The 21st Samanpiid Festival of people of Bawku came off successfully over the weekend with the common message to all and Sunday to desist from the destructive tendencies but pursue development agenda.
The festival which could not come off last year owing to the incessant communal conflict saw a high government delegates in attendant.
Addressing the joyous attendees, the Regional Minister for Upper East, Hon. Mark Woyogo urged Bawku Naba, his sub-chiefs, elders to endeavor to mead the broken relationship with their neighbors towards peaceful and harmonious co-existence in Bawku and its envious.
He said there were indications all over that, residents were fed up with these conflicts and therefore, were yearning for speedy resolution of the problems for normal business to resume so as to reduce poverty staring at them.
He added that government would not renege in its effort at ensuring that peace was maintained in Bawku however, noted that peace that had to be supervised was not a lasting one.
The Minister was quick to add that, it therefore, behoves on all parties to the conflict to say “enough is enough and begin to recognize each other as brothers and sister who need one another for mutual development” he advised.
Hon. Woyogo assured the people that the government was not only mindful of its pledge to equitably sharing the nation’s resources but was determined to marshal all resources towards bridging the wide developmental gap between the North and South of Ghana.
In this vein, he said, the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) would champion the development agenda of the three Northern Regions including the northern parts of Brong –Ahafo and Volta Regions.
The Interior Minister Hon. Cletus Avoka who represented the President spoke at length on internal security and asked the people to let bygone be bygones added that the culture of impunity was over, ‘anybody who caused arson, murder or caught with ammunition would be dealt with according to the law of the land’ he said.
He explained that the time when people lost confidence in the national security, therefore trusted no one and put the law into their own hands was thing of the past, henceforth, anyone who felt offended should only put it into paper and pen and channel through the law court as the only process for proper redress.
Hon. Avoka was grateful to Bawku Naba, the planning committee and other tribes that made it possible to hold the festival this year which should had taken place last year but was not possible because of the conflict.
The Bawku Municipal Co-coordinating Director, Mr. Yakubu Alhassan Abukari said Bawku was rated very bad across the country, consequently potential personnel and workers invariable shy away from accepting postings, on the mere mention of Bawku because they were petrified by stories they heard about the place.
He added that to correct this negative impression and evoke mixed sentiments and apprehension by certain people by mere mentioning of Bawku, the security agencies had to gather courage to “bite the bullet” in getting this festival celebrated.
Mr. Abukari said having managed this conflict this far, the security agencies had no cause to suspect the insincerity and sinister motives on the part of anybody and therefore had confidence that all citizens of Bawku would be law abiding.
The Bawku naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II lamented over the conflict which lasted over a year, saying that “Everyone would agree with me that the bitter experiences we all went through last year in the form of conflicts have not benefited any group or individual. We have all lost and become the poorer”.
He continued that, at this time no one needed to tell them to stop the senseless conflict and seek unity among the various tribes for meaniful development. “What we should be fighting together is poverty, ignorance and disease ‘he added.
Naba Asigri appealed to his entire subjects irrespective of ethnic differences to put hatred and conflict behind them and together assured the government that they were poised for development.
Naba appealed to Mills’ administration to as matter of urgency put ‘life’ into Tamne Irrigation Project whose feasibility studies had long been completed but not to give the usual excuse of financial constraint in order to provide the teaming youth means of survival.
Bawku Naba took the opportunity to announce to all gathered that he would celebrated his silver Jubilee as Bawku Naba this year and plans were being put in place and details would be released in due course.
This year’s festival was under the theme “Forging Ahead in unity and Development” and was celebrated under a heavy police and military protection.
Godwin A. Nkunu
I.S.D – Bawku
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
MAJOR BOOST TO FOOD SECURITY IN THREE NORTHERN REGIONS
The Canadian International Development Authority (CIDA) have pledged food security package to the tune of 15million for the three northern regions.
The intervention was to address the perenimial food shortages through food production, marketing preservation environmental protection and a forestation.
