WEST GONJA DISTRICT

PEACE CLUB INAUGURATED

2011-06-02T03:12:00.001-07:00

A peace club under the Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies (CECOTAPS) has been duly launched at the St. Anne’s senior High School (SAGISS) in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

The purpose of the programme was to promote peace building through the female at the grassroots level.

Speaking on the theme; “The role of the traditional Ghanaian Woman in promoting peace in the family” Fr. Lazaurs Annyereh noted that, the role of the traditional Ghanaian woman in promoting peace in the family is certainly a big challenge. From a general perspective, he raised the following concerns:

“The African woman has never had it easy when it comes to assuming leadership roles or managerial roles in a traditionally male – dominated, patriarchal and hierarchal society”. “A woman is always considered a woman with little or no say in the midst of men”.
The traditional Ghanaian woman is no exception he stressed. He stated the following as some utterances he has come across made by male chauvinists:

• “Care to know who is a woman?”
• “When men are talking women should keep quite because they are equal to children in the midst of men”
• “Power belongs to men and not women”

Fr. Lazurs Annyereh lamented that, utterances of this nature cannot continue to prevail in our contemporary societies where conscious efforts are made to ensure the promotion of participatory decision making and burden roles of women (reproductive, productive and managerial) cannot be left in silence.

He said women can no longer be referred to as playing a passive role in the family, society and the nation as a whole, adding that their contribution to societal development and family peace has been shelved for far too long.

He stressed that, in all fairness, women should be recognized as playing a major role in community development.

He argued that, the traditional Ghanaian women (with special reference to Northern Ghana), has a lot more to offer not just in home management, but also in the promotion of peace in the family.

He noted that, today, the world is endangered by constant violent conflicts saying, Peace has become a fragile commodity as violence is in the increase, with women and children suffering most.

He pointed out that, the men are the ones who take up the arms and fight and some of them lose their lives rendering their wives widows and their children orphans to the mercy of society.
In addition he said, many women in times of war are abused sexually and others charged with the sole responsibility of being the bread winners for their wards.

He said notwithstanding the fact that more often than not women and children are the most vulnerable in times of violent conflict; women are sometimes the perpetrators of violence. He cited instances where women have challenged their husbands to go to the battle front through provocative utterances.
He urged all to come on deck to ensure a permanent protection of human security.

According to him unable to address issues that disturb human security could lead to the provocation of human insecurity.

He said the time has come when women can no longer be seen as passive actresses regarding the promotion of peace in their families and communities, adding that
Women’s collective efforts towards peace building will reduce the volume of occurrence of barbarity in our communities.

He pointed out that just as women are sometimes the perpetrators of violence, they are equally promoters of peace. Also, he said our family set up reveals that children are mostly with their mothers who can easily transfer their knowledge and experiences to them.

In addition, he said in our traditional homes, women play a major role in the promotion of peace among their children as the men are mostly not at home but off to work or to socialize with colleagues.

According to him, experiences from women in counties like Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leon, Cote d’ivoire and Senegal and various strategies employed by women in their efforts to manage and resolve conflicts as well as building peace gives a spark of hope as well as offers a clear demonstration that women’s presence in peace building processes make a difference.

Having them (women) enrolled in official peace building activities would be an added advantage regarding conflict prevention, resolution and transformation in our communities, homes and the youth milieu added.

He said, one of the strategies that can increase women participation in peace building is to empower them with the necessary skills. Catching them young in the schools would be an added advantage as they will make use of the skills in their school environment as leaders and peace lovers he added.

He observed that to fulfill the mission of educating young people and preparing them to function effectively in adult society, schools must first be safe places where each learner can feel physically and psychologically free from threats and danger.

He looked forward to see some of the students act as mediators in times of misunderstanding between students themselves as well as between students and staff and student leaders.
He also hoped to see the satellite peace centre of Damongo Women in peace building (WIP) offer the club members training in conflict prevention, management and mediation to enable you function properly.

BY: REGINA ATULE

CAMFED HOLDS SENSITISATION PROGRAMME

2011-06-02T03:11:00.001-07:00

Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) Ghana under the West Gonja District held a sensitization programme for its partner schools in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

The programme was carried out by the District Education Committee Member under CAMFED. The DCE Members oversee the implementation of CAMFED programmes in the district to achieve its vision.

The objective of the programme was to sensitise and educate students on child rights. The subjects discussed included;

 Roles of parents in educating the girl child
 Roles of the teachers in educating the girl child
 Role of the girl child in her education

BY: REGINA ATULE

HIV/AIDS CAMPAIGN

2011-06-02T03:09:00.001-07:00

A one week campaign aim at sensitizing the public on HIV/AIDS had ended successfully in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

The campaign which was organized by ADRA was basically aimed at deepening education on the menace of HIV/ AIDS and to emphasize on the importance and the need for people to adopt preventive measures against the disease.

The campaign started on 11th May, 2011 and ended on 15th May, 2011.
Video shows and discussion were used as communication strategies to convey the message to the people.

The campaign covered ten communities in the district.
However it is expected that more communities will be covered in the second face of the programme.

Reactions from parents indicated that the programme was very educative for them and their wards. Most of the youth also expressed their joy about some of the things they have been exposed to.
They urged stakeholders to come out with more of such programmes to increase their knowledge about the disease.

BY: REGINA ATULE

CONSTITUTION WEEK CELEBRATION

2011-06-02T03:08:00.000-07:00

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) organized a forum as part of activities marking the celebration of the 11th National Constitution week.

In his welcome address the District Director of NCCE Mr. Stanley Z. Mahama expressed his gratitude for the continuous support and encouragement of the public particularly religious bodies towards the celebration of the Constitution Week in Ghana since April, 2001.

Speaking on the theme “The State of Ghana’s Democracy, 2001,” Mr. Stanley Mahama disclosed that the Commission intends to take stock of the 19 years return to uninterrupted democratic practice to enable us access the challenges and successes to our democratic practice.
He said the Commission expects every citizen in all spheres of life to be up and doing to put in our utmost commitment in making Ghana a pleasant home.

He added that, the NCCE hopes that Ghanaians will continue to persevere, uphold and defend the 1992 Constitution as the fundamental law of the land at all times in order to sustain the sound foundation that has been laid for our democracy.

To achieve this objective he said, Ghanaians are being called upon to critically examine the prospects and deficits in our democratic development since 1992.

More importantly he added, the NCCE calls for a sober reflection upon pertinent issues on corruption of the Judiciary and Justice System, Our Political Party Organization and operations, the Process of Decentralization, the nature of our media and civil society.

He said, the NCCE also urges all to work hard towards sustaining the gains made while the gaps identified are also closed effectively.

He told members that as the NCCE pledges to the nation that it will continually endeavor to sustain within the society, awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities as a free people, to build upon the democratic gains made by the country, it urges Ghanaians to participate actively and effectively in governance to maintain the stability of the country as a good basis for national development.

BY: REGINA ATULE

HIV/AIDS STAKEHOLDERS MEETING

2011-06-02T03:07:00.002-07:00

The District AIDS Committee (DAC) and District Response Management Team (DRMT) held a meeting to review HIV/AIDS activities in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.
The meeting also seeks at assessing the progress and challenges confronting all stakeholders pursuing various efforts to reduce the spread of the disease.

In his welcome address the district HIV/AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation focal person Mr. Patrick Aparik noted that HIV/AIDS has become one of the global challenges that affect economic growth and called on stakeholders adopt measures to curb it.
He added that it is a manageable chronic disease and not a killer disease as perceived previously.
He said people with the disease can live their normal life like any other person and pregnant women can also give birth without transferring the virus to the child.
He urged members not to relent on their efforts to encouraged people to know their status.

BY: REGINA ATULE

ROBBERS ATTACK PASSENGERS

2011-06-02T03:07:00.001-07:00

Five Robbers suspected to the Fulanis currently on the run, robbed passengers traveling on the Damongo Fufulso road in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.
The robbers blocked the road between Kojokura and Janipe at about 5:30 Pm on Monday May 16 and robbed passengers of their monies and personal belongings.

In a short interview with one of the victims, it was revealed that the robbers were armed with AK 47 assault Raffles.
Narrating the story the victim said, a mini Tata Bus with registration number NR 2421 C which was carrying about 36 passengers was ordered to stop. He said prior to the action four of the robbers were walking along the road closely to the bus holding some branches of leaves whilst one of them was ahead of the bus.

Upon approaching a sharp curve on the road he said, the one ahead quickly run to the middle of the road and started shooting on air. Immediately the other four also started shooting.

The driver Musah Abubakari managed to stop and the robbers instructed all passengers on board to lie down he added.
The robbers then seized their monies and mobile phones he said.
After the rubbery they instructed passengers to onboard the bus and bolted away before the police mobile team which had received information about the robbery attack could reach the scene.
He said, the driver continued the journey to Damongo after the robbers run away.

BY: REGINA ATULE

UNDP/ AFRICA 2000 SUPPORTS FARMERS

2011-06-02T03:06:00.001-07:00

Guinea fowl and crop farmers of the Sustainable Rural Livelihood Project (SRLP) under the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) supported by Africa 2000 Network have taken delivery of 5 incubators valued at 3000 Ghana Cedis and two donkeys and donkey carts in the west Gonja district of The Northern Region.

The Sustainable Rural Livelihood Project (SRLP) was initiated in the year 2006 with the aim of supporting and improving the livelihood of the poor through the promotion of Crop and Animal Production to help develop them.

Five communities made up of ten members each received the incubators whilst two groups made up of 35 members received the donkeys and donkey carts.
The intervention is aimed at boosting guinea fowl production and easing the transportation of farm products from the farms to homes.

In a handing over ceremony, the district chief executive hon. Adam Mutawakilu noted that, the District Assembly appreciates the support of the UNDP and wish they will continue with their support.

On his part the District team leader Mr. Sumani Iddrisu urged beneficiaries to make maximum utilization of the equipment. He advised them to use it for its intended purpose and keep regular maintenance for the benefit of others.

The projects under taken include; Guinea fowl rearing, Groundnut processing, Dry season gardening and small ruminant rearing.

BY: REGINA ATULE

PRESIDENT JOHN EVANS ATTA MILLS CALLS ON YAGBONWURA

2011-06-02T03:05:00.001-07:00

The President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency John Evans Atta Mills in a company with some government and Party Officials visited the district as part of his Regional Tour.

The president paid a courtesy call on the king of Gonjland Yabonwura Tuntumba Borsesa Sulemana Jakpa I. He later commissioned a 10 room girls Hostel valued at 124,230.85 Ghana Cedis at the Damongo Health Assistant Training School (HATS) and inspected some ongoing projects.

Addressing a durbar of chiefs and elders at the Yabonwura’s palace, the president congratulated the King on his instalment as the Yabonwura.

He thanked the chiefs and elders and people of Gonjaland for giving him a hard working vice president. He described the vice president as someone who has the nation at heart and has concerned for development issues.

He assured the people that he will be back in June to cut sod for the commencement of the construction of the Fufulso-Damongo-Sawla Road.

He further assured the people of more developmental projects. The president was optimistic that the NDC will win power for the next four years.

On his part the Yabonwura assured the president that by the time his skins become vacant he would have his support and that of other kings and chiefs as well and other stakeholders resolved if not all but more than half of the conflicts first in his Kingdom and in the Northern Region at large. This he said would change the attitude and mind set of those who think the Northern Region offers only conflict in place of development.

He noted that peace is the prerequisite for development and its sustenance was key to meaningful growth and development.

The King pledged to build and rely on some of the already existing structures as well as innovation aimed at achieving lasting peace not only in Gonjaland but the whole of the Northern Region.

He also reassured all those who want to assist districts in his Kingdom to develop to come and do so because he has with all chiefs under him resolved to work hard to achieve measurable results for posterity.

He commended the president for the numerous projects being under taken in the district and urged him to continue to do more.

