New Year's Eve:Call For Resolutions Not Revolutions

New Year's Eve:Call For Resolutions Not Revolutions

Here cries the beacon of a New Year,
And nay,here comes a new day;
A new day and God's will to bid thee good bye 2017.

On the Eve at mass,
As the candles glow,
The glory of the Lord blows.

And here beacons the flow and cry of a New Year;
A cry that awakens the call for resolutions not revolutions;
A cry that decree thee holy heavens to crossover with a "build over" to build bridges;
To build bridges in our marriage and family life,
To build bridges in our relationship,friendship and political life,
To build bridges in our financial, economic, social,racial and work life,
To build bridges in our national and community reconstruction and struggle.

For it's grace for our race,
And we are in a raise in the face of 2018;
A grace and raise that blossoms and is wholesome above average.

Oh cry thee,it's a dying year,
And the regrets are the sins and things that stole the happiness from another man;
It's the coming and going of seasons;
And 365 reasons to turn things around this time around.

We are good to set new goals,
And be bold to work on the past blows of life;
Staying down after those blows is an error of grace that will erase our raise.

Oh thy holy glory!
See your children not in gory but deliver us from the sorrows and "sorry's" of life;
Keep us awashed,
When our minds go astray in sinful compromise for the vanities of the world;FORGIVE!

Cry and pray thee for divine grace,
Divine grace for the loved one's and lost one's in 2017,
For thy gave and took but 2018 will see us through;
Not by our might,
For grace abounds in leaps and bounds.

We are champions,
So let's pop champagne;
Not in pain but in God's gain we rain;
Let's stress out the stress,
And dress up the mind off distress for God's greatness again!
Let's look forward, revitalised and break cowards!

The year is long gone,
So let logic reign and let go along with it the pain of unforgiveness;
For the kingdom of God must be established,
And all men must be at peace with ease;
Where toes were stepped on,
I step out and blow the trumpet...
For a new year dawns!

Cry thee with cheers,
I say my dear;
Not a tear or fear of the unknown is here to weigh us down in 2018;
Our minds will blend with the best;
We will stand the test;
As we resolve to dissolve the past and evolve divinely into the present;
I will be here always as your humble servant to say cheers in 2019;
CHEERS to a New Year!

The writer is a PASSIONATE BLOGGER/WRITER,FREELANCE JOURNALIST and a YOUTH ADVOCATE.
He represent a VOICE TO THE MARGINALISED.

Get in touch and let's get connected!

Read more of his works on his blog. (ananpansah-ab.blogspot.com).
Share but don't edit.

©ANANPANSAH,B ABRAHAM(AB)
(Village Writer/Voice of the marginalised)
0241129910/0200704844

Email:aananapansah@yahoo.com/aananapansah@gmail.com
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Birthday Safari; An Overrun of Joy To Say Thank You!

Birthday Safari; An Overrun of Joy To Say Thank You!
Out of the abundance of joy in the heart of man,I seize this moment to thank the all merciful God for blessing my new age with true loving friends and family...
The gifts withered and whizzed away in a jiffy but the plentitute of calls, messages,intentions, warm and well wishes lingers on to shape my life a lifetime.Yes, words are indeed free but priceless!
Friends and family,you are my new found love.Your unfailing wishes are a keepsake henceforth and epitomize his grace and raise in my life.
Who are my but a mere mortal to say I don't owe you continuous appreciation and God's intervention in our individual situations in life.
Infact, at a point, I felt terrible about not growing any younger but you gave me the strength and hope to fill the void. You rid me of my blues...
My life is a balance sheet.You are the assets.Another chance of life to say thank you to God for the prayers answered.
We have achieved a lot over the years to be grateful to God for.We have been challenged a lot to rise above the challenges.
The future and our generation still demands our utmost best.And with the continuous blessings of life,we will not falter or go to sleep until we impact the world positively.
All thanks for you added the spark to my birthday celebration.
Belated birthday to me.
Still we christen the way, forward!Still we rise!
Shalom!

Let Christmas carols play

Let Christmas carols play
Every hill and mountain lay
For the midnight sky is awakened
Christmas is here
A song to hear
Gold,frankeses;myryy

Unto mother earth a messiah is born
And children of God sing of glorious king adore
Where peace and harmony meet
Love and happiness kiss
Whereupon the delight of the kids
Eating,dining and wining

Hope that was forlorn
Hope is born in Christ
A star shines
Christmas trees sparkles
Hallelujah!A king is born

Behold!The Inner glory
Plenteous of charity
Light of mercy
Let the carols play
And let the world be told;
A king is born
Hallelujah!

