Eastwood Anaba Ministries (EAM) has organized an Oral Health Sensitization Programme for students in the Upper East Region.
The Oral Health Sensitization programme which took place in Sumbrungu Community specifically at Zumbrungu Primary School A, was introduced as a result of efforts by various health organization to improve the health of the people in the area.
Mrs. Rosemond Anaba of Eastwood Anaba Ministries said “it makes me uncomfortable seeing people suffering from dental diseases and it is very important we create the awareness by sensitizing our children on the issues of oral health at their tender age.”
According to her, the present oral situation had been characterized by low oral education, poor hygiene and high level of gum diseases associated with chronic bad breath. She noted that oral health is an aspect most people take for granted. She lamented that many people do not know that bad oral hygiene is connected to heart disease and some others which have a damaging effect on their personalities and as well affects social life including marriage in many other ways. She believes it is very necessary to educate the children on the issues of oral health when they are young.
A Physician Dental Assistant who led the team of health personnel Agana Emmanuel outlined some of the causes of mouth diseases which include intake of highly saturated sugar foods and many others. He implored teachers and parents to make it a point to educate kids and pupils on the dangers of consuming sweets at early ages and to avoid contraction of oral diseases.
These are their objectives for organizing oral health programme:
To impart Knowledge about the causes of Disease and decay of the teeth and gums to the people.
To offer direction to the people concerning the effective use of toothpastes and caution them about the application of fluoride like Pepsodent, Colgate and others on the market.
To establish the maintenance of good oral hygiene through regular check-ups with the dentist and methods of effective brushing of the teeth and gums.
After the oral health sensitization programme with the school, East Anaba Ministries as part of their voluntary services also gave out toothpastes and tooth brushes to the school children.
By: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen | A1RADIOONLINE.com | GHANA
The former Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central constituency and current National Treasurer for the Peoples National convention Hon. David Apasera says there are no qualms between him and General Secretary Bernard Mornah.
Hon. Apasera and some members of the party have filed a writ in court seeking to annul the candidature of Bernard Mornah who is contesting for the Chairmanship position of the PNC among other reliefs they are seeking.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Daybreak Upper East on Wednesday, he admitted that Bernard Mornah filed his nominations at the right time but did not give cash to the party as filing fee. He added that the Cheque Bernard Mornah issued to the party as filling fee did not go through and he could not meet up the dead line per the party’s constitution.
According to the party’s constitution, candidates who do not meet up with the filling deadline must be disqualified irrespective of the position the member is contesting. According to the Hon. Apasera, he believes it will be unfair to some other members of the party who were disqualified some years back due to the same breach of the party’s constitution.
The decision therefore to seek some relieves in court was because Bernard Mornah has not been disqualified. The reliefs being sought out in court includes
A declaration that all prospective candidates for National Executive positions of the 1st defendants [PNC] were (mandatorily) obliged by the party to pay their nomination fee by the close of nomination on 13th November, 2015.
A further declaration that failure of any prospective candidate to pay his or her filing fee by the close of nomination on 13th November, 2015 was automatically disqualified.
A declaration again that the 2nd defendant [Bernard Mornah] was automatically disqualified from contesting the position of National Chairman of the 1st defendant party when at the close of nomination on 13th November, 2015 he had not paid his filing fee.
A declaration that the permission granted by the 1st defendant to the 2nd defendant to pay his filing fee after the close of the nomination on 13th November, 2015 is null and void and therefore had not operated to make the 2nd defendant an aspirant eligible to contest the impending election for the position of National Chairman.
A declaration again that the conduct of 1st defendant allowing 2nd defendant who did not pay his filing fee at the close of nomination to contest the 1st and 2nd plaintiff who paid their filing fee at the close of nomination is wrongful, discriminatory, unfair, bias, arbitrary, capricious and contrary to democratic principles.
An order of court setting aside the purported payment of filing fees by the 2nd defendant on 23rd November, 2015 and accepted by the 1st defendants as void.
An order of court that the 1st defendant should not include the 2nd defendant’s name in the list of aspirant and further on the ballot papers or any other election material to be used for the contest of the upcoming election for the position of National Chairman or any other date that the election shall take place.
