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Frafra is not a language in Ghana

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Tijani Ndanyenbah - Finance and Legal Consultant

Ghana is a multilingual country in West Africa with over eighty indigenous languages spoken, with English as its colonial language used across the country and in its educational system. These indigenous languages provide identity to the people and have some meaning and historical importance to them. In fact, the unique characteristic of the indigenous languages in Ghana is that two or more languages could have similar words and pronunciation with the same meaning.

Example, Twi and Fante, Dagbani and Manprusi (Manpruli), Talen and Nabd, Grune and Nankane, and others. This aspect of the culture of the people reflects some level of connectivity throughout the country. The spelling and the pronunciation, and meaning of most of these languages have been corrupted due to our coexistence with the colonial masters, and therefore threatening this identity connection of the people of Ghana.

It is not too late for us to begin to correct our identities and history for posterity. This article intends to correct the public literature on the language spoken by the people of the Upper East Region. I listened to an interview conducted by Citi FM on 25th August 2025 with the Honourable Member of Parliament for the Talensi constituency, Honourable Daniel Dung Mahama, where he indicated that the people of the Upper East Region speak Frafra, which is wrong, and I think it was an opportunity for him to have corrected this wrong literature.

Upper East Region is one of the oldest and the third smallest region in Ghana, created in September 1983 with Bolgatanga as its capital town and saturated with splendid tourism sites such as the Upper East Regional Museum, Sirigu Pottery and Arts Center, Bolga market, Bolgatanga Craft Village, Paga crocodile pond, Tongo Hills, and Tengzug shrine, among others.

The region occupies a total land surface of 8,842 square kilometres, representing about 2.7% of the total land area of Ghana, and has 15 districts with about seven major traditional languages, which are Nankani, Bisah, Kusal, Nadam (Nabd), Kassem, Gurune, and Talensi (Talen). Besides the multilingual feature of the region, the region is also well known for its unique festivals such as Samanpiid, Goleb (Golog), Fao, Kuure, Feok, Zekula, Boaram, Tengana, Daa, and Ndaakoya festivals.

On this note, the Upper East Region has different traditional languages; however, there is none known as ‘Frafra’. Frafra was derived from the colonial misinterpretation of the Gurene greeting ‘Yɛ farafara’, which literally means ‘excuse me’ or ‘hello’ or ‘I greet you’.

Though literature associates Frafra with the dialects of Gurenɛ, Nankani, and Boone, and sometimes Nabd (Nabdam/ Nabit) and Talen, which is asserted to be a Frafra dialect, traditionally, there is no language spoken by any tribe in the Upper East region known as Frafra, and neither does the word ‘Frafra’ have any meaning to the people of the Upper East Region.

Tijani Ndanyenbah

Finance and Legal Consultant

Gorogo Community

Shalom533@yaoo.com

Upper East School Feeding Coordinator embarked on monitoring exercise as schools reopened

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As public basic schools reopened nationwide on Tuesday after the long vacation, the Upper East Regional Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, Fawzia Yakubu Abagnamah, embarked on monitoring visits to some schools in the region to ensure smooth implementation of the programme.

Speaking to the media after her visits, Madam Abagnamah described the exercise as satisfactory, noting that caterers were at post and preparing hot meals for the pupils. She urged them to pay critical attention to both the quality and quantity of food they serve to the children, stressing that the programme plays a crucial role in sustaining school enrolment and improving nutrition.

According to her, the government has taken steps to address one of the programme’s long-standing challenges—delays in payments to caterers. She said that under the President’s “reset agenda,” funds have been released to ensure timely disbursement of allowances to caterers. This, she explained, would prevent the kind of boycotts witnessed in the past when caterers abandoned kitchens over delayed payments.

Beyond monitoring, Madam Abagnamah also interacted with first-time pupils admitted to school for the first time. She encouraged them to attend school regularly, take their studies seriously, and show respect to their teachers and parents. “These values,” she noted, “are the foundation that will help you grow into responsible future leaders.”

To make their first day memorable, she distributed biscuits to the new pupils in the schools she visited, drawing smiles and excitement among the children.

The monitoring exercise forms part of efforts by the Ghana School Feeding Programme to strengthen accountability, improve service delivery, and ensure that the government and its partners’ investment in children’s welfare translates into tangible outcomes in education.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga

Prof. Millar criticizes lack of northern priorities in National Development Agendas

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Founder of the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies, Professor David Millar, has raised concerns about the neglect of the Upper East Region in Ghana’s national development planning. Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio, he argued that the region—and the north as a whole—missed the opportunity to secure their priorities during the drafting of political party manifestos.

“Why are we embarking on this fruitless effort? The time we had to prioritize our demands was before elections, when manifestos were being developed. But we sat down quietly, and the moment passed. I remember saying that when I looked at the draft manifestos, there was nothing particularly targeting the north. They were all very general,” he said.

