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UE/R: NPP is in bed with EC to disenfranchise some Ghanaians-NDC alleges

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The Upper East Regional Deputy Communication Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Benjamin Atuasi, has alleged that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) is working with the Electoral Commission (EC) to disenfranchise some Ghanaians who he claims are yeaning to vote out the NPP.

According to him, the decision by the EC to restrict the limited voter registration to its District and Municipal offices has been orchestrated by the New Patriotic Party to disenfranchise some people.

“It is a deliberate plot and well-orchestrated decision by the EC and the NPP to make sure that most people do not get into the electoral roll that will eventually get them out of office”, he stated.

According to him, unlike the NDC, which is financially constrained, the NPP has the financial muscle to transport people to the registration centers, and this, he claimed, is giving the NPP an undue advantage in the ongoing exercise.

“The NPP sides with the EC because they have the resources to bus people to registration centers. Other than that, we don`t see why a first-time voter who hardly even has a source of income to afford three square meals a day should be asked to walk about 30km or more and spend not less than GH¢30 to the EC’s office to register.

And not only that, the person will come along with two guarantors, which will come at the cost of that person to that particular center, and sometimes, because of the systemic challenges, these people are not able to register on the same day and have to pass the night at another cost”, he noted.

He also asserted that the decision by the EC to limit the exercise has defeated the purpose of  the Constitutional Instrument (CI) 71.

“The EC, with the backing of the NPP, is seeking to disenfranchise some Ghanaians; if not, why will they limit others in the name of having a continuous registration after the District-level a6ssembly elections? This obviously defeats CI 71, which requires them to do this registration every year, which they failed”, he added.

Mr. Atuasi argued that the backlog and accumulation for the previous years demanded that the EC should have considered the concerns of political parties and ordinary Ghanaians and opened it up in their electoral areas for many people who have not gotten the opportunity to register in the past two years to register onto the voter’s register.

Source:

A1radioonline.Com.|101.1MHz|Gilbert Azeem Tiroog|Bolgatanga

Over 70 motorbikes in Upper East Region involved in road crashes between Jan & June 2023

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The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has indicated that the Upper East Region (UER) has recorded a total of 72 motorbike crashes between January and June of 2023.

When compared to crashes during the same period last year, there has been a 323 percent rise in the number of accidents. According to the NRSA, 17 crashes involving motorcycles were reported in the first half of 2017.

Within the same period in the region, 32 commercial vehicles were involved in road crashes; resulting in a 28 percent increase, as against the 19 crashes recorded during the same period last year.

Also, 24 private vehicles were involved in road crashes, compared to 36 crashes recorded in 2022.

The Regional Head of the National Road Safety Authority, Laari Zachariah, revealed this when he spoke to Mark Smith on A1 Radio`s Daybreak Upper East show about road safety.

Mr. Osei Kwarteng, a Principal Transport Assistant with the Authority, indicated that almost 95 percent of these crashes occurred due to human errors.

He noted that drivers and riders do not practise defensive driving and riding while on the road.

This, he said, the Authority observed, coupled with the neglect of road signs by drivers and riders and the failure of some institutions to upgrade the skills of their drivers and properly assess vehicles before embarking on the road, are major causes of these crashes.

The Upper East Region has recorded 35 deaths and 86 injuries through road crashes in the first half of 2023.

Source: A1radioonline.Com|101.1MHz|Gilbert Azeem Tiroog|Bolgatanga

Upper East Region: 35 people killed through road crashes in first half of 2023

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The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has indicated that the Upper East Region (UER) has recorded 35 deaths through road crashes between January and June 2023.

This indicates a 75 percent increase, compared with the 20 deaths recorded during the same period last year.

These deaths were recorded in 85 road crashes, resulting in 86 injuries.

However, there has been a 14 percent reduction in the number of injuries, compared with 100 injuries recorded during the same period last year.

According to the Regional Head of the National Road Safety Authority, Laari Zachariah, February and June recorded the highest number of road crashes, with each month recording 15, while January recorded the highest number of injuries with 26.

The highest number of deaths were also recorded in February, June, and April, with each month recording 7 deaths.

Mr. Zachariah revealed that 23 pedestrians were knocked down, compared to 14 knockdowns in the same period last year.

Nationally, 1,086 people died out of 6,904 reported cases of road crashes from January to June this year, compared with the 1,300 deaths in 7,687 crashes within the same period last year.

The number of injuries also decreased to 7,807 this year from the 8,007 recorded last year.

Mr. Zachariah bemoaned that these figures are disturbing, as a single life lost in an accident is very regrettable, and called on drivers and riders to practice defensive driving and riding by being careful and observant while on the road to save lives.