The King appealed to the president to assist him get a lasting solution in dealing with institutions and agencies that need to pay royalties or compensation to his Kingdom. He mentioned the Mole Game Reserve and the Bui Dam project as some of the agencies. He pointed out that, not much has been realized by his predecessors as a direct contribution to the kingdom.

However, he commended the management of the Mole Game Reserve for the level of cooperation they have enjoyed with them.

Besides he reminded them that much as they were privileged to have the park in the district, there was the need to preserve and conserve the flora and fauna, yet human life still remains very valuable and important and everything should be done to preserve life.

The Yabonwura thanked the president for this visit and hoped that he would be given the opportunity to reciprocate the visit since it would afford him the rare opportunity to show case his vision and mission and effects needed to achieve them.

BY: REGINA ATULE

ANNUAL WASSA CELEBRATED

2011-06-02T03:04:00.001-07:00

The Damongo District Police Command in conjunction with the Bole and Sawla District Police Command celebrated their first ever Annual West Africa Security Services Association (WASSA) in Damongo the District Capital of Gonja West.

WASSA celebrations started some years back in Ghana. It is an annual event that aims at assessing performances and adopting measures to enhance the delivering of service. It also offers a platform for members to socialize and familiarize with each other.

Addressing participants at the gathering, the District Police Commander DSP Mr. Ansah Dawuda disclosed that, the three District Police Commands have a working strength of 101 currently, adding that though the number is inadequate, the Districts have managed to bring crime to its barest minimal.

He pointed out that, the Police cannot work in isolation but need the cooperation of all stakeholders especially the general public.
He appealed to all and sundry to volunteer information to enable them combat crime to making the Better Ghana Agenda of the government a reality.
He assured members that any information given to the Police will be treated with tactfulness.
He further appealed to stakeholders to assist the three Districts Police Command with motorbikes, computers and its accessories to enhance effective policing.
DSP Mr. Ansah Dawuda also appealed to stakeholders for the renovation of the police barracks and the construction of a KIVP for Damongo District Police Command.
He expressed his profound gratitude to the Yabonwura for his continues support to the Police saying, “In fact, what we are witnessing today is through the support of his highness”.
He also expressed appreciation to the Damongo-wura for the release of about 16 acres of land to the Police for the construction of a new District Police Headquarters.

The commander made it known that the project which is sponsored by the West Gonja District Assembly was almost completed.
He commended the MP for Damongo/Daboya constituency Hon. Sammy Wusah, the West Gonja DCE Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, and the District Assembly for their love and support for the police over the years.

BY: REGINA ATULE

SRWSP LUNCHED

2011-06-02T03:03:00.001-07:00

The Ghana Sustainable Rural Water and Sanitation Project had been launched in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

The project is funded by the International Development Agency (IDA) in conjunction with the World Bank.

The project aims at expanding access and ensuring sustainability of water supply and sanitation services in six selected regions across the country.

Delivering a presentation at the ceremony an extension service specialist of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency Tamale, Mr. Moses Bagblelle disclosed that, a sum of $75m has been allocated for the project.

He revealed that the project has three components namely; A: Rural and Small Town Water Supply B: Rural and Small Town Integrated Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion C: Institutional Strengthening and Project Management.

He said, 600,000 people are expected to benefit from the water and sanitation components.

He disclosed that US$47.6m, US$ 18.6m and US$11.1m has been allocated for the three components respectively.

Component A among other things will provide;
• Boreholes fitted with hand pumps for up to 1.200 people,
• Rehabilitation of broken down “orphan” boreholes
• Rehabilitation of non optimal performing water supply systems transferred from
GWCL.
• Large sized water supply systems based on mechanized boreholes or surface water
for large size small towns for about 5,000 people.

Component B will provide among other things;

• Achieve behavioral change for long-term sustainability
• Encourage people to acquire their own toilets

Component C include provision of

• Technical assistance
• Establish sector information system
• Project coordination and management

Mr. Joseph Tei Labi an Administrative Manager of CWSA Tamale, also took participants through the role of stakeholders in the implementation of the programme.

The District Coordinating Director Mr. S. Y. Inusah advised members to embrace the programme with all seriousness to make it a reality.

He noted that water is life and any community that faces the challenge of water supply cannot see a better development.

He promised that the assembly will support the programme to make it successful.

BY: REGINA ATULE

A NEW RECUE TENDER FOR DISTRICT FIRE DIVISION

2011-06-02T03:02:00.001-07:00

A New Recue Tender has been officially handed over to the West Gonja District fire Division.
In his welcome address the Hon. DCE Adam Mutawakilu noted that, the ceremony was really a dream come true.
He stated that upon his assumption of duty in the mid of 2009, he made it part of his plans to ensure that most of the departments in the district were equipped to enable them work effectively.
It was out of this vision that, when he came into contact with Mr. Achana Joseph a philanthropist, he took advantage to discuss with him the possibility of helping the district in this direction he said.

Indeed the interaction yielded positive results and this was how come the district is privilege to be among only few districts to have a Rescue Tender he added.

He hoped that the vehicle will be used for the intended purpose. He remarked that Maintenance culture was one challenge in most of the institutions. He therefore urged the District Fire Officer to have a maintenance plan to ensure regular maintenance of the vehicle.

On behalf of the district, the DCE thanked Mr. Achana Chief Fire Officer for this wonderful donation.
He announced his pleasure of the intended construction of the Fufulso-Damongo-Sawla Road and noted that often times, people ask for first class roads but they also come with a cost. He said the good roads lead to people’s desire to go at a high speed which often leads to frequent accidents.

In a new development, the DCE inaugurated Fire Volunteers Squad selected across communities in the district.

He stated that, the presence of fire volunteers in our communities was a welcome initiative. He added that, Government was concern with the vegetation of this country which is being depleted in most cases by human activities.

The introduction of fire volunteers is therefore very timely and the Assembly shall give the necessary support to let them work effectively he stressed.

He mentioned bushfire, overgrazing by Fulani Herdsmen and illegal lumbering as the main issues affecting our environment.

He promised to bring these challenges under control with the support of the officers.

BY: REGINA ATULE

BECE IN WEST GONJA DISTRICT

2011-06-02T03:01:00.001-07:00

The District Coordinating Director Mr. S.Y Inusah accompanied by the District Director of Education Mr. Charles Akatuk and some officials visited the two Centers where candidates were undertaking their Basic Education Certificate Examination.

The visit was part of efforts to observed situations at the examination centres.

Mr. Charles Akatuk expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the examination.
According to him the atmosphere was calm and the invigilators were working very hard to avoid any examination malpractice.

He added that security personal were also present to ensure law and order.

According to the district supervisor Mr. Albert Bonah, 922 candidates were registered in the district.

At the Damongo Senior High School centre, 690 candidates from 15 schools were registered, out of which 365 were boys and 325 were girls.

At the Daboya centre, 232 candidates from 5 schools were registered out of which 96 represented girls and 136 were boys.

Two and one candidates were absent at the Damongo and Daboya centres respectively. This brings to the total number of absenteeism to three.

The examination started in time and no incidence of any examination malpractice was been recorded.

BY: REGINA ATULE

FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

2011-06-02T02:47:00.000-07:00

A Financial Literacy Programme has been launched in the Gonja West District of the Northern Region.

The Financial Literacy Programme is one of the components implemented by campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) Ghana with the aim of impacting Financial Literacy and entrepreneurial training skills for young women who are into small scale businesses especially in the rural areas.

Speaking at the launch the training manager Madam Muniratu Issifu disclosed that, the programme had trained 15 young women who were selected from CAMFED Association (CAMA) across CAMFED’s 15 districts of operation in the region.

CAMA is a network of Young Women who aims at empowering themselves with entrepreneurial skills to make them financially independent.

She explained that, each of the 15 Core Trainers will in turn train 30 members of CAMA as peer educators in their various districts.

She further explained that, each peer educator is expected to train 75 members in their districts annually for five years. A total of 18,750 people are expecte4d to benefit at the end of the five year period.

She said it is assume that, each recipient will implement their learning to the direct benefit of 5 people, so that the overall reach of the programme will be 843,750 people in the Northern Region.

She disclosed that over one million people are targeted to be reached on the learning and sharing of knowledge of Financial Literacy over five year period.

Among the modules to be discussed under the program include Business Skills, Financial Literacy Skills and Life Skills.

In a related development, newly appointed District Education Committee Members were inaugurated. The DEC Members oversee the implementation of CAMFED programmes in the district.

Prior to the inauguration ceremony the DCE Hon. Adam Mutawakilu who was the special guest of honor commended the authorities of CAMFED for their immense contribution to development in the district.

He reiterated government’s support for the programme to better the lives of the lot in the district.

BY: REGINA ATULE

CHIEFS CALLS ON YABONWURA

2011-06-02T02:36:00.000-07:00

Over twelfth divisional chiefs an elders from the South Moi Traditional area of the Brong Ahafo Region led by the Gyasihene Dr. David Mensah called on the Yabonwura at his palace over the week end on 17th April 2011.

The purpose of the visit was to pass on good wishes to the king on his instalment as Yabonwura and to strengthen their cordial relationship with the Yabonwura and the people of Gonjaland.

The Gyasihene Dr. David Mensah explained that, they did not have a leader since the instalement of the king and that has contributed to their inability to call on the Yabonwura in advance.

The Gyasihene advised members to take the education of their wards seriously.

He further advised members to educate community members to clean their environment to promote a healthy life style.

He cautioned members to devoid from polities since chieftaincy is an institution that serves all manner of people irrespective of their political affiliation.
On behalf of the chiefs and elders he promised to support the king to provide employable skills for the youth in Gonjaland to reduce the rural urban migration.

BY: REGINA ATULE

CAMFED SUPPORTS PARTNER SCHOOLS

2011-04-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Beneficiaries of Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED)Ghana in two Senior High and eleven Junior High Schools in West Gonja District of the Northern Region have taken delivery of bursary items valued at over GHC2000.00.

The move was aimed at complementing government's efforts to promote girl child education.

CAMFED is a non governmental organization which aims at supporting female students especially the poor and needy who cannot afford for their educational needs.

The main objectives of the distribution of the bursary items to the beneficiaries were;

(i) To support the needy girls in the beneficiary schools with their educational
needs
(ii) To retain these beneficiary students in schools till completion
(iii) To increase girl enrollment in school
(iv) To encourage high academic performance of girls in school

A total of 222 beneficiaries received the items. Out of this number, 72 and 150 beneficiaries from the two Senior High and eleven Junior High Schools received the items respectively.

Each of the beneficiaries from the Junior High Schools received ten exercise books, five note 3 books, five pens and six sanitary towels. A set of uniform and a pair of sandals was added to year two students.

The registration fee of final year students was also paid.

Beneficiaries from the Senior High Schools also received ten exercise books, ten note 3 books, five pens, six sanitary towels and a bar of key soap each.

Year two beneficiaries received a set of uniform and a pair of sandals in addition.

A total of 80 sandals, 2,200 exercise books, 1,470 note 3 books, 1,110 pens, 1,332 sanitary towel, 72 key bar soaps and 420yrds of uniform materials were distributed.

The distribution was carried out by the District Education Committee Members under CAMFED.

BY: ATULE REGINA

DAMONGO GETS A NEW BISHOP

2011-04-20T05:21:00.000-07:00

Most Rev. Peter Paul Yelezuome has been ordained and installed as the new Bishop of the Damongo diocese of the Catholic church Mission in the Gonja West District of the Northern Region.

Most Rev. Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier hails from Monyupelle, Nandom in the Upper West Region of Ghana. He was born on 26th November 1961 in his native village, to Mr. Sylvino Domekyere Angkyier of blessed memory and Victoria Bekpar.

He began his elementary education at the St. Anne's Catholic Primary School, Damongo in September 1970. From 1972 to 1973, he continued his elementary education at Gengenkpe L/A Primary, Nandom and later at the St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Tamale from 1973 to 1977.