Read more of my works on ananpansah-ab.blogspot.com

© ANANPANSAH,B ABRAHAM (AB)
(Village Writer)
0241129910/0200704844

Gonjaland Has Seven Districts,Not Four-GLYA PRO Jab Citifm's Reporter

Gonjaland Has Seven Districts,Not Four-GLYA PRO Jab Citifm's Reporter

The PRO of Gonjaland Youth Association(GLYA),Mr.Mahama Haruna has described as factualy inaccurate report by Citifm's Northern Regional Correspondent, Abdul-Karim Naatogmah on the number of Districts in Gonjaland in the ongoing case being made for the creation of a new region out of the Northern Region.

In the said report,Abdul Karim Naatogmah disclosed that Gonjaland currently has four(4) Districts with a paramancy at Damongo.He made these comments on Citi Eyewitness News whilst conveying the grievances of the chiefs and youth of Eastern Corridor over their exclusion from the ongoing siting of the Justice Steven Brobbey's Commission of inquiry on the creation of new regions.

He said,"Let me begin with by giving you the topography of the Northern Region in terms of the traditional blocks.The Region traditionally is divided into four paramountcies comprising Dagbon, Yagbon (Gonjaland), Nanum (Bimbilla and Wulensi put together) and Mamprusi Moagdori. Gonjaland has 4 Districts thus West Gonja with Damongo as the District capital, East Gonja with Salaga as the District capital and Bole-Bamboi and also Kpandai...".

These comments by the reporter immediately saw the youth of Gonjaland taken him to the cleaners with many accusing him of deliberating attempting to conceal the facts.

But in a sharp rebuttal,the PRO of Gonjaland Youth Association in a statement has said that,even though many are convinced the reporter deliberately intended to mislead the people,he feels it could be a genuine mistake.
According to him,the said report should be taken with a pinch of salt as Gonjaland currently has seven(7) Districts and eight(8) constituencies and not four(4) Districts as reported.

"The fact is Gonjaland in the Northern Region has 7 Districts and 8 Constituencies. Many people from Gonjaland are therefore calling for a presss release or press conference from the Gonjaland Youth Association to correct what the Citi Fm report.
Many have said a first year student of journalism should not make such a mistake not to talk of a seasoned and popular journalist like Abdul- Karim Naatogmah.
Even though many are convinced it is a deliberate attempt by Mr Naatogmah to mislead people, I feel it could be a genuine mistake".The PRO has said.

The PRO has joined the many to call on Abdul-Karim Naatogmah to always research before making pronouncement on the issue of creation of new regions.

Find below the districts and constituencies in Gonjaland as outlined by the PRO of Gonjaland Youth Association:

The Districts and Constituencies in Gonjaland are:
1. Bole (Bole- Bamboi Constitiency)
2. Sawla- Tuna- Kalba (Sawla- Tuna- Kalba constituency)
3. West Gonja (Damongo Constituency)
4. Central Gonja (Yapei-Kusawgu constituency)
5. North Gonja (Daboya Mankarigu Constituency)
6. East Gonja (Salaga South and Salaga North constituencies).
7. Kpandai (Kpandai constituency)
It is noteworthy that the East Gonja District would be elevated to a Municipal status and there are petitions for the division of the Bole,Sawla-Tuna-Kalba,Central Gonja and East Gonja Districts of Gonjaland.

Source:ANANPANSAH,B ABRAHAM (AB)

DIVIDE CENTRAL GONJA DISTRICT AND MAKE KUSAWGU THE DISTRICT CAPITAL

DIVIDE CENTRAL GONJA DISTRICT AND MAKE KUSAWGU THE DISTRICT CAPITAL

By Sulemana Ishawu

INTRODUCTION

With reference to the govemment's proposal to create  new District Assemblies in all the regions in accordance with Section I of the Local Government Act 2016, Act 936, I call on the electoral commission to divide the  Central  Gonja  District  (CGD) which was carved  out  of the  West  Gonja  District and created  in  2004  under  LI  1750 into Buipe and Kusawgu districts with the new capital in Kusawgu.  This will aid the developmental pace of the area.
GEOPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSED KUSAWGU DISTRICT
The proposed Kusawgu district will lie  within  longitude  1˚5’and  2˚  58’  West  and  latitude  8˚32’and  10˚2’  North.. The  district will  share  boundaries  with  the  Buipe  District   to  the south,  the  North Gonja  District  to  the  west,  Tamale  Metropolis  to  the  north  and  the  East  Gonja  District  to  the  east.  The  district's creation will be strategical  because  it will link  the  Northern  Region to the Buipe district and   the rest of the  Southern part of Ghana..  The district stands the chance of developing faster considering its nearness  to  the  capital  of  the Northern  Region,  Tamale  which  is  endowed  with  rapid  developments  especially  in  the  service and hospitality  industries  in the  northern regions.The  proposed district has a  vast land, human  and  other  natural resources. The white Volta which stretches from North Gonja District to Yeji has  good  potential  for  small-scale  irrigation  schemes.

PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL
The  district  will have  its  administrative  capital  at  Kusawgu.  The  District  Assembly  will have its  total membership  of all the  elected  members,   government  appointees  (including  the DCE  and  the  MP).  Area  Council  centres  will be  at  Kusawgu,  Tuluwe,  Yapei,  Sankpala and  Chama. All  the  eleven  decentralised  departments  will be  present  but  minimally  functional  due  to challenges  of  inadequate  staffing,  logistics  and  office  space. There are currently an area council, post office, nonfunctional police station, community centre, market, health post, electricity, an ongoing tiling of the Kusawgu township roads and historical administrative buildings which could possibly be revamped for use. Kusawgu was the most administrative town aside Tamale in northern region around the 1980s. The development of the Tuluwe traditional area depends on Kusawgu's development. Its location makes it the most confluence town to all the hinterlands than any community in the proposed district.

CULTURAL AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE
There  are  over 10  ethnic  groups  in  the  district.  The  major  groups  are;  Gonja,  Dagomba,  Mamprusi  and  Ewe.  Others  include ,  Akans,  Chekosi  and  Fulanis.  The presence  of  ethnic  hoterogeneity  will promote socio-cultural  organization  and  development. There  are  inter-tribal marriages and  peaceful co-existence  which enhances unity  in diversity. There  are  four  major  religious  groups  in  the  Proposed Kusawgu  District.  These  include  Islam, Christianity, Traditionalist  and others with  Islam dominating.

TRADITIONAL GOVERNANCE
The proposed  Kusawgu  District  forms  part  of  the  Gonja  Traditional  Council  with  its  King  (the Yagbonwura)  as  President,  and  the  headquarters  of  Council  at  Damongo  in  the  West  Gonja District.  There  are  five  paramountcies  in  Gonjaland  which  normally  ascend  to  the  position  of the  King  (Yagbonwura)  on  rotational  basis.  Two  of  such  paramountcies  are  located  in  the proposed Kusawgu  District  that  is,  the  Kusawguwura  and  Tuluwewura.  There  are  also  some Divisional  Chiefs  who  are  answerable  to  these Kings.  Among  them  are;  Yapeiwura, Chamawura, Junction/Fufulsowura, Sankpala wura, Jukuwura  and  many more. . Chieftaincy  is  an important  institution  in  the  proposed Kusawgu  District  which will help  champion  the  development  agenda of  the district if its created.

ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
The  main  economic  activity  of  the  people  is  agriculture  involving  crop  production,  livestock and  fish  farming.  The  land  is  extremely  fertile  for  agriculture  and  farming  is  normally intensive.  Some  of  the  crops  cultivated  are  maize,  sorghum,  millet,  groundnut,  cowpea,  soy beans,  yam,  rice,  as  well  as  cassava.  Fishing  and  livestock  are  considered  supplementary activities  to  crop  farming.  Large  scale  fishing  is could be carried  on  at  Yapei  and  Adape  on  the  White  Volta  lake.  The  major  animals  reared  including  cattle,  sheep,  goats,  fowls,  guinea fowls  etc.  and  birds  are  practically  reared  in  every  home,  but  large  scale  ranching  is can also be practised  in the  district considering the availability of vast land.  Economic  activities that could be  undertaken  in  the  district  are  large  and  small-  scale  agro-based  industries such  as  Shea  butter processing, rice  milling,  groundnut oil extraction and gari processing. There  are  only  a  few  potential  natural  resources  in  the proposed  district.  However,  some  of  these resources  are  yet  to  be  exploited.  The  known  resources  include     marble  stone, and  limestone.  Other  resources  include  arable  lands,  the  White  Volta  river,  and also available  are  large  deposits  of  sand  for  construction. The  district  abounds  in  many  tourism  attractions  though  these  are  largely  undeveloped.  The attractions  range  from  natural  features  such  as  the  White Volta  to  historical  such  as Regalia  at Nyanwuripe.  The  development  of  some  of  these  tourist sites  has  been  constrained  by  poor  road  infrastructure  and  inadequate  recreational  and accommodation facilities in the  district. So its creation will help tackle the social problems to develop these tourist site. The proposed district have six market centres which could boost the its economy if created.