An order of court that the 2nd defendant should not put himself up or in any way allow himself to be voted for in the upcoming election or at any other date the election shall take place.
An order of injunction restraining the 1st defendant whether by itself, servants, officers, committees, sub-committees whomsoever or otherwise howsoever from in any way allowing the 2nd defendant to take part in the upcoming election or any order date that the election shall take place.
An order of injunction restraining the 2nd defendant whether by himself, supporters, privies, assigns, workman, committees whomsoever or otherwise howsoever from in anyway taking part in the election for the position for National Chairman, campaigning, assisting, sponsoring, financing voting for the 2nd defendant to take part in the upcoming election or at any order date that the election shall take place.
An order restraining the 3rd defendant from conducting and supervising the upcoming election or at any other date the election shall take place at which the 2nd defendant shall take part or shall be allowed to.
Hon. Apasera intimated that the rule of law must prevail.
By: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen | A1RADIOONLINE.com | GHANA
The Upper East Regional Minister Hon. James Zuuga Tiiga has discounted assessments that the region is the last but one poorest region in the country.
According to him, the influx of businesses especially financial institutions into the region is an indicator that there is something worth finding in the region.
The Upper East Regional Capital Bolgatanga has in recent times experienced the cropping up of both small and medium scale businesses with the establishment of various financial institutions. Amongst the latest in the chain of financial institutions is the First Allied Bank which saw the commissioning of its 25th Branch on Monday December 7, 2015.
Speaking at the opening of the First Allied Bank branch in Bolgatanga, Hon. James Zuugah Tiiga said the assertion that the Upper East region is the second poorest region should be discounted. He added that no serious business minded persons and companies will establish businesses in places where they cannot recoup their monies.
Describing the region as the sunshine region, he said “There have been those erroneous impressions that upper east is ranked last but one poor region in Ghana. I believe this region is rich and capable. This edifice you are seeing here is a confirmation that there is something in this region too pick. You will not have this edifice in a poor village. You will have it only where you think you can make your money.”
He intimated that if the First Allied Bank thought that the region is poor, it would not have established a branch.
He further charged management of the Bank to work assiduously and fast to enable them establish more branches in other parts of the region.
The Chief Operations Officer of the Bank Edward Lamptey said “Bolga branch occupies the largest land size with the most impressive building out of the lot.”
MOHAMMED MURTALA - UPPER EAST NPP REGIONAL CHAIRMAN
The New Patriotic Party in the Upper East Region has accused President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Amissah Arthur of deliberately failing to attend the 31st National Farmers day Celebration held in Bolgatanga last Friday.
In a statement signed by the party’s regional chairman Mohammed Murtala, the party said “There is no justification for this mischance, the feeble excuse been that, the weather is bad for an aircraft to carry them to Bolgatanga hence their huge absence in this very important National event. The simple question that comes to mind is, Why can’t they travel by road”?
While congratulating farmers on the celebration of the day, the party in the region accused the government of exuding a lackadaisical approach to the agricultural sector over the years and hence the overwhelming decline in the growth of the agricultural sector in the country.
“It is interesting to note that, the agric sector has witnessed a consistent decline over the past years under the incompetent NDC administration. There is no transformation taking place and real growth in the Agric sector has crumbled from 7.4% in 2008 to 7.2 in 2009 through 5.3% in 2010; 0.8% in 2011; 2.3% in 2012; 5% in 2013 ; 4.6% in 2014 and disgracefully, we can only brag of 0.04% growth rate this year.
One would have expected that, with the regretful performance of the Agric Sector, the presidency would have taking a new resolution by attaching a lot of seriousness regarding this sector by engaging more with farmers as well as investment wise” it added.
According to the statement, farmers deserve better and must be treated with respect and this will be greatly upheld under a Nana Akuffo Addo administration.