According to him, key national policy proposals such as the 24-hour economy and the digitalization drive are too broad and do not specifically address the unique developmental challenges of the northern sector. He noted that since manifestos are already being implemented by the government in power, the only room left for negotiation is within the framework of existing government policies.

“The only thing you can do as a development planner is to negotiate within their agenda, not outside it. So, if a project falls within the agenda, then you can negotiate. If it doesn’t, you don’t have room for negotiation.”

Professor Millar emphasized that development planning in Ghana is often driven by political considerations and electoral gains. In his view, regions that strategically align their demands with government priorities stand a better chance of securing projects. He criticized the Upper East Region’s approach to negotiating development projects, particularly citing the prolonged controversy over the location of an airport, which, he said, had delayed progress and given successive governments an excuse to shift attention elsewhere.

“That is what the Upper East Region keeps doing with the airport issue. They make it convenient for governments to ignore it, starting with the location.”

He urged stakeholders in the region to adopt a more pragmatic approach by holding the government accountable for promises already made while positioning additional demands as opportunities for political gain.

“Now, if a government comes and says, ‘Give me an essay,’ and you start the same discourse again, your hands will be full, and you’ll just sit and watch. Why not keep quiet and say, ‘Yes, yes, give us an essay’?”

“So, I thought for this one, we should rather hold the government’s feet to the fire and say, ‘Well, you said you would do this. We didn’t ask you—you promised it. Please, the opportunity is here, come and do it.’ Once they have delivered on that, then you can say, ‘Oh, in addition, this one is also here; that will also get you some more votes.’ That’s how you negotiate positions,” he explained.

By doing so, he argued, the Upper East Region would be in a stronger position to benefit from national projects, rather than being sidelined by endless internal disagreements.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga

CDD-Ghana, RISE-Ghana Engage stakeholders in Bolga on public services and community resilience

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The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), in partnership with RISE-Ghana, has organized a dialogue session with public service providers and stakeholders in Bolgatanga to discuss key challenges facing communities in the Upper East Region.

The event, held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Regional House of Chiefs Conference Hall, brought together representatives from security agencies, the media, traditional authorities, and civil society organizations.

The session formed part of a broader project being implemented across 15 districts in the Upper West, Upper East, and North East regions. The project seeks to strengthen community resilience, build capacities, and support peacebuilding initiatives. Findings from a baseline study were shared at the session, highlighting pressing issues such as crime and violence, access to public services, citizen participation, and risks of radicalization.

Healthcare, education, and water were identified as the top priorities for residents, with widespread demand for improvements in these sectors. Security, although ranking slightly lower in service preference, emerged as the strongest overall concern, with most participants emphasizing the need for greater vigilance to safeguard communities.

The study also revealed mixed perceptions regarding preparedness against violent extremism. While some communities collaborate with local radio stations to raise awareness and encourage vigilance, nearly half of respondents said they felt unprepared to deal with potential threats. “There are also some communities that have partnered with radio stations for sensitization. That is how we define awareness—through education and vigilance, not by using catapults or metals to counter them,” one respondent noted.

Youth unemployment and frustration were highlighted as major drivers of vulnerability to radicalization, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to engage and support young people. “We seek to achieve one national consensus for peace—that is our ultimate aim. In doing so, we want to bridge the gap and build mutual respect between law enforcers and community members so that we can all work toward the common goal of fighting the enemy. We also recognize that terrorist or radical groups often recruit from among frustrated youth,” another participant stressed.

Speaking to the media after his presentation, Paul Nana Kwabena Aborampah Mensah, Programs Manager for Security Sector Governance at CDD-Ghana, emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities, built on mutual respect and trust. “I was encouraged today by the caliber of participants we had. From the media, we had representatives from print, online, and FM radio. From the security sector, we had the NIB, immigration, police, CID, and others,” he said.

He also acknowledged the crucial role of the media in shaping public perceptions and urged responsible reporting to promote peace and development. “I am impressed with the contributions made today. We will review our strategies, and of course, the media has a role to play. But some of your reportage and the images you publish can be problematic. You know the dangers of sharing certain pictures, as you were taught in your professional schools,” he added.

The initiative is supported by the Global Community Engagement Fund (GCEF), working in Ghana for the first time in collaboration with local partners including TAG Ghana, NOSAC in Tamale, and RISE-Ghana.

Also addressing the media, Naba Patrick Asaliya Ayimbila, Acting President of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, encouraged families and individuals to actively contribute to peace promotion within their communities.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga

Dr. Apaak commissions 4 new classroom blocks in Builsa South

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The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has commissioned four new classroom blocks across different communities in the constituency, reaffirming his commitment to improving access to quality education.

The facilities, located in Wiesi, Dogniga, Uwasa Teudema, and Fumbisi Suik, are expected to ease overcrowding in existing schools and provide safe, conducive learning spaces for young children.