This was disclosed by the Regional Minister, Hon. Mark Woyongo yesterday in Bawku when he formally introduced himself to Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II.
Hon. Woyongo explained that the lack of food storage facilities in the region often compelled formers to dispose off their food stuffs across the boarders and down south and as a result food became scarce during the lean season bringing untold hardships to them. He cited the tomatoes farmers at Tono and Via whose stuffs went bad due to lack of market and storage facilities.
He added that the erstwhile Farmer Service Centre would be responsible for buying the food during the glut season, preserve it and re-sell in the lean season.
The minister said the shea-nut production in the three northern regions had the potential to reduce poverty since much foreign exchange could be earned and also provide jobs to women and girls which could stop them from moving to the south looking for non- existence jobs
He explained that the proposed Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) in the National Democratic Congress (N.D.C) manifesto was committed in bridging the gap between north and the south as a result 20 out of 220 irrigations dams in the Upper East Region have been contracted to be drained or desilted to make irrigation accessible to farmers.
Hon. Woyongo also hinted that government would subsidize the price of fertilizers this year and also make it accessible to farmers in order to increase their production.
He reminded the people that soon, government would make available the free school uniform policy announced in this year’s budget to vulnerable groups. He added that government would increase the number of schools benefiting from the school feeding program for children to enjoy one hot free meal a day.
The minister therefore, appealed to Bawku Naba and his chiefs and elders to stop the ethnic conflict since no development could take place in chaotic situation rather support the N.D.C administration to bring economic relief to the citizens as they considered chiefs, development partners.
Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II was grateful for the visit and pledged his readiness to support all development plans of the ruling government since that would create jobs for the teaming youth.
Bawku Naba however, pleaded with the N.D.C administration to make bare the cause behind the Bawku conflict stressing that Kusasis did not have “fight in their blood” but when others trying to deny them what was their own has always forced them (kusasis) to fight back.
He also asked the N.D.C administration to prevail on the National Peace Council to make public their findings on the Bawku conflict for all to know as that would contribute to achieving peace in Bawku.
After this interaction, the minister had closed door meeting with the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) probably review and strategize for peace to prevail in the municipality.
Godwin A. Nkunu
I.S.D – Bawku
The intervention was to address the perenimial food shortages through food production, marketing preservation environmental protection and a forestation.
This was disclosed by the Regional Minister, Hon. Mark Woyongo yesterday in Bawku when he formally introduced himself to Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II.
Hon. Woyongo explained that the lack of food storage facilities in the region often compelled formers to dispose off their food stuffs across the boarders and down south and as a result food became scarce during the lean season bringing untold hardships to them. He cited the tomatoes farmers at Tono and Via whose stuffs went bad due to lack of market and storage facilities.
He added that the erstwhile Farmer Service Centre would be responsible for buying the food during the glut season, preserve it and re-sell in the lean season.
The minister said the shea-nut production in the three northern regions had the potential to reduce poverty since much foreign exchange could be earned and also provide jobs to women and girls which could stop them from moving to the south looking for non- existence jobs
He explained that the proposed Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) in the National Democratic Congress (N.D.C) manifesto was committed in bridging the gap between north and the south as a result 20 out of 220 irrigations dams in the Upper East Region have been contracted to be drained or desilted to make irrigation accessible to farmers.
Hon. Woyongo also hinted that government would subsidize the price of fertilizers this year and also make it accessible to farmers in order to increase their production.
He reminded the people that soon, government would make available the free school uniform policy announced in this year’s budget to vulnerable groups. He added that government would increase the number of schools benefiting from the school feeding program for children to enjoy one hot free meal a day.
The minister therefore, appealed to Bawku Naba and his chiefs and elders to stop the ethnic conflict since no development could take place in chaotic situation rather support the N.D.C administration to bring economic relief to the citizens as they considered chiefs, development partners.
Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II was grateful for the visit and pledged his readiness to support all development plans of the ruling government since that would create jobs for the teaming youth.
Bawku Naba however, pleaded with the N.D.C administration to make bare the cause behind the Bawku conflict stressing that Kusasis did not have “fight in their blood” but when others trying to deny them what was their own has always forced them (kusasis) to fight back.
