The Brazilian construction firm, Queiroz Galvao MI, has resumed work on the long-abandoned Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road in the Upper East Region, following the intervention of the Upper East Regional MPs Caucus in Parliament.
The development comes as a major relief to residents who have endured the deplorable condition of the road for years. The route is a critical economic and social corridor, linking Bolgatanga to Bawku and Pulmakom, as well as facilitating trade with neighboring border communities.
Confirming the resumption of work in an interview with A1 Radio, the District Chief Executive for Bolgatanga East, Jacob Abugri Aka-Eri, said construction activities were already underway and progressing steadily.
“The contractor has resumed work fully, and as we speak, construction is ongoing. This is a clear result of the collective efforts of our MPs, who championed the concerns of the people of this region at the national level,” Mr. Aka-Eri stated.
He appealed to residents, transport operators, and other stakeholders to cooperate with the contractor and avoid unnecessary disruptions to ensure smooth progress. According to him, completion of the road will not only improve transportation but also boost economic activities by easing the movement of goods and services.
The construction of the Bolga-Bawku-Pulmakom road has been a major campaign promise across successive governments, with repeated delays fueling frustration among residents. Many now hope this renewed momentum will deliver long-awaited relief. Mr. Aka-Eri reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and urged patience and unity among citizens as the project advances.
The National Coordinator for the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), Hajia Fati Forgor, has given a strong assurance to caterers under the programme that the era of delayed payments, which often led to disruptions in meal provision for pupils, is over. She attributed the new turnaround to President John Dramani Mahama’s reset agenda, which has made funds readily available to pay caterers on time.
“As it is now, I think when we roll out these new caterers, some were of the view that it’s going to be as usual, we’ll cook for several months, and we’ll not even know when our money will be paid. As I rightly said, it is a thing of the past”, she stated.
Speaking at an orientation in Bolgatanga for 1,389 newly recruited caterers in the Upper East Region, Hajia Forgor said the government has increased the feeding grant from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2 per child, and funds have already been released to ensure prompt payment going forward.
“As I speak to you, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the government have made your money readily available for people. And this will be done in due course. As soon as we finish with the data that we are taking from all of you, which will assist us in knowing those who actually cook and those who did not, we should be able to pay you as soon as possible”, she added.
She added that the previous caterers who worked under the previous government but had their contracts terminated in May this year were paid GH¢2 per child instead of the GH¢1.50 in their appointment letters.
“They had the opportunity to benefit from the reset that we have started at the Ghana School Feeding Program. They were paid two cedis per pupil. In fact, they were overwhelmed because they least expected that. They didn’t believe that we were going to do it, but we have done it”, she added.
She cautioned caterers against negligence, warning that those who fail to cook for ten consecutive school days risk losing their contracts. She emphasized that the programme’s goal is not only to feed children but also to boost school enrollment and retention, especially in deprived areas.
The Upper East Regional Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, Fawzia Yakubu Abagnamah, on her part, issued a strong caution to caterers in the region, urging them to strictly adhere to the objectives of the programme by providing pupils with both quality and adequate meals. Madam Abagnamah reminded them that the success of the programme depends heavily on their dedication to ensuring that school children receive nutritious meals that encourage enrollment and retention in schools.
Fawzia Yakubu Abagnamah – Upper East Regional Coordinator, GSFP
She warned that her office will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against any caterer who fails to meet the expected standards. “We will not compromise on quality and quantity. Any caterer who acts contrary to the objectives of the School Feeding Programme will face swift action from my office,” she stressed.
According to her, the programme is not just about feeding children but also about contributing to their health, well-being, and educational outcomes. She called on caterers to view their role as a critical service to the future of the region. Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Roland Atanga Ayoo, commended the orientation exercise, stressing that school feeding remains key to improving education in the region.
As part of activities marking its 35th anniversary celebrations, ActionAid Ghana has held a peace conference calling on the youth to be ambassadors of peace. ActionAid Ghana, over the years, has worked with youth groups, women groups, and the vulnerable to promote human rights and foster sustainable development.
ActionAid with Young Urban Women’s Movement and Activista Ghana took a peace walk through the principal streets of Bolgatanga, advocating for peace in Bawku and in some Senior High Schools. They held placards with inscriptions such as “Peace is priceless, give peace a chance”, “No peace no development, so let’s embrace peace”.