Specifically, Wiesi, Dogniga, and Uwasa Teudema each received a 3-unit Kindergarten block funded through GETFund following Dr. Apaak’s advocacy, while the 2-unit Kindergarten block at Fumbisi Suik was personally financed by the legislator.

Separate commissioning ceremonies were held in all four communities, where residents expressed appreciation for the intervention. Representing Dr. Apaak, Constituency Chairman Cerza Akinkang explained that the MP’s personal academic journey strongly influences his dedication to expanding education.

“Dr. Apaak has lived the power of education, and he believes the children of Builsa South deserve the same opportunities. These projects are a reflection of his love for the constituency and his faith in the future of its youth,” Mr. Akinkang stated.

The facilities were officially handed over to the Builsa South District Education Directorate. Receiving them, the District Director of Education, Mr. Richard A. Akum-Nyemi, expressed profound gratitude to the MP on behalf of the Ghana Education Service.

He encouraged parents to take advantage of the new classrooms by enrolling all eligible children when schools reopen on September 2, 2025. He also emphasized the need for communities to safeguard the structures to ensure their longevity.

Community leaders in Wiesi, Dogniga, Uwasa Teudema, and Fumbisi Suik warmly welcomed the projects. They pledged to support maintenance efforts while appealing for complementary interventions such as furniture, teachers’ accommodation, and improved sanitation facilities.

Dr. Apaak, speaking through his representatives, described the commissioning as both a fulfillment of his promise and an expression of his long-standing vision to transform education in Builsa South.

He noted that the combination of official resource mobilization and personal sacrifice reflects his belief that investment in education is the surest path to sustainable development for the constituency.

“These schools are not just buildings; they are investments in the future of Builsa South,” he said.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Bongo DCE appeals to landowners, chiefs as Ghc300 cost of gravel hampers road improvement

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The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bongo, Akaseke Joseph Abaa, has expressed deep concern over the poor state of road networks in the Bongo District, calling for urgent collaboration from stakeholders to ease challenges facing contractors—particularly the rising cost of gravel.

Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Abaa noted that many major routes in the district, including the Namon-Bongo, Bondungo, and Sumburungu-Nyariga stretches, remain in deplorable condition, making transportation difficult for commuters and discouraging trade activities.

According to him, several trucks have previously been involved in accidents due to potholes, especially along the Namon-Bongo corridor, which has negatively impacted internally generated funds (IGF).

In response, the Assembly, in collaboration with feeder roads, has embarked on spot improvement works, using graders and backhoes to patch critical areas.

“We cannot afford to be suffering when these machines are available,” the DCE stressed, adding that some stretches, such as the Nyariga route, are currently being properly tarred to ensure durability.

However, Mr. Abaa lamented that access to gravel remains the district’s biggest obstacle. He revealed that some landowners charge as high as GH¢300 per trip of gravel, a cost that deters many contractors.

“Imagine a contractor buying 100 trips at such a price—many will abandon the project altogether,” he said.

The DCE appealed to chiefs, assembly members, and opinion leaders to release land for gravel at reduced or no cost to support road construction. He also acknowledged that some landowners demand high prices because they feel overlooked in government employment opportunities, even after offering their land for development projects.

“One landowner told me he gave land for a school but wasn’t considered for security work there, so he decided to sell gravel instead. There is some sense in their argument,” he admitted.

Mr. Abaa urged state agencies to consider landowners and their families for recruitment when development projects are sited on their lands. He believes such recognition will motivate more people to release land willingly for public works.

He assured residents that the Assembly, together with the Regional Minister and other stakeholders, is committed to ensuring that Bongo’s road infrastructure improves, as reliable roads are key to reducing accidents, boosting economic activities, and enhancing development in the district.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Bolgatanga East DCE assures lasting solution to Zuarungu SHS clashes

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The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bolgatanga East, Jacob Abugri Aka-Eri, has assured the public that decisive steps are being taken to resolve the recent disturbances at Zuarungu Senior High School.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Aka-Eri revealed that since the clashes erupted between Frafra and Kusasi students over an alleged phone theft on July 20, his office has been working closely with the school authorities, the Regional Director of Education, and the Upper East Regional Minister to restore calm and ensure lasting peace.

“We have had several meetings, and a committee was formed to look into the issues and make appropriate recommendations. I am informed that the report will be ready this week, so by next week we will know the way forward,” he stated.

While first- and second-year students remain at home pending the committee’s findings, third-year students have resumed campus to continue their final examinations.

It will be recalled that the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, ordered the immediate closure of the school following the violent clashes, which led to the burning of structures and heightened ethnic tensions on campus.

