Politics has empowered you to "God of Job" to eliminate others

 Politics has empowered you to "God of Job" to eliminate others

Almighty father,you thought us in the book of Job to believe that you are the only giver and taker of life.May your name be praised forever(Job 1:21).As children of Israel; children who believe in the God of Abraham,we hold your words in true value of your infinite grace and glory,never to blaspheme.

I should know that,a mere mortal only blasphemes by claiming to have the power over life and death attributable to only God. 

The world however,will never cease to amaze some of us. An investigative journalist,Manasseh Azure Awuni has once again been threatened with death.

His crime was to speak against a somewhat "politically tainted and motivated" electoral commission  acting with reckless abondon to debase our solid democratic credentials.

Bear in mind,this particular error ridden electoral commissioner and her accomplices were roundly appointed on purpose. In this regard,you can take it or feel free to burn the sea,the just ended 2020 polls were decided the very day her innocent predecessor was ousted dishonourably.

The suspected incorrigible political bigot who threatened the journalist made reference to the regrettable murder of the popular Ahmed Suale, literally claiming they killed him to pacify the spirit of their ancestors in order to hold onto power as a reminder to Manasseh. God have mercy on this innocent soul!

I feel pained,but I don't regret the loose life-threatening email of this social misfit, rather I regret the sort of weak institutions we have as a country.The sort of institutions that empower people to feel there is nothing wrong with a powerful figure in politics committing a crime. It can only be wrong when it has something to do with the so called 'ordinary' or 'layman' in society without political connection.

Think of it,a certain man recently took to live television to instigate the public to burn the house of former president John Dramani Mahama and all his followers. No invitation has since been extended to this man with brazen bravado who may never become a president in his lifetime,but the Criminal Investigative Department of the Ghana police service found enough balls to invite a legislator who merely passed an opinion on the just ended polls for investigation.This is the same CID that is case-hardened enough to carry out proper investigation into the recent killing of unarmed civilians in the just ended elections by its own men in "unprofessional uniform.

Lest we forget, what has become the faith of the so-called investigations into the murder of Ahmed Suale after his images were displaced by "known faces" on public television and threatened prior to his death?With the funfair of probe that was announced to the whole nation without any action after a year,why won't his murder build a strong case for other hardworking journalist in his line of duty to be threatened with death.Our elders say that before you see rain,there must first be a gathering of clouds. And there can be no fire without smoke.

The naked fact is, these people think they have political protection and so any crime can be committed with impunity.Those selfish misleaders at the helm of political powers have polluted their thinking.Mind you, impunity can bread chaos and instability which can affect the child of a judge,military or police officer.

I have been a victim of such threats and assault before and I can tell you;our security setup without choice forms a larger part of the problem. It may be very difficult to blame them though.It is the too much power we have vested into the hands of the executive to decide every aspect of our life.

When I was threatened ,I took the necessary steps to report the case to the police and made several follow-ups,but no invitation whatsoever was extended to the accused person until he succeeded in carrying out his threat action.The story about what ensued after the assault is a long one to be told another day.kudos Media Foundation For West Africa!

'You believe in the father, believe also in me',the system is soo porous to an extent that the regime is in full control of the institutions of states through political appointments.The institutions turn to be afraid of the regime for fear of victimization.

The system is deeply deficient in physical and mental vigor to an extent that 'workaday party boys' get empowered to the level of "a god" to threaten mayhem on anything and everything,including God.

Once we live in a country of unequals when it comes to the law, nothing can ever be right.

And until we get to a point were the political regime becomes afraid of the institutions and system of state,we would get no where as a country.

Take heart "the proud son of a watchman from Bongo" and keep standing by that which is just and might.You are not a alone in this battle.Our God is alive!

Merry Christmas and a productive 2021 in advance.

Shalom!

By: Ananpansah,B Abraham

(Freelance Journalist/Blogger/Assemblyman)

0241129910/0200704844

2020 elections debased Ghana's credentials as beacon of democracy in Africa

2020 elections debased Ghana's credentials as beacon of democracy in Africa

As a country that is made much of as a beacon of democracy in Africa, Ghana has held eight successive elections in a row under the fourth Republican dispensation from 1992 to 2020.

We went to the polls on December 7,2020, hoping to successfully elect a president and members of the 8th parliament.

Many,including the Jean Mensah led electoral commission christens this year's just ended polls as very peaceful,free,fair and most transparent in the history of the fourth Republic.

To emphasize,they say it's the best ever organized polls under the current political dispensation.

Indeed, that could well be said....After all,a disputed president and at least, Members of Parliament have been pronounced as elected amidst the political firestorm.

But the mere ability to eloquently announce a president whose legitimacy is currently being contested and some MPs at the end of a keenly contested polls is not enough to describe this year's election as the best ever since 1992?

Without preconceived judgement or opinion,the the entire voting process verily,was extremely peaceful. And I wish to commend the deployed security personnel and the people of Ghana for conducting themselves well during the entire voting process.

It's well to however state that events that unfolded after the voting leading to the counting and the collation of the results where the EC was directly involved make it practically impossible and disingenuous for anyone to describe this year's polls as anywhere near the tenets of a good democracy.

It would be a betrayal of conscience if in the midst of the brute force meted on innocent citizens by bearded police and armed military personnel,you glorify the electoral commission for  holding one of the most successful elections  under the fourth Republic.It is unheard of to say the least!

In the full glare of the cameras,armed military men were seen gunning down unarmed innocent civilians who sought to make their vote count.

Unfortunaly,the media and the international community including,religious bodies just went silent as these brazen attrocities were unleashed on innocent citizens with impunity.

Techiman South,Ablekuma Central,Awutu Senya East,Savelugu and Odododiodoo are glaring examples of constituencies where lives of some five innocent citizens had to be taken away by those decorated irresponsible security men in uniform.It is clear this apology of harum scarum police and military men are not going to answer for soiling their hands with the blood of innocent citizens.But I can bet them,no sin will go unpunished on the face of this earth.The day of reckoning is coming and every man would pay dearly for his/her sins.

Why must the ambition of a single man be worth the blood of some five citizens?Shame on you!My condolence to the bereaved families.

(God is in control).

Shamefully,both the president and the EC largely turned blind eyes to these unfortunate occurrences and failed to condemn same in their individual speeches.

They got the power through whatever means,so lives don't matter.Right?

The leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service must bow their heads in dishonor and shame. You have allowed some unscrupulous and machiavellian characters to debase the police and military uniform.We grew up learning that a military man only shoots when his/her life is in danger,not when innocent civilians are peacefully demanding a protection of their mandate.

The regime seem like a hellacious and a fearful storm to you.Your allegiance is to the regime and not the state.But the all merciful God is watching all of us.

Your sins would catch up with you soon. 

It is important to point out that,the Coalition of Domestic Observers (CODEO) recorded 235 cases of various incidents from all the 4,400 polling stations where it deployed observers.

It said the top five of these reported incidents are intimidation/harassment, violation of COVID-19 health and safety protocols, violence of various kinds, unauthorised persons at polling stations and malfunctioning of biometric devices”.

The Ghana Police Service reported 21 cases of electoral violence consisting of six gunshots related incidents and five deaths.So which other "most peaceful" are the experts and the EC ascribing the just ended elections to?