He also asked the N.D.C administration to prevail on the National Peace Council to make public their findings on the Bawku conflict for all to know as that would contribute to achieving peace in Bawku.
After this interaction, the minister had closed door meeting with the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) probably review and strategize for peace to prevail in the municipality.
Godwin A. Nkunu
I.S.D – Bawku
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
BAWKU, I.S.D EMBARKS ON NI D’S CAMPAIGN
The Information Services Department in Bawku in the Upper East Region of Ghana has started a 3-day intensive Public Sensitization Campaign towards this year’s National Immunization Day (NID).
The purpose of the campaign is to create public awareness and also encourage them especially women to make their children within the age group of 0-59 months available for the impending exercise.
The NID is slated for 25th to 28th March 2009, during which all children within the age brackets of 0-59 months will be dosed with Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV).
These will be done by mobile teams from House to House and in all schools to immunize all eligible children.
Additional, parents can visit all health centres with their children to take the Oral Polio Vaccine.
The Cinema Van, man by competent field officers will disseminate this important information to all communities to enable a comprehensive coverage and success of the exercise.
According to the Municipal Director of Health Services Dr. T. Mensah Afful, this year’s NID is special and very important to the extend that, the neighboring districts of Tone and Bittou in the Republic of Togo and Burkina Faso respectively and the Bawku Municipal Health Directorate have agreed to organize a launching ceremony at the kulugungu border to create an international awareness and approach towards the fight against polio.
James Dorgbetor
Bawku Municipal Information Officer
The purpose of the campaign is to create public awareness and also encourage them especially women to make their children within the age group of 0-59 months available for the impending exercise.
The NID is slated for 25th to 28th March 2009, during which all children within the age brackets of 0-59 months will be dosed with Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV).
These will be done by mobile teams from House to House and in all schools to immunize all eligible children.
Additional, parents can visit all health centres with their children to take the Oral Polio Vaccine.
The Cinema Van, man by competent field officers will disseminate this important information to all communities to enable a comprehensive coverage and success of the exercise.
According to the Municipal Director of Health Services Dr. T. Mensah Afful, this year’s NID is special and very important to the extend that, the neighboring districts of Tone and Bittou in the Republic of Togo and Burkina Faso respectively and the Bawku Municipal Health Directorate have agreed to organize a launching ceremony at the kulugungu border to create an international awareness and approach towards the fight against polio.
James Dorgbetor
Bawku Municipal Information Officer
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
BUSINESSES IN BAWKU EXPECT FINANCIAL SUPPORT UNDER PRESIDENT MILLS' GOVERNMENT
For along time now Bawku remains a business town for both local and international businesses.
The location of Bawku in the north eastern corridor of the country and the boundaries it shares with Togo and Burkina Faso does not only position it as a border town but serves as a place for constant but brisk business for all day and greater part of the might.
In spite of all the recent troubles the area has suffered, Bawku remains a business town and business as usual is brisk. However, one thing that has eluded the business men and women over the years is financial support or access to loans.
For this reason, businesses that have the potential to expand, either can not do so or do so with serious suffocating financial difficulties and challenges.
The multiple effects of theses challenges are enormous considering the fact that about 60% of the population is engaged in one form of business or another. For instance, the bulk of onions, water melons, sheanut, cattle, sheep, goats and Guinea fowls for the Ghanaian markets are from Bawku and surrounding areas.
Others also are engaged in the sale and distribution of motorbikes, mobile phones and accessories, satlight disc, merchandise, constructural works, petty trades, etc, all of these need financial support to survive.
The quality and beautiful smocks and other hand woven arts are simply in a class of their own and with a little support the results thereafter would be extremely admirable and beneficial to the economy of the country.
It couldn’t be captured well when the Bawku central NDC constituency treasurer Alhaji Mohammed Mashood said, “we know how to turn the fortune of our business around but the financial assistant is highly limited and difficult to access”.
