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Bawku West: Soogo E/A appeals for help to feed, house, support refugees from Burkina Faso

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 Residents of the Soogo Electoral Area in the Upper East Region’s Bawku West District are pleading with the government and well-meaning organisations and people for assistance. The support would go toward providing food, shelter, and clothing for refugees who have fled their native Burkina Faso and are looking for asylum in Ghana.

When the Assemblyman for the area, Osben Asaki spoke to Mark Smith on the Day Break Upper East Show today, Monday, January 23, 2022, he mentioned that over 800 men, women and children have moved to temporarily reside in the area. It has been difficult for the locals to find the resources needed to meet these asylum seekers’ concerns.

“In my electoral area, the numbers that we have are 845. Majority of them are women and children. Almost everybody is fed by their relatives. Since they run into the houses, they [the locals] would ensure that they eat in the morning, afternoon and evening. They have to ensure that they bathe and get everything that they [asylum seekers] need.”

“It is a serious issue. I remember the community members had to contribute food and other materials and even money, in support of them. We need support from the government, the assembly and anybody that is willing to come to the aid of the community. When they [the asylum seekers] came, they had to drain the houses they came to stay in; particularly foodstuffs. I do not think they would be able to take care of their families until the rainy season. A house is hosting about 35 or 45 or 50 refugees, I think it is not easy,” he said. 

The situation is no different from the situation in Widnaba, also in the Bawku West District. 

More than 1,700 persons from Burkina Faso have fled the troubled country and are currently taking up residence in the homes of persons living in the Widnaba Electoral Area of the Bawku West District in the Upper East Region. 

The presence of the refugees, according to Elisha Abila, the Assemblyman for Widnaba Electoral Area, is causing a strain on the financial situation of community residents. 

He said this when he spoke to Mark Smith on the Day Break Upper East Show today, Monday, January 23, 2023.

“The whole thing happened in Burkina Faso. The jihadists gave the threats to the community members. So those threats made the people, the women and children, including some of the men pack their things, and they started trooping into our community.”

“Some [of the refugees] went to Soogo. Others went to Sapeliga, but the nearest place was Widnaba. When you come here, you would see that really, there are foreigners here. Most of the houses are hosting at least 5 or more people,” he said. 

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana

 

Businessman in Chiana-Paga readies himself to unseat Thomas Dalu in NDC primaries

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A businessman, Nikyema Billa Alamzy, has declared his intention to contest in the upcoming parliamentary primaries of the National Democratic Congress in the Chiana-Paga constituency of the Upper East Region. 

Nikyema Billa Alamzy who disclosed his intentions to A1 Radio, stated that the needs of the people of the Chiana-Paga constituency have not been met since Thomas Adda Dalu was elected MP for the area in the 2020 general election.

“There are a lot of communities in the communities without potable sources of water and as a result, the women, children, and the aged trek for long distances on a daily basis for water. Many schools were ripped off, and that is impacting negatively effective teaching and learning. When we talk about health, some communities on their own, just like Atiyorum, established health centres. However, successive MPs in the constituency including Dalu have failed to contribute the quota to fully complete the construction of CHPS compound for those areas. If I am given the nod, I will work with development partners to provide them with health facilities”  

Mr. Alamzy first contested the parliamentary primaries in 2019 but obtained 353 votes. A former District Chief Executive for the area, Thomas Adda Dalu who secured 365 votes was elected the parliamentary candidate of the NDC for Chiana-Paga and subsequently Member of Parliament. 

After the fiercely contested primaries, which Mr. Alamzy lost by a margin of 12 votes to the incumbent MP, he has again declared his intention to lead the party towards the general election. 

When elected as the parliamentary candidate of the NDC and subsequently MP for the area, Mr. Alamzy said he hopes to provide safe drinking water for all polling stations of the constituency under the ‘One polling station One borehole’ policy, in his first year in parliament.

“Again, I will give a subsidy on borehole drilling for card-bearing members. All that the members need to do is to fuel the drilling rig which I hope to buy for the constituency”, he indicated.

The NDC parliamentary aspirant for the Chiana-Paga said he will opt for development by funding the borehole projects using the luxury car loan for MPs. 

Mr. Alamzy said he would also assist the youth and women groups in the constituency with well-structured boreholes for dry-season farming.

Source: A1Radioonline.com|Joshua Asaah|Ghana

 

 

 

 

Bawku West District: Over 1,700 Burkina Faso Nationals besiege Widnaba – Assemblyman cries for help

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More than 1,700 persons from Burkina Faso have fled the troubled country and are currently taking up residence in the homes of persons living in the Widnaba Electoral Area of the Bawku West District in the Upper East Region. 