Let me also say and categorically so,that the just ended polls cannot be described as most credible, transparent,free and fair when the Electoral Commission hurriedly announced wrong figures to the nation and failed to address the genuine concerns of all parties involved prior to the declaration.It later came to admit to its own computational errors, clearly putting the credibility of the EC on the line.

Agreed,we are all humans,but this all important escapable error in this era of numerous statistical software is unacceptable.

In announcing the results,the electoral commissioner indicated that the results so announced excluded that of Techiman South,since in her own estimation the results of the said constituency would not affect the outcome of the polls.How weird this sort of explanation can be?

Jean Mensah has insulted the legitimate will of the people of Techiman South.It is implied that there was no need for them to register as Ghanaians and queue in the hot sun to vote.In a democracy,every vote must count and every vote represents the wishes and aspirations of people no matter the statistical significance.

Mind you,we are not just counting votes,but we are counting the future of this country manifest in our collective decision.

This is basic;even a single vote can change the percentage tally and by large the future of this nation,not to talk of votes in sum of 128,018.Jean Mensah needs to seriously go back and revise her basic mathematics.She got it totally wrong.

I dare say,we can never be proud of this kind democracy where unprofessional millitary personnel are deployed to intimidate civilians.

Just imagine what is happening to the Keta MP-elect.But for timely intervention,he would have been guned down.

The country is not secured and the regime ought to wake up and be responsible enough for the lives of the ordinary citizen.

Truth be told,the just ended elections would go down the history of this country as the worst ever.And I can tell you,the many infractions has debased the credentials of this peaceful country of ours as a beacon of democracy in Africa.

We need to be forward looking in picking the fallouts in this error ridden 2020 polls to build  this democracy strong once again!

All in all,peace must prevail.I explore the two leading candidates to think Ghana first.

In fighting for what they think is their legitimate count of votes,they must put the nation first.

Bullets in their nature have no clear direction and no ambition is worth more than the blood of any citizen.

God bless our homeland Ghana!

By: Ananpansah,B Abraham

(Assemblyman/blogger/Writer)

0241129910/0200704844

NABCO COORDINATORS IN 3 REGIONS OF THE NORTH RALLY BEHIND BOLE-BAMBOI NPP PC

NABCO COORDINATORS IN 3 REGIONS OF THE NORTH RALLY BEHIND BOLE-BAMBOI NPP PC

Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) Coordinators in the Northern, Savannah and North East Regions have rallied behind the Parliamentary Candidate of the NPP in the Bole-Bamboi Constituency of the Savannah Region, Mr. David Sei Demah for victory come December 7, 2020

The Executives of NABCO in the 3 regions on Wednesday 2nd December, 2020 donated an undisclosed amount of money to support the campaign activities of the NPP PC.

During the presentation Mr. Yahaya Abdul Rahman Who is the Northern Region Director of Nabco said Mr. David is their own and they need to support him financially to boost his campaign to win the seat of the Bole-Bamboi Constituency.

Mr. Rahman said "all the Nabco coordinators in the three Northern Regions, has contributed each to support our brother Mr. David to win".

In addition he said he believes David Sei Demah will win the seat for NPP in the Bole Bamboi constituency and gladly wants to be part of the victory for the party come December 7, 2020 polls.

Alhaji Mohammed Darrison who is the Greater Accra regional director of Nabco and was also part of the delegation, said though Mr. David Sei Demah is still an aspirant, but he is working tirelessly to bring development to Bole and has urged all constituents to vote massively for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Mr. David.

Mr. Darrison said the NPP has done alot for the people of Savannah Region. He said the NPP gave the people of Gonjaland a Region and has also brought several initiatives including the Nabco and this is the time the people of Savannah Region has to show appreciation to Nana Addo.

The Parliamentary candidate of the NPP for Bole-Bamboi Constituency Mr. David Sei Demah thanked the directors and the entire Nabco fraternity for that kind gesture.

He said he "i appreciates what they have been doing for him since his aspiration for the Parliamentary portfolio in the Bole-Bamboi Constituency".

David Sei Demah further added he can not succeed without the support of their support and he prays that anybody's quota contributed will be refunded by the grace of God.

The people who were delegated includes, Mr. Abdul-Rahman Baba who is the Nabco coordinator for Savulgu District and Mr. Soale Adams Alele who is also the Nabco coordinator for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.

Credit: Source link

Canteen Assemblyman Hands Over Mechanized Borehole To Community

Canteen Assemblyman Hands Over Mechanized Borehole To Community

The Assemblyman for the Canteen Electoral Area in the West Gonja District of the Savannah Region,hon.Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham has handed over a Self-Initiated Mechanized Borehole to the people of New Town (Kunsawgu).

In handing over the borehole to the community,the Assemblyman disclosed that the initiative forms part of his "universal water coverage for the electoral area,"adding that,"I am working tirelessly to secure more of such projects for other communities in the electoral area".

He said funding support for the project was secured from World Vision through its Community Gift Notification of which Canteen Community was to benefit a package in value of a little above Ghc5,000.00.

The gift notification he revealed,was to be used by World Vision to Procure Personal Protection Equipment for the community, but he had to write a convincing proposal to World Vision requisting for the money to support in funding the borehole Initiative.

According to him,the requested amount was however exhausted at the stage of construction of the Polytank stand,so he had to use his personal resources to complete the over Ghc9,000.00 project from that stage through to electrification to final connection and testing, adding that all in all,"I am happy that my people finally have water to drink irrespective of their political stance".

"I owe it a duty to God,you my cherished electorates and humanity to reform the electoral area;make it a shinning example and make a difference in local politics and development for others to emulate,and I am ready, able, willing to do this to the best of my God given mandate and ability,"he said.

He said aside the Mechanization of the hand pump borehole,from the month of October to November,he has through the support of benevolent individuals lobbied to repair over seven broken down boreholes in the electoral area, and is counting on securing two additional mechanised boreholes for some two other communities in the electoral area.

The Assemblyman expressed gratitude to the Member of Parliament for the Damongo constituency,hon.Adam Mutawakilu for supporting the initiative with a Rambo 500 Polytank after the initial one which was mounted broke down few days after testing of the borehole.

He also thanked World Vision and its CWS in the community,his Unit Committee Chairman,chiefs and opinion leaders of the Canteen and all those who supported in material and prayers to see to the completion of the project.

Like Oliver Twist,he appealed to World Vision and other benevolent organizations to still come to the aid of the community, pledging maximum working relationship.

Mr.Rahim of Savannah Water Project,the constructor of the project disclosed that but for the support of the Assemblyman,it would have been very difficult to complete the project.

He said due to the hardwork and dedication of the honorable man to the development of Damongo at large,his outfit had no option but to support him to complete the project, noting that,under normal circumstances,such projects cost them up to Ghc35,000.00.

He appealed to the community to therefore, receive the facility with an open mind adding that,through the Assemblymen,their outfit was going to train selected community members who would be incharge of manning the technical aspect of the borehole.

The youth Chief of Canteen commended the Initiative, stating that,it's a big relieve to the community.

He said due to the water challenges in the community,the project was timely expressing gratitude to World Vision for the funding support.

Mr. Peter Baapele appealed to community members to detach politics from issues of water, health and sanitation.