Alhaji Mashood whiles congratulating President Mills and Vice President Mahama on their ascension to the high office of Ghana added, ‘we’re sure the president will give a boost to business in a form of financial support for them to flourish especially in Bawku where the difficulty has always been.
He was confident that the new administration per its manifesto will put in place programmes and policy to enhance businesses.
Alhaji Mashood intimated that the survival of business has a bearing on the consolidation of peace in Bawku because the booming of business will increase interaction among the people which will eventually lead to building of confidence and trust and subsequently bring about increase in peaceful co-existence.
Alhaji Mashood said the businesses have collateral security plus the extended family ties provide enough security for repayment of loans.
He therefore challenged banks to consider venturing into Bawku.
JAMES DORGBETOR ( BAWKU MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER)
The location of Bawku in the north eastern corridor of the country and the boundaries it shares with Togo and Burkina Faso does not only position it as a border town but serves as a place for constant but brisk business for all day and greater part of the might.
In spite of all the recent troubles the area has suffered, Bawku remains a business town and business as usual is brisk. However, one thing that has eluded the business men and women over the years is financial support or access to loans.
For this reason, businesses that have the potential to expand, either can not do so or do so with serious suffocating financial difficulties and challenges.
The multiple effects of theses challenges are enormous considering the fact that about 60% of the population is engaged in one form of business or another. For instance, the bulk of onions, water melons, sheanut, cattle, sheep, goats and Guinea fowls for the Ghanaian markets are from Bawku and surrounding areas.
Others also are engaged in the sale and distribution of motorbikes, mobile phones and accessories, satlight disc, merchandise, constructural works, petty trades, etc, all of these need financial support to survive.
The quality and beautiful smocks and other hand woven arts are simply in a class of their own and with a little support the results thereafter would be extremely admirable and beneficial to the economy of the country.
It couldn’t be captured well when the Bawku central NDC constituency treasurer Alhaji Mohammed Mashood said, “we know how to turn the fortune of our business around but the financial assistant is highly limited and difficult to access”.
Alhaji Mashood whiles congratulating President Mills and Vice President Mahama on their ascension to the high office of Ghana added, ‘we’re sure the president will give a boost to business in a form of financial support for them to flourish especially in Bawku where the difficulty has always been.
He was confident that the new administration per its manifesto will put in place programmes and policy to enhance businesses.
Alhaji Mashood intimated that the survival of business has a bearing on the consolidation of peace in Bawku because the booming of business will increase interaction among the people which will eventually lead to building of confidence and trust and subsequently bring about increase in peaceful co-existence.
Alhaji Mashood said the businesses have collateral security plus the extended family ties provide enough security for repayment of loans.
He therefore challenged banks to consider venturing into Bawku.
JAMES DORGBETOR ( BAWKU MUNICIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
ABYSMAL PERFORMANCE IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS ATTRIBUTED TO LACK OF SUPERVISION
Lack of effective supervision by circuit supervisors for public schools has been identified as a major setback responsible for the continuous abysmal performance in government schools.
As a result of this bad behaviour of the supervisors, teachers at the least chance absent themselves from school with the full conviction that supervisors will not come around.
This was disclosed by the head of Social Science Department Mr. John Agobre of Tamale Teacher training College at an annual review program organized by Young Christian Workers (Y.C.W) in Bawku yesterday with sponsorship from lbis –Ghana, an NGO.
(Y.C.W) is a voluntary catholic group helping Moslem children begging on the streets known in Arabic as Almajiri with formal education.
Mr. Agobre using a private school in Bawku as case study, Mother Theresa, which performance he described as superb even in the midst of conflict chalked hundred percent passes with excellent grade in last year B.E.C.E thought there was no single trained teacher, therefore, asked what was the difference?
He added that for private schools, pupils were given not less than three home works a day and for weekend not less than five home works with a column for parents to sign to indicate their supervision also at home, therefore, really keep the children busy with a little time to play.
However, in the public schools, teachers frequently absent themselves with impunity, “when it rains, no school, if anybody dies in their communities it is a big excuse, on market days is the some story, therefore the pupils are left to the mercy of the structure” he noted.
