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.
Ibrahim Musah, 48 Takes Home The Ultimate Prize For Best Farmer
Forty Eight year old Ibrahim Musah, has been adjudged the National Best Farmer for this year at the National Farmers Day held in the Upper East Region.
The ceremony which was under the theme Transform Ghana: Invest in Agriculture awarded 78 who distinguished themselves in the course of the year.
Ibrahim Musah has been farming for the past thirteen years and is the owner of the IM Unity farm company limited with 108 workers.
Ibrahim also has to his credit two fish ponds, 80 goats, 49 turkeys.
Mr. Ibrahim Musah was awarded with a cash price of three thousand Ghana cedis, a laptop and a car among other prices.
Speaking after receiving the award, an elated Ibrahim Musah said winning this year’s award is a motivating tool to spur him on to greater heights in the subsequent years to come. He explained that although his farm was in the hinterland, he was able to win this year’s best farmer award because of the hard work he invested into his work.
Ebenezer Afoh from Azim in the Western Region was also adjudged the best fish farmer for the year. Afoh has been farming for 30-years and has 10 canoes to his credit whereas Gideon Anaba from Bawku was also been adjudged the National Livestock farmer of the year.
In attendance at the ceremony were the Minister for agriculture, Fiifi Kwetey, Upper east Regional minster, James Zugah Tigah and his Deputy, David Kanga member of the council of state and other government dignitaries including District and Municipal chief Executives.
The Vice President, H.E. Amissah Arthur who was expected to grace the occasion could not make it because the weather conditions could not allow for his travel by air.
A SOCIETY without a leader is like a jungle. Though it may not be liken to a jungle, the continuous absence of leaders for some key positions could be seen as retardation to unity and development.
That exactly is the case of Bolgatanga Municipality where there is no paramount chief because there is a dispute over who replaces the late chief as two royals from different gates have enskinned themselves as paramount chiefs. Events leading up to their installations at different but very close dates led to sporadic shootings in the royal community of Atulbabiisi. A number of houses were set ablaze. Today, the police and the military have set up camps and providing security for the two self-imposed chiefs. Though the two carry themselves as paramount chiefs, none is recognized by the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs.
Politically, the Municipal Chief Executive is the administrative head of the assembly. However, since Edward Ayagle’s tenure of office expired in August this year as MCE, President Mahama is yet to find his replacement. Though Class News has learned five names have been submitted to the Presidency for the President’s consideration and nomination, development watchers, Assembly members and executives of the governing NDC are worried about the situation.
Another leadership crisis the assembly is faced with is the failure of members of the assembly to elect a Presiding Member for three consecutive times. Since members assumed office, they have to appoint sit-in Presiding Member to preside over the business of the house.
Mr. Gabriel Ayine, Assembly member for Upper Dopori-tidongo Electoral Area, narrated to business of the house. “It is very worrying that for close to three months now as a house, we still do not have a Presiding Member…it is something that is affecting business of the house.
He explained that though per the standing orders of the assembly, they always got one of the assembly members to preside over business of the house, the person’s mandated expired immediately after the day’s proceedings. This system did not allow for follow ups on issues discussed.
Mr. Ayine again said due to the absence of a MP, members were unable to form sub-committees which would also form executive committee.
Mr. Abdallah Salifu, Bolgatanga Central Constituency Secretary of the NDC, though agreed the situation affected the business of the assembly, he also said there were perceived blocks among the 52 members thus making it difficult for them to elect a Presiding Member.
He explained that apart from the fact that the MCE performed administrative role as the father of the Municipality, he also supported the party to execute its agenda and as such, his absence was negatively affecting the structure of the party in the Municipality.
Though Mr. James Tiigah, the Regional Minister was acting as MCE, Mr. Abdallah said his busy schedules and office location did not offer many people the opportunity to be able to meet with him and have their documents endorsed within a day or two as was done when the MCE was in office.
Mr. Abdallah was however hopeful if the MCE was appointed, members would come to a comprise to elect a presiding member.
Credit: William Nlanjerbor JALULAH/The Chronicle/Ghana
BEFORE THE celebration of the 31st National Farmers’ Day came alive today at Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School, Upper East Region, the National Farmers’ Award Winners Association was accusing government of not following the laid down procedures in the organization of the celebration.
The association has therefore demanded government surrendered the planning and organization of the annual celebration to its members after year’s event. Mr. Davis Korboe, Chairman of Award Winners Associationin an exclusive interview with this reporter in Bolgatanga, said the association was not happy with the manner in which the celebration was planned this year.
According to him, government had not followed the normal patterns used in previous years to honour award winners. He explained that in previous years, farmers were taken to Accra for an orientation including going to the Akuafo Hall of the University of Ghana, Legon, where they received some excitation and automatically became fellows of that hall. They then climaxed their stay in Accra with a dinner night with the Vice President at the banquet hall before they were conveyed in one bus to the venue of the celebration.
Mr. Korboe said in rather strange and unexplained circumstances, government this year excluded those procedures. “I have to say with authority that as chairman of award winners association, it’s not right at all for them to do that and I think after the celebration, we need to have serious postmortem about these things…whether government is the one who is supposed to continue doing it or the private sector should do it.
Mr. Karboe hinted that his association will want to take over the organization of the celebration from the government henceforth. He emphasized that; “What we have been doing all these years is what we think we should practice. You don’t just move the awardees straight from their respective regions to the host region:”
He revealed that the substitute of dinning with the Vice President was a dinner night with the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. James Tiigah, at his official residence.
Mr. Korboe also expressed disappointment in the government for slashing budgetary allocation to the agriculture sector for 2016 by a whopping Ghc 45m in spite of the sharp decline in agriculture this year. “I don’t think it’s the best….in agric you don’t talk politics because you and I sitting here will still eat our breakfast, lunch and super and so it (agric) doesn’t care whether one is in this political party or the other. The right thing as far as agric is concerned must be done – period!”
He observed that over the years, government had listened to only technocrats in planning agriculture programmes and detecting to farmers how those programmes should be carried out. This he said was also wrong and advised government to listen to farmers and not the technocrats alone. The theme for the celebration was “Transform Ghana: Invest in Agriculture’’.
Credit: William Nlanjerbor JALULAH/The Chronicle/Ghana