He did his secondary education at St. Charles Minor Seminary/Secondary School from 1977 to 1982 and continued to Tamale Secondary School for his sixth form studies, from 1982 to 1984.

He gained admission into St. Victor's Major Seminary, Tamale in September 1985 and was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Tamale on 115th August 1992.

His first appointment was to the Martyrs of Uganda Parish, Bole (1992 to 1993). He was next transferred to the then St. Anne's Parish (now cathedral) from 1993 to 1994.

From January 1995 to July 1996, he worked as chaplain to the English speaking African students of the Archdiocese of Vienna, Austria.

From September 1996 to June 2000 he studied at the Institute of Psychology of The Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome obtaining a Licentiate in clinical psychology and formation work.

Returning to Ghana in September 2000, he was appointed lecturer and spiritual Director of the newly established St. Augustine's Millennium Major Seminary (the Philosophicum of the Tamale Ecclesiastical province) from 2000 to 2003.

From June 2002 till February 2009, he was appointed Vicar general of the Diocese of Damongo. He was the Episcopal Vicar for the Socio-Economic Development of the diocese (2002 to 2009) and the Administrator of the diocesan Secretariat (2003 to 2009).

Msgr Angkyier also served as a member of the Priests' Senate and the Bishop's College of Consultors (2000 to 2009).

Other responsibilities and offices held include: Diocesan Vocations Team Leader, Diocesan Coordinator Department of Pastoral Care; member of the Ecclesiastical Province ongoing formation Team (2002 to date); member of the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province - Munster Partnership Committee (2000 to 20008); Priest in charge of the Counselling and Therapy Centre; diocesan Coordinator of the family Life Apostolate.

Present at the ceremony were Most Rev. Leon B. Kaleng, (Apostolic nuncio in Ghana), Most Rev. Philip Naameh (1st Bishop of Damongo and Metropolitan Bishop of Tamale), the Yabonwura Tuntumba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa I, the Northern Regional Minister Hon. Moses Magbenga, representatives from Rome, and across the world. Besides representatives from all catholic churches across the country were present.

The occasion was generally peaceful.

BY: ATULE REGINA

ASSEMBLY MEMBERS INUGURATED

2011-03-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

The First session of West Gonja District Assembly had been duly inaugurated.

New Assembly Members; some of whom have been elected and others appointed by government to carry the mantle of the MMDAs in the next four (4) years were sworn-into office.

His Excellency John Evans Atta Mills noted that, some of the Assembly Members have been re-elected whilst others were re-appointed. This means that, some have experience and will share their knowledge and experience with the new members he added.

The President stated that, the election and appointment of members as assembly members is a mark of confidence the people have in them and they are therefore expected to live up to expectation.

He said for the duration of their four-year term, they are to serve their people and country at the local government level in a way and manner that will let people appreciate the fact that they are truly participating in the decision-making process and governance of the nation.

He outlined some of the duties of Assembly Members stated in Section 16 (1) of the Local government Act 1993, Act 462.

He noted that, when the Assembly is served by dedicated and committed individuals who make a duty to demand accountability of them and management of the MMDAs, then the credibility of the Assembly will be assured in respect of its decision making and service delivery to the people.

He mentioned that, any member who will use his or her position to gain contracts or undue favours from the Assembly will be committing a serious offence of conflict of interest and would be liable to sanction.

He cautioned members that, as representatives of the President and first servants of the state at the District level, they must comport themselves in the administration and demonstrate to the people that are indeed available as chief servants of the districts.

He added that, a number of pragmatic interventions have been undertaken by the government to further deepen and give effect to our decentralized system of governance, and these include:

* Formulation of a reviewed National Decentralization Policy
* Production of a National Decentralization Action Plan being implemented
* Reduction in the number of Unit Committees to about 5,000 to be co-terminus
electoral areas for effective functioning and management
* Formulation of the Draft Urban Development Policy
* Implementation of the street naming and house numbering exercise
* Implementation of the new sanitation policy
* Implementation of the sanitation guards component of the NYEP
* Strengthening of the Local Government Service Secretariat, etc.

He emphasised on the need for new Assembly members to come out with new strategies in collaboration with management to generate adequate revenue to complement the efforts of central government.

In addition he said, the success of every MMDAs will largely depend on the level of cooperation between Assembly Members and the Chief Executive as well as other management staff in the discharge of their functions.

Touching on sanitation, the president asked all MMDAs to put premium on sanitation and waste management activities to rid the towns and cities of filth and health problems associated with insanitary conditions.

He said this year being an Action year, government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that performance targets are met.

He assured members that, government will continue to support all MMDAs in their quest to render better services to the people and to develop the nation Ghana.

He told members that, they are the bedrock of the Better Ghana agenda and he trust that they will acquit themselves well in this regard so that together they will continue the process of building a vibrant and resilient economy, ensuring a transparent and accountable governance, investing in the people and expanding the infrastructure as set forth in the manifesto and policy document.

The president made this remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Airports Company Limited Hon. Doreen Owusu Fianko.

The DCE Hon. Adam Matawkilu also took his turn to address members. He revealed that the assembly is made up of 27 Elected Members, 12 Government Appointees, and the Hon. Member of Parliament for Damongo/Daboya Constituency. This brings the total number of the Honourable House to 41.

He noted that, the vast nature of the area, coupled with a lot of rivers and streams make it difficult to access the whole area all year round. Added to this is the poor road network.

This he said has led to the reference of some parts of the communities as "overseas". "I think it is not fair to have overseas in our own country" he regretted.

He added that the situation has also led to imbalance distribution of resources as some of the donor partner's interventions are time bound.

He mentioned that, it is due to these challenges that the chiefs and elders, in collaboration with others, have written to the government for the consideration of a separate constituency for Daboya/Mankarigu.

He entreated those coming for their first time to visit the mole game reserve.

On his part, the Member of Parliament of Damongo/Daboya Constituency Hon. Sammy Wusah on behalf of the government handed over a key of a 22 seater minibus to the Headmaster of Ndewura Japka Senior High Technical School.

He remarked that government has not relented on its efforts to deliver the better Ghana agenda. He told the people that, plans were far advanced to carry out other projects in the district.

The headmaster thanked the government for his efforts to promote quality teaching and learning. He promised to maintain and sustain the bus for its purpose.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Damongowura Japka Lermu and his elders, Heads of Department, Heads of Political Parties, Religious Leaders and the General Public.

On a new development, Hon. Salia Mahama L was elected as the Presiding Member of the West Gonja District Assembly.

Hon. Ayuba Seidu an Assembly Member contested with Hon. Salia Mahama L a Government Appointee in the West Gonja District Assembly.

The election of the presiding member nearly ended in a stalemate because none of the contestants obtained two-thirds of the total votes cast after the first round of ballot.

Hon. Salia Mahama L polled 24 votes and his opponent Hon. Ayuba Seidu polled 16 votes.

After some negotiations, Hon. Ayuba Seidu decided to step down and Mr. Salia Mahama L polled 36 votes with 3 against thereby getting 90 percent to qualify him as the Presiding Member.

One vote was disqualified.

Balloting was conducted by the district electoral Officer, Mr. Andani N Issah.

BY: ATULE REGINA

WEST GONJA DISTRICT CELEBRATES 54TH INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY- 6TH MARCH 2011

2011-03-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

The West Gonja District of the Northern has joined the rest of the country to celebrate this year's Independence Day.

At about 8:30 am school children and some other Civil organizations were already assembled at the Damongo Town Park ready for the March pass.

The Hon. DCE Adam Mutawakilu accompanied by the District Co-ordinating Director Mr, S.Y. Inusah, the District Police commander A.S.P Mr. Ansah Dawuda, the District Director of Education Mr. Charles Akatuk and the District Fire Officer DOII James Ayiania inspected the Parade.

Addressing the parade under the theme; "Discipline and hard work, essential prerequisite for Better Ghana" the DCE noted that, the commemoration of the occasion usually brings to mind the selfless dedication and commitment our forbearers exhibited in attaining our independence.

He recalled that His Excellency Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, the President of the Republic of Ghana at the beginning of the year described the year as a year of action. This can only be achieved through discipline and hard work he added.

He pointed out that, often times, some workers go to their workplaces very late or do not go at all. "This is a clear example of indiscipline" he said.

However, he stressed "what we need to know is that we are put at where we are because the state needs our services for the nation to grow".

He added that, the refusals to do the right thing at the right time tend to put the nation backward. He cautioned that, this behaviour should not be tolerated by anybody.

According to the DCE, it has become clear that the level of discipline in schools in the district is nothing to write home about. He said this has therefore manifested in the recent BECE results where some schools scored zero percent.

He was however glad with the bold steps the District Director of Education has taken to instil discipline in the school.

He pledged the assembly's support to help him carry out this exercise.

He mentioned that, the government of the NDC is very much concerned with discipline and hard work among Ghanaians.

It is only by this he said, that the Better Ghana Promised by H.E. John E.A. Mills can be achieved.

The DCE recounted some projects in the district which the government has under taken for the past two years.

He mentioned 47 projects which included the construction of 6-unit classroom blocks with offices, construction and furnishing of 1 No.3 - unit classroom blocks and ancillary facilities at Anyanto,TariNo.1, Kurabaso JHS, Presby and Falahiate primaries. He further mentioned 1 No. 3-unit Teacher's Quarters at Mempeasem and Nabori primary school.

He announced that, Government had paid an amount of GHC 154,000.00 to the project affected persons, thereby clearing the way for sod cutting for the construction of Fufulso/Sawla Road Project.

He urged everyone to support in the implementation of the project till it is completed.

He congratulated everybody especially the King, the Overlord of Gonja, for the able and peaceful manner the recent Damba festival as well his one year Anniversary was celebrated.

The event was marked by a colorful celebration including activities such football matches and quizz competition.

BY: ATULE REGINA

YAGBONWURA CELEBRATES DAMBA

2011-03-03T03:51:00.000-08:00

As part of tradition, the King of Gonjaland Yabonwura Tuntumba Borsa Sulemana Jakpa I had celebrated this year's Damba festival which coincided with his first anniversary after he was installed as the King.

The occasion is used to settle disputes among the people and to also plan for development in the tradtional area. Damba is a festival characterised by merry making, drumming and dancing.

According to histroy, Damba is a major traditional festival celebrated by the people of the Northern Region to mark the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed founder of the Islamic Religion.

Damba is the third month on the traditional calendar and the occasion falls on the 10th day of the Damba month.

Due to the rotational nature of the traditional calendar, the day keeps varying.

Specifically, the people who celebrate Damba include Dagombas, Gonjas, Nanumbas and Walas.

On this occasion, all the paramount chiefs come together and meet at the King's palace to celebrate the festival.

In his address the Doliwura Awushie A. M. S. Zakaria (spokersperson of the paramount chief) on behalf of the Yabonwura appealed to Gonjas, people of Gonja extraction and persons resident on Gonjaland, and Gonjas in the Diaspora to eschew divisions, undermining, backbiting and all the negative things that would neither profit the land nor the people.

He said Gonjas were part of a greater Ghana and Ghana will not wait for them if they were not ready and look on askance while the ship of state moves on a determined course.

He pointed out that they pride themselves as being poineers of Ghana having arrived in Gonjaland as a faction of the Kingdom of Songhai under the great Askia Mohammed.

He added that they have therefore by dint of hard work and sacrifice taken great initiatives in olden times, in colonial times, and in the post independence era to make a contribution that has made Ghana the proud nation that it is today.

Unity he continued, therefore should stand proverbial and an example of Ghana and to our kinsmen and neighbours across the borders.

The Yabonwura stated that the most recent symposium on Gonja which was held in Accra was no doubt a sense of pride to him and all Gonjas because they could feel the spirit of Gonja unified and on the ascendency.