The Programs Manager of ActionAid Ghana in the Upper East Region, Akuka Yakubu, in his welcome address, says the region is a proud one with rich in culture and resilience, yet cannot ignore the truth that the Upper East region sits at a fragile crossroads.
He added that internally, the region continues to grapple with pockets of tribal conflicts, land disputes, chieftaincy disputes, and school-related violence, to the ripple effects of insecurity in the Sahel, where violent activities in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali have displaced thousands, some of whom have crossed into our borders.
Mr. Akuka said Senior High Schools should be grounds for learning creativity, but in recent times, schools such as Bawku Senior High School, Bawku Technical Institute, Sirigu Senior High, Zuarungu Senior High, and Bolgatanga Technical Institute have experienced disturbances, which have dire consequences on students.
In a panel discussion, Francis Adatara, a representative of the Conference of Assisted Secondary schools and Headteacher of Gambibgo Senior High School, enumerated some causes of student unrest in the Senior High Schools as “cadet prefect relationship, long stay in schools, especially with single track school, the use of mobile phones and ethnic groupings”.
The President of Young Urban Women’s Movement, Dorcas Zoogah, and the Regional Organizer of Activista Ghana, Akurugu Rexford, presented a petition to President John Dramani Mahama through the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, calling on the government and stakeholders to bring lasting peace to Bawku and Senior High Schools in the region.
Poetry recitals and a drama were staged on peace building by Bolga Girls Senior High School and Bolgatanga Senior High School students. The theme for the conference was ‘peaceful communities, safe schools: The youth as ambassadors of peace.’ The conference brought together students, the National Peace Council, Young Urban Women Movement, Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary schools (CHASS), and the NCCE.
The Fire Service Ladies Association (FISLA) has launched its 30th anniversary celebrations in Bolgatanga with a health walk and public sensitization exercise. Members of the association in the Upper East Region gathered at the regional fire service office on Thursday, August 21, 2025, before walking through the principal streets—including the central commercial street—and returning to the office to conclude the event.
The walk, which began around 8:30 a.m., was held to commemorate three decades of FISLA’s existence and coincided with a historic milestone for the Ghana National Fire Service, which is currently led for the first time by a female Chief Fire Officer. The association is also using the occasion to highlight and celebrate the contributions of women within the Service.
Speaking to the media after the event, the Upper East Regional Vice President of FISLA, ADO II Janet Sylvia Alogre, emphasized the association’s core mandate of unity and mutual empowerment. She explained that FISLA exists to support its members to rise to the standards of their male counterparts through education, professional development, and solidarity in times of distress.
“One thing about the Fire Ladies Association that makes it unique is that our core mandate is unity—empowering each other to rub shoulders with the men. That is what makes us stand out. Beyond that, we have many benefits for one another,” she said.
ADO II Alogre highlighted the diverse roles female personnel occupy across the Service, including operations, administration, accounts, and stores, noting that the Stores Unit in the region is currently headed by a woman. She added that in some regions, women firefighters also drive pickups and even fire tenders, stressing that women excel when given opportunities.
As part of the sensitization, she shared fire safety tips for households, particularly on the safe use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). She urged the public to learn proper gas handling, always switch off the cylinder before turning off the stove, replace worn-out valves, and regularly test hoses with soapy water to detect leaks. “I will advise the public to keep safe and ensure you learn how to operate your gas properly. If you buy gas, let an expert teach you how to use it. Don’t just take it home because everyone else is using it,” she cautioned.
She further advised families to keep matches away from children, clear combustible clutter—such as unused papers during the school holidays—and remain vigilant amid a rise in gaseous fire incidents. She reminded the public that investments in safety are far less costly than the loss of life or property.
ADO II Alogre also encouraged schools, event organizers, and members of the public to invite the Service to provide free fire safety education. “If we are not able to reach you, please come to our office and invite us. Especially schools and event organizers—we will come. It is free of charge,” she said.
Looking ahead, FISLA has outlined a series of activities through November, including expanded public education campaigns, clean-up exercises, and inter-district games to promote camaraderie and wellbeing. With limited funds for some of its projects, the association plans to engage stakeholders for support.