The DCE expressed optimism that the committee’s recommendations would help restore harmony and prevent future occurrences, adding that the safety and academic progress of students remain a top priority.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Only 2 vehicles serve Bongo Assembly; police left without adequate transport – DCE raises alarm

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The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bongo, Akaseke Joseph Abaa, has expressed deep concern over the severe shortage of vehicles affecting both the Bongo Police Service and the District Assembly, warning that the situation poses serious security and administrative challenges.

Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Abaa stressed that the Bongo Police Service urgently requires reliable transport to patrol the district effectively, especially given its proximity to Burkina Faso and the growing threat of extremist activities such as Boko Haram. “We need our security personnel at every corner of Bongo. Unfortunately, they don’t have the vehicles to move around effectively,” he lamented.

According to him, the District Assembly is also struggling with the same challenge. Out of the few vehicles available, only two — one assigned to the DCE and another to the Coordinating Director — are functional.

Other essential vehicles, including a pick-up truck and a tipper truck purchased some years ago, are grounded at a mechanic’s shop. “Imagine an officer coming from Bolga to Bongo on a motorbike, then proceeding to Soe, Fiou, Zorko, and other areas. Bongo is wide, and it is a serious challenge,” Mr. Abaa explained.

He further disclosed that a vehicle that should have been handed over by his predecessor went missing entirely, only to be later traced and recovered in Accra with the help of security agencies. Following his confirmation into office, he traveled to the capital to retrieve it, ensuring at least one additional official vehicle for the district.

To address the situation, the DCE said the Assembly has engaged mechanics to restore the grounded vehicles. “They have brought us the list of parts needed, and hopefully, within a month, the pick-up and the tipper truck will be back on the road,” he assured.

Mr. Abaa also revealed that the Upper East Region has been excluded from a national initiative that provides pick-up vehicles to assemblies under the District Development Facility (DDF) programme. The Regional Dean of DCEs has since written to the Ministry of Local Government, requesting additional vehicles to support the assemblies.

He called for urgent intervention, stressing that without adequate transport, both security and development supervision in the Bongo District are at serious risk.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Bongo Assembly collected only Ghc19 in four months – DCE vows reforms

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The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bongo, Akaseke Joseph Abaa, has expressed shock over what he described as the extremely poor Internally Generated Fund (IGF) performance under his predecessor, Rita Atanga.

Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Abaa revealed that between January and April, the Assembly mobilized only GH¢19.19 as IGF.

“And it says to me that from January to April, the IGF, if I mention it here, you will cry for Bongo District. Nineteen Ghana cedis. From January to April, 19 Ghana cedis,” he lamented.

Determined to reverse the trend, the DCE immediately instituted a task force to monitor revenue collection in local markets. This, he said, yielded encouraging results, with about GH¢2,500 mobilized on the very first day.

However, revenue collectors failed to sustain the momentum, forcing him to terminate their appointments and recruit new collectors on a probation basis.

Mr. Abaa further disclosed plans to digitize revenue collection to curb leakages and promote accountability. According to him, a district-wide registration of shops and businesses will commence next week, followed by the introduction of a Mobile Money (MoMo) system. Business operators will be required to pay levies directly into a MoMo account registered in the Assembly’s name.

“At the end of the month, if you are paying one, two, or four cedis, you pay directly to that MoMo line. That will reduce leakages because nobody will come and say you paid two cedis but gave me one cedi without a receipt,” he explained.

He emphasized that collectors will now work on commission, ensuring their earnings depend on performance. The initiative, he stressed, will help Bongo District strengthen its revenue base and assure citizens that their money is being used transparently.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Talensi Assembly to expand health, education & revenue mobilization initiatives – DCE

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The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Talensi, John Millim Nabwomya, has outlined a series of development programmes aimed at strengthening healthcare, education, and revenue mobilization in the district.

Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Nabwomya emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to constructing additional CHPS compounds to improve healthcare access in underserved communities.

He also disclosed that new schools would soon be established to expand educational opportunities and improve teacher welfare. “Education is the key to everything we do in life. Very soon, once all legal and contractual processes are completed, new schools will be built to expand access,” he said.

The DCE further highlighted infrastructure projects being financed through internally generated funds, including the near completion of a 20-bed facility at the Tongo Disposal Hotel and plans to construct a modern office complex within the next two months.

On revenue mobilization, Mr. Nabwomya acknowledged existing challenges but noted that a dedicated team has been deployed to sensitize communities and collect levies.

He stressed the importance of property rates, particularly from mining companies, in supporting development. “Sometimes people think paying property rates is unnecessary, but the law requires it. These funds are used to make our communities better places,” he explained.

Mr. Nabwomya assured residents that all internally generated funds, as well as allocations from the Common Fund, will be used transparently. He added that the Assembly regularly briefs residents on expenditure to build trust and encourage compliance.

“With accountability, people develop confidence and willingly contribute their quota. That is the only way we can sustain development in Talensi,” the DCE concluded.

A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

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