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/

Share

FacebookTwitterWhatsAppFacebook MessengerShare

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/

You'll return home in victory-Yagbonwura foretells as he blesses John Mahama

You'll return home in victory-Yagbonwura foretells as he blesses John Mahama

Ex-president,John Dramani Mahama has received the blessings of the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Tutumba Boresa 1,ahead of the December 7, 2020 elections.

The former president,whilst returning from Bole in the Savannah Region where he registered as a voter presented himself to the Overlord at the Jakpa Palace as a son of the soil,to seek his benison, guidance and counsel before he commences his campaign tour across the country.

Speaking through his linguist, Alhaji Afuli,Yagbonwura assured the former president that the entire Gonjaland is with him in prayers,adding that,"You will return home in victory".

Whilst recognising the contributions of Ex-president Mahama to the development of Gonjaland,the king prayed for him and wished him well in the journey ahead.

In what hysterically turned out to be a rally,a mammoth crown of enthusiastic party supporters,who danced to the the NDC's recomposed "Bobolibobo" thronged the Jakpa Palace to interact with the former president.

There was a roadblock by the  excited party supporters who insisted the former president will not be given access road to pass until he addresses them.

Caught by surprise, Mr.Mahama was compelled to make an extemporaneous speech at the center of Damongo town.

He told the charged crowd that the wind of change is blowing everywhere across the country.
According to him,Ghanaians are turning up in their numbers to register, because they can no longer survive another four years of mismanagement and abuse of power under president Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo.

The 2016 election he noted,was designed by God to go in favor of the NPP so Ghanaians can see the difference between an honest NDC government and a deceitful NPP government.

He disclosed that the so called sod-cutting for the Damongo Water Supply System by the siting president a fortnight ago was a mere ploy to deceive the unsuspecting public in an attempt to win votes.

"When we were cutting sod for the Fufulso-Sawla road, you saw a contractor, you saw dozers,you saw a project site; when they were cutting the so called sod for the water,did you see a contractor?Did you see any equipment?Did you see a site?"the former president quizzes.

The former president admonished constituents not to be swayed by money, but to cast their votes wisely to return him to the presidency and retain Adam Mutawakilu as the MP for Damongo constituency.

"When they bring the money, collect and 'chop', but on December 7, vote for people who can bring real development; Vote for JM and Garlus".

Source: Ananpansah B Abraham

IGP assures Savannah Region of police posts to beef up security

IGP assures Savannah Region of several police posts to beef up security

As part of measures to beef up the security situation in the newly created Savannah Region,the Inspector General of Police(IGP),Mr.Oppong-Boanuh,has expressed surety of establishing several police posts in the region.

The IGP who was in the region on an official visit to ascertain the security situation and prepare his men ahead of the forthcoming December 7 elections,took turns to respond to security concerns from the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom and the Savannah Regional Minister.

Mr.Oppong-Boanuh in his brief remark at the Jackpa Palace and the office of the Regional Minister,commended the duo for creating a conducive environment for his men to operate in the region,urging them on!

He cautioned citizens against mob justice,whilst appealing for a peaceful conduct of the 2020 elections.

On the request for various security post in the Savannah Region,he said ,"the request for the establishment of police posts in some communities  as requested by the minister and Overlord will be heeded to as soon as I get back to Accra".

According to him, a team will soon be assigned to the region to prepare the grounds for the establishment of all the security posts requested for.

He directed the Savannah Regional Police Commander to ensure there is adequate security at the palace at all times as requested by the king.

The Savannah Regional Minister,hon.Salifu Adam Braimah,who received the team expressed gratitude to the IGP for his timely response to security concerns in the region in recent times.
Whilst condemning the unfortunate lynching of 90-year old Akua Denteh,he remarked," I want to thank you for remaining resolute and working hand in hand with REGSEC which yielded results and I know with your unfailing support, perpetrators shall appropriately be dealt with by the law".

The minister requested for the setting up of a police post at Kafaba where the lynching happened as well as Kpalbe and Kito in the North East District Capital and East Gonja Municipality respectively.He also called for the upgrading of the Daboya police post in the North Gonja District.

In an address read on his behalf by the registrar of the Gonja Traditional Council, the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom,Yagbonwura Tutumba Boresa 1,commended the IGP for the swift action in arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly lynching of 90-year old Akua Denteh at Kafaba.
He appealed for the establishment of a police post at Makango,Kusawgu-Tulwe enclave among others.
The king also made a solemn request for a 24-hours police presence at the Jakpa palace.

Source: Ananpansah B. Abraham