Hon. Agobre, who is also the Presiding Member for Bawku Municipal Assembly charged the Municipal and District Education Offices to intensify the supervision of their circuit supervisors to monitor the movement of the teacher especially rural areas, supervise their lesson notes as to improve the performance in public schools.
He asked the authorities also to supply them with fuel and maintaince allowance of their motorbikes regularly as that was always the bone of contention citing an example where a motor with flat tyre would take six months to receive attention.
The Presiding Member also urged Ghana Education Service not only fighting for salary increment for teachers but expedient action on teachers promotion especially those who have accepted postings to some inaccessible areas where they lack basic social amenities.
He was also not happy with the awards given to teachers like fans, T.V sets, saying which teacher has got such gadgets rather award them with motors or sponsorship packages for further studies to disabuse their minds that teachers’ rewards are in heaven.
Giving the background of Y.C.W, the Ghana President, Mr. Barnabas Aboriga explained that the association is Christian group that works with methodology of see, Judge and Act. With this direction, they identify problems in society, analyze and then act upon it to benefit humanity.
He added that as one of their numerous activities, they researched into the background of these Moslem boys roaming the street and people homes with containers in their hands dressed in tattered clothes begging in the name of religion describing their lives as undignified.
The Project Coordinator, Mr. Elias Atinbire said through the collaboration with Social Welfare, Commission on Human right and Administration Justice and Ghana Education Service, they educated the Mallams on the rights of children who they taught Quoran only which would benefit them in the Islamic religion but advise them to blend it with formal education.
Mr. Atinbire said the Mallams welcomed the idea; hence, they have been able to establish 10 non-formal classes with about 600 of such children and 20 were screened and enrolled into formal education because most of them were far above the lower primary age of schooling.
He added that currently other three classrooms structures are being constructed at Sagabo, a suburb of Bawku to absorb more of such children.
He explained the children go through a two-year cycle of non-formal education with materials and personals support from Non-formal education outfit where they learn the Quoran, English and innumeracy to give a preparatory background in order to compete with other children in the formal education.
The Bawku Municipal Assembly also pledged their support to decongest the streets with such children as such nuisance did not befit the status of the town as a transit point to other countries.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD-Bawku
As a result of this bad behaviour of the supervisors, teachers at the least chance absent themselves from school with the full conviction that supervisors will not come around.
This was disclosed by the head of Social Science Department Mr. John Agobre of Tamale Teacher training College at an annual review program organized by Young Christian Workers (Y.C.W) in Bawku yesterday with sponsorship from lbis –Ghana, an NGO.
(Y.C.W) is a voluntary catholic group helping Moslem children begging on the streets known in Arabic as Almajiri with formal education.
Mr. Agobre using a private school in Bawku as case study, Mother Theresa, which performance he described as superb even in the midst of conflict chalked hundred percent passes with excellent grade in last year B.E.C.E thought there was no single trained teacher, therefore, asked what was the difference?
He added that for private schools, pupils were given not less than three home works a day and for weekend not less than five home works with a column for parents to sign to indicate their supervision also at home, therefore, really keep the children busy with a little time to play.
However, in the public schools, teachers frequently absent themselves with impunity, “when it rains, no school, if anybody dies in their communities it is a big excuse, on market days is the some story, therefore the pupils are left to the mercy of the structure” he noted.
Hon. Agobre, who is also the Presiding Member for Bawku Municipal Assembly charged the Municipal and District Education Offices to intensify the supervision of their circuit supervisors to monitor the movement of the teacher especially rural areas, supervise their lesson notes as to improve the performance in public schools.
He asked the authorities also to supply them with fuel and maintaince allowance of their motorbikes regularly as that was always the bone of contention citing an example where a motor with flat tyre would take six months to receive attention.
The Presiding Member also urged Ghana Education Service not only fighting for salary increment for teachers but expedient action on teachers promotion especially those who have accepted postings to some inaccessible areas where they lack basic social amenities.
