Savannah regional capital set to get 42kms street lightening system

Savannah regional capital set to get 42kms street lightening system

By Ananpansah B Abraham

The thoroughfares of Damongo,the Savannah regional capital is set to be installed with street lights as a measure to boost the security situation of the town.

Disclosing this in an interview on PAD FM,the District Chief Executive for West Gonja District, hon.Saaed Muhazu Jibreal said he has since secured the contract document from the Ministry of Energy.And this details a 42 kilometres street lights project for Damongo and its environs. A

According to him,what is left for them to do as an assembly is to map out the designated areas and if adequate,spread the project across the surrounding communities. The contractor will then be called to commence work ASAP.

He revealed that,he lobbied for this project together with the Savannah regional minister, stating that,"...as I speak,I've brought a document from the Ministry of Energy indicating that we install 42kms of street lights within Damongo township and we are going to spread this across the district until we cover the entire length ".

It can be recalled that before this proclamation by the DCE,PAD FM launched a fierce campaign to get broken streets lights within the regional capital fixed.

Mr.Ananpansah B Abraham,one of the lead campaigners had consistently insisted that, it was a sign of weak leadership to have broken street lights in a regional capital unfixed for months.

According to him,illuminating the dark streets contribute to a robust justice and security system and improve the economic livelihood of people that make use of the lights at night for their businesses,appealing to leaders to act urgently.

On the now decentralised Scholarship Secretariat,the DCE said eligible candidates within the district can submit their applications to the District Assembly on or before Friday,August 2,2019.
 Eligible candidates must be residents of Damongo and pursuing either a diploma,HND,degree or master's program at a recognised tertiary institution in the country.

A total of 100 students are expected to benefit from the package in the West Gonja District.

On the collapsed One Village,One Dam bridge at Kpiri,the District Chief Executive said he has since come under intense pressure after GhanaWeb's Ananpansah B Abraham broke the news about the poorly constructed dam.
Notwithstanding the pressure,he said he will act on principle and ensure that the right things are done,pleading with the people of Kpiri to exercise restrain as his office work to get the contractor back on site to fix the challenge and ensure value for money execution of the contract.

Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

Bole MP Ridicules Akufo-Addo's 1V1D

Bole MP Ridicules Akufo-Addo's 1V1D

By:Abraham Ananpansah  

The Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi constituency in the Savannah region, Hon. Yussif Sulemana has describe as a total failure Akufo-Addo's One Village, One Dam project.

 In a press statement, the MP said the lack of commitment from government evident in the amount allocated for the construction of each dam is the reason for its massive failure.

 He queried why a dam that's supposed to cost a minimum of Ghc2.5 million should be constructed at Ghc256,000, adding that," when you buy an iPhone XR that costs GHS5,000 at GHS500 at circle tiptoe lane; you will get a key soap bar in return".


According to the lawmaker, the poorly constructed ‘dams’ have been washed away by 30-minute rains with some now a football field. "Even, in 2016 when government constructed dugouts under the GSOP program, each cost GHS450,000 (info is available at the District Assemblies)," he intimated.

 He added that the over politicisation of the program coupled with the lack of important stakeholders engagement and expert opinions contributed to the failure of the One Village One Dam policy.

 Read the full statement below:

BOLE/BAMBOI MP EXPOSES AKUFO-ADDO AGAIN, ON ONE VILLAGE ONE DAM

In the NPP’s 2016 Manifesto, chapter 4, under Agriculture and Rural Development, section b. Irrigation Development, bullet 4 on page 50, the “One Village, One Dam” (1V1D) policy was captured as “facilitating the provision of community-owned and managed small-scale irrigation facilities across the country, especially in northern Ghana, through the policy of “One Village, One Dam”.

 The 1V1D policy—like every promise—was or is assumed to be made pensively.
It was made to tackle a specific challenge. Which is, the lack of water for agricultural purposes in the northern regions during dry seasons.

This has and should never be in doubt. The choice of where and the caption under which the promise was placed in the Manifesto and the wording of the section was clear. Hence, anything, except dams fitted with irrigation facilities, is a failure to deliver and a breach of Ghanaians’ trust.

 In December, 2017, when it had become clear that there was going to be no show, I asked a parliamentary question on the state of the program and the Deputy Minister of Agric (Hon George Boahen Oduro) came to answer as follows, that:311 facilities have been earmarked for intervention.

Design and procurement processes were ongoing, and the dams will include irrigation facilities; he says “Mr Speaker, what I said was that, all these dams would be mechanized in addition to the irrigation facilities to the farmers around the dams” (Hansard, Tuesday, 12th December, 2017).

Outside parliament, we were told the program failed to start in 2017 because the development authorities were not ready.

Also, Vice President, Dr Bawumia went into town with a promise that 570 dams will be constructed in 2018. When it be clear, again, that 2018 too was no show, he said it was because it was the rainy season.

Forget that this 570 contradicted the Minister’s 311 presented to Parliament. There are over 6000 villages in northern Ghana. The reasonable expectation of the people of northern Ghana is that over 6000 dams will be constructed for them.
At worse, the number must be close to 6000.

After all, when then candidate Akufo-Addo and his running mate were told it is impossible to construct a dam in every village, we were told we lack visionary understanding. Candidate Akufo-Addo affirmed this by stating that “I am not going to tell the Ghanaian people that I am going to do something when I know I cannot do it. I will never, ever lie to the people of Ghana. I will never do that. I have too much respect and love for Ghanaians to do that to them”. ( www.ghanaweb.com report on 2 September 2016).

 This year, I filed another question which was answered by the Minister of Agric. In an answer to a follow up question by Hon Ayariga, the minister stated that the cost of the smallest dam will be GHS2.5m (almost similar to JICA’s own cost of GHS2.4m for a similar dam).

Yet, in reality, only GHS256,000 has been allocated for each dam. In the past few weeks, the media is awash with reports of shoddily constructed ‘dams’ that have been washed away by 30-minute rains or that have become football fields.

This is not surprising. Actually, any keen observer could have predicted this. How is a dam that is supposed to cost GHS2.5m (minimum) be constructed with GHS256,000? Let me borrow the popular ‘circle key soap bar’ cliché; when you buy an iPhone XR that costs GHS5,000 at GHS500; you will get a key soap bar.

 In this case, we are getting football-field-dugouts. Even, in 2016 when government constructed dugouts under the GSOP program, each cost GHS450,000 (info is available at the District Assemblies).

 What role has the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) played in the construction of these dugouts? Did the roll out of this program benefit from the valuable inputs of the experts at GIDA? When the John Mahama government undertook a similar program, they did it utilizing institutions with the technical knowhow and with no/little fanfare. It is not surprising therefore, to hear the Minister in-charge call them ‘meaningless’ dams.

 The woes of this policy can be attributed to the over politicization of the program; which has led to the alienation of important stakeholders and expert opinions, and the lack of a project document detailing a comprehensive implementation schedule, verifiable designs and technical specifications of the proposed dams/dugouts and the responsibilities of responsible institutions.

That said, it is important to state that the lack of commitment from government—which is evident in the amount allocated to each dam and clearly espoused by the Minister—is at the heart of the failure of this program.

 The earlier belligerence of Government in defending the shoddy works we have all seen, did not allow it to learn important lessons to plug the current waste that is being foisted on our necks.

I am therefore happy that the Government through the Minister has now realized that they are not constructing any meaningful dams.

And, in the light of this recent admission, I call on the Ministers in charge to listen to the voices of ordinary Ghanaians especially in northern Ghana. It is important to state that government is not constructing dams/dugouts just for the sake of it? Media reports indicate that these dugouts are not fitted with irrigation facilities. If this remains the case, then government has failed to deliver on the 1V1D promise. Not only should this failure be seen as super incompetence but also a deliberate deception of the Ghanaian voter.
……..End…….

Signed:
Hon. Yusif Sulemana
MP, Bole/Bamboi, (Deputy ranking, Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism) 

Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

When you buy iPhone XR that costs GHS5,000 at GHS500;you will get a key soap bar-Bole MP ridicules govt's IVID

When you buy iPhone XR that costs GHS5,000 at GHS500;you will get a key soap bar-Bole MP ridicules govt's IVID

By:Ananpansah B Abraham

The Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi constituency in the Savannah region,hon. Yussif Sulemana has taken a swipe at government's One Village,One Dam policy;describing it as a shambolic failure.

In a press statement copied to Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham, the MP said the lack of commitment from government,which is evident in the amount allocated for the construction of each dam is at the heart of the failure of the program.

He queried why a dam that's supposed to cost a minimum of Ghc2.5 million should be constructed at Ghc256,000, adding that," when you buy an iPhone XR that costs GHS5,000 at GHS500; you will get a key soap bar".

 He said," In the past few weeks, the media is awash with reports of shoddily constructed ‘dams’ that have been washed away by 30-minute rains or that have become football fields.