Source:

A1radioonline.Com|101.1MHz|Gilbert Azeem Tiroog|Bolgatanga

EC is using public resources to work against public interest- Dr.Clement Apaak

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The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr.Clement Abas Apaak, has asserted that his reading of Article 42 of the 1992 Constitution has indicated that the conduct by the Electoral Commission (EC) on the limited voter registration exercise is unconstitutional.

According to the lawmaker, the decision by the EC to restrict the limited voter registration to only its District and Municipal offices across the country is unlawful, unconstitutional and without basis.

“Anyone who has read Article 42, the right to vote, and you juxtapose that with what is going on, it is as though the EC is using our resources to work against the interests of the citizens”, he stated.

“The article is very clear, and what does it say? It says the right to vote; any Ghanaian of 18 years and above has the right and entitlement; it doesn’t just talk about the right; it says the entitlement to register for the purposes of participating in public elections and referenda, “he emphasised.

He revealed this when he spoke to Mark Smith on A1 Radio’s Daybreak Upper East show regarding the ongoing limited voter registration exercise.

The Member of Parliament elaborated further that Article 43 makes it  clear that one of the goals of the Commission should be to undertake programmes and projects to expand the electoral role, which is to ensure that many people as possible are able to register to vote.

Given this interpretation, the lawmaker quizzed “So on what basis does the EC decide on the back of having organized IPAC meetings where all the parties that participated, including the NPP, except the NDC, have said that the preferable way to do this is to decentralize the process”.

He said that despite calls by civil society organizations, opinion leaders, ordinary Ghanaians, and political parties to the extent of going to court, the EC has simply ignored their concerns.

This, he noted, is to “constrain, discourage, and disenfranchise those young men and women who have the constitutional right to be on the electoral roll so that they can vote in both the coming District-level election and the 2024 election”.

Source:

A1radioonline.Com|101.1MHz|Gilbert Azeem Tiroog|Bolgatanga

25 young people in Upper East Region trained on solar electric fencing

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25 young people in the Upper East Region have been trained on solar electric fencing organised by the Gambibgo Ghana Project with support from the Friends of Christopher in the Netherlands. Gambibgo Ghana Project is a community-based Non-Governmental Organization based in the Upper East Region that is embarking on an initiative to plant 200 trees yearly to combat desertification, promote environmental sustainability, and create awareness about the importance of tree conservation. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the ‘Gambibgo Ghana Project’ Sadik Ayine Inusah said his outfit came up with a model to train youth in solar electric fencing to fence the trees planted to prevent them from being grazed by free-range animals.

“You know here, our animals roam freely so in the dry season, it is always difficult to protect our animals. So, we came out with a module to fence the trees by using solar electricity”

According to Mr. Ayine, the training aimed to equip the youth with technical skills in solar electric installation and maintenance that would also enable the beneficiaries to start their businesses or seek employment opportunities in the solar electric industry. Aside from the Friends of Christopher, the Gambibgo Ghana Project which started in the year 2004 also has funding from Wilde Ganzen Foundation, and the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI).

The CEO of Gambibgo Ghana Project was speaking to the media at the Gambigo Senior High School after the training exercise. Mr. Ayine mentioned that the project currently has 11 centres in communities such as Kandiga, Nabango, Mirigu, Nyongo, Atiyorum, Kurugu, and Gambibgo while providing support to women groups such as the Sirigu Indigenous Traditional Real Art (SITRA) in the Sirigu community to enhance their skills in pottery art and basket weaving, while the women group in the Natugnia community are supported in shea butter processing and irrigation system.

Head of Capacity Development with the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), Charles Kojo Vandyck said, unlike the usual way of supporting NGOs with funding and training, his outfit assists the NGOs in mobilising funding to execute their projects.

“We are doing something that is called match funding. We challenge you to mobilise some money. Let’s say you mobilise 30 thousand and then we match it with another 30 thousand to support your effort. It is a way of encouraging people to look within their communities for resources and solutions to the problems. Usually, many NGOs, CBOs, and others look outside for either philanthropists or traditional donors. That’s fine but we cannot depend on them that is why we are encouraging them to use what we have” 

He commended the CEO of Gambibgo Ghana Project for making good use of the match funding to mobilise resources to train the youth in solar electric fencing. 

The training included theoretical and practical sessions on basic principles of solar energy, including how to harness and utilise solar power. The training which was facilitated by Pumping is Life enabled the participants to install a solar electric fence at the Gambibgo community after the training. 

Chief Executive Officer of Pumping is Life, Yussif Abdul-Rahaman indicated that the solar electric fence is cost-effective considering the high cost of electricity in the country. He allayed some fears saying that the application his outfit uses in the electric fencing is modernised and does not harm animals or humans when they come in contact with the fence.