The presence of the refugees, according to Elisha Abila, the Assemblyman for Widnaba Electoral Area, is causing a strain on the financial situation of community residents. 

He said this when he spoke to Mark Smith on the Day Break Upper East Show today, Monday, January 23, 2023. 

Mr. Abila said the refugees escaped threats from suspected jihadists in their home country. 

“The whole thing happened in Burkina Faso. The jihadists gave the threats to the community members. So those threats made the people, the women and children, including some of the men pack their things, and they started trooping into our community.”

“Some [of the refugees] went to Soogo. Others went to Sapeliga, but the nearest place was Widnaba. When you come here, you would see that really, there are foreigners here. Most of the houses are hosting at least 5 or more people,” he said. 

According to Mr. Abila, the asylum seekers have also occupied uncompleted structures and turned them into temporary accommodations. 

At last count, more than 1,700 people had relocated temporarily to the community. 

“We did the registration for the women and children. For the men, they would come in the night and sleep. Early the next morning, they go back. For the women and children, we registered 1,773,” he said. 

Mr. Abila explained that the military and the Ghana Immigration Service are currently stationed at vantage points in the community to ensure maximum security. The Assemblyman called for public support to help the community adequately support, clothe, feed and house the asylum seekers. 

“We do not know when these people will go back. I was thinking that, in a way, if the government could help us and provide temporary structures for them, and if they could help them in feeding, it would help,” he said. 

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana

 

Navrongo Central Constituency: Dilapidated Saabisi JHS to be renovated by MP

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Bonia JHS, one of the two schools to be renovated by the MP for Navrongo Central

Pupils, teachers, and opinion leaders of the Saabisi community in the Kassena Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region have expressed joy at the initiative taken by their Member of Parliament to renovate their dilapidated basic school. 

The school, since its establishment, community members say has never received any facelift despite numerous appeals to authorities.  

They added that the condition of school has caused many pupils to drop out.

The Assembly Member of the Natugnia Electoral Area, speaking with Moses Apiah, reporter at A1 Radio, said pupils now take their own furniture to the school to learn. 

“As we speak now pupils are now bringing their own chairs to sit and learn. The school does not have doors, windows, in fact, the structure is terrible to even allow your ward to sit in there and learn. It is bad, I must admit.”

Mr. Alemya added that he made efforts at the assembly level and with other individuals for support, but little has come of it.

“Last, it was about our primary school which some individuals came to support. But now the Junior High School is worse off than the primary school. I’m praying the MP will come to our aid as he promised us.”

Commenting on the issue, the Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central, Sampson Tangombu Chiragia, indicated that the initiative has been part of his numerous plans targeted at making education attractive to pupils and teachers in the constituency. 

According to the legislator, quality education for his people has been his number one priority.

“Politics is about growth, growth that is based on collective efforts by all and sundry. And how do we grow if we can’t invest evenly in quality education that will improve our human resources, that is our children. And our children are our future, and if we do it right, we will have a better future, but if we fail, then, we have lost it all. So, aside from renovating Saabisi JHS, Bonia basic school will also be renovated with ultramodern teaching and learning devices. As some of you have already seen; renovating works at Bonia JHS is ongoing and funds have also been released for the same to happen at Saabisi JHS.”

Touching on some of the educational initiatives since assuming office two years ago, the legislator noted that his target was and continues to be, to end the furniture deficit among basic schools in the area. 

“You know, my target is to end furniture deficit as soon as possible, so, I have been able to hand over 250 metal dual desks, and also 250 are ready at the Municipal Assembly to be handed over in the coming days. Again, an ultramodern library at Korania which will soon be Commissioned is ready.  Also, I facilitated and supported over 217 students into various tertiary institutions including UTAS, Bosco’s & Nursing Colleges, organised and sponsored certified IT training for 179 youth in Navrongo as well as provided various scholarships to 232 tertiary students. And the just-ended 2022 BECE, I supported all the 1,946 candidates with Mathematical sets. And also, furnished the Municipal Education Directorate with Office equipment including 8 laptops and 5 printers. So, I will continue to do my bit to ensure that quality education for all is achieved here.”

He therefore called on the constituents as well as relevant stakeholders to continue to render their support for the growth of the area.