Find Below the full statement:
Press Statement
05/12/2015
THE PRESIDENCY MUST BE SERIOUS WITH THE AGRIC SECTOR
National Farmers Day is a day set aside in our national calendar to celebrate and appreciate the enormous contributions our dear farmers have chucked during the season. The Agriculture sector remains the most critical sector and the backbone of the Ghanaian economy which employs majority of our people. The NPP in the Upper East Region joins the rest of Ghanaians to celebrate our farmers at Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Capital where Mr. Ibrahim Musah was adjudged, the 2015 best farmer of the year.
it is interesting to note that, the Agric sector has witnessed a consistent decline over the past years under the incompetent NDC administration. There is no transformation taking place and real growth in the Agric sector has crumbled from 7.4% in 2008 to 7.2 in 2009 through 5.3% in 2010; 0.8% in 2011; 2.3% in 2012; 5% in 2013 ; 4.6% in 2014 and disgracefully, we can only brag of 0.04% growth rate this year.
One would have expected that, with the regretful performance of the Agric Sector, the presidency would have taking a new resolution by attaching a lot of seriousness regarding this sector by engaging more with farmers as well as investment wise.
However, it is quite disheartening that this year’s celebration was unceremoniously greeted with the dazzling absence of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana John Dramani Mahama and his Vice Amissah Arthur . There is no justification for this mischance, the feeble excuse been that, the weather is bad for an aircraft to carry them to Bolgatanga. Hence their huge absence in this very important National event. The simple question that comes to mind is, Why can’t they travel by road?. If president Mahama can’t make this simple sacrifice for our farmers whose sweat and sacrifices feed us, then what are they good at..? Perhaps Openly engaging in mediocrity and consistently misplacing priorities in the Agric sector is the answer that comes to mind.
As a country, we have several means of transportation, traveling by air isn’t the only way. The President or his Veep could have used the road to Bolgatanga. Engaging with our farmers should be our outmost priority and the presence of either the president or the vice could have send a huge signal to the farmers regarding the seriousness the state has attached to this sector despite its hapless performance.
An Akuffo Addo Government would not dabble with flimsy excuses of not attending important National assignment of this stature. Our farmers deserves better and must be treated with respect and dignity. Nana Akuffo Addo would have travel by road to celebrate this day with our farmers.
NPP in the Upper East Region and Ghana as a whole congratulate all the award winners in the 31st edition of the National Farmers Day. May Almighty Allah continue to bless their efforts as they continue to feed Ghanaians?
……Signed…
Mohammed Murtala
Upper East Regional Chairman, NPP
Story by: Offei-Akoto Ayeh | A1RADIOONLINE.com | GHANA
First Allied, an investment, savings and loans company has commissioned a branch in the Upper East Regional capital, Bolgatanga.
The branch which is the twenty fifth branch of the bank is expected to serve residents of Bolgatanga and other parts of the Upper East region.
The well attended ceremony had in attendance the Regional minister, James Zugah Tigah, the clergy, Deputy Chief Imam, former Municipal Chief Executive, Edward Ayagle, representative of the Chief of Police, Municipal Assembly members and other dignitaries in the Upper East Region.
Chief Operating Officer for the Bank, Mr. Edward Lamptey, speaking at the event said the Bolgatanga Branch is the branch that occupies a large size of land and has tasted huge investment hence indicating their readiness to provide exquisite services to the hardworking people of Bolgatanga.
He acknowledged that individuals who are skeptical about banks have genuine concerns but promised that First Allied has come to erase any fear and bad perceptions people have about some financial institutions following recent apprehensions and acrimonies that have rocked the savings and investments business in the region.
He mentioned that the bank has outlined better financial services and customer centered products tailored to suit the needs of their customers.
He noted that, although the economy of Bolgatanga has this year been hit hard by various economic constraints with the folding up of various micro-finance companies, residents are hardworking and that has been a motivation to the bank and its shareholders.
He indicated that, customers should bank their hopes in First Allied because they are here to restore hopes considering their background in providing financial advice and supporting small scale traders to grow into bigger entities.
The National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Bolgatnga East Constituency Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine has sent a heart warm invitation to the defeated aspirants in the party’s parliamentary primaries as the party prepares for the 2016 elections.
Dr. Dominic Ayine contested for the parliamentary candidature with Timothy Azaa and Mr. Lance Adogoba and won by pulling 4,481 votes which represents 70.2% of the total votes cast and his close contender Timothy Azaa came second by pulling 1,169 of the total vote cast, leaving Mr. Lance Adogoba with 192 votes.
Speaking at a “Thank You” rally on Saturday, Dr. Ayine said the rally was meant to call for unity in the party and to thank members of the party in the constituency for the massive endorsement of his candidature.
