethnic conflict.
He recalled how the municipality recently emerged from two major disasters i.e. severe drought and unprecedented floods which the municipality was one of the hardest hit in the three Northern Regions and expressed worrying over the crisis which is affecting Bawku, the land of opportunities, economic hub and bright light of the north.
He admonished the house strongly that if there are perceived differences, misunderstandings, etc in 2007, they should let it go with the wind and forge ahead as one strong united family, for in unity lie our collective strength because there has never been any victor or vanquished in all the ethnic conflicts the area have experienced over the years.
“At a time when communities are busy building themselves up and are engaged in development projects, we the people of Bawku are busy destroying life and property, contrary to our vision statement which states and I quote “The most peaceful and prosperous municipality in the Upper East Region and in Ghana.” he lamented.
He asked why this dear municipality of ours should be associated always with violence; conflict and anarchy only for our locally generated income as well as our common fund have mostly been used to keep peace in Bawku rather than development.
He urged all especially the assembly members from now onwards to be ambassadors of peace and ensure that the message of peace to the electorates would be the dire need to build synergies even amongst perceived enemies so that we can co-exist peacefully and forge ahead in development positively.
He thanked the Government, Security Agencies, Chiefs and the Opinion Leaders, Red Cross, etc for their tireless efforts in maintaining peace in Bawku.
The municipal coordinating director Mr.Yakubu Alhassan did not mince his words when he reminded the assembly members as touch bearers of the people the huge responsibility they have to preach peace to the people to ensure that permanent stability returns to the municipality as early as possible. He said the conflict have affected everything in the municipality including the revenue mobilization of the assembly which has large consequence on the development of the municipality.
The president’s nominee for chief executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga said the people of Bawku are one and there was no need fighting each other only to bring untold hardship to its own. He said as result of the conflict many people have lost their lives and properties and appealed to NGO’s, development partners, individuals to assist the victims with food, shelter, clothing etc to enable them cope up with life.
Source: ISD (James Dorgbetor)
The presiding member of the assembly Hon. John Agobre said this at an emergency meeting held in Bawku in the Upper East Region to condemn the unfortunate ethnic conflict.
He recalled how the municipality recently emerged from two major disasters i.e. severe drought and unprecedented floods which the municipality was one of the hardest hit in the three Northern Regions and expressed worrying over the crisis which is affecting Bawku, the land of opportunities, economic hub and bright light of the north.
He admonished the house strongly that if there are perceived differences, misunderstandings, etc in 2007, they should let it go with the wind and forge ahead as one strong united family, for in unity lie our collective strength because there has never been any victor or vanquished in all the ethnic conflicts the area have experienced over the years.
“At a time when communities are busy building themselves up and are engaged in development projects, we the people of Bawku are busy destroying life and property, contrary to our vision statement which states and I quote “The most peaceful and prosperous municipality in the Upper East Region and in Ghana.” he lamented.
He asked why this dear municipality of ours should be associated always with violence; conflict and anarchy only for our locally generated income as well as our common fund have mostly been used to keep peace in Bawku rather than development.
He urged all especially the assembly members from now onwards to be ambassadors of peace and ensure that the message of peace to the electorates would be the dire need to build synergies even amongst perceived enemies so that we can co-exist peacefully and forge ahead in development positively.
He thanked the Government, Security Agencies, Chiefs and the Opinion Leaders, Red Cross, etc for their tireless efforts in maintaining peace in Bawku.
The municipal coordinating director Mr.Yakubu Alhassan did not mince his words when he reminded the assembly members as touch bearers of the people the huge responsibility they have to preach peace to the people to ensure that permanent stability returns to the municipality as early as possible. He said the conflict have affected everything in the municipality including the revenue mobilization of the assembly which has large consequence on the development of the municipality.
The president’s nominee for chief executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga said the people of Bawku are one and there was no need fighting each other only to bring untold hardship to its own. He said as result of the conflict many people have lost their lives and properties and appealed to NGO’s, development partners, individuals to assist the victims with food, shelter, clothing etc to enable them cope up with life.
Source: ISD (James Dorgbetor)
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