The regional branch also appealed for more women—particularly those with driving skills—to consider careers in the Ghana National Fire Service, noting that the Upper East Region urgently needs additional female personnel to strengthen its ranks.
A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region, Dr. Samuel Akonga, has formally announced his intention to contest for the position of Regional Communications Director as the party undergoes restructuring.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Dr. Akonga said that having served the NPP for several years, he believes his experience and skills place him in a strong position to lead the communications wing in the region.
“As a passionate communicator of the NPP over the years, I believe I have gained the experience and skills to leverage opportunities, disseminate the party’s information, and communicate its policies effectively to the grassroots, to residents of the Upper East Region, and beyond.”
He explained that his passion for effective political communication is driven by the conviction that clear dissemination of information and policies to the grassroots and wider public is crucial to the party’s electoral success.
“Information dissemination is very key to a party winning an election. If the electorate does not buy into your message, it will not help your cause or your fortunes.”
According to him, the ability to connect the electorate with the party’s message is fundamental to shaping political outcomes. He indicated that his years of service under various communications directors have equipped him with valuable insights into leadership, which he intends to blend with his own style to enhance the NPP’s messaging strategy in the region.
“I have worked under the tutelage of several directors, and having learned from their leadership styles, I believe that by blending those experiences with my own, I am well positioned to serve the communications wing of the party.”
Previously, the position of Regional Communications Director was by appointment, but with the new arrangements requiring elections, Dr. Akonga has put himself forward as a candidate.
He expressed confidence that his track record and commitment to the party will resonate with delegates and members as the NPP prepares to strengthen its communication structures ahead of future elections.
Dr. Samuel Akonga, an aspirant for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Upper East Regional Communications Director position, says party communicators have been undervalued despite playing a decisive role in the NPP’s political fortunes.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Dr. Akonga argued that communicators across constituency and regional levels are often treated as “election-winning machines” whose sacrifices are overlooked once the party takes power.
“Within our party, the communicators, from the constituency level to the regional level, over the years, we have been used as an election-winning machine,” he said. “As we are in opposition, who else speaks for the party apart from our leadership in parliament and the regional communicators? But after victory, do we try to listen to their concerns? That is something fundamental.”
To change this, Dr. Akonga said he would lobby his colleagues in other regions to collectively demand better recognition and incentives for communicators. He argued that spelling out clear expectations and rewards ahead of elections would motivate communicators to work harder.
“If we all agree that when the party comes to power, this is what you will get, it will energize you to work tirelessly to ensure victory,” he noted.
Beyond welfare, Dr. Akonga emphasized the need to rebrand the NPP in the Upper East Region. He said communication strategies must evolve to reach younger voters, stressing the importance of social media and modern digital platforms alongside radio and television.
He also identified weak information flow as one of the party’s biggest communication challenges. Many communicators, he said, are forced to speak without adequate data or facts. To address this, he pledged to leverage his academic and professional networks to organize regular training sessions.
“I will bring on board experts to train our communicators on information gathering, emotional intelligence, and presentation skills,” he said. “When you sit behind the mic, you should know how to compose yourself, control your emotions, and deliver credible information.”
Dr. Akonga believes that better coordination, capacity building, and stronger support systems will strengthen the NPP’s grassroots communication, making the party more competitive in the region.
“We are in opposition, so we need our best effort,” he said. “With training and the skills communicators already have, they will put up their best. That will galvanize the base of the party and ensure we get back to power as quickly as possible.”
On August 20, 2025, the Dr. Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Foundation marked the birthday of the late businessman, Dr. Kenneth Elvis Anewenah, popularly known as LESKEN, by feeding hundreds of people across various institutions in the Upper East Region.
The foundation, established shortly after Dr. Anewenah’s passing, carries a mission of kindness inspired by his legacy. Through its initiative “Meals on Wheels”, it provides food to students, street children, and adults, celebrating the life of a man who dedicated himself to uplifting others.
This year’s event, the second edition of the initiative, was supported by friends, family, and LESKEN Enterprise. It commemorated what would have been Dr. Anewenah’s 53rd birthday and touched the lives of more than 1,500 people.