Touching on politics, the King mentioned that, Democracy and its bed fellow, party politics, is no doubt good for Ghana, but people should not stretch party politics to nauseating levels when they equate politics with enmity.

He urged everyone to be each others keeper and stand together to develop Gonjaland and Ghana as a whole.

He call upon all our allies of old; Grunshies, Sissalas, Chokosis, Vaglas, Nawuris, Nchumurus, Tampulumas, Hangas amongst others to join in the fight for peace and tranquillity.

He pointed out that, the institution of chieftaincy is about chiefs, legend, tradition, culture and everything that encompasses history.

He therefore appealed to all Gonjas to respect thier own constituion which they inherited from their forebears.

He mentioned that, Matters were handled at the Paramouncies in the divisions and where people are dissatisfied or seek other forms of justice they are free to seek the appellate jurisdiction of the paramouncy.

On Education, he lamented that, the long term effect of the lack of educational facilities has had a telling effect on boys and girls in Gonja with damning consequences for the girl child in particular.

In this regard he said, "I have taken inspiration from my good friend and majestic guest, Otumfuo to establish the Yagbonwura Tuntumba foundation to cater for youth education in general and for the girl child in particular".

He called upon the government therefore to support his concerns on education in Gonja by building new Senior High Schools in Yapei, Buipe, Mpaha, Daboya and Kusawgu. In addition he urged the government to do whatever is possibly to establish in the shortest possible time, Teacher Training Colleges in Salaga and Bole.

He noted that Gonjas accounts for one-sixth (1/6) of the land mass of Ghana and fifty-three (53%) of the land mass of the Northern Region.

Talking about health, Yabonwura remarked that health is vital to the well being of the people and the sheer mass of Gonjaland makes it harder for the people to access health care delivery.

He mentioned that Gonjaland have only three hospitals in Bole, Salaga and Damongo. He appealed to government to provide health facilities that will assist in responding to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG's) with respect to infant mortality and maternal health care.

Not forgetting about tourism which is one of the greatest potentials in the district, The king said Mole Game Reserve is truly a national asset and tourists flock to the reserve for a pastime or two.

However he said, the general feeling is that, it suffers from a lack of modernisation and increase in animal variety and population.

According to him, the time has come for government to engage the Gonja Traditional Council in a serious discourse particularly by the establishment of a Board of Trustees that would have a link with the traditional authorities and the people of Gonja.

On his part the vice president His Excellency John Dramani Mahama commended the king and people of Gonjaland for the peace the have maintain.

The Vice President mentioned facilities like schools, hospitals and water amongst others which plans have been far advanced to implement them.

The Akyempimhere Adusei Poku a representative of Asnatehere Otumfuo Osei Tutu II took his turn to address the gathering.

He pledged the kings support for Yabonwura's foundation.

BY: ATULE REGINA - DAMONGO

STARFUC HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE

2011-03-03T03:22:00.000-08:00

Soldiers for Transparency Accountability and Responsibility Fun Club (STRAFUC) of the NDC held a press conference in Damongo, the district capital of the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

The press conference was aimed at outlining the achievements of the NDC government in the district for the past two years.

In his welcome address the constituency Youth Organizer Mr. Sorku K. Yahuza, mentioned that as a social democratic party their mission is to:

- Feed the hungry
- cloth the naked
- House the homeless
- Teach the illiterate
- Provide jobs for the jobless and to respect human rights with dignity

He disclosed that, Soldiers for Transparency Accountability and Responsibility Fun Club (STARFUC) of NDC was strategically established by its founding members among other things;

* To encourage national consciousness and unity among the youth in NDC
* The use of youth activist to win a soul for a day project for NDC
* The use of youth activist for house to house campaign and focus groups discussion
* to combat propaganda detrimental to the interest of the NDC and defend the
policies, aims and programmes of the NDC
* To study political, economic and social problems of Ghana, Africa and the world,
and to offer constructive criticism for the betterment of human race
* And also to use the media both print and electronic to propagate the programmes
and policies of the NDC

He was optimistic that through the hard work of its founding members, leadership and teaming supporters, STARFUC will withstand the test of time.

He lauded the DCE Hon. Adam Mutawakilu for his support for STARFUC and urged all DECs to emulate him and get all the youth united and prepared for the "Action Year".

Some executives of STARFUC took their turn and outlined numerous achievements of the NDC under the leadership of Prof. Mills for the past two years in the district.

The achievements range from the areas of education, economy, agriculture, physical infrastructure, health, environment and the social fibre of the country.

On his part the DCE noted that, the NDC government will always deliver on its promises to achieve the better Ghana agenda.

However, he implored everyone to support the government in this direction irrespective of their political affiliation.

The meeting brought together, members of STARFUC, some constituency executives and Assembly Persons among others.

BY: ATULE REGINA

WORLD VISION SUPPORTS MOLE SCHOOL

2011-03-03T02:55:00.000-08:00

Authorities of the Mole Basic and Junior High School in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region have taken delivery of 40 dual desk and two set of teachers writing desk valued at GHc 2,100.00.

The benevolent gesture was made possible via the kind assistance of World Vision Area Development Programme (ADP) under the district.

The move was aimed at complementing government's efforts to promote quality teaching and learning.

In his remarks, the Area Development Programme Manager Mr. Paul Azeka disclosed that, World Vision has the vision to ensure that every child enjoys fullness of life regardless of the Child's gender, religion, location etc.

He mentioned that, World Vision International is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice, since 1979. He added that, World Vision Ghana has partnered with the people in rural communities to help build a better world for children and families.

He revealed that, the goal of all World Vision's ministries is the sustained well-being of children within families and communities, especially the most vulnerable.

He stated that, World Vision has defined four areas of impact on child well-being as follows.

* Girls and boys enjoy good health
* Girls and boys are educated for life
* Girls and boys experience the love of God and their neighbours
* Girls and boys are cared for, protected, and participating.

He said in line with these goals, World Vision Ghana started an Area Development Programme (ADP) in the West Gonja District in 2007. The goal was to work in targeted communities within the ADP to help them identify their most serious concerns and develop lasting response he added.
The manager pointed out that, ADP model enables integration of multiple interventions ranging from Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Health, Education and Economic Development, Depending on the community's greatest needs.

He revealed that, World Vision typically works in an ADP for 12 to 18 years and aims to assist communities in ways that empower them to sustain programme outcomes after World Vision's assistance has ended.

On his part the DCE Hon. Adam Mutawakilu thanked World Vision for the kind gesture.

He pointed out that the NDC government has not relented on its efforts towards the achievement of the better Ghana agenda.

He disclosed that, government has provided about 1000 dual desk for onward distribution for schools in the district.

BY: ATULE REGINA

GALAMSEY MINNERS ATTACKS KABLMA CHIEF

2011-02-10T03:28:00.000-08:00

the over lord of the Gonja Traditional Council Yagbonwura Sulemana tuntumba Bori Essa I has sermon the chief and youth of Kabalma Traditional Area in the Bole district over chieftaincy dispute.

The paramount chief charged the chief of Kabalma to bring a cow with two fowls for the chief priest to purify the land for peaceful co-substance among the chief and youth of Kablma.

The sermon was as a result of an alarm raised by the chief of Kabalma in relation to five strong guys who attacked him in his room to assassinate him.
The knives were brough to the Yabonwura's palace by the chief for investigation.

though the youth denied the allegation, the paramount chief asked them to bring two sheep with fowls for purification of the land.

The youth together with the Mbonwura thus the warriors of Kabalma, and Wangara insisted that the chief of Kabalma should be diskined for allegedly lying that the youth attempted killing him.

the case was first reported to Bole wura Amankawah Seidu Gbeadase II who in an attempt to find solution to the problem failed. The Wangara and the warriors were uncooperative and violent. He therefore called on the police in BOle for safety.
The Wangara chief was arrested and was first tried in the Bole Magistrate court.

The Yagbonwura in his wisdom called the Kabalma chief and the Bole wura to order and insisted a quick withdrawal of the case from the court.
He stressed that cheiftaincy disputes were better solved within the traditional council in the palace than the court.

He appealed to the youth to accept the chief.

BY ATULE REGINA

CAMFED ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

2011-02-10T02:46:00.000-08:00

Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) Ghana under the West Gonja District of the Northern Region held its annual general meeting in Damongo.

CAMFED is a non governmental organization which aims at supporting female students especially the poor and needy who cannot afford for their educational needs.

The support they provide include the following;
Safety net fund: This includes payment of school fees, uniforms, sandals, exercise books, pens etc.
Bursary: This is a full scholarship to enable girls complete the Junior and Senior High Schools.

Safer schools fund: This provides financial support for projects targeted at improving the quality of teaching and learning as well as the physical environment. Young women empowerment: grants given to young women to become economically independent.

The meeting was organised to among other things raise awareness of the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders of the CAMFED programme, measure achievements and assess challenges over the year and as well as they way forward.

A report by the district education committee chairperson of CAMFED Mrs Mercy Awuntomah revealed that, in the year 2010 they under took the follwoing activities in the partner schools.

- Selection of forty needy pupils from Larabanga, Busunu D/A, Jakpa, and Canteen JHS Schools with stakeholders for the safety Net Fund.
- Selection of forty needy girls from Ndewura Jakpa and Damongo Senior High Schools for the Bursary support.
- Distribution of Bursary items to 224 JHS and 70 SHS needy girls in the District.
- Monitoring of both the use of the Bursary items and the implementation of the school safer Funds Projects.
- Organization of capacity building for SMC/PTAs and Head teachers of beneficiary schools, on their roles and responsibilities and on child protection.

The following were some of the achievements said to be accomplished in the report.
Due to the intervention of the CAMFED Programmed in the district, the Basic Schools enrolment figures increased, Statistics were as follows;

YEAR LEVEL BOYS GIRLS TOTAL
2007 Primary 6811 6122 12933
JHS 1783 1444 3227

2008 Primary 6599 6221 12820
JHS 1873 1566 3437

2009-2010 Primary 6752 6507 13259
JHS 2101 1716 3820

Again, the report revealed that CAMFED have helped to retain the needy girls in school and also increased the gender parity index (GPI)as shown below.

S/N BASIC LEVEL GP1
1 KG 1.01
2 Primary 0.99
3 JHS 0.91

In addition, the school safer funds have supported the benegiciary schools to provide a gender friendly school environment as well as quality teaching and learning. Some of the schools used the safer funds in purchasing computers for the teaching of I.C.T in their schools.

Some of the challenges mentioned were as follows;

(i) Lack of commitment among some of the DEC members
(ii) Late submission of returns and reports by some beneficiary schools.
(iii)Most schools and parents were pressuring for inclusion in the CAMFED support.
(iv) Difficulty of getting Damongo Senior High School uniform
(v) West Gonja was faced with a challenge of not getting quota for selection.

Mrs. Mercy Ewuntomah advised headmasters/teachers to retire their expenditure and submit their reports in time.

She further advised the new elected DEC members to be committed to work so that the district can qualify for the selection quota this year.
She called on members to be serious about CAMFED activities.

Madaam Abukari Afishata leader of CAMA outlined some of their achievements and challenges.

On achievements shse outlined the following;
1. CAMA was able to get 105 dropout pupils enrolled in schools
2. Two CAMA members were trained on Child Health Protection as Peer Health Educators
3. Also CAMA members, two MSG members were trained on gender and child right etc.

Touching on challenges, Madam Afishata complained of lack of commitment among members, inadequate funds, and Lack of means of transport to reach some communities etc.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the District Director of Education, the Human Resource Manager Mr. Robert Sulemana Kawura acknowledged the initiatives carried out by CAMFED in the district.

He advised head teachers and teacher mentors to coordinate well with their activities to bring progress in the schools and the district at large.

He also advised that funds received form CAMFED should be judiciously used.

He however lamented that some head teachers could not use the funds received from CAMFED to benefit their schools and students.

