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Ayine vows to reorganize NPP in Upper East with grassroots-centered leadership

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Daniel Ayine, an aspirant for the position of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Upper East Regional Secretary, has outlined his vision for the party should he be elected. He believes his leadership will ensure that the concerns of the people of the Upper East are effectively represented at the national level.

“What the people from the Upper East want to be heard at the National Council, I am the one who can convey it to them at the National Executive Committee,” he said.

Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Ayine stressed that his approach to politics is built on honesty and openness, noting that he is committed to addressing issues directly and offering practical solutions rather than avoiding hard truths. “That is what politics is all about. It’s not about massaging issues or trying to cover up—no, no, no, no. If you are wrong, I’ll tell you that you are wrong, and I will propose my methods,” he explained.

He pledged to reorganize the party in the region, focusing on building stronger connections with the grassroots. “My plan is to reorganize this party. You see, I’m not the kind of politician who brags or disrespects. In politics, your demeanor counts a lot. If I am coming to talk to you, to convince you to vote for me, I should come in a way that is acceptable to you,” he said, adding, “We need people who have that demeanor, who are down to earth, people who will listen to the grassroots and bring them along.”

He argued that political leadership is not about arrogance, wealth, or empty rhetoric, but about humility, charisma, and respect for the people. According to him, leaders must demonstrate an attitude that attracts and unites voters rather than divides them.

Mr. Ayine, who is currently the party’s regional treasurer, positioned himself as a down-to-earth leader who values listening to the concerns of ordinary party members and carrying them along in decision-making. He expressed confidence that his character and approach to leadership make him the right candidate to strengthen the party’s base in the region. “I have that charisma that I think can carry the grassroots along with me, and that is what people want,” he stressed.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

NPP Regional Secretary Hopeful Daniel Ayine calls for unity ahead of internal elections

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New Patriotic Party (NPP) Upper East Regional Secretary hopeful, Daniel Ayine, has emphasized the need for unity within the party as it prepares for its upcoming flagbearership contest and subsequent internal elections.

Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Ayine said the outcome of the flagbearership race will provide a common platform for members to align their campaigns and avoid divisions.

He explained that while he supports Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, his position should not be seen as opposition to other aspirants, adding that whoever emerges as flagbearer will require the collective support of the party.

Mr. Ayine cautioned that internal contests should not lead to unnecessary divisions, urging aspirants and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with respect.

Commenting on vote buying, he expressed concern over the financial strain faced by regional aspirants, noting that it is increasingly difficult to rely on monetary influence as a tool for winning support.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Ghana’s obsession with certificates undermines true education – Rev. Fr. Dr. Moses Asaah warns

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Rev. Fr. Dr. Moses Asaah Awinongya SVD, Founder of the Regentropfen Education Foundation and Regentropfen University College (RUC, formerly ReCAS), has raised concerns about what he describes as Ghana’s growing obsession with academic titles and certificates at the expense of genuine knowledge acquisition.

Speaking on A1 Radio on the theme “The Contribution of Postgraduate Education to Growth in the Upper East Region,” Dr. Awinongya noted that many Ghanaians are more interested in being called “Professor” or “Doctor” than ensuring that such titles reflect true expertise and practical knowledge.

“There is a danger in this country, and the danger is that people are busy wanting to acquire certificates rather than acquiring knowledge,” he said. “We need to begin to reverse things and focus on knowledge acquisition rather than the accumulation of certificates.”

Highlighting challenges within the academic system, he observed that the structure of project work in higher education often compromises learning. With overwhelming student numbers, some institutions assign up to 20 students to a single project, with only one person doing the actual work while others benefit without acquiring research skills.

“In many cases, it is only at the postgraduate level that students even begin to engage with true academic work and scientific research,” he explained.

He stressed the urgent need to reform Ghana’s education system to prioritize critical thinking, research, and practical application over the prestige of academic titles.

“We must re-groom our people,” he emphasized, warning that the certificate-driven mindset poses a serious threat to Ghana’s educational and developmental progress.

Dr. Awinongya, who has dedicated years to transforming education in the Upper East Region, reiterated his call for a paradigm shift that aligns higher education with the realities of national development.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Arrogance, lies have no place in Regional Secretary race – Daniel Ayine tells contenders

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Daniel Ayine, an aspirant for the position of Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has emphasized that leadership within the party must be built on respect, truth, and humility rather than arrogance and unnecessary showmanship.

Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio, Mr. Ayine noted that the role of a Regional Secretary comes with great responsibility, requiring honesty and respect for others.

“I don’t see any of my contestants beating me in the upcoming elections. Some of them are mature, and we respect each other. But one of them is arrogant, brags a lot, and lacks morality,” Mr. Ayine stated.

He recounted an encounter where he reached out to a fellow contestant for dialogue but was met with a “distasteful and disrespectful” response.

According to him, morality in politics should be about mutual respect, even during internal contests.