This is not surprising. Actually, any keen observer could have predicted this. How is a dam that is supposed to cost GHS2.5m (minimum) be constructed with GHS256,000? Let me borrow the popular ‘circle key soap bar’ cliché; when you buy an iPhone XR that costs GHS5,000 at GHS500; you will get a key soap bar

 In this case, we are getting football-field-dugouts. Even, in 2016 when government constructed dugouts under the GSOP program, each cost GHS450,000 (info is available at the District Assemblies)".

 He disclosed that the over politicisation of the program coupled with the alienation of important stakeholders and expert opinions contribute in part to the woes of the policy.

Read the full statement below:

BOLE/BAMBOI MP EXPOSES AKUFO-ADDO AGAIN, ON ONE VILLAGE ONE DAM

 In the NPP’s 2016 Manifesto, chapter 4, under Agriculture and Rural Development, section b. Irrigation Development, bullet 4 on page 50, the “One Village, One Dam” (1V1D) policy was captured as “facilitating the provision of community-owned and managed small-scale irrigation facilities across the country, especially in northern Ghana, through the policy of “One Village, One Dam”.

 The 1V1D policy—like every promise—was or is assumed to be made pensively. It was made to tackle a specific challenge. Which is, the lack of water for agricultural purposes in the northern regions during dry seasons.

This has and should never be in doubt. The choice of where and the caption under which the promise was placed in the Manifesto and the wording of the section was clear. Hence, anything, except dams fitted with irrigation facilities, is a failure to deliver and a breach of Ghanaians’ trust.

 In December, 2017, when it had become clear that there was going to be no show, I asked a parliamentary question on the state of the program and the Deputy Minister of Agric (Hon George Boahen Oduro) came to answer as follows, that: 311 facilities have been earmarked for intervention.
Design and procurement processes were ongoing, and The dams will include irrigation facilities;he says “Mr Speaker, what I said was that, all these dams would be mechanized in addition to the irrigation facilities to the farmers around the dams” (Hansard, Tuesday, 12th December, 2017).

Outside parliament, we were told the program failed to start in 2017 because the development authorities were not ready.

Also, Vice President, Dr Bawumia went into town with a promise that 570 dams will be constructed in 2018. When it be clear, again, that 2018 too was no show, he said it was because it was the rainy season. Forget that this 570 contradicted the Minister’s 311 presented to Parliament.

 There are over 6000 villages in northern Ghana. The reasonable expectation of the people of northern Ghana is that over 6000 dams will be constructed for them.
At worse, the number must be close to 6000.

After all, when then candidate Akufo-Addo and his running mate were told it is impossible to construct a dam in every village, we were told we lack visionary understanding.

Candidate Akufo-Addo affirmed this by stating that “I am not going to tell the Ghanaian people that I am going to do something when I know I cannot do it. I will never, ever lie to the people of Ghana. I will never do that. I have too much respect and love for Ghanaians to do that to them”. (www.ghanaweb.com report on 2 September 2016).

 This year, I filed another question which was answered by the Minister of Agric. In an answer to a follow up question by Hon Ayariga, the minister stated that the cost of the smallest dam will be GHS2.5m (almost similar to JICA’s own cost of GHS2.4m for a similar dam).

 Yet, in reality, only GHS256,000 has been allocated for each dam.

 In the past few weeks, the media is awash with reports of shoddily constructed ‘dams’ that have been washed away by 30-minute rains or that have become football fields.

This is not surprising. Actually, any keen observer could have predicted this. How is a dam that is supposed to cost GHS2.5m (minimum) be constructed with GHS256,000? Let me borrow the popular ‘circle key soap bar’ cliché; when you buy an iPhone XR that costs GHS5,000 at GHS500; you will get a key soap bar. In this case, we are getting football-field-dugouts.

Even, in 2016 when government constructed dugouts under the GSOP program, each cost GHS450,000 (info is available at the District Assemblies).

What role has the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) played in the construction of these dugouts? Did the roll out of this program benefit from the valuable inputs of the experts at GIDA?

When the John Mahama government undertook a similar program, they did it utilizing institutions with the technical knowhow and with no/little fanfare.

It is not surprising therefore, to hear the Minister in-charge call them ‘meaningless’ dams.

 The woes of this policy can be attributed to the over politicization of the program; which has led to the alienation of important stakeholders and expert opinions, and the lack of a project document detailing a comprehensive implementation schedule, verifiable designs and technical specifications of the proposed dams/dugouts and the responsibilities of responsible institutions.

 That said, it is important to state that the lack of commitment from government—which is evident in the amount allocated to each dam and clearly espoused by the Minister—is at the heart of the failure of this program.

 The earlier belligerence of Government in defending the shoddy works we have all seen, did not allow it to learn important lessons to plug the current waste that is being foisted on our necks.

I am therefore happy that the Government through the Minister has now realized that they are not constructing any meaningful dams.
And, in the light of this recent admission, I call on the Ministers in charge to listen to the voices of ordinary Ghanaians especially in northern Ghana.

 It is important to state that government is not constructing dams/dugouts just for the sake of it? Media reports indicate that these dugouts are not fitted with irrigation facilities. If this remains the case, then government has failed to deliver on the 1V1D promise. Not only should this failure be seen as super incompetence but also a deliberate deception of the Ghanaian voter.

 ……..End…….

 Signed,
 Hon. Yusif Sulemana MP, Bole/Bamboi, (Deputy ranking, Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism)

 Source: Ananpansah B Abraham

Savannah region: IVID bridge collapses;deter students from writing end of term exams

Savannah region: IVID bridge collapses;deter students from writing end of term exams

Government's "One Village,One Dam" initiative has come under severe criticism at Kpiri,a farming community in Canteen in the West Gonja District of the newly created Savannah region.

This follows the sudden collapse of a bridge recently build to link two major communities in the area,thus,Kpiri number two and Kpiri number three(Tari) as part of the One Village,One Dam policy.

The breakdown of the bridge is consequent to a heavy downpour. The situation has since made it impossible for residents to crisscross the communities for routine community activities with students at the brunt of the challenges.

 According to the residents who spoke with Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham,the unfortunate development deprived their school going children at especially,Kpiri number two from writing the just ended End of Year Promotion Examination.
The students could not cross to the other side of the river due to the caved-in bridge to their individual schools to take part in the exams.

The inhabitants also bemoaned the extent to which the situation was affecting their economic activities particularly,farming,as most of them farm across the dam and have to cross the bridge to access their farms.

The women at Kpiri number three express sorrow as they cannot longer carry their grains across the bridge to the grinding mill at Agric, a nearby community for grinding.

The whole situation has left the community forlorn of hope with many appealing to government and stakeholders to come to their aid.
 The little water reserved in the expanded dam has flown to the edges,thereby draining the dam.

The chief of Kpiri,Naba Atogzo disclosed exclusively to this reporter that,he's saddened by the situation,describing the work done so far as disappointing.He commended the reporter for making time to see things for himself, describing him as,"a true son of the community".
He said they'd be better-off without the Dam if only the situation is going to remain this way and appealed to stakeholders to come to their aid.

 Mr.George Akalbire, a young farmer in the community revealed that his farmland is located at Kpiri number two and has to cross the bridge before accessing his farm.
He said he recently ploughed before the breaking down of the bridge,but has since not been able to plant due to the situation, adding that, they the farmers are suffering as a result of the unforeseen occurrence.
He pleaded with government to come to their urgent assistance.

 The District Chief Executive of West Gonja District,hon.Saeed Muhazu Jibreal in response to this report on a Damongo based local radio station,PAD FM,said he has taken keen notice of the concerns raised by the reporter,Mr.Ananpansah B Abraham. He said his office has also taken notice of the poor quality of dams constructed at Kpiri and Laribanga as part of the one million per constituency,stating that,he was not going to sign the certificate that will guarantee payment to the contractor.

According to him,he has since reported the matter to the Regional Minister and Minister of Special Development Initiative.
As a temporal measure,he said they will construct a miniature bridge so that the affected communities can ply in the meantime whilst,steps are taken to get the contactor back on site to do the proper things and ensure value for money.

Following this report,it can be confirmed that,the DCE has since dispatched local contractors to the site for a temporal intervention to the situation to be mapped out.

 Kpiri is part of four other communities in the West Gonja District currently benefiting from government's One Village,One Dam project.

The One Village,One Dam is part of the plethora of highfalutin pledges of president Aluffo-Addo in the run-up to the 2016 general elections.

The weather pattern in Northern Ghana is characterised by low rainfalls and prolonged periods of drought.
As a result,farmers in this part of the country, unlike their counterparts in the south,cannot engage in all-year-round cultivation of crops.

They also lose their livestock to thirst in the dry seasons.
The youth owing to this sad reality,usually migrate to the southern sectors of Ghana in search of non-existent greener pastures.