He said the Assemblyman eventhough,very young,was doing very well for the community listening to the many projects he has already Initiated in his short stay in office.

"My 28 years stay in this place exposes the fact that access to water has been a big challenge.So as we are leaving here,I want to thank all those who made it possible for this water to come here.Our problem now is to be united in handling the water devoid of politics.

Our Assemblyman is still very young and he is doing well.From all the speeches,I have heard the many projects he is doing for the communities.It means he is out for the people for whose reason he was elected.We need to pray for him and support him,"he noted.

Mr.Morrison,a member of the Water Management Committee of the community lauded the project as worthy and called for unity and inclusiveness in the management of the water facility.

He called on community members to support the honorable Assemblyman in his drive towards developing the electoral area,stating that,"our Assemblyman is like a Canary Bird whose voice and sound can be heard louder than the White Bellbirds.

Representatives of the women embraced the project as a timely intervention that would bring a great relieve to especially the women, thanking World Vision for the support.

They pledged to take proper care of the life saving facility, emphasizing the need for the Assemblyman to lobby for more of such Projects for the community.

Speaker upon speaker lauded the initiative as a worthy example to emulate.

Source: Braimah Gbolo Vroom

Damongo MP donates mattresses to GNFS

 Damongo MP donates mattresses to GNFS

The Member of Parliament for Damongo constituency in the West Gonja District,hon.Adam Mutawakilu, has donated High Density Foam Mattresses to the Savannah Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service.

This according to the legislator is part of effort to create comfort for the fire officers and augment their work in the district and region at large.

At a short ceremony held in Damongo,the Savannah regional capital to hand over the logistics,the law maker commended the fire officers for their dedicated service over the years.

The MP noted that the donation was part of a comprehensive plan he has for the fire station, adding that,"Insha Allah,when reelected,I will continuo to honor all the pledges and more that will come my way".

Being a man of his words,Mr.Mutawakilu revealed that he was presenting the 10 mattresses running into thousands of Ghana cedis in honor of a promise he made sometime ago, saying,"I will always fulfil my promises to the people no matter how long it takes".

He recounted his days as the District Chief Executive for the West Gonja District when he stood up with the support of the Mills-Mahama administration to ensure that the Damongo-Fulfulso-Sawla road was constructed.

The legislator disclosed that during the said period,he worked with the then District Fire Commander to secure a Fire Tender or Fire Truck for the district.

In recent times,he donated a desktop computer with its accessories to support the work of the fire station.

The Deputy Regional Commander,DOI Mike Apiagyie expressed gratitude to the Member of Parliament for the continuous support, noting that the donation was timely.

According to him,the staff is pleased with the quality of the mattresses and pledged to put them into good use.

He disclosed that the regional and municipal command alike,were bedevilled with a lot of logistical constraints,but that not withstanding, his men are always ready to give Savannah Region and Damongo the needed fire cover in order to protect lives and property.

Like Oliver Twist,he appealed to the MP for more logistical support.

The Municipal Fire Commander,ADO II Philip Okumah placed a special request to the legislator to support the Municipal Command with fuel to enable them respond to distressed calls as the dry season sets in.

Source: Ananpansah,Bartholomew Abraham

Don't vote 'skirt and blouse'-Jane Nana urges NDC supporters

Don't vote 'skirt and blouse'-Jane Nana urges NDC supporters

The running mate to former president John Dramani Mahama, Professor Jane Nana Opoku Agyemang has exhorted NDC supporters at the Damongo Constituency not to vote "skirt and blouse" in the impending December polls.

According to her,it will be of great disservice to vote "skirt and blouse" since the president needs majority Members of Parliament in the chamber to fast track development.

During a two days tour of the Savannah Region,the former Vice Chancellor called on the people to vote for their own son,John Dramani Mahama and the incumbent MP,hon.Adam Mutawakilu for the needed development. 

She wondered why those sharing money are not using the money to provide the people of Damongo water and other social amenities, adding that,a win for the NDC is a win for development,jobs, education, health, peace, agriculture improvement, women and youth empowerment.

The NDC she assured was poised for victory and will unite the nation once again, whilst consolidating the many gains the NDC made under Mills and Mahama administration,gains which the current administration have eroded.

The manifesto pledges of the party according to her,caters for everyone and will bring renewed hopes to Ghanaians.

At the Jakpa Palace,the former Minister of Education received the blessings of the Yagbonwura who lauded her for demonstrating a high sense of peace ahead of the December 7 polls.

The NDC running mate was eskinned "Queen of Peace at Wasipe" in recognition of her contribution towards promoting peace in the country ahead of the 2020 polls.

Her skin name is "Kanyitiwurche".

Source: Ananpansah,B.Abraham

Wasipewura crowns Jane Nana "Queen of Patience"

Wasipewura crowns Jane Nana "Queen of Patience"

The running mate to former president John Dramani Mahama, Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang has been crowned as Chief of Patience at Wasipe in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region.

The Chieftaincy title was conferred on her by the Paramount Chief of the Wasipe Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty Wasipewura Mumuni Anyame Kabasagye II together with his Queen Mothers under the skin name ,"Kanyitiwurche," which literally means "Queen of Patience".

This is in recognition of her contribution towards promoting decency in our body politics and preaching peace and unity in the country before, during and after the December polls.

The former Minister of Education in her two days tour of the Savannah Region, assured residents of Daboya,Linginsi,Disa and Singa of massive development adding that,"the next John Mahama administration will construct roads,markets, health centers,schools and improve economic development of women and the youth".

At Damongo,the running mate received the blessings of Yagbonwura and reiterated the fact that this year's election is all about showing good track records by the various political parties.

Whilst commiserating with the people of Laribanga over the demise of the Chief Imam,the former Vice Chancellor was optimistic that the NDC government will change the face of politics in Ghana and bring massive development to Savannah Region.

Source: Ananpansah,B.Abraham

S/R:Bolewura calls for protection of economic trees

S/R:Bolewura calls for protection of economic trees

The Paramount Chief of the Bole Traditional Area, Bolewura Sarfo Kutuge Feso(I) has called for the protection of economic trees in and around the Savannah Ecological Zone.

This he indicated was necessary to secure our valuable wood lots especially,rosewood and shea butter trees which are of monetary value to the people.

At a stakeholder dialogue on the environment held at Bole in Bole District of the Savannah Region on the theme,"Enhancing the protection and conservation of Rosewood and other Economic Wood lots, around the Savannah Region,"the Bolewura lamented the extent of rosewood harvesting and commercial charcoal burning in the region, describing it as a "regrettable collusion".

The dialogue which was organized by Jaksally Development Organization in collaboration with Arocha Ghana, Northcode, various MPs and MMDCEs in the region and Social Initiative for Literacy and Development Programme among others, brought together key stakeholders and various players in the environmental protection value chain to deliberate on the way forward out of the twin evils of rosewood harvesting and commercial charcoal burning.

The Bolewura expressed his commitment towards the protection of the environment,adding that,"...when I mounted the skins barely one and half years ago,my first policy was that I wrote a letter,circulated it to all concerned banning felling of trees, charcoal burning and other related wood processes.I wrote an official letter sent it to Forestry Commission, Police boss,to all my subchiefs banning what we are today for.I earlier on banned it and that was in support of what my bigman (Yagbonwura) had done.But you see,the miscreants are still there.They go behind you.You cannot go to the forest yourself and those who are expected to carryout the thing are themselves implicated...".