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana

 

 

 

We advised gov’t to stop reckless borrowing, it didn’t listen – NDC’s Augustine Guure

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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is insisting that the Akufo-Addo-led government is entirely to blame for the country’s current economic woes. The government’s reckless decisions, insatiable appetite for borrowing, and needless gargantuan government size are but a few of the reasons the country faces extreme difficulty.

If the government led by President Akufo-Addo had listened to the NDC and the many alternative policies and solutions it proffered, the country would have been better off. 

Augustine Guure, the Constituency Secretary for the NDC in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, shared these sentiments when he spoke on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show. 

“When they were borrowing recklessly and we told them to be circumspect in what they were doing; the consequences and the future effects of how they were borrowing and what they were using those monies for, they refused to listen to us.”

“When you go to borrow and you don’t make judicious use of the money, what it means is that you will not be able to pay back. Even if you are able to pay back, what do you have to show for what you went to borrow? What is the benefit? What is the positive effect of why you have gone to borrow? When we were borrowing, we ensured that the projects we borrowed would pay for themselves. An example is the Terminal 3 project,” he said. 

Mr. Guure explained that it would be wrong for anyone to suggest that all governments alike, particularly, in the Fourth Republic, are to blame for the country’s lack of development. 

“All of a sudden, you have collapsed the economy, and you are saying we should all take blame for the collapse of the economy. We are not the people in power,” he added.

For the NDC Constituency Secretary, the government has to begin accepting responsibility for making it a difficult time for Ghanaians to survive. 

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana

 

 

Nabdam MP conducts free surgeries for 174 community members 

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Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, Member of Parliament for Nabdam constituency in the Upper East Region, has provided surgical care to 174 community members. Additionally, consultation services were provided while medication was distributed to 1,000 outpatients in the area.

The exercise forms part of the legislator’s yearly health support to his constituents for allowing him to represent them in Parliament. 

Speaking to A1 Radio’s News Team, the legislator noted that providing free health care to his constituents has always been a dream come true.

“Aside being a legislator, my primary core is to provide medical support and save people’s lives. And I would have been doing that for my people here. And now that they (constituents) have given me the chance to represent them, then, I have to expand it, I have to do it big. And that is what I’m doing. This year, I was expecting a greater number than this, but all the same God is in control.”

The legislator added that free consultations and other medical screenings will continue.

“…no, this exercise can’t be the last one before the year. You know I like to spend time with my constituents, so anytime I come to the constituency, I will continue from where I stopped.”

The exercise, which lasted six days, cost the legislator about GHc80,000.00.

Dr. Nawaane cautioned the people to, at all times, take their health matters seriously and always consult their doctors if they feel uncomfortable.

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana

 

Gold for oil policy will make fuel cheap in Ghana – Andrew Atariwini insists

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Ghana has taken delivery of the first consignment of the gold for oil deal reached with the United Arab Emirates.

The 40,000 metric tons of oil arrived at the Tema port on Sunday, January 15, 2023, according to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

The Energy Ministry, the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation and Oil Marketing Companies are to formulate plans for its distribution and sale.

This, according to the Lands Ministry, will help reduce fuel prices in the country.

Meanwhile prices of fuel at the local pumps went up leading many to question the relevance of the gold for oil policy. 

Andrew Atariwini, Deputy Upper East Regional Communications Director of the NPP is however confident that in the coming weeks, the prices of fuel at the local pumps would be reduced to ensure that Ghanaians get some relief. 

He spoke on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show today, Thursday, January 19, 2023. 

“[We said] let’s look for cheaper sources of fuel. The first consignment has just come. I am thinking that you cannot just expect an immediate change in the cycle of things that we used to see. Ask yourself, how many pumps have that oil today? The strategy to distribute the oil might be a factor and might delay,” he said. 

For Mr. Atariwini, Ghanaians may have to exercise a little patience and allow the government to finalise the distribution modalities. When that is done, the price of fuel will drop.

“Perhaps, we should give ourselves to the end of the month, [and] getting into February, where believe that enough quantity of the oil would have been in circulation. Then, we would look at how the prices at the fuel pumps would be,” he added. 

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana

 

 

Preventing cervical cancer: Don’t wash your vagina with chemicals – Public Health Nurse

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Gifty Damsongor, a Public Health Nurse at the Upper East Regional Hospital’s Reproductive and Child Healthcare Unit, has encouraged women to cease using vaginal tightening creams, gels, and lotions. According to her, using such products may result in cervical cancer.

Madam Damsongor was speaking on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show. She was creating awareness about the disease as part of the Regional Hospital’s activities to mark Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. 

In 2020, an estimated 604,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 342,000 women died from the disease. The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), an extremely common family of viruses that are transmitted through sexual contact. Vaccines exist that protect against high-risk HPV types, and screening programs can detect signs of disease at an early stage, allowing for effective treatment and management of the condition.

Madam Damsongor said, “even though the HPV has the highest percentage of causing the disease, you also have the chemical part of it. There are some organisms in our private areas. They are there to provide protection to that part of the body. These organisms are found on the cervix. When you use these chemicals, they kill these organisms that serve as soldiers on that side of the body. When these organisms die, it gives way for foreign organisms to fight.”

“If you are a fan or using chemicals, [you would be affected]. I am told some even use lime, dettol and all those things [to wash their vaginas]. It is not advisable. We are not supposed to wash the vagina. We are only supposed to wash the vulva,” she said. 

According to Madam Damsongor, the vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism. She advised women under the age of 20 to avoid sexual contact because it predisposes them to the disease. 

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana

 

 

Don’t bruise party’s fragile status while campaigning for flagbearer favourites – Andrew Atariwini to party delegates

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The Deputy Upper East Regional Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party is cautioning party faithful against divisive political campaigns in the run up to the flagbearer race. Divisive politics, characterised by name calling, insults, and an absolute lack of decorum, could prove harmful for the party’s current fragile status. 

Mr. Atawriwini made these comments when he spoke on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show today, Thursday, January 19, 2023. 

“In our party, it is not going to be easy. A lot is going to be done. I am praying that in the midst of all this, we don’t bruise the party’s already fragile status,” he appealed. 

The involvement of former Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyeremanteng and the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the contest puts the party in a difficult position. 

“You have two very vital people, very critical to [the party], with respect to their expertise, their contributions, and their importance in the kind of economy that we have. We cannot say that if you have His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia leading as a flagbearer, Alan Kyeremanteng would be sidelined or would not play a critical role. The vice-versa is also true. These are two critical brains that give our party a lot of boost when we are talking about human resources,” he said. 

While both individuals grappling to lead the party may provide some uneasiness in the party, Mr. Atariwini doubts that it would be possible to find a compromise between the two. 

“We see people trying to say, can we have a pair? Even when you get to the top, people at that level try to make this happen. For me, from where I am sitting and what I see, it would not be [possible],” he said. 

While the NPP’s flagbearership race remains and interesting one, the race for the NDC is one that would be uneventful and may not help the party’s democratic process because of the presumption that the former President, John Dramani Mahama, would emerge as leader of the party for the 2024 general election, Mr. Atariwini said.

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana

 

 

I am happy and relaxed because I don’t have to go to Bolga market after selling one bag of malt – Widow

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Anigana Asabire

The Upper East Region has been described as one of the poorest regions in Ghana as most of the people are unable to earn $1.29 per a day. This creates a huge burden for the women especially the widows who refuse to participate in widowhood rites after the death of their husbands. This is because such widows cease to get any economic or emotional support from most family member.

Malt

To this end, a livelihood training was organized by Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM) with support from Plan International Ghana and Funding from Global Affairs Canada. The training focused on how to operate the village savings and loans, a local saving initiative, and how to use it to run businesses and also to take care of their livelihood challenges.

Through the project, thirty percent of women have been supported financially by way of loans which they have invested into their various trades and have gained financial independence.

The project is also helping the government in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal One which is to end poverty in all its forms everywhere by 2030.

A widow and a member of the Zono Women’s Voice and Leadership Group, Anigana Asabire, 49 years, is a mother of four children who has been home for the past two years due to the collapse of her business. She said things have not been easy with her since she has to take care of the family without any source of income or help from anywhere. Madam Asabire recounts that participating in the livelihood training gave her hope to restart her defunct malt processing business. Malt is processed from guinea corn and used for brewing Pito, a local drink.

She indicated that she restarted malt processing with one bag of guinea corn on credit and reached a verbal agreement with her supplier that, when she is done selling the one bag, she pays all the money before collecting another one. This has been the routine for the past two months until last week when she was able to get a loan from the group and bought six bags of the guinea corn. This, according to her, has broken the unending cycle of relying on the benevolence of the supplier. She added that, “I am happy and relaxed because now I don’t have to go to the Bolga market after selling one”. The project has helped up to 89 women to overcome the financial barriers women face every day.

This article was authored by WOM as a success story of Anigana Asabire.

Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Ghana

 

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