He was also not happy with the awards given to teachers like fans, T.V sets, saying which teacher has got such gadgets rather award them with motors or sponsorship packages for further studies to disabuse their minds that teachers’ rewards are in heaven.
Giving the background of Y.C.W, the Ghana President, Mr. Barnabas Aboriga explained that the association is Christian group that works with methodology of see, Judge and Act. With this direction, they identify problems in society, analyze and then act upon it to benefit humanity.
He added that as one of their numerous activities, they researched into the background of these Moslem boys roaming the street and people homes with containers in their hands dressed in tattered clothes begging in the name of religion describing their lives as undignified.
The Project Coordinator, Mr. Elias Atinbire said through the collaboration with Social Welfare, Commission on Human right and Administration Justice and Ghana Education Service, they educated the Mallams on the rights of children who they taught Quoran only which would benefit them in the Islamic religion but advise them to blend it with formal education.
Mr. Atinbire said the Mallams welcomed the idea; hence, they have been able to establish 10 non-formal classes with about 600 of such children and 20 were screened and enrolled into formal education because most of them were far above the lower primary age of schooling.
He added that currently other three classrooms structures are being constructed at Sagabo, a suburb of Bawku to absorb more of such children.
He explained the children go through a two-year cycle of non-formal education with materials and personals support from Non-formal education outfit where they learn the Quoran, English and innumeracy to give a preparatory background in order to compete with other children in the formal education.
The Bawku Municipal Assembly also pledged their support to decongest the streets with such children as such nuisance did not befit the status of the town as a transit point to other countries.
Godwin Nkunu
ISD-Bawku
Thursday, January 15, 2009
HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUT SINCE CRS DEPARTURE
Fifty-five pupils, including ten boys in Gumyoko Primary School dropped out of school this academic year.
The pupils, all in the lower Primary who survived on the support provided by the Catholic Relief Services (C.R.S) could not continue their education because C.R.S folded up in September this year because of lack of funding from their donors.
Despite the bleak future of these children it did not bother their parents as some of them commented that, the girls could be baby-minders, or wash ‘pito’ calabash because they would not find anything to do after school just as some of their colleagues.
This was disclosed by the head-teacher of Gumyoko Primary and Junior high School, Madam Beatrice Dahamani this morning when ten bicycles were presented to eight teachers and two community Food Management Committee members in Bawku in the upper East Region.
Madam Dahamani explained that C.R.S had sustained pupils’ interest in education as they supplied to the schools in the three Northern Regions wheat, oil and sorghum which they used in cooking two square nutritious meals daily for the pupils.
She added that since its inception four years ago, that is four October 2004 to September 2008, the pupils were punctual and regular to school as they were assured of regular supply of meals which indeed served the aim of C.R.S for helping children to stay and study at school to prevent them from going hungry.
“It is a sad story now, lateness, absenteeism school drop-out, these are what stare us in the face just because C.R.S can’t provide the usual meals to our children, all due to the fact that parent can’t afford to support their children” she lamented.
The Head teacher said there were 500 pupils in Primary and Junior High School (J.H.S) and 205 in Kindergarten and the latter are currently being taken care of by some volunteers to sustain their interest on the education.
Madam Dahamani who is also the Assembly woman for Binduri electoral Area bemoaned the attitude of fathers who did not show any interest at all in their children’s up-bringing, however, would married more wives, what she termed as “junior wives”.
She explained that children as early as eight to nine years were left on their own to struggle for survival. Some had to afford their uniform and stationeries while the girls were forced by their mothers to baby sit their younger ones as their mothers engage in dry-season gardening at the expense of their education.
She, therefore, made a passionate appeal to Catholic Relief Service to reconsider their stands to resume their good services or the gain so far chalked would be eroded.
She also pleaded with the government to expand the Feeding Programme to cover most deprived schools since only two schools (i.e. St, Peter’s and Suweidia Primary schools) are benefiting from the programme within the Bawku municipality. Some schools that needed such immediate attention included Tansia, Kaadi, Atuba, Nofkolga, Agole, Zawse Baraboga and Daiga all primary and Junior High Schools out of 138 in the Municipality.
The Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abdulai Abanga expressed his gratitude to the people of Bawku for the maturity they exhibited during 7th December general elections which made the process very peaceful and orderly. He appealed for calm and good neighborliness as we prepare for the presidential run-off on 28th December. He advised the people to avoid intimidations and always remember that “we’re one people first of all before our political groupings”. He called on the beneficiaries to continue in their hard work which earned them the bicycles and also take good care of them to serve the purpose which they were provided. He wished Christians and non-Christians Merry Christmas.
The Municipal Director of Education, Madam Florence Bobi extolled the success of C.R.S which drastically reduced the drop out rate in the entire municipality.
She said that the provision of lunch resulted to great increase in enrolment, improved daily attendance and retention “apart from enjoying the lunch the girl-child was provided with a monthly take-home ration, hence, girls enrolment exceeded that of the boys” she added.
Madam Bobi also suggested C.R.S major funding Agency, USAID, to re-finance C.R.S to continue and carry out more of the Quality Improvement in Primary Schools (QUPS) programmes.
Reading out the criteria in selecting the beneficiaries of the bicycles, Mr., Michael Awini, circuit Supervisor in the office of G.E.S in Bawku said that the award was given on the merit of tireless services the awardees have rendered to their schools and communities.
Also the criteria took into consideration good record keeping, adequate preparation and prompt presentation of monthly reports and termly data collections. Still others were good security of the C.R.S food entrusted to them, proper supervision of meals for the children during preparation among others.
Mr. Awuni said since C.R.S pulled out of the feeding programme, 21 schools and communities have contributed their own food that is being cooked in order to retain the pupils which was the initiative of the beneficiaries but is woefully inadequate.
He mentioned Kuka Primary School, Zabugu primary School and Gentiga Primary School which contributed corn, beans and rice to the tune of GH¢397.50.
Godwin Nkunu
JOUNALIST, ISD - BAWKU
Monday, January 5, 2009
NDC SUPPOTERS JUBILATE IN BAWKU
The Bawku Municipality and its environs were not left out in the jubilation that engulfed the entire nation in the wake of the declaration of Prof. John Evans Atta Mills as winner of 2008 presidential run-off elections.
However, the jubilant were moderate and considerate with the celebration contrary to the notion that the National Democratic Congress (N.D.C) supporters would pour out on the streets to express their joy, rather only few people were spotted jubilating on the streets.
The jubilation took place in the N.D.C’s stronghold like New Station, Bawkzua, sabongari, where the winning Party shared the party T. shirts to people.
But surprising enough, the jubilant dressed in the New Patriotic Party’s T. shirts and danced to N.P.P Party song “Go, go high” accompanied with the Kangaroo dance.
It was worthy to note that the residents exhibited a great sense of maturity in the process in order to avoid any confrontation between the two major tribes which were labeled as N.P.P and N.D.C. The security was around to ensure peace and incident free jubilations.
Godwin A. Nkunu
ISD- Bawku
However, the jubilant were moderate and considerate with the celebration contrary to the notion that the National Democratic Congress (N.D.C) supporters would pour out on the streets to express their joy, rather only few people were spotted jubilating on the streets.
The jubilation took place in the N.D.C’s stronghold like New Station, Bawkzua, sabongari, where the winning Party shared the party T. shirts to people.
But surprising enough, the jubilant dressed in the New Patriotic Party’s T. shirts and danced to N.P.P Party song “Go, go high” accompanied with the Kangaroo dance.
It was worthy to note that the residents exhibited a great sense of maturity in the process in order to avoid any confrontation between the two major tribes which were labeled as N.P.P and N.D.C. The security was around to ensure peace and incident free jubilations.
Godwin A. Nkunu
ISD- Bawku
Monday, December 29, 2008
HOW THE ELECTIONS IN BAWKU MUNICIPALITY WERE CONDUCTED
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
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
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
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