According to the chief,the continuous cutting down of economic trees such as sheanut,dawadawa, rosewood inter alia can be blamed on the poor supervision by the Forestry Commission and the powers that be who, instead of enforcing the law are rather emboldening the buyers and promoting the destruction of the environment and forest resources.

He was however,hopeful that with a concerted effort and effective collaboration between religious leaders,the media and other well meaning stakeholders,we can win the fight against illegal logging and commercial charcoal burning in the region.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Damongo,who doubles as the Chairman of the Ghana Prisons Council,Most Rev.Peter Paul Angkyier commended Jaksally Development Organization and its partners for the bold initiative reiterating the fact that at last,"I have found partners who are interested in protecting the environment and I now know I'm not alone".

The man of God stated that without a concerted and collaborative effort, Savannah Region cannot develop and the fight against the twin evils of logging and commercial charcoal burning will continuo to be a lost one.

He said for the past nine years,he has been on the fight against destruction of the environment, calling on all and sundry to put in personal effort to win the fight.

Quoting the Bible,he noted that the earth is the Lord's.It belongs to God and he only gives to us as stewards and profit from it,but to oversee,to protect,preserve and to continuo to promote life.

The Coordinator of Jaksally Development Organization,Mr.Seidu Jeremiah urged participants, especially the youth and chiefs to pay much attention to the environment and consider generations yet unborn by guiding against the rampant felling of trees and illegal commercial charcoal burning in the region.

He said the objective of the collaborative dialogue was to come up with stakeholders coalition against illegalities, setup district taskforce in each district to enforce national and Community environmental governance laws and operationalize all bans by government and traditional authorities in the region and put words into action to secure the environment from further degradation.

He was optimistic that with the support of the traditional authorities and relevant stakeholders,the regretable menace of illegal logging and commercial charcoal burning will soon be a thing of the past.

The District Chief Executive for Bole,hon.Veronica Alele Heming pledged her commitment towards afforestation and the fight against illegal logging and its twin evil of commercial charcoal burning.

According to her, tried as she did to stop the menace,the interference from chiefs would not allow the whip to be cracked on pepetrators.

To succeed in rooting out the twin evils,she believes a movement stronger than apartheid must be formed in the region.

She disclosed that in the year 2018 alone,her office had to renovate eight classroom blocks due to the devastating effects of the wind borne out of illegal logging and commercial charcoal burning.

She appealed to the charcoal buyers to stay in their land and not to come and destroy Gonjaland.

Speaker upon speaker emphasized the need to take urgent steps to preserve the environment from the ongoing destruction with reckless abondon.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

'Contribute towards ensuring peaceful elections 2020'-Yagbonwura tells chiefs

'Contribute towards ensuring peaceful elections 2020'-Yagbonwura tells chiefs

           

The Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom and President of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs, Yagbonwura Tutumba Boresa I, has charged the chiefs of the area to contribute their quota to ensuring peaceful,free and fair elections in the upcoming December elections.

At a ceremony to confirm five nominees to the National House of Chiefs, the Yagbonwura said it is necessary for all chiefs to control their public utterances and avoid attacks.

He also advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used as instruments by self-seeking politicians.

"Dear revered chiefs and members of the house,let me prompt that election 2020 is less than two months for the Republic of Ghana to conduct elections to choose a president and members of parliament to represent the entire country.Our duty as a house is to contribute our quota greatly to ensure election 2020 as free and fair electoral process.

We can achieve this by controlling our statements to the general public, avoid politics of attack and insults and the youth should not allow any individual out of his or her parochial interest to use them as a machinery to stir up any unpleasant environment before, during and after the elections,"he noted.

According to him, the ultimate goal is for Ghana to choose a president and members of parliament in peace and unity.

The King made this appeal in a speech read on his behalf by Buipewura Abdulai Mahama Jinapor II.

His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Tutumba Boresa I,King and President of the Gonja Traditional Council was unanimously confirmed the president of the newly inaugurated Savannah Regional House of Chiefs.

The Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area and Vice President of the Gonja Traditional Council, Buipewura Abdulai Mahama Jinapor II,was confirmed as the Vice President of the house chiefs.

The other National Representatives of the Savannah Regional House Chiefs are: the Paramount Chief of the Kpembe Traditional Area, Kpembewura Bangbage( IV ); Paramount Chief of Kusawgu Traditional Area,Kusawgu Wura Sulemana Samuel Kunkarga;Paramount Chief of Kong Traditional Area,Kongwura Adamu Seidu Jinkurige I and Kikpandewura Kanyiti II of the Kikpandi Traditional Area,who is representing the Chiefs from North Moi Traditional Council.

The Electoral Commission confirmed the nominees at a short ceremony held at the Eco Lodge in Damongo,the Savannah Regional Capital.

There was no election as all the executives were nominated based on popular will.

The five confirmed nominees headed by Yagbonwura are to represent the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs at the National House of Chiefs and also represent the voices of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs at the National level.

His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Tutumba Boresa I called on the house to support the newly confirmed leadership to cause a change and bring massive social, cultural, economic and traditional development to the people of the Savannah Region.

He promted members that,in due course, various committees of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs would be put in place entreating the house to give out their best when the time comes.

The king commended and congratulated the Inaugural Planning Committee Chairman,Kpembewura and all the committee members for demonstrating competence in the discharge of their duties.

On Wednesday September 23, 2020,the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia inaugurated the new Regional House of Chief for the Savannah Region following the creation of the Savannah Region.

Hitherto, traditional rulers in the Savannah Region belonged to the former Northern Regional House of Chiefs, which has been reconstituted to reflect its new status.

In all,34 members including Yagbonwura constitute the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs.Eight out of the total number are however, co-opted members without voting rights leaving a total of 26 members with a voting rights.

Bole Traditional Council, however boycotted the meeting pending some unresolved issues they submitted to the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs for redress.

Source: Ananpansah,B. Abraham

Yagbonwura confirmed president of Savannah Regional House of Chiefs

Yagbonwura confirmed president of Savannah Regional House of Chiefs

His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Tutumba Boresa I,King and President of the Gonja Traditional Council has been unanimously confirmed the president of the newly inaugurated Savannah Regional House of Chiefs.

In a similar light,the Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area and Vice President of the Gonja Traditional Council, Buipewura Abdulai Mahama Jinapor II,was confirmed as the Vice President of the Savannah Regional House Chiefs.

The other National Representatives of the Savannah Regional House Chiefs are: the Paramount Chief of the Kpembe Traditional Area, Kpembewura Bangbage( IV ); Paramount Chief of Kusawgu Traditional Area,Kusawgu Wura Sulemana Samuel Kunkarga;Paramount Chief of Kong Traditional Area,Kongwura Adamu Seidu Jinkurige I and Kikpandewura Kanyiti II of the Kikpandi Traditional Area,who is representing the Chiefs from North Moi Traditional Council.

The Electoral Commission confirmed the nominees at a short ceremony held at the Eco Lodge in Damongo,the Savannah Regional Capital.

The five confirmed nominees headed by Yagbonwura are to represent the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs at the National House of Chiefs.They are also to represent the voices of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs at the National level.