To help mitigate this challenge,then candidate Akufo-Addo,as flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party in 2016 vowed to construct dams in every village in the Northern part of the country.
 “You have been hearing me talking about ‘One District, One factory’. As far as this part of the world is concerned, I even want to go further and talk about 1 Village 1 Dam, to make sure that in every village,we have a functioning dam to support agriculture”he said.

 Government subsequently made provision in the 2018 budget for the Dams,pledging to construct 570 of them in the three regions of the north by the end of the year (2018).

However,the issue of the poor quality of the so-called One Village, One Dam projects constructed in the Northern part of the country has since become a subject of heated controversy.

 Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

Elect competent leaders-NDC Regional Organiser urges delegates

Elect competent leaders-NDC Regional Organiser urges delegates

Story by:Ananpansah B Abraham(AB)

Ahead of the parliamentary primaries,the Savannah Regional Organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress,Mr.Inusah Abdulai has entreated delegates of the party across the seven constituencies in the Savannah region to elect competent leaders to represent the party.

 Speaking with PAD FM's Ananpansah B Abraham,he said delegates should endeavor to vote wisely in choosing leaders with charisma capable of wining and increasing the vote margin of the party in the 2020 elections.

 "As I wish you well in the upcoming primaries, I wish to encourage all delegates to vote wisely and choose leaders with charisma to win and also increase the NDC's vote margin in the 2020 election,"the field marshal stated.

 He admonished prospective aspirants to run a clean campaign in their respective constituencies devoid of mudslinging and character assassination, adding that,"it is God that chooses leaders".

 The field marshal was hopeful that the NDC will win the 2020 elections and will need majority in parliament to run a smooth administration.

 He further stated that, the NDC must retain all the six parliamentary seats it currently occupies in the region whilst,strategic measures are put in place to reclaim the Salaga South seat being occupied by the ruling NPP.

 Vetting of prospective aspirants is scheduled for 24th July,2019,and 25th July,2019,across the country, whereas various appeals for disqualification would be considered from the 29th of July,2019, to the 31st of July,2019,after which the party will issue a notice of poll.

 The election will be conducted on the 24th of August,2019. As part of the qualification procedures,prospective aspirants have been referred to the 1992 constituency for further clarifications on their eligibility.

Normal procedural errors would not form a basis for disqualification of any candidate, however, defrauding by false pretense and impersonation will invalidate a candidate.

Meanwhile,the electoral process has been suspended in Chereponi Constituency in the newly created North East region,Kpandai and Bimbila constituencies in the Northern region.
 These constituencies are among 17 others across the country where the electoral process has been put on hold.

Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

Render an unqualified apology or meet me in court -Damongo MPto NPP Communication Director

Render an unqualified apology or meet me in court-Damongo MP to NPP Communication Director

Story by:Ananpansah B Abraham(AB)

Member of Parliament for Damango,Mr.Adam Mutawakilu has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party in Savannah Region, Mr Mohammed Issah to render an unqualified apology to him for publishing a false, malicious story about him.

 He further demands a retraction of the publication using the same media platforms he employed earlier, else a legal action will be taken against him for defaming his hard-earned reputation in the eyes of the right-thinking members of the society.

 In a press release issued and signed by Dr Dominic Akuriitinga Ayine, Lawyer for Mutawukilu, it stated that “Be warned that if you fail and or neglect to retract the defamatory statement, we institute legal action, you would be mulcted in court and other costs for damaging our client’s reputation”.

 The statement added that, “Our client further instructs us that the said publication brings him into hatred, ridicule and contempt by reason of its moral discredit on his part and also it tends to make him as a representative of the good people of Damango and Ghana for that matter to be shunned and avoided without any moral discredit on his part”.


Background On July 16, news broke out that there has been a stolen Toyota Hilux Pickup with registration number, WR 3516-19 in the newly created region, Savannah Region.

The missing vehicle is among the many presented to the Regional Coordinating Council by President Nana Akufo-Addo to assist staff with their administrative activities.

 According to the previous news which Damango MP labels as false, it stated that Mutawakilu and his boys know the whereabouts and exact location of the stolen vehicle.

 They also called on the Regional Police Command to invite the Mutawakilu and his boys to assist in the retrieval of the stolen vehicle.

 Read the full statement below:

Source: www.ghanaweb.com//Ananpansah B Abraham

21-year old man in grips of Busunu youth for stealing bull

21-year old man in grips of Busunu youth for stealing bull

A 21-year old man is in the grips of the youth of Busunu in the Savannah region of Ghana for allegedly stealing a bull en route Tamale for sale. The suspect,Mr.Ahmed Alidu was apprehended few kilometres away from Busunu,a suburb of Damongo by the youth Tuesday,after he attempted to escape with the bull to the Northern Regional capital through Busunu. Mr.Alidu,a resident of Damongo,it is reported intended using the proceeds from the sale of the bull to entertain his newly wedded wife(four days bride) on honeymoon. Luck however,eluded the "honeymoon man" when the vehicle in which he was traveling run short of fuel in between Damongo and Busunu,few miles away from his intended destination,Tamale. He was arrested and fastened to a metal pillar with a rope. In an interview with Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham,the leader of the youth,Mr. Ibrahim Ewuntomah disclosed that they were not prepared to hand over the victim to the police. He said they were going to hold the victim hostage until they establish the rightful owner of the bull and therefrom,hand it over to him or her. The suspect when interrogated, admitted he stole the bull but, was unable to revel the true owner of the animal. At the time of filing this story,the suspect was still in the custody of the youth with the hope that he would own up for the true owner of the bull to be established. Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

Damongo MP gives NPP Comm.Dir.7-days ultimatum to retract false publication & apologise or face him in court

Damongo MP gives NPP Comm.Dir.7-days ultimatum to retract false publication & apologise or face him in court

The Member of Parliament for Damongo constituency,hon.Adam Mutawakilu has charged the Savannah Regional Communications Director of the NPP, Mr.Mohammed Issah to as a matter of seven days retract and apologise for the false, malicious and unprivileged statement of fact he made against his person or risk being dragged to court. The NPP communications Director at a press conference alleged that the MP and the Savannah Regional Communications Officer of the NDC staged contradictory accounts of the missing Toyota Hilux Pick-up vehicle belonging to the SRCC.He also claimed that the MP and his commissaries knew the exact location of the vehicle and called on the Regional Police Command to invite them to assist in its retrieval. In a two paged letter of notice copied to Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham,lawyer for the legislator,Dr.Dominic Akuritinga Ayine argues that,the publication is false and has the tendency of lowering the hard-earned reputation of his client.He further stated that,it tends to discredit him before his constituents and the people of Ghana at large. A portion of the notice reads,"We have on the firm instructions of our client to demand,which we hereby do,that,you publish a retraction of the said publication and an unqualified apology of equal prominence across the various media platforms within one week of service of this notice". Warning that,"...in default,we shall have no option but to institute legal action against you for the violation of the rights of our client without further recourse to you....(if) we institute legal action,you would be mulcted in court and other costs for damaging our client's reputation". Meanwhile,the Savannah Regional Minister,Salifu Adam Braimah whilst taking full responsibility for circumstances that led to the disappearance of the Toyota Hilux Pick-up vehicle, has given assurance that the missing vehicle which has since become a subject of controversy will be found. The Deputy Savannah Regional Coordinating Director,Mr.Abubakari Forgor in an interview with PAD FM's political show host,Ananpansah B Abraham revealed that,the minister opted to park the vehicle at his friend's residence because of the proximity of the residence to the airport. He appealed to the general public on behalf of the minister to remain calm and allow the security agencies to do their work,calling on all patriotic citizens to assist the police with relevant information leading to the retrieval of the vehicle. Two persons have so far been arrested by the Northern Regional Police Command in connection with the missing vehicle.The suspects,one Alhaji Sulemana Illiasu,the complainant under whose custody the vehicle was placed and one Mr.Opoku Kwadjo Evans,the driver who was instructed by the minister to park the vehicle at Alhaji Eliasu's residence,were picked up Tuesday evening. Mr.Opoku Evans has since been granted police inquiry bail whilst Alhaji Illiasu is still in police custody. Fresh evidence emanating from police investigations indicates that,the complainant in the case may have aided in the cryptic disappearance of the vehicle as he seem to be contradicting himself.He initially stated that the vehicle was snatched from him at gunpoint at his residence but,facts from police inquiry suggest that the missing vehicle was robbed at some other location aside his house that's if it was robbed at all. The missing vehicle was part of the eight vehicles presented by President Akuffo-Addo when he inspected the site for the construction of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council few weeks ago. Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

Retract & apologise in 7-days,false publication or face me in court-Damongo MP to NPP Comm.Dir.

Retract & apologise in 7-days,false publication or face me in court-Damongo MP to NPP Comm.Dir.