“It gives out a pulse every second, meaning the current comes and goes. It is not a direct flow of current into the body of the animal or human. It is nasty for human beings but for animals, it will run away and never come back” 

At the end of the training, the participants were awarded certificates of completion with Ayaaba Gilbert emerging as the Overall Best Trainee. The trainees expressed their gratitude to the Gambibgo Ghana Project and its partners for providing them with valuable skills and knowledge.

Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Gambibgo|Ghana

MP for Builsa South describes 2023 limited voter registration exercise as unlawful, unconstitutional 

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The Member of Parliament for Builsa South Constituency in the Upper East Region, Dr. Clement Apaak, has described the Electoral Commission’s limited voter registration exercise as unlawful and unconstitutional.

The Electoral Commission (EC) embarked on the 2023 Voters Registration exercise, which began on Tuesday, 12th September 2023, and is expected to end on Monday, 2nd October 2023. But speaking to A1 Radio, the Builsa South lawmaker, like many other Ghanaians, expressed unhappiness about the EC’s decision to restrict registration to its district and municipal offices across the country.

According to Dr. Apaak, the action by the EC is just a way to discourage and disenfranchise people who are 18 years and above from getting their names into the voter register, contrary to the constitution of Ghana.

“Let’s be honest and sincere in this country. The truth is that the electoral commission is acting unlawfully and unconstitutionally. Anyone who has read article 42 the right to vote and you juxtaposition that with what is going on it is as though the electoral commission is using our resources to work against the interest of the citizens,” he said.

Dr. Apaak also took on the Supreme Court for failing to act on the National Democratic Congress and four other political parties’ injunction application against the commission embarking on the exercise.

Five political parties—the NDC, the Convention People’s Party (CPP), the All People’s Congress, the Liberal Party of Ghana, and the Great Consolidated Popular Party—filed the suit on September 7, challenging the EC’s decision to restrict the upcoming voter registration exercise to its district offices.

They argue that the decision will disenfranchise many eligible voters, especially those who live in remote areas. The Supreme Court was expected to have scheduled a hearing for the application within a few days of its filing, but it has yet to do so. The court was also expected to have given a date for the application, but it has not done so yet.

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

UE/R: Distance education affecting quality of teachers – Former Lecturer Gbewaa CoE

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A former Lectuer at Gbewaa College of Education in the Upper East Region, Martin Abiriya, has expressed concerns about the impact of modular courses on the Ghanaian educational system.

Modular courses, which are also referred to as Distance Education, have raised apprehension for the veteran educator due to their detrimental effect on the quality of trained teachers in the country.

Mr. Abiriya argued that while modular courses may offer convenience and flexibility, they often fall short of providing the comprehensive and in-depth training that teachers require to excel in the classroom.

“If you look at the modular courses, they lack the necessary hands-on teaching practice that is vital for teacher development. Regular training programs typically include extended student teaching opportunities, enabling future educators to apply their knowledge in real classroom settings under the guidance of experienced mentors. Such experiences are invaluable for honing teaching skills and building confidence.”

The veteran educator, who spoke to Moses Apiah regarding the recent shortfall in the standards of trained teachers at various schools, added that regular training has proven to be more effective in producing highly skilled educators than modular courses.

With strong calls for the re-evaluation and restructuring of Distance Education in the country, he stressed further that the condensed nature of modular programs limits the depth of knowledge and practical experience that teachers can acquire.

“While these courses offer flexibility for individuals who may have other commitments, the potential impact on the overall quality of education cannot be ignored. In contrast, regular training programs provide a more extensive and immersive educational experience, allowing teachers to delve deeper into subjects and teaching methodologies.”

Source: A1radioonline.Com|101.1|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

All political parties are worried over EC’s conduct except NPP – Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane

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The Member of Parliament for the Nabdam constituency, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, has indicated that, apart from the governing New Patriotic Party(NPP), all other political parties in the country are worried over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to restrict the limited voter registration to its district offices.

He noted that the failure of the EC to listen to concerns raised by political parties as stakeholders, coupled with the court’s delay in determining the case before it, is worrisome.

“The EC is adamant about changing its position, and the court is not also of help to the NDC and the other political parties. Apart from the NPP, all other political parties are complaining about the exercise.”

This, he recounted, has left him with no option but to fund the transportation of registrants from their respective communities to the EC’s office in Nangodi, given the difficulty posed to the young people.

“It has been very difficult for people to get to the registration center at Nangodi, and that is because most of those who are supposed to register are very young people who do not have means of transport”, he stated.

“We have been doing our best to help registrants, and we have made available two pick-up vehicles and a Kia, with some other people volunteering with their motorbikes  to help convey the people to the registration center,” he added.