In a speech read on his behalf by Buipewura Abdulai Mahama Jinapor II,the confirmed president of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs -His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Tutumba Boresa I,called on the house to support the newly confirmed leadership to cause a change and bring massive social, cultural, economic and traditional development to the people of the Savannah Region.

He prompted members that,in due course, various committees of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs would be put in place entreating the house to give out their best when the time comes.

"...In due course, various committees of the house will be put in place and all members should be enduring and preparing your minds and body to effectively execute in full capacity to the best of your knowledge in the committees in other to provide the necessary development to enhance livelihoods in the Savannah Region.Though am convinced with the tangent we are trekking on,I entreat all members to deliver devoid of any element of bias and influence as you assume responsibility,"he said.

He admonished members and Particularly,the youth to embrace peace before, during and after the december polls.

The king commended and congratulated the Inaugural Planning Committee Chairman,Kpembewura and all the committee members for demonstrating competence in the discharge of their duties.

On Wednesday September 23, 2020,the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia inaugurated the new Regional House of Chief for the Savannah Region following the creation of the Savannah Region.

Hitherto, traditional rulers in the Savannah Region belonged to the former Northern Regional House of Chiefs, which has been reconstituted to reflect its new status.

In all,34 members including Yagbonwura constitute the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs.Eight out of the total number are however, co-opted members without voting rights leaving a total of 26 members with  voting rights.

Bole Traditional Area, however boycotted the meeting pending some unresolved issues they submitted in a petition to the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs for redress.

Source: Ananpansah,B. Abraham

S/R:Deputy minister hands over site for development of 300 hectors valley for rice production

S/R:Deputy minister hands over site for development of 300 hectors valley for rice production

The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture,Mr.Sagre Bambage has handed over 300 hectors of farm land for the development of a valley for rice production at Kojope,a suburb of Busunu,in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region.

The field is to developed by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture under the Savannah Zone Agricultural Productivity Improvement Project (SAPIP) to support Government Flagship Programme:Planting for Food and Agriculture and is being funded by the African Development Bank. 

In handing over the contract documents to the contractor,the minister disclosed that with COVID-19,the importation of rice will be a challenge and therefore, government has developed strategies to increase rice production of which the country has great potential.

He said the overall goal of the project which is among three other projects was to transform Agricultural Value Chain for food and nutrition security,job and wealth creation as well as increase farmers' income through agricultural productivity and diversification.

The minister encouraged farmers to take advantage of the project when completed.

He urged community members to support the contractor, admonishing the contractor to as much as possible,use local labour drawn from the community to execute the project.

"We are here to hand over the sites to the contractor to commence work immediately...We thank the stakeholders,the consultants,the District Assemblies for their role in the design of these facilities.As we are handing over the sites to the contractors,you still have a role to play in monitoring the execution of the contracts,"he said.

The Municipal Chief Executive for West Gonja,hon.Saeed Muhazu Jibreal, expressed gratitude to the minister and the ministry for choosing the municipality to benefit from such a huge infrastructure project.

He recalled that the field chosen for the project was an area reserved for rice production in the 1970's, expressing confidence in the viability of the land to sustain the project.

The elated MCE disclosed that the project was so dear to his heart,reason why he made constant followups to ensure the project came to light.

He assured the minister that the field was going to be put to good use when completed to realise the overall goal of the project.

Mr.Felix Dramani,the Project Coordinator for SAPIP said the delay in starting the project was because they had to do due diligence and get the right consultants among other processes.

It was his hope that community members will take interest and put the facility into full use when completed, adding that,it was the determination of government to stop the importation of rice.

According to him,the more we import rice,the more we create jobs for others and create unemployment for ourselves.

He said it's always disheartening for government to spend so much money to develop such fields and at the end,they are not used.

He was however optimistic that the people of Kojope will take keen interest and utilise the huge infrastructure investment by government.

The Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) and the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) are the consultants who designed and are to supervise the construction of these infrastructure.

To this end,the acting director of GIDA,Mr.Andrew Akure Alabila,disclosed that like the previous projects that were handed over,the contractor is expected to construct protective bonds, access bonds,field bonds,culvets, irrigation facility,a drainage system of about 24 square meters as well as create farm and field roads of about 5 meters in width and 3 meters in width respectively around the allocated site.

He said as part of the monitoring processes and to put the contractor on his toes,they were going to hold monthly technical meetings as well as quarterly stakeholders meetings, pressing on the contractor to deliver on time and ensure quality work is done.

Mr.Alex Frimpong who represented the contractor from Ben Amanka Enterprise assured that the project was going to be completed within the stipulated eight months period and that quality work will be ensured.

The minister earlier on handed over 8km Damongo-Kpiri feeder road for construction and a 200 hectors of land for Foundation Seed Production by the University for Development Studies.

 

Source: Ananpansah, B. Abraham

2020 polls: NDC branch chairman supports campaign with motorbikes

 2020 polls: NDC branch chairman supports campaign with motorbikes

Mr.Musah Iddrisu,a branch chairman of the National Democratic Congress for the West Gonja Hospital polling station in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region has supported the party's campaign with motorbikes.

The successful businessman cum politician donated two brand new Alooba and Bajaj motorbikes as part of effort to strengthen the campaign activities of the party in the Canteen Electoral Area in the lead up to the December 2020 elections.

In addition,he supported the Constituency Communication Bureau with radio sets.

The youngest branch chairman further pledged to support the part with 100 pieces of plastic chairs.

He said his intention is not only to motivate the youth,but empower the base of the party with the necessary logistics interms of machinery to deliver victory for the party,adding that,"I am even more encouraged by the enthusiasm of the youth to do more".

The branch chairman,who is lauded for his continuous support for the party in the area encouraged the youth to work hard to secure a landslide victory for former president John Dramani Mahama and retain the incumbent MP in power for a consolidated development.

According to him,the suffering masses are yearning for the return of the messiah,"John Dramani Mahama,"who brings renewed hopes to Ghanaians and pledge his full support financially, logistically and personally to ensure the party succeed in rescuing the people of Ghana from the incompetent hands of the Akuffo-Addo led NPP government come December 7,2020.

The Constituency Chairman of the party,Mr.Sulemana Abdulai was full of praises for the branch chairman.

He commended him for the kind gesture, stressing that it has been a long time they have seen such benevolence from a grassroot supporter of the party.

The chairman,who is affectionately called "trouble" called on capable members of the party to emulate the good example of the branch chairman and come to the support of the party.

The youth organizer of the party at the Canteen Primary polling station,Mr.Abdulai Seidu Sumaila thanked the chairman on behalf of the youth, noting that such support is usual of him.

He pledged the youth were going to put the motorbikes into good use and work very hard like never before to ensure the party comes back on power.

He further prayed for the branch chairman, adding thet,the youth are always behind him.But like Oliver Twist,he requested for more support and encouraged other people to come on board and support the electoral area with such logistics and machinery support.

It can be recalled that the said branch chairman,Mr.Musah Iddrisu among others, supported over 100 residents of Damongo leaving in Techima to come down and register during the voter registration exercise.