Representing the DCE Mr. S.Y. Inusah who is the District Co-ordinating Director of West Gonja lauded the DEC memebrs of CAMFED and outlined the essence of Annual General Meeting.

The meeting brought together District Education committee (DEC) members, CAMA members, Teacher mentors, headteachers of beneficiary schools etc.

BY ATULE REGINA

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW MEETING

2011-02-10T02:42:00.000-08:00

An annual performance review meeting of the Ghana Health Service under the West Gonja District was held in Damongo.

The meeting was organised to review the performance of the directorate in 2010 and to plan for 2011.

The District Director of Health Dr. Kubio Crysantus in his speech outlined some successes and challengers of the sector.

He stated that the District has one hospital, four clinics, one poly clinic and five CHPS compounds.

He added that, there was an increase of the utilization of the in and out patient service with a per-capital income from 0.7 to 0.8.

Also, the increase of CHPS compound from two in 2009 to five by 2010 resulted in a reduction of mortality rate from106 per 100 live births in 2009 to 78 per 100 live births in 2010.

In addition, personnel have work hard to maintain Antenatal Care by 30% for the past three years. Again, the 80% sustenance of materinity rate gives 26%.

He also revealed that, the District recorded no guinea worm care.

He therefore congratulated the sub-sectors and the health volunteers for working hard to eradicate guinea worm in the district.

The director disclosed that three quality improvvement teams will be going to the Netherlands for further studies.

He stressed that, they are all working collectively as a team to increase the accessibility of health facility, managing the limited available health resource towards the achievement of the middle income status, by creating wealth through health.

Touching on challengeds, Dr. Crysantus Kubio mentioned inadequate health personnel, water crises and poor road network amongst others.

Mr. Moses Laar a representative of the Regional Director of Health congratulated the workers for their efforts.

He urged them to consider their objective as against their achievement and challenges to improve upon their services.

He also advised them to be kindto their patient, since unfair behaviour always send a bad reputation of the health department to the outside world.

The District Health Directorate presentation was done by Mr. Paul Konka. In his presentation, he expressed worry at the level of performance of the sub-centres with regards to maternal care. He also expressed concern at the level of increase in teenage pregnacy in the District.

Mr. Paul Konka pointed out that though there has been an increase in skill delivering from 2.7 to 2.9% and prevalent rate has reduce from 0.3 to 0.2, much needs to be done to enhance effective health delivering in the District.

He urged personnel to always persuade nursing mothers to trun up for post antenatal care twice every seven days.

The Duputy Co-ordinating Director Mr. Patrick Aparik on behalf of the District Chief Executive congratulated the directorate and the participants for thier hard work.

He told participants that, the district assembly is keen at addressing the most challenging issues to enhance effective health delivery.

BY ATULE REGINA -DAMONGO

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW MEETING

2011-02-10T02:27:00.000-08:00

HEPATITIS 'B' SCREENING EXERVISE ORGANISE

2011-01-27T01:48:00.000-08:00

Save Your Liver Foundation (SLIF) in collaboration with the West Gonja Information Services Department organised a free screening exercise in the West Gonja District Capital Damongo. The exercise was an initiative of the West Gonja District Assembly.

The move was part of the Assembly's effort to equip personnel and the general public with basic information on Hepatitis 'B'. The assembly also seeks at providing continue education and free screening to the rest of the communities in the district.

Save Your Liver Foundation (SLIF) is an NGO with the purpose of sensitizing and educating the general public on the dangers of Hepatitis 'B'. They also promote people to know their status.

Aboutseventy-three (73) people made up of Assembly Staff and a cross-section of the general public wnet through the screening exercise at the District Assembly Hall. Ten(10) people representing 13.69% out of the total were infected with the virus.

Delivering a presentation under the topic "Makagbreche Mankpa" in Gonja, Meaning "My Liver My Life" Mr. Soale Alhassan a leader of the team out line numerous function of the liver. He noted that, the liver is the mother of all the organs in the body, adding that the inefficiency of the liver will replicate the malfunctioning of the other organs of the body.

He recommended intensive mass education on liver health, mass screening and vaccination on community based.
He also recommended Heptovit formula as the medication for (Positive Hepatitis 'B' cases).

The District Co-ordinating Director Mr. S.Y. Inusah advice participants to be mindful of the food they eat.

He entreated all infected persons to take their medication serious and should not see it to be the end of their world.

He as well urge those tested negative to do well and vaccinate three times yearly, since it is always better to prevent than to cure.

The group will go to Daboya and its environs for another screening.

BY ATULE REGINA AND SUMAILA HAFIZ - DAMONGO

UNDP / AFRICA 2000 NETWORK WORKSHOP HELD

2011-01-25T02:58:00.000-08:00

Africa 2000 Network in collaboration with UNDP organised a workshop for potential guinea fowl farmers in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

The objective of the workshop was to sensitise and educate farmers on Guinea fowl Production.

The project coordinator Mr. Iddrisu Sumani made it known that, the aim of the programme was to improve the livelihood of people in the District sustainably.

According to him, upon his assumption of office as the Co-ordinator, the existing projects as at that time were groundnut and Shea butter processing, Sheep and Goats farmers and guinea fowl production. He noted that, all these interventions are in a deplorable state.

He said it was the interest of the donors and the District Assembly to revamp these projects.

He disclosed that, they have accquired 8 incubators worth thirty-five Ghana cedis each for each group of farmers, which consist of five members.

In his speech the HOn. DCE Adam Mutawakilu expressed his gratitude and joy for their participation.

He added that he will at all times stand firm in support of the project both internally and externally and will serve as the voice for the project any time the need arises.

He described sustainability as living a better life forever and not for a short time. Therefore they should all team up to make this aim come to a reality.

He added that, the resources were available and so it was left to the beneficiaries to use them judiciously.

Some of the topics discussed included improved management practises on guinea fowl production, Artificial Insemination, challenges of guinea fowl farming, and its benefit among others.

The facilitator of the workshop was Mr. O.K. Siberi

BY ATULE REGINA AND SUMAILA HAFIZ-DAMONGO

YAGBON FUNDATION TO BE ESTABLISHED

2011-01-25T02:49:00.000-08:00

The Yagbonwura Sulemana Tuntumba Bori Essa I has announced his intention of establishing a Foundation in support of girl child education. The move according to him is part of efforts to improve girl child education as well as eradicating rural urban migration in Gonjaland.

This was disclosed in a meeting of all paramount chiefs in Gonjaland. The meeting was aimed at briefing members on some of the activities to be carried out on this year's Damba festival which coincides with his first anniversary celebration among others.

Some of the activities he mentioned included bicycle race, football matches, wrestling, eating and dancing competition.

He pledged to provide financial support, food stuffs including rice, maize and cassava and cattle for the celebration. He however, entreated his sub chiefs, DCEs, MPs, and the vice president for their contributions to make the occasion successful.

The King was optimistic that the occasion will receive the greatest turnout ever in its history.

The occasion normally attracts Gonjas from every part of the continent and outside the continent.

He also disclosed his intention of fencing the palace to insure total security and avoid encroachment of the land.

BY ATULE REGINA AND SUMAILA HAFIZ - DAMONGO

FORMER VEEP CALLS ON YAGBONWURA

2011-01-25T02:43:00.000-08:00

The Former Vice President Mr. Aliu Mahama has urged the king of Gonja Land Yagbonwura Sulemana Tuntumba Bori Essa I to be an icon of peace in the Region.

He added that, they should always "shame and chase away politicians who always want to score political points whenever there is misunderstanding in the region more especially with chieftaincy related disputes".

He advised him to tackle issues with diplomacy. He did not forget to thank him for his support and prayer for Real Tamale United (R.T.U).

He congratulated the Yagbonwura for his accession of the Throne as the king of
Gonja Land.

Mr. Aliu Mahama made this remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the king at his palace as part of his tour in Northern, Upper East and west Regions.

BY ATULE REGINA AND SUMAILA HAFIZ-DAMONGO

ROBBERS ATTACK PASSENGERS

2011-01-25T02:30:00.000-08:00

A KIA truck with registration number AS1451Y carrying passengers from Bumbiria, an illegal mining community close to Damongo was robbed by some alleged Fulani herdsmen on their way to Damongo.

The robbers took away their personal belongings and over 40 million cedis cash.

The District Police Commander ASP Ansah Dawuda in an interview disclosed that; his outfit received the information after the incident thus, when the victims arrived in Damongo Township.

He said, efforts to find the robbers prove futile.

In a new development, he revealed that the victims at one "Galamsey" station in Damongo attacked and assaulted a Fulani man and burnt his motorbike.

Though the Fulani man was responding to treatment at the hospital, ASP Dawuda said his men were investigating the issue to get the leaders of the mob for legal action.

BY ATULE REGINA AND SUMAILA HAFIZ-DAMONGO

BUDGET CAMPAIGN

2010-12-23T04:15:00.000-08:00

The first phase of the 2011 Budget Statement campaign had ended successfully in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

The seven days campaign was aimed at sensitisting the public on the 2011 Budget Statement and the Economic Policy of the government.

The campaign started on 12th December, 2010 and ended on Saturday 18th December, 2010.

The campaign covered about 60% of the communities in the district.

The crew had talks in all the communities without any film show.

Communities in three Area Council namely Damongo Town Council, Busunu Area Council and Larabanga Area Council were covered except five communities which were not accessible due to poor road network.

The five communities included Jinfrono, Murugu, Bawena, Kotito No. 1,2.

Besides, communities in Three Area Councils in the overseas namely Daboya, Mankarigu and Lingbinsi were not covered due to financial constraints.

Some of the challenges encountered included poor road network and limited financial resources.

Also, the large size of the district and its scattered nature of communities make it difficult to access them.

Reactions from most members of the general public especially those from the rural communities showed that, most people were happy with the programmes that were ongoing and those to be implemented in 2011.

most people could not hide their joy upon hearing that, the Fufulso Sawla Road will be constructed next year. However, they were not sure of government's commitmnet in constructing the road until they see the road constructed.

It is therefore recommended that government should be committed in constructing the Sawla Fufulso Road which has become a major barrier to the development of the district.

It is also important that the size of a district and its population be considered in the distribution of resources for publicity.

BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO

STAKEHOLDER MEETING

2010-12-23T04:02:00.000-08:00

the World Vision Area Development Programme in the West Gonja District organised a 3 day workshop for its development partners in Damongo, the district capital.

World Vision is a non governmental organisational that basically work in the interest of women and children.

The goal of the workshop was to bring together key stakeholders who play various roles towards the development of the district to exchange ideas.

The move was to enable the organisation coordinate all stakeholder actions of the various economic activities in the district that will feed into the work of their outfit.

Topics discussed included indentification Economic activities in the district, how they function and the impact on the Soci-Econnomic lives of the people, the challenges and the way forward.

In his opening remarks, the World Vision Area Development Programme Manager of West gonja Mr. Paul Azeka told participants that, a collaborative effort among stakeholders was key towares the development of the district. he added that partnership in development was very vital in achieving socio economic development. He therefore advised members to work together as team.

Members identified the follwoing as some of the economic activities on going in the district.

- Honey production
- Cassava production and processing
- Smock Weaving
- Shea Butter production
- Farming

The meeting was attended by representatives from Community Based Organization, the D/A, the Business Advisory Centre, Farmer Groups etc.

Present at the meeting were Janet Akob from World Vision South/Africa and Dominic Mitchell of Real consult Ghana.

BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO

WOMEN URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN D/A ELECTIONS

2010-12-23T03:50:00.000-08:00

The Former Presiding Member of the West Gonja District Assembly Mr. Mohammed Tohiru had disclosed his intention to rally behind all women who are aspiring for the forthcoming 2010 District Assembly Election.

This came to light when the District Assembly organised its fourth Assembly Session to disolve the old assembly.

The Former PM disclosed that the district was praised on several occasions for the number of women representation in political positions.

He added that the women demonstrated their competence and capabilities over the years which had made their performance outstanding and had contributed to the development of the district.