“Even if I had not called him, what would have happened? He even met me in the party, so I expected some level of courtesy. But I don’t panic. I am grounded, I don’t brag, and I don’t rely on social media noise,” he emphasized.

Mr. Ayine explained that his decision to move from his current position as Treasurer to contest for Regional Secretary was influenced by party members who believed he could serve better.

He disclosed that he had held several consultations, including with friends and senior party members, who encouraged him to step up.

“I have kept my campaign low-key, selling my message directly to delegates. The feedback has been positive. Many say they know me and believe I can serve better in this position,” he said.

Mr. Ayine remains confident that his calm, respectful, and truthful approach will give him the edge in the upcoming NPP internal elections.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

NPP Regional Secretary hopeful Daniel Ayine confident ahead of party’s internal elections

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Daniel Ayine, an aspirant for the position of Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region, has expressed strong confidence in his chances ahead of the party’s upcoming internal elections.

Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Ayine described himself as a man of truth who values humility and respect over arrogance and self-promotion.

He noted that while some of his competitors demonstrate maturity and mutual respect, others have displayed arrogance and disregard for moral values.

“I don’t see any of them beating me in this election. They know it. I don’t brag, I don’t make noise on social media. I’m on the ground doing what I need to do,” he emphasized.

Mr. Ayine explained that his candidacy stemmed from consultations with party members who encouraged him to move from his role as Treasurer to contest for Secretary.

He stressed that his low-key but effective approach has earned him the admiration of party faithful, including respected figures like Andrews, who urged him to enter the race.

He also recounted an incident where he reached out to a fellow aspirant for dialogue but was met with what he described as a “distasteful and disrespectful” response. “Morality should guide us to respect one another, even in internal contests,” he remarked.

According to him, his track record of service, truthfulness, and humility makes him the best candidate to deliver for the party. “Most people I’ve engaged with tell me, ‘Danny, we know you. You can serve us better in this position. Go for it,’” he added.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Pwalugu Tomato Factory to begin operations next year under PPP arrangement

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The Technical Aide to the President, Abraham Azumah Lambon, has revealed that government is taking full control of the long-stalled Pwalugu Tomato Processing Factory, with plans to commence full-scale operations by next year.

Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Lambon explained that government, in collaboration with development partners, is finalizing arrangements to operationalize the factory under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

“Government is absorbing it completely. They are including it in their budget to ensure that by next year, the factory will start running,” he assured.

He dismissed concerns about the absence of a direct reference to the project in the national budget, stressing that the factory remains a priority.

“It is not about mentioning specifics. Really, it is going to be included, and by next year, the factory will start running,” he emphasized.

According to him, development partners have already engaged the Regional Minister, who has facilitated discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture. Proposals are currently being submitted to solidify the partnership framework.

The revival of the Pwalugu Tomato Factory is expected to be a major boost for tomato farmers in the Upper East Region, who for years have struggled with post-harvest losses due to the absence of processing facilities.

Once fully operational, the factory is projected to create jobs, stabilize tomato prices, and strengthen the agricultural value chain.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Gov’t to provide 5 solar-powered irrigation facilities per district in Upper East

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The government has announced a bold initiative to transform agriculture and trade in the Upper East Region through the provision of solar-powered irrigation facilities and critical road improvements.

According to Abraham Azumah Lambon, Technical Aide to the President, each district in the region will receive at least five mechanized, solar-powered irrigation facilities annually until 2029.

The initiative, he explained, is designed to boost dry-season farming, create jobs, and expand local economic activities.

Speaking exclusively to A1 Radio, Mr. Lambon said the program has already been budgeted for, with funding secured from development partners.

“Take it easy,” he assured. “In a grid, we intend to roll out small-scale mechanized farming centres. At least every district will have five mechanized boreholes for irrigation.”

He clarified that while some facilities may not be fully completed in 2025, procurement and contract awards are already underway. By 2029, the program is expected to provide a minimum of 20 irrigation facilities per district.

In addition, Mr. Lambon revealed that every district has been allocated 10 kilometres of tyre-based road improvements this year. District Assemblies are to identify priority roads and submit them for contract awards.

“These roads will improve the movement of goods and services, directly supporting farmers and businesses,” he noted.

The dual intervention—solar-powered irrigation and road rehabilitation—seeks to tackle longstanding challenges of water scarcity and poor infrastructure in the region, ensuring that agriculture and trade thrive year-round.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Drug abuse threatens future of Daporetindongo youth – Assembly Member warns

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The Assembly Member Daporetindongo, Christopher Akolga Atingazaa, has expressed deep concern over the growing menace of drug abuse and related crimes in his community, warning that the future of many young people is at serious risk if urgent action is not taken.

Speaking on Bolga FM’s Tingmaalgo Sanga programme on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Mr. Atingazaa revealed that the abuse of substances such as cannabis (“wee”) and tramadol has become rampant among the youth. He noted that certain spots, particularly around the area behind Imperial Express, had turned into dangerous hideouts where gangs gathered to smoke and engage in criminal activities.