Source : Ananpansah B. Abraham (AB)

We're poised for landslide victory--Sawla-Tuna-Kalba NDC

We're poised for landslide victory--Sawla-Tuna-Kalba NDC

The National Democratic Congress in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region has said it's poised to deliver a resounding victory for H.E John Dramani Mahama and the parliamentary candidate of the party in the constituency.

At a short ceremony held at Sawla to outdoor the constituency campaign team,the constituency chairman and leader of the team,Alhaji Salia Osman,affirmed the readiness of the entire team to work tirelessly towards rescuing Ghana from the incompetent hands of president Akuffo-Addo.

According to him,history was about to be made,expressing delight in the fact that the 'rescue mission' just begun in earnest in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency with the inauguration of the campaign team. 

The track record of the NDC in the constituency he noted, far outweigh the NPP,adding that the NPP has no single record in terms of development in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency.

He used the occasion to call on the rank and file of the party to unite towards consolidating the gains of the party, whilst noting that, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency was the first constituency in the Savannah Region to outdoor its campaign team.

The Regional Secretary of the party,Mr.Sualisu Biuwurbi,outdoored the campaign team made up of all former constituency executives, all current constituency executives and the council of elders of the party. 

In administrating the oath,the Regional Scribe encouraged members of the team to work tirelessly towards returning H.E John Dramani Mahama to power,whilst retaining the parliamentary candidate of the party for a prosperous Ghana.

He disclosed that the NDC as a party was on a rescue mission towards salvaging Ghana from the clueless hands of family and friends Akuffo-Addo government.

According to him, a man on a rescue mission does not retreat nor surrender until the final victory is delivered,admonishing members of the team to hold the fort and return Ghana back to the path of decent democracy and development.

He said the details of the task the campaign team will be executing was to be disclosed to them at a close door meeting.

The Regional Chairman of the party,Alhaji Imoro Seidu cautioned the Jean Mensah led Electoral Commission against any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the polls in the Savannah Region. 

He said together with his regional executives,any attempt to foil the outcome of the elections in the Savannah Region will be resisted with all the might and strength.

In his subtle observation,the fast tumbling elephant party led by president Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo has already lost power and now on a diabolic mission to rig the elections.

He encouraged members of the party to remain steadfast as the future of Ghana and Savannah Region remain bright with the NDC.

The Regional Elections Director of the party,Hajia Fati Forgo said the future of NDC belongs to woman,noting that NDC has always given special recognition to women. 

She disclosed that the appointment of professor Jean Nana Opoku Agyemang as running made to former president John Dramani Mahama gives refreshing hope to all women in the party. 

Hajia Fati called on all women activists of the party to get out there and sell the message of hope of the party as contained in the peoples manifesto to the voter.

The Mandariwura of the Bole Traditional Area,Seidu Awusi,simply described the New Patriotic Party as a bunch of liars.  

He said the New Patriotic Party after using the Awusi Lodge belonging to him for their delegate congress failed to pay him the sum of Ghc6,000.00 as cost of rent.

He said the legacy of H.E John Dramani Mahama is visible enough for all to see, urging members of the party to remain united and join in the rescue mission.

Tunawura Buabreso of the Bole Traditional area, Alhaji Isaac Mumuni Dramani through his emissaries sent words of encouragement to the party. He prayed for nothing but victory for the NDC led by H.E John Dramani Mahama. 

The politician-now-turned chief declared his full support for the candidature of H.E John Dramani Mahama.

Kongwura Adamu Seidu Jinkurige I,who also sent words revealed that Ghana is currently in wrong hands,admonishing members of the party to eschew the past and unite for the victory ahead.

He said the return of H.E John Dramani Mahama is the only solution to the many challenges and mismanagement of the economy by the current administration.

The Member of Parliament for the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency,hon.Andrew Dari Chewitey challenged the NPP to mention any single project they undertook in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency.

He said the family and friends Akuffo-Addo government has not executed any single project in the constituency aside plagiarising projects started by former president John Dramani Mahama. 

He dared the NPP in the constituency led by the DCE to a debate with the party's communication team basically on development projects.

His colleague Member of Parliament (MP) for Salaga North constituency,hon. Alhassan Mumuni called on the people Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency to rally behind the Member of parliament and presidential candidate of the party. 

He described the member of parliament as a very hardworking and results oriented legislator who can take the constituency to the next level.

Present also were constituency and regional executives of the party, chiefs, a section of party members and the media.

Source: Ananpansah B Abraham

Politics is not about bloodshed,but competition over issues-Sindaa NDC Youth to Akuffo-Addo

Politics is not about bloodshed,but competition over issues-Sindaa NDC Youth to Akuffo-Addo

The Sindaa Youth of the National Democratic Congress in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of the Savannah Region has lamented over the state of heightened insecurity under the Akuffo-Addo led NPP government.

According to the youth group which says NPP is synonymous to violence, insecurity has become the order of the day with numerous state sponsored attacks on innocent citizens such as journalist, religious leaders, political opponents, security agencies ad infinitum.

In a speech read on behalf of the group at an inaugural ceremony,madam Kipo Jennifa recounted the violence that characterised the Ayawaso West Wuogon bye-elections, the documentary titled "millitias in the heart of the city" by Ace Investigative journalist Manassey Azure and the recent attacks on voltarians and other innocent journalists and citizens during the just ended voter registration exercise to back their claims.

She reiterated the fact that the NDC has strengthened the global quest for inclusive democracy through the appointment of Professor Jean Nana Opoku Agyemang as running mate to the party's flagbearer, a decision they believe was giving the NPP a whole lot of sleepless nights.

The group wondered why the best of an NPP woman is to know how to shoot a gun at polling stations,admonishing president Akuffo-Addo to call his appointees and party members to order,whilst leading a violence free exemplary life himself.

In directing their lamentations towards the president, the group said: "Are we in a war? Politics is not about bloodshed but a competition over issues and ideas.May the souls of all those who lost their lives as a result of the recklessness on the part of the NPP government rest in perfect peace". 

They assured all constituents and citizens that the John and Jane ticket will restore peace and tranquility in the country and ensure that the protection of human lives becomes a key responsibility of government come January 2021.

The president of the group,Mr.Kipo Saaka called on Ghanaians to apply the Kuffour principle of "measure your leaving and cast your vote" to make a discerning decision of voting out the super incompetent Akuffo-Addo led NPP government that has so much overburdened the ordinary citizen for four years.

He said the NPP government has failed Ghanaians and cannot boost of any single achievement in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency,adding that,"we are poised to ensure this rescue mission where we would have a reduced tolerant and peaceful government beyond family and friends;where primary healthcare will become free for all and where media and press freedom will be restored".

The Savannah Regional Chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Imoro Seidu,who chaired the occasion,commended the group for the bold initiative towards rescuing Ghana from the unacceptable path of economic and social mismanagement. 

He said the NPP government has already lost power,encouraging the youth to work more hard towards returning Ex-President John Mahama back on power for a prosperous Ghana. 

According to him, farming which is the main occupation of the people of Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency has become very unattractive under the current administration, pledging a restoration of the situation should John Mahama win the 2020 polls.

The Savannah Regional Secretary of the party,Mr.Sualisu Biuwurbi said the future of the youth of Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency is very bright in politics and under the NDC. 

He applauded the courage of the youth in standing up for the truth, adding that,His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is returning to government in 2021 with lots of hope and job opportunities for the youth.