He lauded and advised them to actively take part in the forthcoming D/A level elections to enance the representation of women in the decision making process of the country.

He further urged all women to continue to work hard as they have done in the past year in contributing to eradicating poverty, enpowering themselves and improving the standard of living of their homes and nation.

Mr. Mohammed Tohiru noted that women constituted more than 50 percent of the country's population and there was the need to increase their representation at the various levels of decision making process to enable them make meaningful contribution to national development.

He said there could not be good governance if the country neglected its women who formed majority of the population. It is best to have women perspective in decision making he added.

He appealed to political parties to desist from turning the district level election into a platform for partisan politics.

BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO

WORLD AIDS DAY CELEBRATION

2010-12-23T03:19:00.000-08:00

The West Gonja District of the Northern Region joined the rest of the World to celebrate this year's AIDS Day.

Speaking on the theme "Universal access and human rights: Action noow!!! The World Vision Area Development Programme Manager of West Gonja Mr. Paul Azeka noted that HIV virus is no respecter of persons regardless their age, gender, colour, or religious commitment.

The manager pointed out that the HIV virus is transmitted in several ways but the main mode of transmission was through risky sexual behaviours such as having multiple sexual partners and having unprotected sex.

According to Mr. Paul Azeka Statistics reveals that,

- In 2008, globally, about 2 million people died of AIDS, 33.4 million were living with HIV and 2.7 million people were newly infected with the virus.
- However, certain groups are at particular risk of HIV, including men who have sex with men (Homosexuals), injecting drug users, commercial sex workers, and in recent times those engaged in galamscy business.
_ The impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls has been particularly devastating.Women and girls now comprise 50 percent of those aged 15 and offer living with HIV.
_ The impact of HIV/AIDS on children and young people is a severe and growing problem. In 2008, 430.000 children under age 15 were infected.

With HIV and 280.000 died of AIDS.IN addition, about 15 million children have lost on or both parents due to the disease. Yet, majority of young people are not fully aware of HIV prevention methods.

He said as a child focused organization, World Vision has a vision of ensuring that every child attains fullness of life where they enjoy good health, are educated for life, feel protected and participating in the development process and above all, are morally and spiritually sound.

He added that their question to fight poverty, improve health and promote transformational development is greatly hampered by the issue of HIV and AIDS.

He stated the following as some of the issues of HIV and AIDS that hinders development;

- The disease dimishes a person's ability to support, work and provide for his/here family, the cost of treatment and health care to HIV/AIDS persons consumes households incomes
- It also deepens socio-economic and gender inequalities. Girls and women are more at risk of the infection and therefore have few options for providing for their families. Children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS due to risky behaviours or parental illness are less likely to receive education as they leave school to care for their sick relations or themselves.
- HIV and AIDS strains the human resources of communities - Hospitals, School, Social Services and other business. Various professionals have died out of the HIV/AS, the impact of which leads to low productivity and lowering living standards.

It is in the light of the above he said, that World Vision recognizes the significance of World AIDS Day which offers everybody an opportunity to reflect on the HIV and AIDS pandemic, its devastating effects and impact on the quality of life.

He reminded the audience to bear in mind of those who are living with HIV and AIDs. He added that they desrve support, love, compassion, respect and care as they are equally human beings created in the image of God.

He urged everyone to join PLHIV in their appeal to government to include anti-retroviral in the National Health Insurance Scheme to enhance accessibility of treatment.

He prompted all the audience particularly the children and they youth that they are the 'window of hope' for the District and mother Ghana tomorrow and the district cannot afford to lose them premature.

He advised them to abstain from all forms of risky sexual behaviours, be faithful to their studies and use their conscience wisely.

The celebration brought together heads of decentralised departments, school children, civil society groups, political party leaders and traditional authorities among others.

BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO

FARMERS DAY CELEBRATED

2010-12-23T02:54:00.000-08:00

The West Gonja District of the Northern Region joined the rest of the country to celebrate this year's Farmers Day.

Addressing Farmers on the occasion the DCE Hon. Adam Mutawakilu noted that Farming still remains the mainstay of the National Economy, adding that, it remains the most singular attractive and important sector that engages the attention of every government no matter its ideological or political persuasion or belief.

Speaking under the theme "Grow More Food". the DCE stated that Agriculture Sector contributes about 37.3% to the country's gross Domestic Product, 30% of its export earnings and employs over 60% of the country's workforce.

He said the recent introduction of the Youth in Agricultural Programme, otherwise known as the Block farming clearly demonstrates that, if Agriculture is given the necessary push, Ghana could be in the high income group in the next few years.

The DCE pointed out that, the people of West Gonja have been luckly to be part of the pilot programme and all beneficiaries will attest to fact that the programme was so successful that, it brough about memories of the past where Damongo was a major player in maize production in this counctry.

He revealed that, the district put into cultivation 20.026 acres of maize, 180 acres of rice and 155 acres of soyabeans.

He said it was the hope of the government that, these interventions would bring the people out of the poverty line and his expevtations from farmers is that they will be committed and honest in order to sustain the programme.

What government expect form farmers is also to be committed and honest so that together we can succeed.

He told memebrs that, Government was committed seriously to Agriculture Promotion and to lessen the burden of farmers and increase yield in agriculture production, Government have imported tractors and combine harvesters.

This he said is aim at encouraging mechanized farming in the country of which Damongo have also benefited.

He unveiled five intervention programmes in the District which government through the ministry of agriculture is implementing. These were Nerica rice dissemination Project, the Northern rural growth Project, Livestock development Project, Cashew Development Project and Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programe (RTIMP).

The DCE mentioned poor road network, lack of good storage facilities, the high farmer-extension officer ratio etc. as some of the challenges that make it difficult for some of the farmers to take advantage of the numerous interventions mentioned.

He informed the people that, Government have successfully sourced for funding to work on the Fufulso Junction-Damongo-Sawla Road.

He hoped that as we make headway on this major road, the Assembly will also pay attention to opening the interior part of the District.

He told the youth that agriculture was a lucrative venture hence they should involved themeselves actively so that Ghana can grow more food.

He fnally congratulated all Farmers for their immense contribution to the growth of our country's economy.

IMMUNIZATION IN WEST GONJA DISTRICT

2010-11-24T08:39:00.001-08:00

A three day immunization exercise for measles and vitamin A supplementation had ended successfully in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

The exercise was part of efforts to eradicate measles in the district and nation as a whole.

Children between the ages of 0 to 5 years were targeted for this exercise.

685 children under the age of 1 year and 16,903 children between the ages of 2 to 5 years were immunized respectively.

A total number of 17,588 children representing over 96. % were immunized in the district.

In all, a total number of 200 communities and 40 Fulani settlements were covered.

BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO

GIRAF HOLDS A WORKSHOP

2010-11-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

Governance Initiative for Rights and Accountability in Forest Management (GIRAF) held a training workshop for about 30 participants selected across the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

GIRAF seeks to promote the Rights, Roles and Responsibilities of local communities living within and around forest areas.

The workshop was aimed at educating members on how to manage the forest effectively.

The workshop was expected to educate members on;

- How to control the forest against bust fires
- Mange commercial charcoal burning
- How to manage the environment and forest degradation

some of the rights of Communities within and around forest areas mentioned were as follows;

- Collect and use forest products for domestic purposes with the permission at the
forest manager.
- Benefit from share of royalties that companies pay to the government for local
development projects.
- Influence the selection of contractors to harvest timber in the area etc.

BY:REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO

ASSET MANAGEMENT AND FACILITY MAINTENANCE TRAINING

2010-11-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

A training workshop was organized by the West Gonja District Assembly for the District Works Department (DWD) and Core Staff of the assembly to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to appropriately manage assets and other facilities provided by the District Assembly and other development partners in the district.

the workshop was in fulfillment of one of the core activities to be under taken under component one of the Local Service Delivery and Governance programme (LSDGP).

Asset Management and Facility Maintenance planning is one of the capacity building activities that can enhance the ability of personnel to improve upon the implementation of the LSDGP.

The LSDGP is a programme under the Ministry Of Local Government which is aimed at providing communities with facilities such as minor roads and culverts amongst others.

Participants were taken through the significance of the subject, Best Practices and Actions for Maintenance amongst others.

BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO

2010-11-04T04:48:00.000-07:00

DCE MEETS WITH STAKEHOLDERS

2009-10-28T05:30:00.002-07:00

The DCE for West Gonja District Assembly Hon. Adam Mutawakilu has called on stakeholders in education to renew their commitment towards the the improvement of education in the district. This call was made at seperate functions as part of the DCE's meeting with stakeholders and interest groups in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

Hon. Mutawakilu stated that education is the bedrock for development and that the district can not achieve its developmental goals when majority of its population are illiterates. He then tasked the stakeholders to see the development of education in the district as a collective responsibility and not the duty of one or group of people from some where.

Hon. Adam disclosed that one of the legacies he wants to leave behind will be an improved educational system which can stand the test of time. Teacher motivation according to him will be one of the tools he will employ to achieve this.

The DCE in the past few days has paid suprised visits to some schools to learn at first hand how the teachers are handling the students.He promised to institude a common mock exams for all schools in the district using WAEC standard test administration. this he said will give the students the feel of the final examination before they start their main exams. He finally called for cooperation from the public to see his policies through.

2009-10-28T05:30:00.001-07:00

MP ASSISTS CONSTITUENT

2009-10-28T05:10:00.000-07:00

The Member of Parliament for Damongo Daboya Constituency, Hon. Sammy B. Wuash has donated roofing sheets for the construction of Canteen Primary School which was rift off by rain storm. This was made public at a General Assembly meeting of the West Gonja District Assembly.

Emumerating some of the activities he has carried out so far Hon. Wusa mentioned among other things, the Construction of a three unit classroom block at Bucsa, Footballs and Jersey to a number of communities and the Damongo Town Teams as well as sponsorhip to some tertiary students in the Damongo/Daboya Constituency.

The MP called for unity and cooperation from the people to enable government fulfill its campaign promise. Hon. Wusah further noted that there can not be development in an area without peace and that Gonjaland is the oasis of peace in the Northern Region this, according to him places a huge responsibility on both government and the ordinary citezens of the place to maintain. The MP finally called on all Assembly Members to sensitise the people on government policies and prodrams so as to keep them abreast with developments in the country.

ICT PRACTICALS

2009-10-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

The centre encourages schools within the community to hold practical sessions of their normal school ICT period here. This measure goes a long way to support schools who have no computers to aid the teaching of ICT. We believe that this avenue offers the chance for most of the students to see a computer for the first time or having first time access to it. Tutors of
ICT come along with their students according to a specially-designed schedule. It is evident that student interest in the subject soars tremendously when they are sitting in front of the computer rather than studying it in the classroom. Various challenges such as securing transportation for schools situated far away from the centre, need to be addressed in the near future.
By Ewuntomah Malik Joe
(CIC Manager).

AGRIC MINISTER VISITS WEST GONJA

2009-09-22T00:55:00.000-07:00

BY ALHASSAN MESUNA, DAMONGO
The Minister for food and agriculture, Hon. Kwesi Awhoi has paid a working visit to Damongo the West Gonja District Capital in the Northern Region. The purpose of the visit according to the minister was to learn at first hand progress made so far in the implementation of the Expanded Crop Production Program being piloted in the district.

Briefing the minister and his team, Mr. Francis Nutouba, West Gonja District Director of Agriculture disclosed that the programme had cultivated 486 hactors of Maize, 472 hactors of rice and 96 hactors of soyabean. All this crops he said are doing well and appealed to government to make available on time combine harvesters, shelers and other equipment to reduce the problems associated with harvesting of crops.