“We have a lot of young people in Daporitindongo who are engaged in taking wee and tramadol, and even those who sell it,” he lamented. “At one point, together with the youth and the police, we mounted serious surveillance and conducted swoops on them. But these guys are stubborn. When you sack them today, tomorrow they are back. And most of the time, they are armed with scissors and other weapons, which they use to attack.”

According to him, the situation has fueled an increase in assaults, phone snatching, and robbery incidents, leaving many innocent residents vulnerable. He described some of the users as “hardened criminals” who often appear unfazed by confrontations with law enforcement or community members.

Mr. Atingazaa also accused certain individuals of aiding the drug trade by secretly distributing substances at lorry stations and other unsuspecting places. “The unfortunate thing is that some irresponsible people are behind this business. They look innocent, but they are the ones destroying our children. The question is: will you sell these drugs to your own children?” he asked passionately.

He warned that drug abuse is gradually destroying the energy and potential of the youth. “Some of them, when drugged, cannot even walk or stand well. That is not what we want. We want a responsible, well-grown youth who can take up leadership tomorrow,” he stressed.

The Assembly Member commended the Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Fatau Atinga, and his team at the Bolgatanga lorry station for supporting efforts to clamp down on the menace. “Mr. Atinga has been very instrumental and collaborative in this fight, and we appreciate his efforts,” he said.

Mr. Atingazaa has called for a holistic approach involving security agencies, transport unions, traditional authorities, and community members to address the problem before it worsens.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Seidu Mutawakil Azangbeogo|Bolgatanga

Bolgatanga assembly member urges collective action on market sanitation

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The Assembly Member for the Daporitindongo Electoral Area, Christopher Akolga Atingazaa, has called on residents and traders in Bolgatanga to take personal responsibility for keeping the central market clean while awaiting the construction of a modern facility.

Speaking on Bolga FM’s Tingmaalgo Sanga on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Mr. Atingazaa revealed that the Municipal Assembly has already drawn up plans to construct a “modern and befitting market” for the people. He, however, emphasized that until the project takes off, community members must play their part in ensuring good sanitation.

“Why are the gutters always choked and silted?” he asked. “When you go around, the places filled with waste are usually littered with plastic bottles, sachets, cans, and polythene bags. Almost everyone who finishes a drink simply drops it in the gutter. This is a bad practice that breeds germs and mosquitoes, makes people sick, and affects our overall health.”

Mr. Atingazaa also expressed frustration over the reluctance of some traders to participate in periodic clean-up exercises at the market. “Sometimes when we plan and go to the market to clean, you see traders and shop owners sitting unconcerned, claiming they were not informed. But when others—even those who don’t trade in the market—join hands to clean, what should you do? You should join in,” he stressed.

He urged residents to support the Assembly and their local leaders in creating a healthier environment. “It is high time we all joined hands to ensure a clean and filth-free Bolgatanga. Sanitation is everyone’s responsibility, and we can only win this fight if we all play our part,” he added.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Seidu Mutawakil Azangbeogo|Bolgatanga

Sirigu youth take initiative to fix deplorable Kandiga-Sirigu road

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In a show of unity and resilience, the youth of Sirigu in the Kassena-Nankana West District on Sunday, August 31, 2025, mobilized resources and manpower to carry out temporary repairs on the deteriorated Kandiga-Sirigu road. The group spread gravel and leveled heaps of sand to make the road more passable, particularly the stretch leading to the Martyrs of Uganda Health Center.

The Kandiga-Sirigu road is a critical link for communities in the area, connecting residents to the Sirigu Women’s Organization for Pottery and Art (SWOPA), Sirigu Senior High School, and the health center. However, its poor condition has long drawn criticism from residents, who say it continues to hinder transportation, trade, and access to essential services.

Speaking during the communal exercise, the Paramount Chief of the Sirigu Traditional Area, Naba Atogumdeya Roland Akwara III, commended the youth for their initiative but urged the government to take urgent steps to reconstruct the road.

“Our people are suffering. Farmers find it difficult to transport their produce to market, and patients are delayed in getting to the hospital. Government must act and fix this road once and for all,” he appealed.

Records indicate that the road was awarded by the Department of Feeder Roads in 2002, with budgetary approval granted, but construction stalled and has since been abandoned. Residents say they have waited in vain for the project to resume.

The President of the Sirigu Youth Association, Mathew Abagna, explained that the exercise was meant as a call to action rather than a permanent solution. “We cannot sit and watch our community suffer because of bad roads. Today, we came together to do something small to ease the movement of vehicles and people, but we expect government to do the main work,” he stressed.

Also present was the Chief of Gunwoko, Naba Samuel Atingawaaya Anaaya I, who praised the youth for their sense of responsibility and reaffirmed the traditional leaders’ commitment to supporting community-driven initiatives. Assembly members, opinion leaders, and ordinary citizens also participated in the exercise, turning the event into a symbol of solidarity and hope.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joseph Napolean Anaaya|Sirigu