Victory he said was assured for the NDC,further stating that,the rescue mission the party was embarking on require a lot of sacrifice and commitment beyond any monetary inducement.

The Member of Parliament for the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency,hon.Andrew Dari Chewitey disclosed that the youth group has already prepared the grounds for the much awaited victory of the NDC come December 2020.   

He said the almighty God has already made the way for the NDC in the forthcoming polls, pledging his full support for the youth group.

Among other things,he said the NDC has embarked on massive visible infrastructure projects in the constituency,unlike others who are touting some nonexisting projects in a so called tracker that cannot be factually tracked. 

Also present was the MP for Salaga North,hon.Alhassan Mumuni,former appointees and Members of Parliament,regional and constituency executives of the party,cadres, chiefs, sympathisers and supporters of the party and the media. 

Source: Ananpansah B. Abraham

We're ever ready to debate Akuffo-Addo's Sawla-Tuna-Kalba DCE on development projects-Sindaa NDC youth

We're ever ready to debate Akuffo-Addo's Sawla-Tuna-Kalba DCE on development projects-Sindaa NDC youth

The Sindaa Youth of the National Democratic Congress has challenged the Chief Representative of President Akuffo-Addo in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District,Mr.Lawal Tamimu to a debate on development projects in the district.

According to the youth,the so called infrastructure tracker presented by the Vice President,Dr. Mahamudu Bawumiah is either full of ghost projects or stolen projects of former president John Dramani Mahama. 

In an address at the inaugural ceremony of the 'Sindaa Youth for the NDC',the president of the group,Kipo Saaka contested claims made in the tracker about infrastructure projects in the district under the current administration.

He disclosed that it had to take the smart borrowing under president John Evans Atta Mills of blessed memory and John Dramani Mahama as Vice President to birth the 147-kilometre (91 miles) Sawla-Damongo-Fulfulso road with other massive auxiliary facilities.

Aside the road project,he counted massive infrastructural projects such as the E/A Primary School and J.H.S at Sindaa,Sawla S.H.S, Sawla District Hospital, Sawla Community Centre, Sawla Market, rural electrification in a a good number of communities, CHPS compounds among others as the sole achievement of the erstwhile Mills-Mahama administration which cannot be plagiarised. 

He reiterated the fact that the visionary leadership of Ex-President Mahama saw the construction and upgrading of the University of Ghana Medical Center, Bank of Ghana Hospital, Ridge Hospital, the Tamale Teaching Hospital and the Ebola Treatment Center which is now accommodating COVID-19 patients.

The president of the youth group challenged Mr.Lawal,the District Chief Executive to mention a single infrastructure project executed by the current government in the health sector in the constituency, adding that,"we are ready to debate the DCE any day,anytime on development projects in the district".

He mocked at the fact that the best of Akuffo-Addo's achievement of a single ambulance donated to Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency under the One Constituency per Ambulance was long achieved in double folds by the siting NDC MP for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency,Mr.Andrew Dari Chiwitey.

Madam Kipo Jennifa on her part said the free Senior High School policy is a good programme gone bad through incompetent implementation.

She said for any good policy to yield development,it should produce both quantitative and qualitative improvement in the lives of the people,but the free SHS with its attendant double track system where student-teacher contact hours has been drastically reduced with overcrowded dormitories can never guarantee quality.

She observed that it was debasing to watch disheartening videos of so called Akuffo-Addo graduates who were given past questions to read, pass and shame perceived distracted, disgracing the president at last through demonstrations borne out of frustration because,they couldn't answer the questions in the final exams.

On the economy, the young political activist said Dr.Bawumiah and his boss, the president have drained the confess of Ghana with reckless borrowing and mismanagement of the economy and don't deserve a single day at the seat of government beyond January 7,2021.

The Savannah Regional Chairman of the NDC,Alhaji Imoro Seidu said the NPP government has already lost power,encouraging the youth to work more hard towards returning Ex-President John Mahama back on power for a prosperous Ghana. 

According to him, farming which is the main stay of the people of Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency has become very unattractive under the current administration, pledging a restoration of the situation should John Mahama win the 2020 polls.

The Savannah Regional Secretary of the party,Mr.Sualisu Biuwurbi said the future of the youth of Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency is very bright in politics and under the NDC. 

He applauded the courage of the youth in standing up for the truth, adding that,His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is returning to government in 2021 with lots of hope and job opportunities for the youth.

The Member of Parliament for the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba constituency,hon.Andrew Dari Chewitey disclosed that the youth group has already prepared the grounds for the much awaited victory of the NDC come December 2020.   

He said the almighty God has already made the way for the NDC in the forthcoming polls, pledging his full support for the youth group.

Among other things,he said the NDC has embarked on massive visible infrastructure projects in the constituency,unlike others who are touting some nonexisting projects in a so called tracker that cannot be factually tracked. 

Also present was the MP for Salaga North,hon.Alhassan Mumuni,former appointees and Members of Parliament,regional and constituency executives of the party,cadres, chiefs, sympathisers and supporters of the party and the media. 

Source: Ananpansah B. Abraham

West Gonja Assembly takes steps to eradicate 'no furniture syndrome' in schools

West Gonja Assembly takes steps to eradicate 'no furniture syndrome' in schools

As part of measures to eradicate the agelong "no furniture adage" in our public schools, the West Gonja Municipal Assembly in the Savannah Region has procured and presented Dual and Mono Desks to the Ghana Education Service Directorate for onwards distribution to schools in the district.

Under the leadership of hon.Saeed Muhazu Jibreal,the assembly presented in all; 800 Dual Desks for the primary schools,340 Mono Desks for the Junior High Schools and 480 smaller chairs and tables for the KG schools.

Speaking at a short handing over ceremony,the Municipal Chief Executive of the Assembly,Hon Saeed Muhazu Jibril said government and the assembly have since 2017 executed several infrastructure projects in the Municipality.

For the education sector,he disclosed that the assembly has constructed two Six-Unit Classroom blocks and Five Three-Unit classroom blocks for basic schools.
The government,he emphasized,also completed classroom blocks started under the previous regime at the Ndewura Jakpa Senior High Technical School with other projects including story buildings ongoing in the same school and the Damongo Senior High School.

According to him,the assembly has completed a number of educational projects abandoned by the previous government at the Damongo Agric College and other communities.

He announced that the assembly will absorb the cost of this year’s mock examination for all BECE candidates in the West Gonja Municipality.

The West Gonja Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Ferguson Akey,thanked the assembly for the timely intervention,assuring that,all schools in the municipality will have adequate furniture henceforth as a result of the donation.

He said the furniture will be distributed immediately to the needed schools as government plans to reopen schools in full.

Source: Ananpansah B Abraham

Media Foundation for West Africa condemns attack on PAD FM's Ananpansah B.Abraham

https://www.mfwa.org/two-journalists-attacked-by-political-party-thugs-raise-safety-of-journalists-concern-ahead-of-december-polls/

On June 20, 2020, some political party thugs assaulted journalist Macbadara Romanus of Tizaa FM in the North East Regional capital, Nalerigu, while he was covering the primaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

During voting some altercation erupted between the NPP Regional Chairman, Nurudeen Fuseini, and an agent of Dr Mohammed Sampah, who was contesting Hajia Alima Mahama, the incumbent Member of Parliament of Nalerigu and Local Government and Rural Development Minister.