Source: A1radioonline.Com|101.1MHz|Gilbert Azeem Tiroog|Bolgatanga

EC explains temporary hold on limited voter registration process in Bwaku Municipality

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A high-level source within the Electoral Commission in the Upper East Region has shed light on the decision to temporarily halt the voter registration process in the Bawku Municipality.

According to the Electoral Commission, the suspension comes after concerns were raised by some residents who, on the first day of the exercise, expressed dissatisfaction with the presence of only one registration machine and even threatened to attack the registration personnel.

The voter registration process is a crucial step in ensuring that eligible citizens exercise their democratic right to vote. However, in the Bawku Municipality, the process was marred by unrest and discontent among some of the residents. The primary point of contention was the deployment of only one registration machine for the entire district, leading to some of the residents expressing their frustrations.

Speaking about the situation, the source stated that the decision to temporarily halt the registration process was made to ensure the safety of registration personnel and to prevent any potential conflicts between residents and EC staff.

He stated, “We understand the residents’ frustration and their genuine desire to participate in the registration exercise. The decision to deploy only one machine was made from the headquarters and probably based on the available resources. However, the safety of our registration officers and the integrity of the process are of paramount importance to us. We cannot compromise on these aspects.”

The EC is expected to dialogue with the residents to find a mutually acceptable solution.

 “As we speak, we’re going there to monitor things, and to have discussions and cooperation with the community. Once we reach a consensus and ensure that the process can proceed smoothly and peacefully, we will reactivate the voter registration exercise promptly,” he said.

The EC gave a firm assurance to the public that the halt of the process was not permanent. “We are committed to resolving this issue and resuming the registration process as soon as possible. Our goal is to ensure that every eligible voter in the Bawku District has the opportunity to register without any hindrances.”

Source: A1radioonline.Com|101.1|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

Winrock International initiates 2-year project to empower smallholder farmers in Upper East Region

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Winrock International has initiated a project named ‘Accelerated Dissemination of Soil Improvement Practices’ (ADSIP) aimed at improving the lives of smallholder farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity in rural areas of the Upper East Region.

ADSIP is a two-year project aiming to empower rural farmers with the knowledge and resources necessary to enhance their soils and farming practices, diversify their livelihoods, and build resilience in the face of climate change challenges.

The core objective of the project, as stated by Mr. Phillip Atiim, the Activity Coordinator, is to improve access to information, knowledge, and innovations related to Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM).

Mr. Atiim added that it will empower rural farmers with the tools needed to maximise their agricultural potential, while also connecting them to extension and advisory service providers such as Agriculture Extension Agents, agro dealers, community-based agents, etc., to ensure food security in the region.

He unveiled the project at a 3-day technical training workshop organised for 35 Agriculture Extension Agents on Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) in Bolgatanga.

He highlighted significant challenges faced by smallholder farmers, such as limited access to information and resources, low technical capacity of AEAs, poor input and technology distribution channels, volatile global food, fuel, and fertiliser prices, and the ever-growing threats posed by climate change.

The ADSIP Project, Mr. Atiim stated, “is a critical step towards addressing these challenges and creating a brighter future for our smallholder farmers. By disseminating knowledge on Integrated Soil Fertility Management and establishing linkages with input markets and service providers, we aim to uplift rural communities and ensure their food security.”

“Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) is a holistic approach that combines organic and inorganic nutrient sources to improve soil fertility and enhance crop yields. ADSIP recognizes that effective soil management is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, and by promoting ISFM, the project hopes to rejuvenate the fertility of local soils while reducing the reliance on expensive chemical fertilisers.”

The Upper East Regional Director of Agriculture, Alhaji Zakaria Fusieni delivered a welcome address with encouragement to participants to take a key interest in the project. 

He emphasised with assurance that the project will not only empower farmers with knowledge but also help them make informed decisions about their farming practices. 

“We hope with keen expectation that this initiative will bring about significant positive changes in the lives of smallholder farmers in the Upper East Region. With improved access to knowledge and resources, these farmers will be better equipped to weather the challenges of a changing climate and a volatile global agricultural market.”

The Activity Coordinator added that the project primarily targets four districts in the Upper East Region, Garu, Bawku West, Builsa South, and Talensi due to their low fertility of their soils as suggested by research and their susceptibility to adverse climate conditions.

The participants greatly appreciated the project organisers for practically introducing them to the new technologies and practices through a field practical session held on farmer’s field at Dapoore community in the Talensi District. 

The ADSIP Project is being implemented by Winrock International under the Enabling Farmers for Agricultural Transformation (EFAT) and had its funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Source: A1radioonline.Com|101.1|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga

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