The Minister in response promised to grant the request made by the Agric Director and further disclosed that plans are far advanced to find ready market for the produce of farmers. Promising that government will purchase all excess produce so as to encourage farmers to produce more in the coming crop season. Hon. Awhoi praised the Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, DCE for West Gonja District Assembly for providing the right type of leadership as far as the project is concern. He stated that testimonies from the beneficiary farmers and other officials in the district indicate that Hon. Adam is a good leader. He finally asured the DCE of his ministry's suport to ensure the success of the project.

The Minister and his entourage earlier paid a courtesy call on the overlord of Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbunwura Bawa Abudu Doshi (I). The Minister was accompanied by The Chief Director of Ministry of Food and Agric. Mr. J.K Boamah, Northern Regional Director of Agric. Mr. Adongo Sylvester, and other technical staff from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE ADDRESSES STUDENTS

2009-09-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

By: Regina Atule, Damongo

The District Chief Executive of West Gonja District Hon. Adam Mutawakilu has stated that, he is working hard with the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Damongo Senior High School to provide a water tanker and water storage facilities for the students as part of measures to minimize the water crises in the school.

He said, students spend about 60% of their time in search of water and so if this provision is made, they will have enough time to study.

The DCE said this when he was addressing a large crowed of students at Damongo Senior High School as part of his routine visits to the educational institutions in the district.

He added that, education is key to success and the government is committed to providing resources needed to improve the educational system in the country.

He seized the opportunity to appeal to students to take their studies seriously, stressing that success cannot be achieved on a silver platter, but with hard work.

He however pointed out that many other schools in the country face similar challenges but most students from such schools come out with good results.

The headmaster of the school Mr. C. K. Nyaabu commended the DCE for his vision and efforts to make learning more easy and convenient for the students.

He stated that, the school has an average population of 1,600 students with staff strength of 51 out of which 40 staff are at post.

Mr. Nyaabu advised the students to uphold high moral standards and study hard. Other members presents included the executive members of the PTA and staff of the school.

SANITATION GUARDS UNDERGO TRAINING

2009-09-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

By: Regina Atule, Damongo

Zoomlion Ghana Limited a waste management company in collaboration with Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Environment (MLGRD&E) has organized a three day training workshop for sanitation guards in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.
The objective of the program was to equip participants with knowledge and skills to enable them carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.
The workshop aim at;
 Introducing sanitary guards to the basis of sanitation inspection and solid waste management.
 Review sanitary guards roles and code of ethics to their work and
 The need to change people’s attitude towards clean environment.
The participants included sanitary guards from Bole Bamboi District, Sawla Tuna Kalba, Central Gonja District and West Gonja District.
Addressing the participants, the District Coordinating Director Mr. S Y Inusah commended Zoomlion and urged them to intensify their efforts.
He also appeal to the participants to consider the workshop very important and impact the skills and knowledge that they will acquired on other people and in performing their duties.

PROMOTION OF GUINEA FOWL REARING IN WEST GONJA

2009-08-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

REPORT BY ALHASSAN MESUNA

The West Gonja District Assembly in collaboration with UNDP/Africa 2000 Network is implementing Sustainable Rural Livelihood Projects in both crop and non-crop agricultural production in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

Under the project organised farmer groups are suported to under take guinea fowl rearing, dry season farming, small ruminant rearing groundnut and sheabuter processing. The project had supported farmers with equipment and inputs to produce as so as to promote food security.

Addressing some of the beneficiary farmers after a monitoring visit, the DCE for West Gonja District Assembly, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu noted that the Assembly has a special interest in guinea fowl production because of the potential that the district has in terms of weather, vegetation and availability of feed. The demand for guinea fowls according to the DCE is very high compared to other meat products. And that the Assembly will go into guinea fowl production as an alternative source for revenue genearation.
He finally advised the farmers to show commitment in their chosen occupations so as to increase food production in the district.

DCE VISITS PROJECT SITES

2009-08-28T04:28:00.000-07:00

West Gonja District is piloting the expanded crop programme in the country. The DCE and his team visited the project site to acquint themselves with progress of work on the field. The projects is suporting farmers with inputs to cultivate maize, rice and soya bean.
The DCE for West Gonja District Assembly Hon. Adam Mutawakilu urged the farmers to put in their best for the district to recapture its position as the food basket of the region.
He noted that government is leaving no stone unturned to promote food security in the country. And that the people of West Gonaja should be grateful for being among the chosen few district to pilot this programme.

APRM DISTRICT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEES INAUGURATED

2009-08-28T04:17:00.000-07:00

20th August, 2009 By: Regina Atule, Damongo

Four Districts oversight committees of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has been inaugurated at Damongo in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

Addressing the participants the DCE of West Gonja District Hon. Adam Mutawakilu said, research had shown that Africa is the poorest continent in the world despite its numerous natural resources. This situation he said, is attributed to poor governance.

The DCE pointed out that, concepts such as the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD) and APRM among others had been established by Africa leaders in an attempt to find solution to this problem.

He said establishing APRM oversight committees at the District level confirmed the commitment of Ghana in finding solutions to Africa’s problems the African way.

He noted that APRM is not an assessment of political leaders or party functionaries but rather a process by which ordinary citizens are given the opportunity to diagnose the country’s development challenges.

Ghana our beloved country is now a shining example for being the first country in sub Saharan Africa to be peered reviewed he said, adding that this grassroots participation in APRM system is a yet another feather in our cup interns of our democratic credentials.

The DCE reminded participants of the government’s commitment to promote good governance by building strong institutions to guide the operations of the machinery of government. He said it is therefore the hope of government that citizens will also cooperate with relevant institutions in the country to facilitate development.

In his remarks, Bishop Paul Bemile member of the APRM – GC said the formation of the APRM system will help foster growth and development, peace, security and democracy.

Also he said it will foster sound economic and corporate governance as well as partnership.

Bishop Paul disclosed that 132 districts have been inaugurated in all the ten regions and these committees will help monitor the developmental activities of their districts.

The districts inaugurated included Bole, Sawla –Tuna –Kalba, Central Gonja and West Gonja.

The occasion was witnessed by officials from APRM secretariat, Assembly Members, Heads of departments, Traditional Authorities and Civil Society groups.

COMMISSIONING OF EU-MICRO PROJECTS IN WEST GONJA

2009-08-28T04:10:00.000-07:00

A 3 UNIT CLASSROOM BLOCK COMMISSIONED
20th August, 2009 By: Regina Atule, Damongo

A three unit classroom block under the European Union 6th Micro –Project Progrmme Phase 1 and 2 has been commissioned at Nabori in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

In his address the DCE of the West Gonja District Hon. Adam Mutawakilu mentioned that, the task of the District Assemblies is to provide social amenities that would make the people of the area enjoy good life. This is however normally very difficult for the assemblies alone to do he added.

In the light of this he said, development partners had over the years come to the aid of the assemblies.
Hon. Adam said, the West Gonja District Assembly have been privileged to have the EU supporting them with some developmental activities including school buildings CHPS Compound, and Teachers quarters among others.

The DCE gave a brief account of the support the assembly has received from the EU for the 6th Micro Project Programme phase 1 and 2 as follows; (GH¢107,760.42) whilst the assembly and the communities contributed (GH¢26,940.11) which is twenty five percent of the total contribution for the construction of five projects in the district. He mentioned the projects as follows;

1. A 3 Unit Classroom Block at Nabori
2. A CHPS Compound at Achubunyor
3. A CHPS compound at Lingbinsi
4. Teachers Quarter at Mognori and
5. A Culvert at Murugu

Under the phase II he continued the EU supported the assembly with (GH¢125,750.71). The assembly and the communities also contributed (GH¢31,437.68) representing twenty five percent of the total cost.

The DCE mentioned the projects under taken during this period as follows;
1. A 3 Unit Classroom Block at Alhassankura
2. A 3 Unit Classroom Block at Achubunyor
3. A Nurses Quarter at Lanbonto

Not all, this component has also supported groups on income generating projects he added, saying at the moment, the component is supporting some groups in the district.

Among these groups he mentioned were Yelsuma women group, NSUA furniture, Ndenyi women group and Kagbamatu women group.

The DCE stated that, benefits of the EU Micro projects intervention to the district are numerous.

Apart from increasing enrolment in schools, teaching and learning has become conducive. Also, most communities can now get first hand contact with health personnel anytime the need arises he added.

He however said in some parts of the district, one cannot access the area during rainy season and this had forced them to centre most of the projects in a few areas since they are time bound.

He therefore appeal to the development partners to reconsider the district in this direction so that the whole district would benefit from their assistance.

On his part, the Zonal Coordinator of Micro Projects Management Unit (MPMU) Mr M.K Badu disclosed that, this project was one of 904 infrastructure projects constructed in six regions country wide namely Eastern, Central, Volta, Northern and the Upper regions for the period of July 2006-June 2009.

He further disclosed that, in the Northern region, total number of projects constructed is 159 at a cost of GH¢3,366,968.46) representing EDF component.

He said out of this, 7 projects were constructed in West Gonja which have been mentioned earlier. He also disclosed that, the programme supported 58 communities in 16 districts in the region with an amount of GH¢383,882.10 to implement income generating projects out of which 4 communities benefited in the West Gonja District.

Mr. Said the uniqueness of the programme is that the type of a project a community needs is determined by the community itself according to that community’s felt needs. Therefore projects are not imposed on communities by EU or the Government.

Mr. Badu remarked that, maintenance of the facility is very paramount and therefore urged the District assembly, Ministry of Education, PTA and school authorities to make provision in their expenditures for regular maintenance.

The occasion was witnessed by chiefs and elders, heads of departments, Hon Assembly Members, Civil society groups and the general public.

MYSTERIOUS HOLE AT MEMPEASAM

2008-10-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

DCE, Hon. Jambia Alhassan

The people of Mempeasam in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region are living in constant fear following the discovery of a wide deep hole located at some few kilometers from their homes.

Following reports from the chief and Assembly woman of Meampeasam, the DCE visited the community with specialist from the Geological Survey Department to sympathies with the people and ascertain first hand information about the mysterious hole.

Addressing the community after the survey, Mr. Emanual Mensah, the Regional Director of Geological Survey Department for Northern and Upper Regions attributed the cause of the hole to a reaction of a limestone in contact with water. He explained that the hole is not caused by a volcanic erruption or earth turmoil as speculated earlier. He also assured the people that the hole would not expand further into the community and that they should not entertain any fears because the situation is not as bad as they think.

Mr. Saaka Sulemena, a spokes man for the chief of mean peasam stated that when the hole was discovered last week the opinion leaders consulted their gods and other oracles to know the exact cause but to no avail. This he said increased the fear in the people. He however expressed his gratitude to the District Chief Executive and her entourage for coming to alay their fears.

The District Chief Executive for West Gonja District Assembly, Hon. Jambia Alhassan assured the people of the District Assembly’s commitment to promote the welfare of the people in the District. She noted that no meaningful activity can be done when the people live in fear. She urged the people to belief in the report of the Geologists and go about their normal daily activities without fear.

The District Chief Executive sized the opportunity to appealed to the people to ensure peace before during and after the upcoming elections.

PUBLIC FORUM HELD

2008-10-28T14:18:00.001-07:00

By Alhassan Mesuna, Damongo

The District Electoral Security Task Force has organised a public forum in Damongo in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region to sensitise the general public on the need to maintain peace in the district. The programme started with a float comprising of all the political parties clad in their party colours and treated to brass band music.

Addressing the forum, after the float, the DCE of West Gonja, Hon. Jambia Alhassan admonished the people to cherish peace. Gonja Land according to her is well-known for being peaceful. This trend she said must not be truncated by this generation on political expediency. The DCE observed that the tongue is a powerful tool that can either sooth volatile situations or inflame passions. She further urged political parties to guard their tongues against derogatory words so as to avoid violent confrontations.

She called on religious and traditional Authorities to continue praying for the Nation to go through the up coming elections without blood shed. She mentioned that she would be the happiest person on 8th December if nobody looses a drop of blood in the process of the elections. She finally called on the security agencies to be vigilant so as to identify possible security treats for redress.

On his part, the Chief of Damongo, Damongo wura Tuntumba (I) said the traditional authorities would not allow complacency to rob the district of the current prevailing peace. He cautioned that anybody found at the wrong side of the law shall be dealt with accordingly. He finally urged the political parties to conduct their campaign devoid of insults and other bad language.

Other Speakers were the Chief Imam of Damongo, The Missionary in charge of the Ahamadiya Mission in Damongo, President of the Damongo chapter of Council of Local Churches and the Catholic Bishop of Damongo.
The Task Force would hold similar fora in selected communities in the district

WGDA HOLDS SECOND ORDINARY SESSION

2008-10-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

By Alhassan Mesuna, Damongo
The second ordinary meeting of the West Gonja District Assembly (WGDA) had been held in Damongo, the District Capital.

The DCE, Hon. Jambia Alhassan in a report mentioned that the Assembly had realised about 80% of revenue from its internal sources. This she said showed 18% improvement over the first quarter of this year. The DCE urged executives of the Area Councils to double their efforts in mobilising revenue so as to supplement the District Assembly Common Fund.

The DCE informed the House that West Gonja District had been selected to benefit from the Transport Sector Programme Support (TSPS II). The programme according to the DCE is being sponsored by DANIDA, an NGO. The intervention she said would focus on feeder roads construction, rural housing, water and sanitation and socio economic activity support. And that the programme would formally be implemented in the district from 2009 to 2013. She was particularly happy because the major challenge facing the district is inaccessible roads this gab she said would be filled by TSPS II.

On the up coming elections, the DCE disclosed that an Electoral Security Task Force had been formed with a mandate to implement programmes that would ensure violent free elections before, during and after the December 7th polls. She mentioned that the District Assembly had given the needed support to the Task Force to carry out their action plan.

The DCE enjoined Hon. Assembly Members to support the Electoral Commission in mobilising the people to participate in all future national exercises.

CAMPAIGN ON CHILD HEALTH BEGINS IN WEST GONJA

2008-10-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

By Alhassan Mesuna

The Integrated Maternal and Child Health Campaign is being organised in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region. The three days campaign is under the theme “Healthy Mothers and Children Make a Better Ghana”.

In a press release signed by the West Gonja District Disease Control Officer, Mr. Gearge M. Alhassan stated that Ghana Health Service is targeting pregnant women, lactating mothers, and Children from birth to five years.

Under this programme according to him children from six months to five years old and lactating mothers up to eight weeks after delivery shall be given Vitamin A supplementation, Polio vaccination for children from birth to five years, deworming of children aged two to five years, as well as distribute Insecticides Treated Nets (ITN) to children under one year and pregnant women.

According to the release the District Health Directorate would reach out to all communities in the district from 16th to 18th October, 2008.

LEAP BEGINS IN WEST GONJA DISTRICT

2008-10-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

LEAP BEGINS IN WEST GONJA

By Alhassan Mesuna, Mognori

The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) is being implemented in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region. Ghana Post, National Youth Employment Programme and the Department of Social Welfare are the grassroot implementers.

At a ceremony in Mognori in the West Gonja District to transfer cash to beneficiary heads of households. Mr. Osman Iddrisu the West Gonja District Social Welfare Officer stated that LEAP is a component of the National Social Protection Strategy intended to enhance the capacity of the poor and vulnerable persons by assisting them to manage socio-economic risks such as sickness, disability, old age and unemployment. This intervention according to him is meant to improve the livelihood of the extreme poor by reducing the impact of risk and shocks that they confront in their daily lives.

Mr. Osman revealed that because of last year’s flood disaster West Gonja is being catered for under the emergency LEAP where a cash transfer of Fifteen Ghana cedis (Ghc15.00) would be paid to each beneficiary for six months beginning from September, 2008 to February, 2008.

On her part, Hon. Jambia Alhassan, DCE for West Gonja District Assembly mentioned that the implementation of LEAP is a clear manifestation of government commitment to invest in people so as to reduce hardships and unemployment in the country. Hon. Jambia explained that after last year’s floods, government had never relented in its efforts to ensure that victims of the disaster are restored to normal life. This she said shows the difference between a listening and caring government and the others which are not.

The DCE urged beneficiaries to put the support into good use to achieve the desire of government in fighting extreme poverty in the country. She enjoined the people not to politicise the programme so as to avoid discrimination.

Beneficiaries were selected from communities that were badly affected by the floods last year

voters register opened

2008-08-02T04:37:00.000-07:00

The West Gonja District Direcorate of the Electoral Commission of Ghana have opened the voters register to give people who have attained the votting age of 18 years and those who for some reasons could not register during the last registration to register to enable them exercise their franchice in the upcoming elections in December.

According to Mr. Issah Nantogmah the District Electoral Officer, 10 registration centers have been opened district wide.The registration officials would be rotating from one electoral area to another based on a scheduled time table. The exercise according to him is expected to cover all the 20 electoral areas and the 93 polling stations within the two weeks period.

A visit to some of the polling stations revealled that the process had been peaceful. As at the seconday of the exercise, 39 people were registered at the Damongo Police Station registration centre, 156 at Ngbaripe, 115 at canteen and 58 at Laribanga.

INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT ORGANIZES FORUM FOR POLITICAL PARTIES

2008-08-01T05:35:00.000-07:00

INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT ORGANIZES
FORUM FOR POLITICAL PARTIES

By Alhassan Mesuna, Damongo

The West Gonja District Directorate of Information Services Department have organized one day sensitization forum on coverage of political activities for political parties in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.

In a welcome address, the West Gonja District Information Officer, Mr. Alhassan Mesuna stated that the tongue is a powerful tool that can be used to sooth or inflame passions. He then advised leaders of political parties to wisely choose their words to promote unity and peace in the district.

He explained that, the Information Services Department has a role to promote issues that border on national unity and social cohesion and that his outfit have resolved to liaise with all stake holders in the district to ensure peaceful, violent free elections in December this year.

On his part, the Deputy District Co-ordinating Director of West Gonja District Mr. Patrick Aparik advised the political parties to conduct their campaigns based on issues and avoid attacking personalities which he said is a recipe for conflicts. He observed that the aim of every political party is to bring development and that it would be out of place to promote conflict in their campaign messages in an attempt to capture political power.

The purpose of the forum was to sensitise political parties in the district on the role of Information Services Department to ensure violent free elections in December, 2008.

Participants were drawn from all the political parties, security agencies, the Electoral Commission and the media.

WEST GONJA BAC SUPPORTS TRAINEES

2008-07-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

BAC SUPPORTS TRAINEES
By Alhassan Mesuna
The West Gonja District Business Advisory Center (BAC) of the Rural Enterprises project (REP) supported graduates of the programme’s community base skill Training program with apprenticeship support kits to enable them start practicing their trade.

Addressing people in a well attended meeting Mr. Alidu Ewura disclosed that his out fit had trained a total of 944 unemployed youth in 24 communities. This number he said is made up of 330 females and 614 males. He noted that the provision of Graduate Apprenticeship Support Kits is one of the services provided by the BAC under the REP to give upcoming entrepreneurs the required tools to start work after undergoing skill training with the BAC. He then appeal to the youth to register with the centre to benefit from the program.

On her part, the Zonal Co-ordinator of REP, Madam Ohene Ampofo said the presentation ceremony marks a new era in the lives of people who have acquired skills but lack the requisite tools to practice. She then urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the tools to ensure that it last long.

The District Chief Executive, Hon. Janet Jambia Alhassan said the apprenticeship support kits provided by the REP is a novelty of government to ensure increase productivity, reduce unemployment and poverty in the country.
The DCE stated that government is targeting the rural folk through the REP concept because majority of the citizens of the country live in rural areas.
She was also optimistic that the 0.5% decline in the poverty incidence in the district in 2007 would further be reduced in the years to come because of the social friendly policies implemented by government such as National Health Insurance Scheme, National Youth Employment Programme and the District Industrialization Program which is about to take off.

The DCE finally cautioned the 35 beneficiaries to ensure the production of high quality goods and services so as to justify the good intensions of government.

In all 35 people were presented with tools to start work as Hairdressing, Black Smiths Dressmakers, Vulcanizers Leather workers, Carpenters, Bicycle Repairs and Masons.

HATS HOLDS FIRST MATRICULATION
By Alhassan Mesuna

The Damongo Health Assistant Clinical Training School organised its first matriculation ceremony at Damongo in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region. The ceremony was organised under the theme “quality health care delivery the role of the health assistant clinical”.

In his welcome address, the Principal of the school, Mr. Cosmos H. Alhassan said the school admitted its first batch of 64 students consisting of 40 ladies and 21 Gentlemen in November 2006. Currently the school has a total enrolment of 172 out which 99 are female with 65 males. The first batch according to the principal started training at the regional health directorate training center in Tamale and finally moved to Damongo last year.
Mr. Cosmos stated that the absence of library facilities, computer laboratory as well as inadequate hostel facilities and accommodation for staff is hampering smooth academic work. He then appealed to Ghana Health Service to as a matter of urgency post more staff to the school as the present staff strength, stands at three including the principal.

On her part the District Chief Executive for West Gonja District, Hon. Janet Jambia Alhassan said the District Assembly had over the years shown a lot of commitment to ensure access of the people to health facilities. This she said is done by constructing additional clinic in Damongo and six CHPS compounds in other communities district wide. Hon. Jambia noted in addition that District Assembly have been sponsoring nursing trainees and other tertiary students to augment the human resource base of the district and commended the tutors of the school for their commitment and dedication to duty.

Hon. Jambia stated that the nation’s dream to achieve the MDG 4 and 5 would be a mirage if attention is not paid to the development of human resource to manage the health sector. She then called on the Health Assistants Trainees to be loyal to their teachers and work hard to pass their examinations so as to justify their stay in the school.

The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris who was the Guest of Honour for the occasion urged the students to let the core values of the nursing profession be their guide. This he enumerates as team work, confidentiality, professionalism, people centred service among others

Hon. Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris promised the school two sets of Jersey, two foot ball, a colour TV set and a motor bike.

Present at the ceremony was the Regional Director of Ghana Health Service Dr. Kwasi Twumasi, MP for Damongo Daboya Constituency, Hon. Alex Seidu Sofo, Heads of Department Religious Leaders Traditional authorities and the general public.

ASSESSMENT OF UNDP PROJECTS IN WEST GONJA DISTRICT

2008-07-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

ASSESSMENT OF UNDP PROJECTS IN WEST GONJA DISTRICT
By Alhassan Mesuna, Damongo

Metropolitant, Municipal and District Assemblies have been urged to mainstream the MDGs in their Development plans so as to facilitate the attainment of those goals by 2015.
Madam Akua- Agyeman, UNDP Advisor on MDGs gave the advise at Damongo in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region during an inspection tour by a team from UNDP and Ministry of finance to inspect projects sponsored by UNDP in the West Gonja District.

The UNDP is sponsoring the Localization of MDGs in the West Gonja District. Sustainable livelihood programs under this project include, guinea fowl rearing, Dry Season gardening, groundnut processing and sheep rearing.

Madam Akua stated that attainment of the MDGs at the district level would have a greater impact on the gains made at the National level. She than advised the West Gonja District MDGs Localization working group and beneficiary farmers to step up their efforts and work as a team to ensure the success of the project in the district.

The Deputy District Co-ordinating Director for West Gonja District Mr. Patrick Aparik disclosed that poverty incidence in the district declined from 68.3% in 2000 to 64% in 2007 whiles malnutrition among children in the district have also decrease from 37% in 2007 to 27% in the first quarter of 2008. He stated that the marginal gains recorded could not have been possible without the support of development partners like UNDP. He finally called on other development partners to take advantage of the prevailing peace in the West Gonja District to promote development.

CIC DAMONGO

2008-07-24T03:01:00.000-07:00