The Member of Parliament for Damongo constituency,hon.Adam Mutawakilu has charged the Savannah Regional Communications Director of the NPP, Mr.Mohammed Issah to as a matter of seven days retract and apologise for the false, malicious and unprivileged statement of fact he made against his person or risk being dragged to court. The NPP communications Director at a press conference alleged that the MP and the Savannah Regional Communications Officer of the NDC staged contradictory accounts of the missing Toyota Hilux Pick-up vehicle belonging to the SRCC.He also claimed that the MP and his commissaries knew the exact location of the vehicle and called on the Regional Police Command to invite them to assist in its retrieval. In a two paged letter of notice copied to Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham,lawyer for the legislator,Dr.Dominic Akuritinga Ayine argues that,the publication is false and has the tendency of lowering the hard-earned reputation of his client.He further stated that,it tends to discredit him before his constituents and the people of Ghana at large. A portion of the notice reads,"We have on the firm instructions of our client to demand,which we hereby do,that,you publish a retraction of the said publication and an unqualified apology of equal prominence across the various media platforms within one week of service of this notice". Warning that,"...in default,we shall have no option but to institute legal action against you for the violation of the rights of our client without further recourse to you....(if) we institute legal action,you would be mulcted in court and other costs for damaging our client's reputation". Meanwhile,the Savannah Regional Minister,Salifu Adam Braimah whilst taking full responsibility for circumstances that led to the disappearance of the Toyota Hilux Pick-up vehicle, has given assurance that the missing vehicle which has since become a subject of controversy will be found. The Deputy Savannah Regional Coordinating Director,Mr.Abubakari Forgor in an interview with PAD FM's political show host,Ananpansah B Abraham revealed that,the minister opted to park the vehicle at his friend's residence because of the proximity of the residence to the airport. He appealed to the general public on behalf of the minister to remain calm and allow the security agencies to do their work,calling on all patriotic citizens to assist the police with relevant information leading to the retrieval of the vehicle. Two persons have so far been arrested by the Northern Regional Police Command in connection with the missing vehicle.The suspects,one Alhaji Sulemana Illiasu,the complainant under whose custody the vehicle was placed and one Mr.Opoku Kwadjo Evans,the driver who was instructed by the minister to park the vehicle at Alhaji Eliasu's residence,were picked up Tuesday evening. Mr.Opoku Evans has since been granted police inquiry bail whilst Alhaji Illiasu is still in police custody. Fresh evidence emanating from police investigations indicates that,the complainant in the case may have aided in the cryptic disappearance of the vehicle as he seem to be contradicting himself.He initially stated that the vehicle was snatched from him at gunpoint at his residence but,facts from police inquiry suggest that the missing vehicle was robbed at some other location aside his house that's if it was robbed at all. The missing vehicle was part of the eight vehicles presented by President Akuffo-Addo when he inspected the site for the construction of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council few weeks ago. Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

We'll find missing RCC vehicle;driver's account doesn't add up-Savannah regional minister

We'll find missing RCC vehicle;driver's account doesn't add up-Savannah regional minister

The Savannah Regional Minister, hon.Braimah Salifu Adam has given the assurance that the missing Savannah Regional Coordinating Council(SRCC) vehicle which has since become a subject of controversy will be found. Speaking on the matter for the first time on Citi Eyewitness News,the Salaga South legislator took full responsibility for the circumstances that led to the alleged snatching of the Toyota Hilux Pick-Up, adding that,the driver's account on the alleged snatching of the vehicle does not add up. "He(the driver) has been arrested because,he is giving conflicting account of what he has done with the car and we are saying we will get the car back.The police are doing their job,"he assured. The minister disclosed that,the said driver is not an assigned driver from the SRCC,but a friend to the caretaker of the vehicle,one Alhaji Sulemana Illiasu,under whose guardianship he had instructed that the vehicle be kept. The Deputy Savannah Regional Coordinating Director,Mr.Abubakari Forgor in an interview with PAD FM's political show host,Ananpansah B Abraham revealed that,the minister opted to park the vehicle at his friend's residence because of the proximity of the residence to the airport. He said the matter was currently under investigation and appealed to the general public on behalf of the minister to remain calm and allow the security agencies to do their work,calling on all patriotic citizens to assist the police with relevant information leading to the retrieval of the vehicle. The Public Relations Unit of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council in a press release describe as unfortunate the myriad of distortions in reportage so far on the missing Toyota Hilux Pick-up with registration number ER 3516-19 and Chassis Number AHTKK8CDD200679016. Portions of the statement narrated that," A forth night ago,the Hon. Savannah regional Minister was travelling to Accra on an official assignment. His flight was scheduled to take off about 8:30am on Thursday, 4th July 2019. His driver alighted him at the Tamale Airport and was instructed to part the vehicle at Mr. Sulemana Illiasu's residence". It continued,"the driver complied as directed. Unfortunately, according to Mr. Sulemana Illiasu, on Saturday 6th July, 2019 (ie 8:30pm-9:00pm), unidentified armed men wielding AK47 guns broke into his house and forced him (Mr. Sulemana Illiasu) out of his living room and ordered him at a gun point to surrendered the key of the vehicle. Thereafter, Mr. Sulemana Illiasu further disclosed that he was dragged to the compound where the vehicle was parked, blindfolded and bundled him into the back seat of the Toyota Hilux Pick-up and drove him away to a remote bushy area where he was abandoned and took away the vehicle". Meanwhile,two persons have so far been arrested in connection with the missing vehicle.The suspects,one Mr.Alhaji Sulemana Illiasu,the complainant under whose trust the vehicle was kept and one Mr.Opoku Kwadjo Evans,the driver,were arrested on Tuesday evening and are currently assisting police with investigation. The missing vehicle was part of the eight vehicles presented by President Akuffo-Addo when he inspected the site for the construction of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council few weeks ago. Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

Missing RCC vehicle: arrest me if you have balls in between your legs -Damongo MP dares NPP

Missing RCC vehicle: arrest me if you have balls in between your legs -Damongo MP dares NPP

The Member of Parliament for Damongo constituency,hon.Adam Mutawakilu has thrown a challenge to the ruling NPP in the Savannah region to apprehend him if they have balls in between their legs.

The MP is alleged to have something to do with the missing Toyota Hilux Pick-Up belonging to the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council.

In a prompt rejoinder copied to Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham,the MP describe as unfortunate attempts by the NPP to tag the exploit of his Research Assistant on the subject matter to his office,stating that,the views of his Research Assistant are independent of him and have no links whatsoever to his office as a Member of Parliament.

He further noted that,the issue in contention is a very serious one and must to treated as such."If indeed the NPP has information that I know the whereabouts of the said missing vehicle, why not assist the police with the information or arrest me,"he added.

Portions of the statement said, "My attention has been drawn to an unsigned press statement purported to have been issued by the Savannah Regional NPP communication bureau in which I was mentioned as an accomplice in the matter of the missing Toyota Hilux Vehicle meant for the SRCC. The name of my official Research Assistant was mentioned and pinned to me as having been the hidden hand behind his interest and activities in respect of this subject. I consider this posture and assertion the most unfortunate to say the least".

Describing the accusations as reckless and false,the legislator disclosed that,he will take a step forward by seeking legal advice in proper terms should the members of NPP continue to defame him.

The NPP alleged that the Damongo MP and his boys know the exact location of the vehicle and called on the Regional Police Command to invite them to assist in its retrieval.
They said it is ignorance and lack of appreciation of simple governance and security rudiments that would make the NDC Communication Officer to question the reason the Toyota Hilux has no inscription of the RCC on it, noting that, for security reasons, no government appointee brands his/her assigned vehicle.

The Savannah Regional Communication Bureau of the NDC has however,issued a strong warning to the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council(SRCC) to as a matter of urgency produce the missing Toyota Hilux Pick-Up in five days or face their wrath.
The deliberate refusal to make official public disclosure and the internal directive to remain uncommunicative on the matter by the RCC coupled with the confusing narratives and half-baked stories according to them is unfortunate
They claimed that one Alhaji Eliasu,"an accomplice" to the regional minister has links to a Car Rental shop of which the said Hilux Pick-up has been spotted among other rental vehicles.

The missing vehicle was part of the eight vehicles presented by President Akuffo-Addo when he inspected the site for the construction of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council few weeks ago.

Meanwhile,Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham is picking grapevine information that the vehicle has since been found,but in the absence of public disclosure,speculations are rife on the matter.

It can also be confirmed that,Damongo Youth Parliament(DYP),a non partisan and well recognised youth group based in Damongo is making frantic efforts to source official information on the controversy in a bid to represent the public interest.

Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

Arrest me if you think I know the whereabout of missing RCC vehicle-Damongo MP dares NPP

Arrest me if you think I know the whereabout of missing RCC vehicle-Damongo MP dares NPP

The Member of Parliament for Damongo constituency,hon. Adam Mutawakilu has thrown a challenge to the ruling NPP in the Savannah region to apprehend him if they believe he has knowledge of the whereabout of the missing Toyota Hilux Pick-up belonging to the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council.

In a prompt rejoinder copied to Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham,the MP describe as unfortunate attempts by the NPP to tag the exploit of his Research Assistant on the subject matter to his office,stating that,the views of his Research Assistant are independent of him and have no links whatsoever to his office as a Member of Parliament.

He further noted that,the issue in contention is a very serious one and must to treated as such,adding that,"if indeed the NPP has information that I know the whereabouts of the said missing vehicle, why not assist the police with the information or arrest me".

Portions of the statement said, "My attention has been drawn to an unsigned press statement purported to have been issued by the Savannah Regional NPP communication bureau in which I was mentioned as an accomplice in the matter of the missing Toyota Hilux Vehicle meant for the SRCC. The name of my official Research Assistant was mentioned and pinned to me as having been the hidden hand behind his interest and activities in respect of this subject. I consider this posture and assertion the most unfortunate to say the least".

Whilst forgiving the NPP for what he christens "recklessness and false accusations,the legislator disclosed that,he will take a step forward by seeking legal advice in proper terms if such an accusation is ever leveled against his person.

The NPP in response to what they believe is the NDC's staged contradictory narratives and planned demonstration on the missing vehicle,alleged that the Damongo MP and his boys know the exact location of the vehicle and called on the Regional Police Command to invite them to assist in its retrieval.
They describe as ignorance and lack of appreciation of simple governance and security rudiments attempts by the NDC Communication Officer to question the reason the Toyota Hilux has no inscription of the RCC on it, noting that, for security reasons, no government appointee brands his/her assigned vehicle.

The Savannah Regional Communication Bureau of the NDC has however,issued a strong warning to the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council(SRCC) to as a matter of urgency produce the missing Toyota Hilux Pick-Up in five days or face their wrath.
The deliberate refusal to make official public disclosure and the internal directive to remain uncommunicative on the matter by the RCC coupled with the confusing narratives and half-baked stories according to them is unfortunate
They claimed that one Alhaji Eliasu,"an accomplice" to the regional minister has links to a Car Rental shop of which the said Hilux Pick-up has been spotted among other rental vehicles.

The missing vehicle was part of the eight vehicles presented by President Akuffo-Addo when he inspected the site for the construction of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council few weeks ago.

Meanwhile,Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham is picking grapevine information that the vehicle has since been found,but in the absence of public disclosure,speculations are rife on the matter.

It can also be confirmed that,Damongo Youth Parliament(DYP),a non partisan and well recognised youth group based in Damongo is making frantic efforts to source official information on the controversy in a bid to represent the public interest.

Read the full rejoinder below:

RE:THE MP FOR DAMONGO AND HIS BOYS KNOW THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE MISSING TOYOTA HILUX VEHICLE.

My attention has been drawn to an unsigned press statement purported to have been issued by the Savannah Regional NPP communication bureau in which I was mentioned as an accomplice in the matter of the missing Toyota Hilux Vehicle meant for the SRCC. The name of my official Research Assistant was mentioned and pinned to me as having been the hidden hand behind his interest and activities in respect of this subject. I consider this posture and assertion the most unfortunate to say the least.

By this rejoinder, I want to state categorically that, Mr Issifu Seidu Kudus Gbeadese works as an official Research Assistant in my office, and therefore, any official statement issued on any matter is duly signed by him and indicated as such. So I find this attempt to tag every exploit of the young man to the office even if it were his personal pursuits as unfortunate and mean.

That said, I think the issue in contention is a serious one and must be treated with much seriousness to its logical conclusion. Mr Kudus who has worked with me for close to a decade now is someone I know to be a passionate and an independent-minded young man who will stop at nothing to face his world anytime the need arises. On the part of Savannah Region; from the beginning of the campaign to where we are today, he has independently shared his views in articles and through other means which have no links with my Office but have contributed meaningfully to the discourse on the creation of the Region.

All of us as citizens of the young Savannah Region must act responsibly to ensure its success. My Office is ready to cooperate with all stakeholders in ensuring the overall development of the region. Our partisan political positions don’t matter now, what matters is the real development of the people and that has been my focus since I decided to serve in the public service.

By this, I asked all well meaning Ghanaians especially my brothers and sisters in Savannah Region to disregard any such assertion that I, Adam Mutawakilu, have knowledge about the missing vehicle or has a hand in the activities of the young men and women who are exercising their civic responsibilities as responsible citizens by asking legitimate questions in regard to the missing vehicle. As far as Savannah Region is concerned, I have a stake just as my Research Assistant and so I don’t always expect him to indulge me anytime he has an idea to share.

But isn’t it surprising that a ruling government that is suppose to be responsible for the protection of lives and property in the Savannah Region will at this moment of the conversation be pointing accusing fingers instead of effecting arrest? If indeed the NPP has the information that I know the whereabouts of the said missing vehicle, why not assist the police with that information or arrest me. This is a serious matter that needs serious minds to discuss and not the propaganda and empty innuendos the NPP is engaged in.

I have forgiven the NPP for this recklessness because this is the first of their series of false accusations against my person...but the next time any such accusation is thrown at me, I will seek legal advice in proper terms.

Thank you

-Signed-

Hon Adam Mutawakilu
(MP, Damongo Constituency)

Source:Ananpansah B Abraham (AB)

We'll resist any attempt by NDC to destabilise Savannah region-NPP

We'll resist any attempt by NDC to destabilise Savannah region-NPP

The ruling New Patriotic Party has said it will resist with all its might any attempt by the opposition National Democratic Congress to destabilise the infant Savannah region through "schemed demonstrations and counter demonstrations.

Addressing the press at the party's office in Damongo,the Savannah regional capital,the NPP Communications Director, Mr.Mohammed Issah averred that the NDC's national agenda to make Ghana unstable as indicated by its National Chairman is feeding gradually into the Savannah region, adding that,"the NPP shall resist any attempt to destabilise the Savannah region with all our might".

He contends that,Ex-president Mahama and his commissaries never supported the creation of the Savannah region and are therefore,having sleepless nights over the successful creation and inauguration of the region, stating that,"our infant region requires the support of all citizens of our great Kingdom".

In response to what they describe,"the NDC's staged contradictory narratives and planned demonstration on the missing Toyota Hilux Pick-up belonging to the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council,the NPP alleges that the Damongo MP and his boys know the exact location of the missing vehicle and called on the Regional Police Command to invite them to assist in the retrieval of the vehicle.

They describe as ignorance and lack of appreciation of simple governance and security rudiments attempts by the NDC Communication Officer to question the reason the Toyota Hilux has no inscription of the RCC on it, noting that, for security reasons, no government appointee brands his/her assigned vehicle.

The true account of the missing vehicle according to portions of the statement is,"Mr. Sulemana Illiasu and the Savannah RCC accountant, Mr Alhassan Mohammed Mubarik reported to the police, that on 4th of July, 2019, the Savannah Regional Minister Hon. Adam Salifu was traveling to Accra by flight for a meeting and parked his Toyota Hilux pick up with registration no. ER 3516-19 at his (Iliasu) house.On 6th of July, 2019, at about 9:00pm two armed men wielding AK 47 riffles came to his house and took the aforementioned vehicle away.
The Robbers also took away the victim’s iPhone 7plus and Samsung A6plus mobile phones and cash of GH200.00 and took him to an unknown location where they dropped him off and went away with the vehicle."

The Savannah Regional Communication Bureau of the NDC has however,issued a strong warning to the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council(SRCC) to as a matter of urgency produce the missing Toyota Hilux Pick-Up or face their wrath.

In a four-paged statement signed by its Communication Director,Mr.Malik Basintale,the NDC describe as unfortunate the deliberate refusal to make official public disclosure and the internal directive to remain uncommunicative on the matter by the RCC coupled with the confusing narratives and half-baked stories.

They wondered why the said vehicle with Registration Number WR 3516-19 was not parked at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council as required by law,but instead at the residence of a friend to the minister.They also seek to find out why the said vehicle among the lot had no RCC inscription on it, adding that,the said Eliasu at whose residence the vehicle was allegedly stolen is a major financier of hon.Salifu Braimah's campaign activities.

They allege that Alhaji Eliasu,"an accomplice" to the regional minister has links to a Car Rental shop of which the said Hilux Pick-up has been spotted among other rental vehicles,giving the minister five working days to produce the vehicle or face their wrath.

The missing vehicle was part of the eight vehicles presented by President Akuffo-Addo when he inspected the site for the construction of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council few weeks ago.

Meanwhile,Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham is picking grapevine information that the vehicle has since been found,but in the absence of public disclosure,speculations are rife on the matter.

In can also be confirmed that,Damongo Youth Parliament(DYP),a non partisan and well recognised youth group based in Damongo is making frantic efforts to source official information on the controversy in a bid to represent the public interest.

Read below the full statement:

PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE OF THE NPP IN THE SAVANNAH REGION - 16-07-19

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, on behalf of the New Patriotic Party in the Savannah Region, I wish to welcome you all. Let me also thank all of you for honoring our invitation despite the short notice. We have invited you here this morning to serve as a vehicle that will convey the official position of our beloved party to the general public concerning the decision of the NDC to make the Savannah Region ungovernable.

FACTS ON THE MISSING PICK-UP
Mr. Sulemana Illiasu and the Savannah RCC accountant, Mr Alhassan Mohammed Mubarik reported to the police, that on 4th of July, 2019, the Savannah Regional Minister Hon. Adam Salifu was traveling to Accra by flight for a meeting and parked his Toyota Hilux pick up with registration no. ER 3516-19 at his (Iliasu) house. On 6th of July, 2019, at about 9:00pm two armed men wielding AK 47 riffles came to his house and took the aforementioned vehicle away.

The Robbers also took away the victim’s iPhone 7plus and Samsung A6plus mobile phones and cash of GH200.00 and took him to an unknown location where they dropped him off and went away with the vehicle. The Police are currently investigating the said matter in its advanced form.
EVIL MACHINATIONS OF NDC
In the desperate attempts by the ndc to confuse themselves, they have staged contradictory accounts of the incident. Whiles the Regional Communications officer purports the car was robbed at the residence of the said occupant, the Member of Parliament of Damango, Hon. Mutawakil Adam and his aide contends the vehicle was “stolen” on the Tamale-Bolga Highway.

Even though neither the Regional Minister nor the Regional Coordinating Council has spoken to this matter formally, these guys claim the Regional Coordinating Council has continued to change the narrative on each occasion. We cannot take these guys serious with such disjointed narratives, especially when they fail to simply coordinate their lies.

The ndc Regional Communication officer ignorantly questioned the reason the said Toyota Hilux was not branded. This man has consistently proven his lack of appreciation of simple governance and security rudiments. Has he wondered why no government appointee brands his/her assigned vehicle? For the avoidance of doubt, the said vehicle was specifically assigned/detailed to the Regional Minister. It was not branded for security reasons. This is a normal practice in our daily governance structure. Maybe the ndc would advise candidate Mahama to brand his vehicle so it is identified everywhere he goes. That is the extent of insanity and absurdity we are been invited to.

From the narratives, we have every reason to believe, that the MP for Damango, Hon Mutawakil and his boys know the exact location of the vehicle, as they appear to have a clearer appreciation of the exact location of the missing vehicle. We therefore call on the Regional Police command to invite our brothers to assist in the retrieval of the vehicle.

From the creation of the Savannah Region, there have been several attempts by the ndc to attract negative media attention to the soil of the Yagbon state. We therefore have course to believe, that from every indication, the successful creation and inauguration of the Region has from onset given candidate Mahama and his ndc sleepless nights. Hence, their deliberate attempt to sow seeds of discord in the Region just to promote their partisan parochial interest.

The above scenario feeds into the national agenda of the ndc as indicated by its national Chairman, Mr Ofosu Ampofu, to destabilize the country. We are not surprised candidate Mahama is manifesting same through his Member of Parliament because they in spirit never supported the creation of the Savannah Region. The ndc must be warned not to extend it to the Savannah Region; the NPP shall resist any attempt to destabilize the Savannah Region with all our might.

Respected citizens of Savannah region, it is highly imperative to state that our infant Region requires the support of all citizens of our great kingdom irrespective of our age, sex, ethnicity, political coloration or any other sectional division in order to catch up with its peers. It therefore came to us as a surprise that any reasonable citizen of this land will deliberately join in a campaign to pull back the Region. Today we are told that series of demonstrations are been scheduled in the coming days with some groups countering the other. Whiles one group is seeking to protest against the RCC, the other one is seeking to stop the former from destabilizing the Region. It is our strongest believe and conviction that these upcoming developments are not healthy for a young region like ours which is seeking to accelerate the pace of its development.

We will therefore like to ask the following legitimate questions for answers.
Where was this group when the people of the Savannah Region wept for a Region under their own Son, now candidate Mahama?

Where was this group when our overlord, Yagbonwura and his people needed portable drinking water?

Where was this group when candidate Mahama and his brother deceived the people of Salaga with a jamboree in an attempt to do the Salaga Road?

Should the group not be demonstrating against an ndc party that has connected only 4 communities to the national grid in the North Gonja District?

Should the group not be demonstrating against candidate Mahama, who has earned for Savannah Region an enviable record of scoring the lowest (48%) in extension of electricity for all the power he has enjoyed?

The fufulso-Sawla road which has since deteriorated was meant to be asphalt throughout with a dual carriage way at various main towns as part of the original contract signed in 2008. None of these came to pass. Candidate Mahama and his MPs on the said stretch of road miraculously ensured this never happened.

This so called youth group may have flown with our SADA guinea fowls to Burkina Faso then. They never saw it.

For the records, the NPP in the Savannah Region has absolute confidence in the Police on the matter of the missing pick-up. We trust they shall retrieve the vehicle wherever it may be.

We conclude again by reiterating our stand, that the Police must take keen interest in the activities of Hon Mutawakil and his office. They have all it takes to retrieve the vehicle. Again, we are warning the ndc to keep away the intended evil machinations or we meet them with all the strength in this world.

Thanks for coming.

CC
All media houses

Source:Ananpansah B Abraham(AB)

We won't accept "Cock and Bull Story";produce missing RCC vehicle or face our wrath-NDC

We won't accept "Cock and Bull Story";produce missing RCC vehicle or face our wrath-NDC

The Savannah Regional Communication Bureau of the opposition National Democratic Congress has issued a strong warning to the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council(SRCC) to as a matter of urgency produce the missing Toyota Hilux Pick-Up belonging to the region or face their wrath.

In a four-paged statement signed by its Communication Director,Mr.Malik Basintale,the NDC describe as unfortunate the deliberate refusal to make official public disclosure and the internal directive to remain uncommunicative on the matter by the RCC coupled with the confusing narratives and half-baked stories.

They wondered why the said vehicle with Registration Number WR 3516-19 was not parked at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council as required by law,but instead at the residence of a friend to the minister.They also seek to find out why the said vehicle among the lot had no RCC inscription on it, adding that,the said Eliasu at whose residence the vehicle was allegedly stolen is a major financier of hon.Salifu Braimah's campaign activities.

They allege that Alhaji Eliasu,"an accomplice" to the regional minister has links to a Car Rental shop of which the said Hilux Pick-up has been spotted among other rental vehicles,giving the minister five working days to produce the vehicle or face their wrath.

The missing vehicle was part of the eight vehicles presented by President Akuffo-Addo when he inspected the site for the construction of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council few weeks ago.

Meanwhile,Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham is picking grapevine information that the vehicle has since been found,but in the absence of public disclosure,speculations are rife on the matter.

In can also be confirmed that,Damongo Youth Parliament(DYP),a non partisan and well recognised youth group based in Damongo is making frantic efforts to source official information on the controversy in a bid to represent the public interest.

Read full statement below:

PRESS  RELEASE Tuesday,16  July 2019.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT “COCK AND BULL” STORIES  AROUND MISSING  SAVANNAH-RCC TOYOTA HILUX PICK-UP -NDC  GIVES SAVANNAH REGIONAL MINISTER 5-DAYS  ULTIMATUM TO PROVIDE  VEHICLE.

The  Savannah Regional-NDC have taken Notice of some Prevaricate Information in the  past few days surrounding the Purported Robbery of a  Toyota Hilux pick-up belonging to the Regional Coordinating Council of the Savannah Region.As a Matter Of Fact,the Entire Region has  been left in shock and impinged Following the numerous Stories and witnessing circumnavigating the missing Vehicle.

As a political Party born out  of integrity and accountability and being a Major stakeholder in the Savannah Region,We  sought to set the records straight on the Matter with some Questions after our investigations.CONTROVERSIES:Amidst the Deliberate refusal to speak and the internal directive to Remain TightLipped by the Regional Coordinating Council on the matter,We have intercepted stories from various Outfits being sourced to the Regional  Police  Command, ther Regional appointees  and Persons Around the Minister and among the numerous Accounts given,We  wish to Limit  our spotlight to just two major accounts.

First is the Fact Sourced to www.graphic.com.Which states:
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police  (DSP), Mr. Mohammed Yusif Tanko,in charge of police public relations for the Northern Region, the vehicle was parked in the residence of one Alhaji Illiasu in Tamale.Alhaji Illiasu is a friend to the Savannah Regional  Minister,Mr.Salifu Adam Braimah and so the  Minister went to park the vehicle  in his house  whilst  he [Minister] travelled out of town for a  meeting.
According to Alhaji  Illiasu in his complaint  statement to the police,the minister who was traveling left the vehicle in his care which he parked in his  house.DSP Tanko said he [Alhaji  Illiasu] was in his  house  around 9 pm on Tuesday,July 9, 2019, when armed robbers attacked him at gunpoint and demanded the keys to the vehicle.He said he gave the robbers the keys and they grabbed him into the vehicle and drove off to a distance of about 20 kilometers away from his house,dropped him and fled with the vehicle.