Macdabara told the MFWA that, the Municipal Chief Executive of Sagnarigu, Mariam Iddrisu accused him of filming the scuffle and ordered some thugs to seize his phone. The MCE had come to Nalerigu to support the incumbent. According to the journalist, the MCE’s order was immediately carried out by the thugs who kicked and punched him after shoving him to the ground.
“I felt pains in my jaw and then around my neck, so I have to rush to the hospital for medical care. I got there and I was asked to go back to get police form before they can treat me,” the reporter said.

He said his phone was returned to him following the intervention of the NPP Regional Communications Director, Amos Walibe, but only after all recordings had been deleted.

North East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Charles Domanban, confirmed to the MFWA that the incident has been reported to his outfit, adding that it is being investigated.

In the second incident, *journalist Abraham Ananpansah with PAD FM in Damango*, in the Savanah Region was ambushed and attacked for reporting on an incident of violence at a registration centre.
Ananpansah who doubles as the Assemblyman in the Canteen Electoral Area, reported on July 2, 2020, that one Atabia Anoma Rahim, Deputy Organiser of the NPP attacked an observer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) with a stool at a registration centre.
“Minutes after my follow-up report, I got a call from a strange number who identified himself as Anoma Atabia Rahim. All I could hear was,” When I catch you, I will deal mercilessly with you,” Ananpansah said. The threat was carried out four days later by seven men led by Atabia.
“All eight of them surrounded me and he Atabia hit my head with a stone and the rest started hitting me with sticks and other hard materials. I became helpless until onlookers intervened and assisted me to escape for my life,” the journalist narrated.

The journalist told the MFWA he reported the threats to the police after three people confirmed that Atabia had openly sworn at the registration centre to “deal with him.”

Atabia has been charged and was supposed to appear in court on July 28. However, the Regional Police Command met the journalist, the management of PAD FM and Rahim Atabia that same day to try to mediate the case.

The violent scenes that were recorded at various polling centres during the NPP parliamentary primaries and similar incidents being enacted at various places during the ongoing voter registration exercise have created an atmosphere of insecurity that could prove hostile to the media if carried into the December 2020 elections.

These two incidents of assault on journalists Macdabara and Ananpansah during the NPP primaries and the registration exercise respectively, can intimidate other journalists to self-censor.

They constitute a violation of the right of the journalists to exercise their profession freely without any interference as guaranteed by Chapter 12 of Ghana’s constitution. The acts of thuggery also infringe the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019, which bans acts of vigilantism in Ghana, disbands vigilante groups, including political party vigilante groups.

The MFWA therefore condemns these attacks and call on the police to ensure that journalists are protected in the course of their coverage of public events including the electoral process. The police must also deal resolutely with all acts of election-related violence by arresting and ensuring the prosecution of the perpetrators. We urge all the political parties to educate their supporters to eschew violence in all forms, particularly against journalists, and to appreciate the role of the media in the electoral process.
Media Foundation for West Africa (@TheMFWA) Tweeted:
Attack on Journalists by Political Party Thugs Threat to Election Reporting  - Media Foundation For West Africa https://t.co/XN0MEnpzJA https://twitter.com/TheMFWA/status/1291355020827533312?s=20

Source: Media Foundation for West Africa

Media Foundation for West Africa Condemns attack on PAD FM's Ananpansah B. Abraham

Attack on Journalists by Political Party Thugs Threat to Election Reporting 

August 3, 2020

Ghana || Safety of Journalists
https://www.mfwa.org/two-journalists-attacked-by-political-party-thugs-raise-safety-of-journalists-concern-ahead-of-december-polls/

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Two journalists have been attacked in two separate incidents in what the MFWA considers a safety of journalists red flag ahead of the December 2020 polls.

On June 20, 2020, some political party thugs assaulted journalist Macbadara Romanus of Tizaa FM in the North East Regional capital, Nalerigu, while he was covering the primaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

During voting some altercation erupted between the NPP Regional Chairman, Nurudeen Fuseini, and an agent of Dr Mohammed Sampah, who was contesting Hajia Alima Mahama, the incumbent Member of Parliament of Nalerigu and Local Government and Rural Development Minister.

Macdabara told the MFWA that, the Municipal Chief Executive of Sagnarigu, Mariam Iddrisu accused him of filming the scuffle and ordered some thugs to seize his phone. The MCE had come to Nalerigu to support the incumbent. According to the journalist, the MCE’s order was immediately carried out by the thugs who kicked and punched him after shoving him to the ground.

“I felt pains in my jaw and then around my neck, so I have to rush to the hospital for medical care. I got there and I was asked to go back to get police form before they can treat me,” the reporter said.

He said his phone was returned to him following the intervention of the NPP Regional Communications Director, Amos Walibe, but only after all recordings had been deleted.

North East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Charles Domanban, confirmed to the MFWA that the incident has been reported to his outfit, adding that it is being investigated.

In the second incident, journalist Abraham Ananpansah with PAD FM in Damango, in the Savanah Region was ambushed and attacked for reporting on an incident of violence at a registration centre.

Ananpansah who doubles as the Assemblyman in the Canteen Electoral Area, reported on July 2, 2020, that one Atabia Anoma Rahim, Deputy Organiser of the NPP attacked an observer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) with a stool at a registration centre.

“Minutes after my follow-up report, I got a call from a strange number who identified himself as Anoma Atabia Rahim. All I could hear was,” When I catch you, I will deal mercilessly with you,” Ananpansah said. The threat was carried out four days later by seven men led by Atabia.

“All eight of them surrounded me and he Atabia hit my head with a stone and the rest started hitting me with sticks and other hard materials. I became helpless until onlookers intervened and assisted me to escape for my life,” the journalist narrated.

The journalist told the MFWA he reported the threats to the police after three people confirmed that Atabia had openly sworn at the registration centre to “deal with him.”

Atabia has been charged and was supposed to appear in court on July 28. However, the Regional Police Command met the journalist, the management of PAD FM and Rahim Atabia that same day to try to mediate the case.

The violent scenes that were recorded at various polling centres during the NPP parliamentary primaries and similar incidents being enacted at various places during the ongoing voter registration exercise have created an atmosphere of insecurity that could prove hostile to the media if carried into the December 2020 elections. These two incidents of assault on journalists Macdabara and Ananpansah during the NPP primaries and the registration exercise respectively, can intimidate other journalists to self-censor.

They constitute a violation of the right of the journalists to exercise their profession freely without any interference as guaranteed by Chapter 12 of Ghana’s constitution.  The acts of thuggery also infringe the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019, which bans acts of vigilantism in Ghana, disbands vigilante groups, including political party vigilante groups.

The MFWA therefore condemns these attacks and call on the police to ensure that journalists are protected in the course of their coverage of public events including the electoral process. The police must also deal resolutely with all acts of election-related violence by arresting and ensuring the prosecution of the perpetrators. We urge all the political parties to educate their supporters to eschew violence in all forms, particularly against journalists, and to appreciate the role of the media in the electoral process.

https://www.mfwa.org/two-journalists-attacked-by-political-party-thugs-raise-safety-of-journalists-concern-ahead-of-december-polls/