Speaking to the media after the event, Bamidele Amao Moses, Secretary to the Foundation’s Board, explained: “Just in line with his philanthropic activities, every year when he was alive, on his birthday, he spent time with the needy and the less fortunate in our society, sharing food and gifts with them. In that same spirit, we continue this tradition today.”
Beneficiaries included the Centre for Child Development (CCD) under the Navrongo–Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese, God’s Love Residential Home, Mama Lady Children’s Home, and Hope Children’s Place Orphanage in Bongo. The initiative also extended to the Upper East Regional Hospital, War Memorial Hospital, and inmates at the Navrongo Prisons. Lunch and soft drinks were served, benefitting more than 1,500 people in total.
In a moving tribute, Danka John Paul, a close friend of the late businessman, reflected: “Today would have been Dr. Ken’s 53rd birthday. He was not just an entrepreneur and business mogul but a humanitarian par excellence. His passion to bridge social gaps and inequalities was remarkable, as reflected in the many tributes during his funeral. It is not surprising that he was also one of the biggest employers after government in northern Ghana, offering opportunities to all without discrimination.”
At the Navrongo Prisons, Deputy Superintendent of Prisons (DSP) Bugre Joakim expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely. He further appealed to individuals, groups, and organizations to extend similar support to aid in feeding the inmates.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
The North East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tiah, has delivered a blunt message to politicians and government appointees from northern Ghana, insisting that they have “absolutely no excuse” to fail their people when it comes to delivering development.
Speaking at an orientation session for Municipal and District Chief Executives and Coordinating Directors from the Upper East and North East Regions in Bolgatanga on the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) project, Mr. Tiah argued that with the current political and institutional influence northern Ghana enjoys, there is no justification for underperformance.
“We have the Speaker of Parliament coming from the North. We have the Majority Leader coming from the North. We have the President coming from the North. If we fail, then we have caused our own failure. We have no excuse whatsoever. So each of you, when you get back, talk to your MPs. Upper East, you have all your MPs as NDC. In my region, we have 50-50. But still, we will involve them because whatever NPP did and left, we are coming to continue. We are not abandoning any project,” he declared.
The Minister expressed frustration at inefficiencies within district assemblies, particularly the delays in processing Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) and the underutilization of project funds. “When you have money sitting in your account and you are not spending, excuse me with my words, it shows inefficiency,” he said. “Why should an IPC land on your desk for more than one week? No, there’s no reason.”
He challenged district chief executives to move beyond excuses and demonstrate results, warning that President John Dramani Mahama expects visible projects under the SOCO project and other funds before the year ends. “When His Excellency comes to your district and there is nothing to show, nobody should tell you that this is the beginning of your exit,” he cautioned.
Mr. Tiah also stressed that assemblies must prioritize efficiency and inclusivity in implementing social interventions, such as livelihood grants for women. He urged MDCEs to blend political sensitivities with community needs to avoid unrest.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ohenewah Agyei - SOCO Project Coordinator
The Coordinator of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project (SOCO), Mrs. Elizabeth Ohenewah Agyei, has warned that despite unprecedented investments channelled into northern Ghana through the project, weak supervision, procedural bottlenecks, and poor community engagement risk undermining the initiative’s impact.
Speaking during an orientation in Bolgatanga for Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) and Coordinating Directors from the Upper East and North East Regions, Ms. Agyei stressed that while SOCO has delivered far more funds than the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) in vulnerable communities, local assemblies and contractors must take accountability seriously.
“The investments that SOCO has made in the districts are unprecedented. If you look at the comparison of even the DACF, there’s such a huge gap in the annual allocations. These are ready monies for specific vulnerable communities,” she revealed.
But she cautioned that without proper checks, communities could continue to feel “short-changed.” She cited a case in the Sumbrungu community in the Bolgatanga municipality where residents demanded boreholes but later accused the assembly of providing inadequate facilities. “It was not that they were short-changed; it was an issue of poor engagement. Communities were not fully informed of the project’s capacity and scope,” she explained.
Ms. Agyei noted that misunderstandings like these erode trust and fuel grievances. To address this, $15 million of the SOCO project’s budget has been earmarked for community capacity building and engagement, alongside grievance redress systems including toll-free hotlines and local project offices.
