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John Kingsley Kurug confident about winning NPP Zebila NPP primaries

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In the lead-up to the NPP parliamentary primaries in the Zebilla Constituency, Upper East Region, Dr. John Kingsley Kurug, one of two aspirants is confident he will win the election, beating his contender come December 2, 2023.

In an exclusive interview on A1 Radio, Dr. Kurug expressed confidence in the discernment of the delegates and brushed off what he described as negative campaign tactics employed by his opponent in the primaries.  

He emphasised that, for him, engaging in politics is not a “do or die” affair but rather a “quest to serve.”

“When it comes to political contests, to me, it’s not a do or die. It’s a quest to serve, and when the people say it’s not your time to serve, it’s not a do or die affair.”

Acknowledging the nature of political discourse, he remained unperturbed by the sneering campaign, expressing confidence in the discernment of the delegates.

“They call it politics, but I believe the delegates are more discerning, and I don’t have a problem with sneering campaigns.”

Dr. Kurug also addressed accusations of not supporting the candidate who won the NPP primaries in 2020. He highlighted the considerable effort and sacrifice he made, flying back from Amsterdam, making campaign donations, and actively participating in the campaign. Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that such accusations are part of the political landscape, stating,”

Having experienced the intricacies of political contests, Dr. Kurug remains optimistic about the upcoming primaries and hopes to secure the party’s ticket to represent the Zebilla Constituency in the 2024 general election.

Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga|

GHANET, NAP+ organize health walk to promote HIV self-testing awareness in Upper East Region

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The Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET), in collaboration with the Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+) and various stakeholders, orchestrated a health walk to combat the spread of HIV and enhance public health. The event, which took place in Bolgatanga on Saturday, November 25, 2023, aimed to raise awareness about HIV Self-Testing (HIVST), with a specific focus on the blood-based testing method.

This collaborative effort between GHANET, NAP+, and other key stakeholders attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, including healthcare professionals and community members. Speaking to the media, Patrick Anamoo, the National Public Relations Officer of GHANET, underscored the walk’s significance as a nationwide initiative with the primary objective of shedding light on HIVST, particularly educating the public about the blood-based testing method.

Anamoo highlighted that HIV Self-Testing has emerged as a crucial tool in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the convenience and privacy it offers in encouraging more individuals to know their HIV status. He expressed gratitude for the support from various stakeholders and the enthusiastic participation of the attendees, noting that the success of such initiatives relies on the collaboration of organizations, communities, and individuals. Anamoo emphasized that the health walk is not a one-time event but part of a broader strategy to continually raise awareness and promote HIV prevention measures.

Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga|

Upper East Regional Farmers’ Day postponed to December 8, 2023

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local rice farmers

A1 Radio can confirm that this year’s National Farmers Day celebrations, which were supposed to occur on Friday, December 1, 2023, across the country, will not take place in the Upper East region on the said day.

A letter cited by A1 News, signed by the Upper East regional coordinating Chief Director Alhaji Abubari Inusah, stated that after a meeting on Friday, November 24, 2023, by the planning committee of the 39th Edition of the National Farmers Day celebration chaired by the Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu, they concluded on the need to postpone the event in the region.

According to the statement, instead of December 1, the celebration will now take place on December 8, 2023, citing recent financial challenges and the need to centralize the celebration at one location in Bolgatanga rather than having it in all the 15 districts and municipalities.

The statement said, “In view of the current financial challenges, there is a need to centralize the celebration at one location. The districts needed some time to reorganize themselves for the celebration since it was an innovation. In view of this, it has been decided to reschedule the celebration from Friday, December 1, to Friday, December 8, 2023.”

The statement also confirmed that the centralized location will be at the Jubilee Park in Bolgatanga, where all the awardees from the various districts will converge for their awards.

“Consequently, it has also been decided that the celebration would be marked at the Jubilee Park, Bolgatanga, where all the districts would converge with their awards and awarders. In view of this, MDAs are hereby requested to furnish the Regional Planning Committee with the number of persons who would be participating at the regional level for budgeting purposes.”

Speaking on A1 Radio about the issue, the Upper East regional Director of Food and Agriculture, Alhaji Zachariah Fuseini, while confirming the rescheduled day from December 1 to December 8, 2023, said it would give room for his outfit to fully prepare and provide better prizes for the award winners on the day.

Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|David Azure|Bolgatanga|

PRINCOF calls for better conditions of service for members

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The Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) have called on the government to improve the conditions of service for college staff.
Speaking at its annual conference held in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, the national president of PRINCOF, Professor Samuel Awinkene Atintono, described the conditions of service for teaching and non-teaching staff of colleges of education across the country as unattractive.
According to Prof. Atintono, to bring a lasting solution to the labour unrest among PRINCOF staff, there is a need for significant improvement in salaries and other allowances for its members.
“The condition of service of our staff remains unattractive, and recently, we have witnessed labour unrest from teaching and non-teaching staff of colleges of education regarding their conditions of service,” Prof. Atintono stated.
Prof. Atintono mentioned that as the various colleges of education face many challenges, there is an immediate need for an increase in feeding fees for students from the current amount of Ghc.10.00 per student to Ghc. 30.00.
“An amount of Ghc. 10.00 per student per day as a feeding fee is woefully inadequate and must be increased to at least Ghc. 30.00, and it usually takes a long time to come.”
The theme of the annual conference was ‘Repositioning Colleges of Education as Centers of Excellence for Teacher Education in Ghana.’ On her part, Gifty Twum Ampofo, the Deputy Minister of Education, who was the guest of honour, underscored the need for quality education at the colleges of education across the country to complement the investment the government is making in the educational sector.
Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, who chaired the conference, applauded PRINCOF for the efforts they are making in producing qualified teachers for the country over the years.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|David Azure|Bolgatanga|

Public refusal of drug prescription linked to rising threat of antimicrobial resistance

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The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been attributed to the public’s reluctance to adhere to drug prescriptions. Lawrence Atongo, Doctor of Pharmacy and Vice Chairman of the Upper East Regional chapter of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, has noted that the improper use of antibiotics in both human and animal healthcare has expedited the emergence of resistant strains. This renders once-effective treatments less potent or entirely ineffective.

“We have observed a significant misuse of antibiotics. For instance, a prescribed treatment duration may be two days, but if the disease persists, patients may either succumb or be referred to another facility due to drug misuse. Antimicrobials should be used as per the prescribed dosage and treatment duration by a professional. If prescribed for a week, refrain from discontinuing after two days, claiming improvement,” emphasized Dr. Atongo during a symposium at the Upper East Regional Hospital, held to commemorate Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week.

Dr. Atongo urged the public to seek professional advice for healthcare needs, cautioning against self-prescription based on others’ experiences. “Don’t assume a medication worked for a friend or relative with a similar illness and self-administer the same treatment,” he added.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi evolve to resist the effects of medications designed to eliminate them. This resistance, exacerbated by concerns about antibiotic misuse and overuse, underscores the urgent need for a collective effort to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Dr. Bertha Gibil, a Pediatrician at the regional hospital, further explained that antimicrobial resistance can also result from the transmission of infections from animals to humans. “Animals can serve as a reservoir for infections, with vectors affecting both animals and humans. Therefore, resistance originating from animals can impact humans,” Dr. Gibil emphasized.

Dr. Gibil highlighted the pivotal role of prescribers in addressing antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the importance of taking a comprehensive patient history and conducting investigations to identify specific organisms and their sensitivity to drugs. This approach ensures that treatment is tailored to the specific infection rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.

Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Bolgatanga | Ghana

Paramount Chief appeals for more infrastructure at Sherigu Community Day SHS

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The Paramount Chief of the Sherigu Traditional Area, Naba Aluman Apasinaba II, made a passionate plea for the government to prioritize the improvement of Sherigu Community Day Senior High School by adding additional classroom blocks.

Naba Aluman Apasinaba II has indicated that the school currently grapples with inadequate infrastructure that affects teaching and learning experiences for both educators and students.

The appeal was made during the annual “Naba Yesika festival” celebration, where the paramount chief addressed dignitaries and the community.

Naba Aluman Apasinaba II stated, “Our commitment to education is unwavering, but the current state of Sherigu Community Day Senior High School demands urgent attention. We need additional classroom blocks to accommodate the growing number of students and to provide a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.”