The deputy attorney general said though there have been some level of acrimony before the primaries, it is imperative for all to forgive and unite to guarantee victory in next years elections.
He also called on Timothy Azaa and Mr. Lance Adogoba to support him to accomplish his developmental plans for the Bolga East constituency.
He disclosed plans to initiate a fund known as “BEEF” Bolga East Education Fund which he believes will help reduce the number of drop out in education in his constituency due to lack of funds.
By: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen | A1RADIOONLINE.com | GHANA
The Upper East Regional Minister James Zugah Tiigah has touted the economic potentials of the region and challenged award recipients at the just ended National Farmers Day celebration to learn a little bit more about the Upper East Region.
Speaking at the just ended National Farmers day celebration held in Bolgatnga, he said that it will be a nice opportunity for the awardees and the officials who graced the occasion to use one stone and kill two birds by visiting Paga Crocodile Pond, the Shirigu Women Pottery Project and many more tourist attraction areas within the region.
Hon. James Zuuga Tiigah described the Upper East region as a sunshine region and gave a brief outlook of the agricultural potentials of the region. He added that the eastern part of the Region from pusiga to Bawku West is noted for the production of watermelon, onions, Irish potatoes and donkeys and these are aside traditionally known guinea fowls, maize, and late and early millet production. The Central part of the Region popularly termed the BONABOTO area is known for its potential such as cow pea, millet, ruminants and donkey production. The Eastern part comprising the Kassena Nankana and Builsa areas have the potentials to produce national rice requirements. He said as a result of the rivers and the ICOUR Irrigation Project, fish and vegetable production are equally very brisk in this area.
He used the opportunity to congratulate and encourage both the regional and national gallant’s farmers and the overall national best farmer Ibrahim Musa to continue with the hard work for mother Ghana. He also expressed delighted for the 31st National Farmers Day Celebration which was held in the Upper East
By Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen | A1RADIOONLINE.com | GHANA
Authorities in Finland are considering giving every citizen a tax-free payout of €800 (£576) each month.
Under proposals being draw up by the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela), this national basic income would replace all other benefit payments, and would be paid to all adults regardless of whether or not they receive any other income.
Unemployment in Finland is currently at record levels, and the basic income is intended to encourage more people back to work. At present, many unemployed people would be worse off if they took on low-paid temporary jobs due to loss of welfare payments.
More than 10 per cent of Finland’s workforce is currently unemployed, rising to 22.7 per cent among younger workers.
According to research commissioned by Kela, close to 69 per cent of the Finnish population favours the idea of a national basic income.
Detractors caution that a basic income would remove people’s incentive to work and lead to higher unemployment. Those in favour point to previous experiments where a basic income has been successfully trialed.
The Canadian town of Dauphin experimented with a basic income guarantee in the 1970s and the results – both social and economic – were largely positive.
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipilä supports the idea, saying: “For me, a basic income means simplifying the social security system.”
The basic income will cost Finland roughly €46.7 billion per year if fully implemented. Kela’s proposals are due to be submitted in November 2016.
The Dutch city of Utrecht is also planning to introduce a basic income, albeit solely for welfare recipients. From next month more than 250 unemployed residents of the city will be given a monthly sum to live on, with researchers monitoring the outcome to determine what effect it has on employment.
Switzerland is also considering introducing a national basic income. In September the Swiss parliament voted, with a large majority, for a motion calling on the Swiss people to reject the Popular Initiative for Unconditional Basic Income. However, a nationwide referendum on the issue is slated for 2016 and, according to a recent online poll, 49% of the Swiss would currently vote in favour of its introduction.
The people of Bongo in the Upper East Region have today joined in the celebration of a post-harvest festival called “Kibisi.”
The festival is annually celebrated to give thanks to God for a bumper harvest and raise funds for development in the area.
It is not a traditional festival but celebrated by the Catholics in the region with a main objective of raising funds for development across the branches of the parish in each community. The celebration has attracted people from all walks of life across the region to participate in the ongoing merry making.
In Bongo district, there are 22 Out-stations with the District Parish adding up to 23.
The day is climaxed with merry and felicitations on the streets and gathering places in the township.