She also pointed to weaknesses in project supervision and monitoring. “Some contractors feel they are not being watched. That is why we are introducing third-party monitoring and deploying institutions like AESL to ensure quality control,” she said.
Delays in project execution were also attributed to bureaucracy. “In replenishing funds, even if the system is fast, it takes about six weeks because it must go from the district, to the zone, to the national, and then to the Bank of Ghana. These are accountability measures, but they slow progress,” she admitted.
With Ghana’s northern border regions facing poverty, insecurity, and climate vulnerabilities, Ms. Agyei underscored that the stakes are high. “SOCO is a government project designed to build resilience against conflict spillovers from the Sahel. If communities feel excluded or cheated, the very cohesion we are trying to build will be undermined,” she warned.
She gave assurances that lessons learned in the first two implementation cycles have informed reforms for the third cycle, which will not be “business as usual.” Community facilitators will now receive stronger training, and assemblies will be held under tighter supervision standards.
“We cannot afford to fail. Vulnerable communities must feel the impact of these investments—not just in infrastructure, but in trust, cohesion, and resilience,” she said.
With the Nabdam district being the poorest in Ghana, with a multidimensional poverty rate of 68%, the DCE, Francis Tobig Yenwona, is optimistic that the SOCO projects will help to reduce poverty in the area. For his part, Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Roland Atanga Ayoo, lauded the SOCO project, saying it will help develop the municipality.
A youth leader and native of the Talensi District, Solomon T.T.B. Zinekena, has appealed to the Paramount Chief of Talensi, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, to reconsider his recent decision to ban the Talensi Mining Communities Initiative (TAMCI) from operating in the area.
The Talensi Traditional Council, led by the Tongraan, last week resolved to prohibit TAMCI from representing communities or engaging with mining companies in the district, accusing the group of disrespecting traditional authority, usurping powers it did not have, and instigating discontent among residents.
But in a passionate appeal, Solomon TTB urged the Paramount Chief to temper justice with mercy and engage the group in dialogue rather than shutting them out. Speaking on A1 Radio, Solomon stressed that both the chief and the youth are striving for the same goal — the development of Talensi.
“I want to use your esteemed platform to make a passionate appeal to His Royal Eminence, the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, to at least reconsider his decision to ban the TAMCI people. Not because of anything, but because as youth, they are there because he is there. As a paramount chief, he is there because the youth are there,” Solomon said.
He emphasized that banning TAMCI could create division at a time when Talensis needs unity to negotiate fairly with mining companies. “I think he can engage them. They can have a roundtable discussion. They are all fighting for the good of Talensi,” he suggested.
Solomon cautioned that the long-term effects of mining on the district required collective action. He cited examples from countries like South Africa, where mining left communities with health complications, environmental destruction, and a high cost of living once the companies left.
“At the end of the day, after 15 years, after 20 years, what are the benefits we may derive from the mining companies? I am looking for development. I am looking for improvement in the lives of the people. I am looking for the creation of jobs in the area,” he explained.
He noted that the presence of mining operations in Talensi has already raised the cost of housing and basic goods, turning the district into a fast-growing cosmopolitan hub. “Pregnant women may face complications, children may be born with deformities, and people with asthma and other health conditions may suffer. These are the realities we must confront together as a community,” Solomon warned.
The youth leader called on the Tongraan to exercise his fatherly role and forgive any perceived wrongs committed by TAMCI. “Whatever they have done, which might have offended him, he should overlook it because they are his children. And as children, we sometimes disobey our parents. But you need not throw the child away with the bathwater,” he pleaded.
He added that TAMCI members should also be willing to listen and engage with the traditional authority in good faith. “We must get back to the drawing table. I know the group TAMCI should be ready to listen to him so we can all come together with a policy document to engage the companies for the good of Talensi, for the general interest of the people.”
Solomon concluded by reaffirming Talensi’s reputation for peace and unity, expressing optimism that with dialogue and compromise, the Paramount Chief and the youth could find common ground.
“Talensi is known for its peaceful co-existence. And I know with him as a paramount chief, he will definitely play a huge role in bringing us together,” he said.