The Chief of Dorongo, Naba Akazire Afayure, spoke on behalf of the Paramount Chief. However, he said that the call for additional classroom blocks reflected the community’s commitment to fostering quality education for its youth.

The “Naba Yesika festival” celebration provided a platform for the paramount chief to amplify the community’s concerns and aspirations.

The representative of the Municipal Chief Executive, however, assured that the Assembly would give much effort to addressing the challenges. Plans were already far advanced to complete the already-started classroom blocks in the school.

Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Bolga High Court removes Vice Chancellor and Registrar of CKT-UTAS from office

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The Bolgatanga High Court has issued a perpetual injunction against Professor Eric Magnus Wilmot and Dr. Vincent Ankamah-Lomotey, who serve as the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, respectively, at the C. K Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences. The order prohibits them from holding the aforementioned positions. This information was contained in a judgment obtained by A1 Radio. The ruling was delivered by Bolgatanga High Court Judge, Justice Charles Agyei Wilson.

Additionally, the duo is not to undertake any activities pertaining to the aforementioned roles.

It would be recalled that Joseph Pwoawuvi Weguri, the plaintiff, sued the four defendants, C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), the Attorney General, Eric Magnus Wilmot and Vincent Ankamah Lomotey, on March 20, 2023. The defendants claimed, “Declaration that the purported appointment of the 3rd and 4th defendants as vice-chancellor and the registrar of the 1st defendant is null and void, an order compelling the 3rd and 4th defendants to refund all sums of money, including salaries and allowances, they received from the consolidated fund and from the 1st defendant, and costs, including legal fees of the plaintiff.” Weguri maintained that the duo was in flagrant violation of the law, including a breach of public service laws in Ghana, particularly Article 199 of the Constitution, 1992.

Mr. Weguri, a resident of Navrongo, in his arguments in court, contended that the public officers continued their full-term employment beyond the mandatory retirement age. Additionally, the court maintained that Mr. Weguri was an upstanding citizen of the area and, as such, had not abused the court, as had been argued by the defendants.

“The plaintiff is a well-respected, outspoken, forthright citizen who has a genuine, serious interest and demonstrable willingness to litigate the issue in the public interest and in the service of upholding the constitution and the rule of law. I am satisfied that the petition is not an abuse of the process of the court, and, as such, it is not unreasonable that it should be pursued. For this reason, I am of the opinion that the plaintiff’s relief should be upheld.”

However, the court did not agree with the plaintiff’s demand for a full refund. “Now looking at the 3rd and 4th defendants’ letters of appointments, it is unlikely that the defendants would be able to pay back all arrears of salary. For the reasons herein given, I dismiss the plaintiff’s reliefs for a refund of salary and allowances from the consolidated fund.”

Read the full judgement here: CKT-UTAS Court Case

Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga

SOCO: Bawku West DCE hands over sites for construction of 13 projects for 11 deprived communities

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The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bawku West District, Tahiru Ahmed, has officially handed over sites earmarked for the construction of crucial infrastructure.

The initiative, comprising school blocks, boreholes, and community health facilities, is set to benefit 11 communities as part of a broader development effort under the Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion Project (SOCO).

Tahiru Ahmed expressed his commitment to improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations in the area through sustainable projects.

The 13 projects, spanning education, water provision, and healthcare, are strategically designed to uplift communities facing socio-economic challenges.

According to the DCE, the allocation of resources for these projects is a testament to the government’s dedication to fostering social cohesion and reducing inequalities.

The initiative, he added, aims to bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that basic amenities and infrastructure reach even the most remote corners of the district.

“The development projects we are embarking on are not just about infrastructure; they are about transforming lives and creating opportunities for the residents of these communities.”

The Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion Project (SOCO) serves as the overarching framework for this comprehensive development initiative. SOCO focuses on improving the livelihoods of the vulnerable poor, and the projects in Bawku West District align seamlessly with its objectives.

The DCE highlighted the importance of leveraging such regional projects to create a positive impact on grassroots levels, fostering social unity and shared prosperity.

He explained further that the 11 beneficiary communities can look forward to enhanced educational facilities, increased access to clean water through boreholes, and improved healthcare services with the construction of community health facilities.