Secondly is the Fact sourced to Www.Ghanaweb .com which  states:The Toyota Hilux pick-up vehicle with registration number WR 3516-19 according to police sources that confirmed to MyNewsGh.com, had picked the Minister from Damongo and was dropped off at the Tamale airport to attend an official meeting in Accra.While returning to Tamale township, the driver only identified as  Eliasu was attacked by armed men numbering about  five  who seized the  vehicle  and later tied him  to a  tree  in the  bush and fled with the  vehicle.Some  persons  who later spotted him  fastened to the  tree  while  going to the  farm, rescued him  after which an official  complaint  was  lodged with the  Northern Regional  Police  Command who confirmed.

FACTS AND QUESTIONS  FROM “FAKE” CONTROVERSY ABOVE:
1. It  is  a  known Fact  that  the  Official  Vehicle  of the  Regional  Minister is  a  Nissan Patrol V8 which was handed-over to him.Why wasn’t the Minister using his official Vehicle since he Claims  the  assignment was  an official  one?
2. Mr. minister, It is a known fact  that the minister is entitled to a Police dispatch Convoy,A police  BodyGuard et al.Why wasn’t the Minister in use  of such on that said day, if the  second story is  anything to go by?
 3. It  is  a  known Fact  that  the  ministers aligned Office  in other Regions  is  their respective  RCC. Mr. Minister, Why wasn’t  the  Vehicle  parked at  the  NR-RCC by Law,  but  instead at the  house  of a  friend?  Regardless,why wasn’t  the  Pick-Up even parked at  the  Ministers  residence  at  Kpalsi  in Tamale, since he  claims  to have left  the  Vehicle in Tamale.
4. Mr. minister, Why wasn’t  the  News  of “so-called”  Robbery broadcasted until some  persons who needed the  pick-Up for other assignments  started raising Red Flags  to the  absence  of the  pickup days  after?

LEADING QUESTIONS TO FACTS OF THE MATTER:
1.  What’s  the  relationship between Alhaji  Eliasu and Hon. Salifu Braimah as  it is  alleged Alhaji  Eliasu has  been a  major financier to Hon. Braimahs campaign  and therefore  Giving out  state Assets to him results in a Family and Friends  -conflict  of interest?
 2. It  is  Alleged that  Alhaji  Eliasu  Has  links to a  Car rental  of which the  Said Hilux Pickup with registration number WR 3516-19 have  been spotted added to Rented vehicles  a  couple  of times?
3.Among all other vehicles  that  have  the  Savannah Regional  -RCC inscription on  them, why was  the  Toyota  Hilux Pickup Claimed to be Stolen not inscribed with same  but  left  like  any normal  Pickup?
 4.Why has  the  minister refused to speak on the  matter even when It is alleged that he  spoke  to the  so called robbers  on phone  days  ago? 5.Why has  the  minister  together with his  “accomplice”Alhaji  Eliasu  refused to disclose  to the  police  that  there  are  rumors  around that  the “So-called” Stolen car was  on rental  when the aid incident Happened?

From the  Above  Analysis  and some  other confidential  information {Not  included above},it  is  clear that  the  sequence  leading to the “So Called”  Robbery of the Toyota  Hilux Pick Up does  not  add up and Both stories being  Peddled by Members involved in this  Criminal  ctivity  bviously and never be Accepted. We  plead with the Regional  Minister and His Team,to desist  from  Implementing what  they have learnt  so quickly from  their Bosses so as not  to tarnish the  remarkable image  of the Region and to a  Large  extent his Constituency since he doubles as  a  member of parliament for the Salaga  South Constituency.We therefore  Give  the  Regional  Minister  Mr. Adam Salifu Braimah  an ultimatum of  5  working days  to  Provide  the  Toyota Hilux Pick-Up  to the Regional  Coordinating Council  of the  Savannah Region  since  he  is  fully aware of How the  Pick  Up  left the hands  of  Mr. Eliasu,who is a  usiness  man or  be ready to Cooperate  with the Consequences thereafter within the  remits of the Law as there is a clear exhibition of incompetence and Breach of Office. We urge  the  Ghana Police  service to continue in investigations and Not to allow themselves be used in Matters like this so as not to Tarnish their hard-Earned reputation.Thank You.

Malik Basintale
 (Regional Communication Officer,NDC-Savannah Region)
0540444414

Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

3 of 7 MPs' go unopposed in Savannah region;15 pick nomination forms

3 of 7 MPs' go unopposed in Savannah region;15 pick nomination forms

At the close of nominations,Friday July 12,a total of three(3) of the seven(7) incumbent Members of Parliament in the newly created Savannah region have picked nomination forms to run unopposed in the upcoming NDC parliamentary primaries.

In a bid to seek re-election to parliament in 2020 on the ticket of the opposition National Democratic Congress,incumbent MP for Yapei Kusawgu constituency and former Deputy Power Minister,Mr.John Abdulai Jinapor;Incumbent MP for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency,Mr.Andrew Dari Chiwitey and incumbent MP for Bole-Bamboi constituency, Mr.Sulemana Yussif are uncontested in the NDC's impending parliamentary primaries scheduled for August 24,2019.

Meanwhile,Minority Spokesperson on Mines and Energy and incumbent Member of Parliament for Damongo constituency,Mr.Adam Mutawakilu is being challenged by 46-year-old headmaster of Yagbum J.H.S,Mr.Yakubu Yussif.

In the Daboya-Mankarigu constituency,young lawyer and one-term MP, Mr.Mahama shaibu is keenly being contested by the immediate past MP for the constituency and business magnate,Mr.Baani Abudu Nelson and Mr.Dingana Timothy.

The battle to annex the Salaga South Constituency seat currently being occupied by the Savannah Regional Minister,Mr.Salifu Adam Braimah has just been drawn as former MP, Ibrahim Abubakari Dey, Mr.Ahmed Saaka Shaibu Dan,Madam Zuwera Ibrahimah, Mr.Lukman Musah Jawular and Mr.Mahama Rashad are in the race to represent the NDC in a bid to reclaim what they describe,"their lost seat".

Mr.Alhassan Mumuni, incumbent MP for Salaga North Constituency would have to battle-it-out with the likes of Mr.Abdulai Mohammed and Alhaji Rabiu in a bid to retain his seat on the ticket of the opposition National Democratic Congress.

In all,fifteen(15) prospective aspirants across the seven constituencies in the region have picked up nomination forms to run in the forthcoming parliamentary primaries,consisting of only one female and 14 males with three incumbent MPs' running unchallenged.
The NDC currently holds six of the seven seats in the region.The Salaga South Constituency is the only seat being occupied by an NPP MP.

In the infant North East Region,21 prospective candidates across five constituencies picked nomination forms,with no incumbent MP going unopposed.Only one female prospective aspirant picked nomination forms.
The electoral process in Chereponi constituency in the region has been suspended according to a statement signed by the party's General Secretary,Mr .Johnson Asiedu Nketiah and sighted by Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham.

The parent Northern region that birthed the Savannah region and North East region has a total of 62 people picking nomination forms,with the minority leader and incumbent MP for Tamale South Constituency, Mr.Haruna Iddrisu running the election unopposed for the fourth time in a row.
The election will not be conducted in the Kpandai and Bimbilla constituencies as the said constituencies are among the 17 constituencies across the country were the electoral process has been suspended.

Nomination forms were picked at a cost of Ghc2,000 with filing fees pegged at Ghc25,000 for all contestants except women and Persons Living with Disabilities(PLWDs),who are to pay Ghc12,500.
Filing of nomination forms is scheduled for 18th July,2019 and 19th July,2019.
Vetting of prospective aspirants is expected to follow from the 24th-to-25th July across the country, whereas various appeals for disqualification would be considered from the 29th of July,2019, to the 31st of July,2019,after which the party will issue  a notice of poll.

As part of the qualification procedures,prospective aspirants have been referred to the 1992 constituency for further clarifications on their eligibility.Normal procedural errors would not form a basis for disqualification of any candidate, however, defrauding by false pretense and impersonation will invalidate the candidature of potential candidates.

The 8th parliament will miss the faces and articulate voices of fine parliamentarians from the five regions in the north such as,the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament and NDC MP for Nadowli West Constituency,Mr.Alban Sumani Kingsford Bagbin and former Roads and Highways Minster and MP for Tamale Central, Mr.Inusah Fuseini.

The duo failed to pick nomination forms at the close of nominations. Speculations are rife that, Mr.Alban Bagbin,Ghana's longest serving MP took the decision not to rerun the election after the youth of the constituency pressed on him to give way for a new and young face to take over.

Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

West Gonja Hospital nurses call off strike

West Gonja Hospital nurses call off strike

Nurses at the West Gonja Catholic Hospital in Damongo,the Savannah regional capital have called off their over-week-long sit-down strike after several appeals.

The nurses and health workers who were hesitant to reconsider their strike action eventually paid head to an appeal from the District Health Directorate to resume full duties whilst steps are being taken to address their grievances.

The nurses and health workers after a general meeting,resolved to call off their industrial action,noting that,"....the services that were suspended i.e. passing of intravenous lines, taking of sample to the laboratory and catherization have been restored".

Nurses and health workers at the West Gonja Hospital declared a sit-down strike on 1st July,2019, following what they described,failure by management to meet their demand for improved working conditions.

They justified their action with what they christened,'failure by management to meet their demanded "negotiable 10% of basic salary as monthly allowances" starting from January 2019, for which reason an earlier intended strike was called off.

The nurses and health workers under the leadership of the local branches of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association(GRNMA) and the Health Service Workers Union(HSWU),have also tendered a petition demanding the immediate resignation of Mr.Remy Nyewie as Health Service Administrator and Rev.Sr.Mary Zaagbeb as the Nurse Manager over what they conceive the duos "poor interpersonal relationship with workers,abuse of office & verbal abuse of staff,poor leadership skills inter alia".

An ensuing official letter dated,3rd July,2019,admonished the Health Service Administrator and Nurse Manager to stay away from work starting Monday 8th July, 2019,adding that," We would be compelled to lock up your offices if you do not willingly stay away from office".

In a startling turn of events however,some disgruntled nurses of the hospital revealed in a counter petition that,they were misled,deceived and misinformed into appending their signatures to the petition from the local branches of the GRNMA and the HSWU demanding the removal from office of the Health Service Administrator and the Nurse Manager.

They said they were flimflammed by union leaders into signing the petition to indicate their support for a negotiable 10% of their basic salary as monthly allowance only to realise their collated signatures were being used under mysterious conditions to demand the removal of the Administrator and the Nurse manager and to "cover up their ungodly acts".

They further hold the view that,their fundamental human rights and dignity have been trampled upon,calling on My Lord Bishop,as the owner of the hospital to as a matter of urgency come to their aid so that the hospital can continue with the Healing Ministry of Christ.

Msgr.Tawoni Augustine,the Vica General of the Diocese of Damongo in a management meeting with the nurses urged them to remain calm,adding that,the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the hospital,Most Rev.Peter Paul Angyier, who has the power to direct all affairs in the hospital was currently out of the country attending to other equally important official duties.

Meanwhile,Ghanaweb's Ananpansah B Abraham has gathered that,a total cash sum of Gh146,800 has been disbursed to clear Diocesan Allowance owed nurses from the year 2014 to 2018, with 2019 still in arrears.
The Diocesan Allowance was instituted in the year 2012.

On promotions and study leave for nurses,in 2014,out of a staff strength of 34;two were promoted and 15 went on study leave;in 2015,out of 26 nurses;nine were duly promoted,whilst 12 went for further studies;in 2016, 55 nurses were at post;six got promotion whilst nine went for further studies;in 2017,the hospital had 75 nurses at post; seven got promotion and four went on study leave;in 2018, the staff-nurse strength was 78; out of which four were on study leave and two had promotion; and in 2019,115 nurse are currently at post,out of which 19 have so far being promoted,seven are on study leave and about 17 nurses have being processed for study leave awaiting admission.

Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

Use sports and culture levy to fund end of term examinations-GES

Use sports and culture levy to fund end of term examinations-GES

The Ghana Education Service(GES) has instructed head teachers of public schools across the country to use the sports and culture component of the Capitation Grant(2018/2019 Base grant) paid to schools to fund the 2019 End of Year Examination.

In an official letter signed by the Deputy Director-General,Mr .Anthony Boateng and addressed to Regional and District Directors of Education under the caption,"Release of Capitation Grant",the GES directed District Directors of Education not to deduct the sports and culture fees out of this particular tranche, adding that,"this should be used to fund the end of term examinations".

The letter further cautioned all Regional and District Directors to ensure strict adherence to the directive.

Portions of the letter stated that,"this is to inform all Regional Directors that the Capitation grant(2018/2019 Base grant) to schools has been released to the Bank account of various District Education Directorate on behalf of the schools.Regional Directors are to inform the District Directors of the development and to indicate to them not to deduct the sports and culture fees out of this particular tranche.This is to be used to fund the end of term examinations".

Sequel to this letter,the Ghana Education Service had warned head teachers of various public schools not to collect any penny from pupils or parents as fees to print examination questions.
Head teaches were given the liberty to write examination questions on the chalkboard.

Also,On the 2nd of July,2019,the Conference of Directors of Education (CODE) and the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools(COHBS) met with the Deputy Director General of Education in charge of Management and Services, Mr.Lawyer Anthony Boateng, and it was directed that:

Head teachers of Public Basic Schools should contact printers in their locality to print exam papers for them on credit while waiting for the Based Grant(Ghc5.00 per head) to be released to defray the indebtedness therefrom.

That,out of the Ghc5.00 per head,head teaches should use Ghc 3.00 per head for pupils in KG1 to Primary three (3),Ghc4.00 per head for pupils in Primary four(4) to primary six (6) and Ghc5.00 for pupils in Junior High Schools.

It was also indicated at the meeting that,head teachers who have already levied students for the purpose of conducting the End of Third Term Examination should refund the money to pupil or risk being sanctioned.

Teachers were also task to set the questions and mark the scripts and that,any head teacher who buys question papers from outside would be punished accordingly.

It can be recalled that last term,teachers were compelled to write the end of second term examination questions on chalkboards due to government's delay in releasing Capitation Grants from which the exam questions were to be printed.

Source:Ananpansah B Abraham

Savannah region: Adamu Bakari confirmed as Sonyowura

Savannah region: Adamu Bakari confirmed as Sonyowura

Yagbonwura's Commitee of five Eminent Chiefs has confirmed Adamu Kanyiti Bakari as the paramount chief of Sonyo Traditional Area in the Savannah region.

His skin name is "Jira Sonyowura Adamu Kanyiti Bakari".

At a meeting of chiefs and traditional leaders held at the Assembly Hall of the West Gonja District Assembly in Damongo,the chairman of the Commitee and Vice President of the Gonja Traditional Council,Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II announced the decision sequel to an earlier court ruling.

He disclosed that with the ruling;the rivers,lands,trees,people,leaves inter alia of the Sonyo Traditional Area are henceforth,entrusted to the care of the new chief,admonishing him to be a "unifier and a good trustee".
He was with the strong persuasion that,the peaceful resolution of the Sonyo chieftency dispute paves way for all other chieftency disharmony in Gonjaland to be settled.

He called on the Sonyowura to marry all factions in the chieftency wrangle and dully introduce himself to the necessary stakeholders,stating that,"there should be no durbur or celebration on arrival to Sonyo since,it's a victory won for all".

The other members of the committee present were: Kpembewura Gbangbangne Ndefeso IV;paramount chief of Kpembi,Kusawguwura Kunkraga I;Paramount chief of Kusawgu;Tulwewura Bunyanso l; Paramount chief of Tulwe....Kongwura Jinkurge 1,who is also a member of the committee was not present in person, but sent a delegation.

The landmark ruling brings to an end the ten years of protected chieftaincy dispute between the Saaka-led Kunkuni gate and the Bakari-led Takalpe gate of the Sonyo Traditional Area.

The two families in the decade long chieftency tussle decided to settle their scores after the Judicial Committee of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs ruled in favor of Adamu Bakari of the Takalpe gate.

In a similar light,'Gbansiga' Nene Kelly of the Takalpe gate was nominated as the Sonyowurche according to customs and traditions.

The Sonyowura in addressing the media on the sidelines of the announcement,expressed gratitude to the committee of eminent chiefs for the role they played in the resolution of the Sonyo chieftency disagreement.
He said he was going to put the counsel of the committee to work and strive towards uniting all the forces within the chieftency divide,adding that,it was possible to resolve all the other chieftency disagreements in Gonjaland with the feet chalked.

Mr.Mahama Adams who represented the chief of Kunkuni said they've accepted the verdict in good faith.
He further stated that,they were going to earnestly support Sonyowura Adamu Bakari to administer over a successful reign.

The Overlord of Gonjaland,Yagbonwura Tutumba Boressah I outdoored the five Member Mediation Committee on Saturday,April 13,2019,at Salaga,the East Gonja Municipal capital to settle competing claims over chieftency in traditional areas such as:Bole,Damongo,Kafaba,Kulor,Kebelma,Mandari,Makango,Kilibu and Kusawgu.
These conflicts have often led to heightened insecurity and affected the progress of the people of these areas.

Source:Ananpansah B Abraham