CONCLUSION
The electoral commission should consider the division of the Central Gonja District with Kusawgu as the new District Capital to help speed up development in the area. The new district should cover all lands belonging to the Kusawgu and Tuluwe kingdoms to avoid future land litigation problems. The availability of historical administrative buildings as well current ones like an area council, nonfunctional police station, post office, health post, schools, market center, community center, electricity and the sit of the Kusawgu kingdom will enable Kusawgu to host the new district capital. The location of Kusawgu could have direct influence on all communities in the Kusawgu and Tuluwe kingdoms, hence the need to make it the district capital. Finally, the presence of market centers in Kusawgu, Tuluwe, Sankpala, Yapei, Chama and Jukuku will help develop the economy of the district. Kusawgu kingdom is endowed with Shea but trees which could attract investors to site processing factories in the new district.

Bishop almost knelt(down) to ask Akuffo-Addo to support the poor and the needy-2nd Deputy Chief of staff reveals

Bishop almost knelt(down) to ask Akuffo-Addo to support the poor and the needy-2nd Deputy Chief of staff reveals

The 2nd deputy Chief of Staff,honourable Samuel Abu Jinapor has revealed that the Bishop of the Diocese of Damongo who also doubles as the chairman of the Ghana Prisons' Council,Most Rev.Peter Paul Angkyier almost knelt(down) to convey a message to the president of the Republic of Ghana to support the poor(needy) and the people when he decided to pay homage to him sometime ago.

He said this whilst delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the president during the 25th Priestly Jubilee of Most Rev.Peter Paul Yekezuame Anghyiere at the St.Anne's Cathedral in Damongo in the Northern Region of Ghana.

In a voice that sounded sober like a preacher,he said, "....I have not known bishop for soo long.But I have had a few encounters with him.The first one struck me very strongly.I visited Damongo and said I will pass through his residence to pay homage to him.And a visit that I envisaged to last for five minutes,lasted for two hours...Bishop started with a certain village somewhere where catholics could not worship freely,and went to education and from education he went to health and from health he went to women empowerment.And I kept seated there.I was running late but he kept going on and on and on.And he almost went down his knees and said honourable,tell the president,'do something for the poor,'do something for the people.And I could see genuineness and honesty in his eyes...This is the man we celebrate".

He congratulated the bishop on behalf of the president and donated Ghc10,000 from the presidency to support the educational fund setup by the bishop.

The Metropolitan archbishop of Tamale Diocese and the president of Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference,Most Rev.Philip Naameh used the occasion to thank the deputy Chief of Staff for his message from the president and the gift.

He encouraged the adoption of the Christian values,since they were most important in the pursuit of national development.He said this whilst thanking the 2nd deputy chief of staff for affirming his faith in the Catholic Church.
He said,"In particular I want to thank you for affirming who you are,a Catholic....And promote seeking every opportunity to promote Catholic values.When it comes to development which we are all looking for,the values of the church are one of the most important pontifically to our development.And if we all patronise the Christian values given to us of care for the vulnerable,attending to the poor and the needy and sacrificing for the neighbour,I think our country will grow a lot faster in development than it is".

He reminded the president through his emissary of his promise to repair the biggest burnt down dormitory of St.Charles Minor Serminary Senior High School.According to him,the burning down of the dormitory compelled the school to cut down the admission figures received from 250 to 150 students.Parents of rejected students who were aggrieved  turned to the media prompting the government to invite the headmaster for questioning.The headmaster met the minister of education and presented pictures of the burnt down dormitory as evidence and reason for the decision of the school.He understood and promised a contract was going to be awarded for the burnt down dormitory to be repaired.

The archbishop charged the 2nd deputy Chief of Staff to follow-up the promise of government as an alumnus of the school.
He also encouraged more Catholics to enter politics so that they can use the values learnt from the church to correct things for the better.

The MP of Damongo constituency,hon.Adam Mutawakilu on his part praised the church for giving him a wife and his first Salary. "Immediately I finished o' level,six days after,I was engaged at the West Gonja District Hospital which is a Catholic hospital.So the first Salary I had in life is from the West Gonja Hospital...And therefore,I take the Catholic Church and the mission like my breastmilk because,I got my first salary from there.The second thing I benefited from here is my wife.She is a Catholic and she is still a Catholic and am a moslem".Said the legislator.

He said Most Rev.Peter Paul played an important role behind the scenes in realizing the construction of the Damongo-Fulfulso road.
He admitted he has received and continue to receive spiritual blessing from the church and the bishop in person.And has worked closely with the church in his days as DCE and subsequently as MP to chalk a lot of success in the district.He pledged to continue to support the church.

By Ananpansah B Abraham//ananpansah-ab.blogspot.com

Bishop of Damongo Diocese launches educational fund

Bishop of Damongo Diocese launches educational fund

The bishop of the Diocese of Damongo and chairman of Ghana Prisons' Council,Most Rev.Peter Paul Yelezuame Angkyier has launched an Educational Support Fund.
The fund was launched as part of activities marking his 25th Priestly Jubilee Cerebration at the St. Anne's Cathedral in Damongo.

In launching the fund,Mr.Maurice Yinye reiterated that it has always been the dream of Most Rev.Peter Paul,even when he was a deacon to support the vulnerable in society,especially the teaming needy youth.A dream he has passionately pursued over the years,by supporting a teaming youth including moslems.

The essence of the fund was thus in fulfilment of the long-standing dream of  Most Rev.Peter Paul to support the education of the needy in society.
"It has always been the dream of the disciplinarian,even when he was a deacon to support the vulnerable in society....Even as at now,he is supporting a number of teaming youth including moslems.It is this dream he want realized today through this educational fund."Mr . Maurice Yinye disclosed.

In delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the president,the second deputy Chief of Staff hon.Samuel Abu Jinapor lauded the bishop for his genuineness,honesty and extreme love for humanity.He congratulated the Bishop on behalf of the president,the people of Northern Ghana and Damongo describing him as a worthy celebrant.

He assured the bishop of the support of the president and government in his future endeavors,particularly in developmental objectives such as education.He asked the bishop to pray for wisdom and a light heart for the president to be a father for all.And also for the government that God himself will lead the way.

"Let me conclude bishop,let me conclude by giving you the firmest assurance of the president,his government and my very humble self.That we will support you in your future endeavors in whichever way we can,particularly in the developmental objectives such as education that you have set for yourself...And as you can see,we also plead that you remember us in your prayers.Pray for the president that God will give him good heart,wisdom and a light stomach and heart to be a father to all of us.Pray for his government that God will himself,almighty himself will show us the path and chart the path for us."The 2nd deputy chief of staff said.

The president donated a sum of Ghc10,000 in support of the educational fund of the bishop.The donation was made by the 2nd deputy chief of staff on behalf of the president who revealed that the president was passionate about education and attaches soo much importance to same,hence the support.
Donations were also received from the 2nd deputy Chief of Staff,the MP for Damongo constituency,the MP for Sawla,Tuna-Kalba, the MP for Yapei-Kusawgu,the West Gonja District Assembly,the NPP constituency executives,the Yagbonwura,the Buipewura among others.

The occasion was graced by the 2nd deputy chief of staff,hon.Samuel Abu Jinapor,the MP for Damongo constituency hon.Adam Mutawakilu, the MP for Sawla,Tuna-Kalba hon.Andrew Chiwati,the former MP for Damongo/Daboya hon.Alex Seidu Sofo,the DCE of West Gonja District hon.Saeed Muazu Jibreal,the chairman of the NPP Mr.Mbemah,Kongwura who represented Yagbonwura,Tolodempewura(chief Mornoh) who represented Buipewura,other traditional leaders,the metropolitan archbishop of Tamale,Most Rev.Philip Naameh,bishops from other diocese,the health directors of Damongo,Saboba and Bole,religious groups,the media among others.

Most Rev.Paul Bemile Bishop emeritus in a homily said that we are servants of Christ with the power to manifest and take charge of his secret places.

Profile:
The bishop of the Diocese of Damongo,Most Rev.Peter Paul Yelezuame Angkyier was born on 26th November,1961,at Nandom in the Upper West Region of Ghana.He started his education at St Anne's R/C primary and left to Tamale where he had his Junior High education.He proceeded to St.Charles Minor Serminary for his secondary education, and then to Tamale Secondary for six(6) form before entering the major seminary
He got ordained as a priest on 15th August,1992...He was elected bishop on 17th December,2010, and ordained on 25th March,2011.

By Ananpansah,B Abraham//ananpansah-ab.blogspot.com