He, therefore, encouraged active community involvement throughout the project’s implementation, ensuring that local perspectives and needs are duly considered.

Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Kwasi Pratt Jnr blasts U.E Reg. Min., Bolga MCE for “No-show” at fundraising event for deprived school

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The Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has taken Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, and the Municipal Chief Executive for Bolgatanga, Rex Asanga, to task for their absence at a fundraising event aimed at supporting a deteriorating public basic school in the Bolga-Soe community.

The event, organised to address the longstanding infrastructural challenges faced by Saint Paul Basic School, built by missionaries in the 19th century, failed to draw the participation of key stakeholders, raising concerns about the commitment to education and development in the region.

Saint Paul Basic School, built in the 19th century, has struggled with infrastructural deficiencies for years. Despite reaching its 60th anniversary, the school remains in a state of disrepair, prompting the local community to organise a fundraising event to garner support for much-needed improvements.

Mr. Pratt Jnr, invited as the guest speaker for the event, expressed his dismay at the absence of the Upper East Regional Minister and the Municipal Chief Executive for Bolgatanga, both of whom had received invitations.

Mr. Pratt questioned the commitment of these key stakeholders to the welfare of the school and the broader community, emphasising the urgency of addressing the school’s infrastructural challenges.

“If this school were one of the prominent institutions like Achimota or Prempeh College, would they have declined to attend such a crucial event?” Pratt rhetorically asked, highlighting the apparent neglect of a school that holds historical significance in the region.

The theme of the event, “The Role of Stakeholders in Holistic Education and Infrastructure Development,” underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by educational institutions.

The Managing Editor emphasised the need for collective responsibility in ensuring that schools, especially those with historical significance, receive the attention and support they require for comprehensive development.

He said the absence of key government officials at such a vital fundraising initiative has sparked questions about the commitment of authorities to education and infrastructure development in the Upper East Region.

Robert Abugre, a spokesperson for the celebration, noted that the funds raised during the anniversary celebration would be channelled towards addressing critical infrastructure needs, aiming to create a more conducive learning atmosphere.

The 60th-anniversary event drew a diverse range of participants, including alumni, current students, parents, well-wishers, and even the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr.

The celebration also served as a nostalgic reflection on the school’s journey but also as a platform to inspire collective action toward securing a brighter educational future for the children in the Bolga-Soe community.

Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Bolga: Saint Paul Basic school celebrate 60 years, calls for stakeholder support

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The Saint Paul Basic School in the Bolga-Soe community in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, has commemorated its 60th anniversary with a resounding call to stakeholders to actively contribute to the holistic development of the institution.

The school has faced persistent infrastructure challenges over the years, resulting in dropout rates among pupils.

The theme for this milestone event echoes the urgent need for collaboration in addressing these challenges: “The Role of Stakeholders in Holistic Education and Infrastructure Development.”

Robert Abugre, a spokesperson for the celebration, emphasized the significance of this occasion during an interview with A1 Radio.

He explained the prolonged struggle the school has faced with infrastructure challenges that have adversely affected the quality of education and contributed to student dropouts.

The 60th-anniversary event, he said, was not only a celebration of the school’s history but a rallying cry for support from all stakeholders invested in the well-being of the community’s future leaders.

Abugre articulated, “This celebration goes beyond just acknowledging the passage of time; it is a call to action. Saint Paul Basic Schools has been a bedrock of education in this community, but to continue positively impacting young lives, we need to address the infrastructure challenges that have persisted for too long.”

The chosen theme reflects the multi-faceted approach required to uplift the educational standards and facilities at Saint Paul Basic Schools. It underscores the pivotal role that community members, local authorities, parents, and well-wishers can play in creating an environment conducive to quality education.

Mr. Abugre noted that the funds raised during the anniversary celebration would be channeled towards addressing critical infrastructure needs, aiming to create a more conducive learning atmosphere.

The 60th-anniversary event drew a diverse range of participants, including alumni, current students, parents, well-wishers, and even the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwasi Prat Jrn.

The celebration also served as a nostalgic reflection on the school’s journey but also as a platform to inspire collective action toward securing a brighter educational future for the children in the Bolga-Soe community.

Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga