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W93.5 FM ~ The Voice of the Upper West

John Mahama convoy involved in accident

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Posted Sep 3, 2020 at 7:06:05 PM
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The campaign convoy of the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former president, John Dramani Mahama, has been involved in an accident in the Upper West region.

The unfortunate incident which occurred at Yaala No1 along the Yaala – Kundugu road in the evening of Thursday, September 3, saw the brass band van fell to the ground after it tried to overtake other vehicles in the convoy. The campaign team together with the candidate are touring the Wa East constituency as part of the former president’s four-day campaign tour of the Upper West Region.

The victims who were on board the van carrying the band are currently receiving treatment at the Funsi District Hospital. However, the former president is fine as the other campaign team vehicles were left unhurt.

Mr. Mahama on the first day of the tour, Wednesday, September 2, visited the Wa Central, Wa West and Nadowli/Kaleo constituencies. He is touring the Wa East, Sissala East and Sissala West constituencies on the day two. He is expected to visit all the eleven constituencies in the region by close of Saturday.

He had earlier promised to elevate the Wa Municipal to a Metropolis, and to tar the Wa – Boli road and also to build a polyclinic at Boli. He also promised to work on the Siriyiri – Dorimon and Dorimon – Dabo roads in the Wa West constituency.

 

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PNC chides government for giving supervisory role of IPEP projects to “nonentities”

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Posted Aug 30, 2020 at 6:20:23 PM
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The People’s National Convention (PNC) has called on the Nana Akufo-Addo led government to stop giving oversight responsibility of government projects to “nonentities”. According to the opposition party, it is bad governance to allow persons who are not government officials to handle the projects as holding such people to account for failures may be very difficult if not impossible.

At a press briefing at Zambogu R/C Primary School on August 27, 2020, Mr. John Kandumah, PNC’s regional secretary, described as “dishonourable, reprehensible and self-seeking” that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate in the Nadowli-Kaleo Constituency, Hon. Elvis Botaa, is the one spearheading the implementation of government projects under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) in the area. He said it is wrong and very unfortunate for the “self-seeking” parliamentary candidate to be responsible for supervising the construction of projects such as the Nadowli District Hospital mortuary and the 10-seater toilet facility at Kanyini.

The PNC’s regional scribe recalled how Elvis Botaa boasted as being the architect behind the construction of some thirty number boreholes in various communities within the Nadowli-Kaleo constituency, claiming that it “could not have been achieved if he Elvis had not lobbied for the projects”. He chastised the NPP PC for reaping where he did not sow and stated that Mr. Botaa’s claim for the IPEP projects is the “highest height of folly”.

Mr. Kandumah who is special aide to Bernard Mornah, the PNC National Chairman and Parliamentary Candidate in the Nadowli-Kaleo Constituency, also accused the ruling government of inflating the costs of projects under the IPEP against protecting the public purse as constitutionally mandated. He cited the renovation of a 3-unit classroom block at Tangasia for GH₵176,827.59 by Sitwell Company Ltd and another renovation of a 3-unit classroom block at Zambogu R/C Primary for GH₵156,695.31 by Maarong Company Ltd as a fleece on the public purse. For him, the “inflated figures” is not only worrying but embarrassing to the Ghanaian people. He therefore pleaded with constituents of the Nadowli-Kaleo Constituency to join the “Tizaa Yela” (our collective agenda) campaign to get a perfect replacement in Chairman Mornah as the Member of Parliament to ensure continuous development in the area.

Describing the attitude of the contractor’s implementing the said projects as “lackadaisical”, Mr. Kandumah called on the Northern Development Authority and the Nadowli District Assembly to take charge of these publicly financed projects and eschew the politicization of same. He blamed the slow progress of work on the projects as a result of delegating supervisory authority to “nonentities”. The PNC admonished all contractors to work diligently to ensure all government projects are of good quality and completed within stipulated contract periods.

Bernard Mornah’s wife donates PPEs to health facilities, pledges to do more with her husband

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Posted Aug 30, 2020 at 5:55:52 PM
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Madam Asana Mornah, wife of National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, has on Friday, August 28, 2020, distributed over 400 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the Takpo, the Charipong, the Zang and the Sombo health facilities in the Nadowli-Kaleo District. The PPEs valued at about ten thousand cedis (GH₵10,000.00) included hand sanitizers, chlorine, liquid soap and among others.

Donating the items, Madam Asana Mornah underscored the need to provide the PPE, saying “it is expedient that we avoid the further spread of the novel coronavirus and ensure the protection of our health workers”. She added that “when our health workers are safe, their client’s will be safe and the community will be a healthier place to live”. Mrs. Mornah also indicated that she and her husband (Bernard Mornah) will continue to support the government’s efforts at properly equipping health workers across the nation by supporting deprived health facilities in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.

Explaining the motive behind the donation, Madam Asana Mornah said “it is my bid to support my husband’s ambition of becoming a Member of Parliament for the good people of Nadowli-Kaleo constituency and that we need people to be alive to be able to vote during the election to enable my husband and me to do more for them”.

Overwhelmed by the gesture, Mental Health Officer at the Takpo CHPS Compound, Mr. Kungwula Justine, expressing gratitude for the support said “this donation has come handy and we promise to ensure maximum use of it”. He added that it will take them a month or two before placing request for any supplies. He however bemoaned the lack of accommodation at the facility as their main challenge. “The facility which was initially a Health Centre has been downgraded to a CHPS Compound just because we have no accommodation”. He disclosed that the facility is faced with poor lighting system, lack of water supply, dilapidated windows and inadequate beds at the facility. He therefore called for support from Madam Asana and other benevolent individuals to help address these challenges.

Mr. Donkor Gorden while being thankful for the donation also appealed to Mrs. Mornah and other like-minded persons to come to the aid of the Zang Health facility as it lacks chairs and beds. At the Sombo Health Centre, Madam Yussif Amina on behalf of the staff and the Ghana Health Service also praised Mrs. Mornah and the husband for the constant donation to the facility. She however asked for more help in the area of scrubs for the health workers.

Workers at the Charikpong Health Centre led by Madam Tampah Felicia were also thankful to the philanthropic Madam Asana for the virtuous gesture and wished her husband well in the upcoming parliamentary elections. They also bemoaned the poor state of accommodation as a major challenge facing the facility and thus called on the general public to support in that direction.

Reacting to the challenges facing the various facilities, Madam Asana Mornah noted that, although she and her husband are financially handicapped, they look forward to supporting these health facilities to come out of the many challenges bedevilling their operations.

“My husband and I are committed to doing more for these facilities with or without the power to lead them”. Mrs Mornah stated and further promised to replace the worn out window nets at the Takpo CHPS and also to work on their poor lighting system. She concluded that “the whole health system needs to be restructured as the novel coronavirus has come to expose the lapses in our health system”.

Healthway Foundation supports inmates of Wa Central Prison and mentally ill persons

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Posted Aug 23, 2020 at 11:33:24 PM
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A Non-Governmental Organisation in health, Healthway Foundation as part of its humanitarian services has donated items worth over 10,000 cedis to inmates of the Wa Central Prison and to Bahass Foundatation to take care of the mentally challenged in the society. The items donated included mattresses, detergents, buckets, blankets and clothes.

Donating the items, Founder and CEO of Healthway Foundation, Madam Reyaana Bin Salih said it is a responsibility of all to take care of the vulnerable in the society, and that her Foundation is not left out. She said it is important to help the government in ensuring that the underprivileged are catered for.

At the Wa Central Prison, Mrs Bin Salih noted that the donation was in fulfilment of a pledge she made during an earlier visit where items including television set, soap and detergents were donated. She called on management of the Prison to put the items to judicious use and further pledged the continuous support of Healthway Foundation to the prison.

Madam Reyana also took the opportunity to advise the inmates to take their transformation serious so that they do not return once they leave the cells. “Make the best out of the trades learned when you are out of here since that will help keep you away from returning upon completing your jail terms.” She admonished, adding that “everyone can find themselves in prison, but it is not a home to live”.

The Wa Central Prison received items including 20 mattresses, 15 buckets, 20 pieces of blankets, boxes of bathing soap and washing detergents and a quantity of clothes.

DSP Vorsah Worlali of the Wa Central Prison on behalf of management, staff and the inmates thanked Madam Reyaana and Healthway Foundation profoundly and assured them of the optimal use of the donated items. He said the donation was timely especially after the covid-19 pandemic was having a toll on them as well. DSP Worlali said “like Oliver Twist, we are still asking for more”, and prayed for Allah’s blessings and guidance upon the philanthropic Reyaana so that she can continue to share with the underprivileged in society.

The deputy commander also called on Mrs Bin Salih and other well-to-do Ghanaians to come to the aid of the Wa Central Prison by helping them to stock the infirmary of the Prison.

At Bahass Foundation where clothes, buckets, blankets, soaps and detergents were received on behalf of the mentally challenged persons in the society, CEO of Bahass Foundation, Mr. Ilyasu Yussif expressed gratitude to Healthway Foundation for always thinking about them. He posited that, the items couldn’t have come at any better time than now as the Bahass Foundation is resource constraint to carry out their activities. He said the donation will help them greatly as they now visit homes to take care of the mentally ill persons due to the coronavirus restrictions.

Healthway Foundation is a non-profit making organisation founded in 2019 and located in the Upper West region. The Foundation is dedicated to promoting and providing healthcare and other social services to deprived and vulnerable individuals and communities in the Upper West region. Healthway Foundation as part of its mission is to inspire breakthrough in the way the health system treats the vulnerable and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

WA AIRPORT TO GET NEW APRONS – AVIATION MINISTER

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Posted Aug 23, 2020 at 11:20:46 PM
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Minister of Aviation, Mr. Joseph Kofi Ada, has disclosed that plans are underway to construct additional aprons at the Wa Airport. He said the move is necessary as it is observed that the only small apron currently at the airport is affecting optimum operations at the facility.

On a working visit to the airport on Thursday, August 20, Mr. Kofi Ada said government is committed to addressing the challenges facing the Airport, including the construction of additional aprons, in a bid to increasing commercial activities at there.

“The Ghana Airports Company already has in its plans to construct another apron. They have done their budget for the year, they have done the allocation”. The Minister stated, but added that the construction is being delayed due to financial constraints. “It is all a budgetary matter. I think they are constrained with the funds because of the covid-19. They are actually down to zero revenue flowing in.” Mr. Kofi Ada said it will however be re-looked at to ensure that the construction begins soon. He further pledged to encourage the Ghana Airports Company to do two more aprons.

Speaking on other challenges impeding the efficient operations of the Wa Airport, the Minister noted obstruction by radio stations and telecom networks masts, transmission interference by telecoms frequencies and lack of refueling plants, which he said government is earnestly working to resolve.

According to Hon Joseph Kofi Ada, there have been concerns raised by pilots on how a number of masts in Wa town are affecting their movement. The telecom and radio masts are said to be in the line of approach of the aircrafts. This, he said, has led management of the airport “to reduce the length of the runway by 70 meter” to make it easy for flights to land even though it is affecting them. He however disclosed that “we are already in touch with the telecom companies [and radio stations]. We have agreed on them relocating the masts. It is a matter of looking at the time”.

On the interference by frequencies, the Minister said the National Communication Authority has been asked to look at the bandwidths allocated to the telecom companies and adjust them if need be so as to allow for effective communication between airport operators and flight captains.

Mr Kofi Ada further indicated that, refueling facility will be established in Wa with a new operation tower in the offing. He assured that anything necessary to ensure maximum usage of the Wa Airport will be taken care of as it is part of the president’s agenda to put all infrastructural facilities are full utilization.

WA WEST: NDC INAUGURATES CONSTITUENCY CAMPAIGN TEAM AHEAD OF 2020 ELECTIONS

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Posted Aug 23, 2020 at 8:47:10 PM
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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has on Saturday, August 22, 2020, inaugurated a 40-member campaign team to lead the party’s campaign in the Wa West constituency ahead of the 2020 general elections. The inauguration which took place at Wechiau saw a team consisting of very prominent members of the Party including the constituency executives, the parliamentary candidate, representatives from former DCEs, former constituency executives, cadres, women group, disability group, dominant group, and among others. (See full list attached)

1 ABUBAKARI ADNAN CHAIRMAN 024 4010028
2 GUONG YOKUU NICHOLAS VICE CHAIRMAN 024 0380591
3 SUPT. (RT) PETER TOOBU LANCHENE PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE 024 4087792
4 BERE ALEX NAKO SECRETARY 0209103009
5 ADAMS ELYASU SAANJORI ORGANIZER 024 9364257
6 DARI STEPHEN ASEON WULLAH COM. OFFICER 054 3625092
7 CLAUDIUS DARE KUUYORE YOUTH ORGANIZER 055 5846415
8 BASHIRU MUNIRA WOMEN ORGANIZER 054 2197913
9 MWINI-ERA PETER WECHIUA-NAA TREASURER 024 0423570
10 MUMUNI ILYASU KANSANAA ZONGO CAUCUS 024 8623451
11 IDDRISU SUFYAN JONGARA ELECTION DIRECTOR 054 6677775
12 GYERIBIRI ALBEET IT DIRECTOR 054 309 5051
13 ZUMUROH B. MANAN RESEARCH OFFICER 054 0632547
14 DERY CHRISANTUS DISABILITY DESK 0551349119
15 HON ADAMU DASAANA FORMER DCE REP. 024 8691331
16 SALMA ALHANSSAN LOUIS FORMER CONST. EX. REP 024 6204094
17 DALO SUFYAN MAJEED FORMER CONST. EX. REP 054 2199228
18 HON. ASHETU TIPIEN OTHER WOMAN 054 331 5948

19 SEIDU IDDRISU CADRE 024 553 5896

20 NUHU MOHAMMED OTHER MEMBER 024 726 2632
21 DARI SUONYIR MOSES DEPUTY SECRETARY 024 753 4458
22 GYIRIKAR NICHOLAS DAMUO DEPUTY ORGANIZER 054 748 1810
23 OLINAA ABABAASA DEPUTY COM. OFFICER 024 993 8323
24 DORWO PAUL DEPUTY YOUTH ORG 054 177 5733
25 KULO ISSAH IBN ALI 2ND DEP. YOUTH ORG. 024 182 6686
26 MADAM JENABU ASIAMA DEPUTY WOMEN ORG. 054 983 7457
27 NYEBAR ABRAHAM DEPUTY TREASURER 024 283 7074
28 DODI SHAIBU 8 OTHERS 054 231 1729
29 DONGORO MICHAEL 8 OTHERS 055 352 4752
30 KYETONG MOSES 8 OTHERS 0551253498
31 DRAMANI ABDUL-HAKEEM 8 OTHERS 024 850 7929
32 SALIFU HAKEEM 8 OTHERS 054 158 1321
33 MANI KWASI PANYINE 8 OTHERS 055 638 5258
34 ADAMS ABU 8 OTHERS 020 894 0333
35 MAHAMA KASSIM 8 OTHERS 0596493353
36 KYEKUO LEAYI EMMANUEL OTHER EX. MEMBER 024 101 3144
37 MADAM MALIK MASIATA OTHER EX. MEMBER 024 207 7680
38 WULO RICHARD OTHER EX. MEMBER 024 616 4892
39 YORTA JACOB OTHER EX. MEMBER 024 905 7939
40 MAHAMA IDDRISU (OLLIE) OTHER EX. MEMBER

In his welcome address, the Wa West constituency NDC Chairman, Abubakari Adinan expressed gratitude to the teeming party faithfuls and sympathizers who had assembled at the venue “for long hours” in solidarity. He also assured an unparalleled victory for the party in the constituency.
The NDC’s parliamentary candidate, Supt. (rtd) Peter Toobu Lanchene, on his part, reiterated his earlier plea for a united party after the parliamentary primaries. He said although there is no cause for alarm, it is significant to remind themselves of that important ingredient: “unity”. Mr Lanchene was emphatic on his policy of “an all-inclusive” campaign for victory. He therefore assured other party supporters, who were not mentioned as part of the forty-member team, of a role in his agenda “85/85”. “I have an agenda to actively engage at least 85% of the party in my campaign to secure at least 85% of the total votes for myself and His Excellency John Dramani Mahama” he said.

Supt(rtd) Peter Toobu Lanchene

Madam Sardia Gbolo, a member of the NDC’s regional campaign team, who also hails from the constituency, admonished “her people” to restore the lost glory of the NDC in the Wa West constituency. For Madam Gbolo, that the NDC still has majority votes in the constituency is not enough. “Wa West used to be purely NDC, I recall how votes from this part use to cushion Hon. M.A Seidu in his parliamentary bid, and we want that glory back”, she demanded.

Chairman Nasir Saani

In his concluding remarks, Regional chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdul Nasir Saani was very thankful for the rousing welcome and hospitality given to the regional team by the constituents. Mr Saani encouraged the members to use party structures to address grievances should there be any. He also guaranteed an equal distribution of resources and other logistics to all constituencies under his chairmanship. “Every pesewa meant for your constituency will be given to you, everything will be shared equally.”


The Wa West constituency is one of the six seats in the Upper West region occupied by the NDC. The constituency will be presenting a new face to parliament for the first time since its creation in 2004, after the incumbent and only MP who has represented the constituency, Hon Joseph Yielle Chireh lost the NDC’s 2019 parliamentary primary to Peter Lanchene. The retired police officer is expected to face stiff competition from the NPP’s Daniel Dari Kuunsogno who is making a third attempt for the seat.

Wa West: 2,900 Farmers to Receive Cashew Seedlings under Planting for Export and Rural Development

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Posted Aug 19, 2020 at 3:28:13 PM
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Cashew seedlings at Ga nursery

The Wa West District Assembly has begun the distribution of cashew seedlings to farmers in the district as part of the Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) programme instituted by the government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The District Chief Executive of the area, Hon Edward Sabo Laabiir, at a brief ceremony to commission the distribution at Ga, where the seedlings are being nursed, disclosed that, a total of 600,000 cashew seedlings will be distributed to 2,940 individual farmers who have registered and some communities in the district. He said farmlands that will be cultivated in beneficiary communities will be handed over to the communities once the trees are matured.

According to Hon Sabo Laabiir, the Wa West District had projected to raise over one million seedlings in 2020, but could only raise 600,000 due to the coronavirus pandemic. He noted it is still a great achievement as other districts in the region could not match the feat. Mr. Laabiir was confident that, if the 600,000 are well managed, the district will become the highest grower of cashew which will improve the economy and living standard of the Wa West people.

The Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) is an initiative by government to complement the Planting for Food and Jobs programme. The objective of the initiative is to create a sustainable raw material base for industries. It is also to propel economic growth and provide household income for rural farmers. The PERD initiative is a five-year decentralized programme that targets about one million farmers to cultivate at least one acre of a tree crop.

The Wa West District adopted cashew as the tree crop to grow and has since raised over one million seedlings for farmers. According to the DCE, the district in 2018 and 2019 raised and distributed to farmers a total of 580,000 cashew seedlings. In all, the district has raised 1,180,000 cashew seedlings. This will therefore translate into over 29,000 acres of cashew cultivated lands in the district, given that every acre is expected to cultivate forty seedlings.

Hon Sabo Laabiir also noted that the programme has also provided employment for people in the district. He disclosed that “a total of 156 employees are benefiting as far as this work is concerned. Out of this, 123 are females and 33 are males.”

The DCE called on traditional authorities to make available farmlands for the cultivation of the seedlings. He also urged the youth to take farming very serious as agriculture “is the only way to grow”.

Wa West Education Directorate appeals for Office Complex

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Posted Aug 19, 2020 at 3:05:04 PM
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The District Director of Education for the Wa West, Mr. Abilimsige A. Richard has called on government, benevolent individuals and Non-Governmental Organisations to come to the aid of the Directorate in the provision of a modern office complex.

According to Mr. Abilimsige, over the years, many portfolios in the Directorate were not occupied.  This made the office facility seemingly look okay for the limited core staff of the Directorate. He said this has however changed since he assumed leadership of the Directorate, as he has been able to occupy all these idled positions with the needed staff. This has therefore resulted in overcrowding and lack of seating space for most of the added staff.

“My Girl-child Coordinator, Sports Coordinator, Culture Officer and Pensions and Benefits Officer all have to work outside the official office due to lack of space”. He disclosed, adding that,”even those officers who work within the limited office space have had to have the bitter experience of sharing a single desk and in most cases a chair”. The GES District Director also bemoaned the lack of storeroom for educational materials which has adverse effects on their operations. “We do not also have a store which makes storage of most of our materials which are largely chalk and textbooks always being exposed to the mercy of the weather”.

Mr. Abilimsige indicated that, “we have made several appeals to the District Assembly and the Regional Education [Office] towards this proposal [provision of office complex] which have so far yielded negative results and thus, the reason why we are calling on these external bodies to help us”.

The Director made this appeal during a short ceremony in Wechiau where a new set of photocopier and printing machine was commissioned and handed over to the directorate in fulfilment of government’s promise to provide the District with the equipment.

Receiving the items, Mr. Ablimsige applauded the government for the many interventions relating to education in the Wa West District. “This particular donation will replace completely the cash and pay system where parents had to pay exam fees before their wards could write terminal examination” He noted, adding that “all questions from hence would be typed, printed and distributed to schools at no cost to pupils”. The Director assured the government through the District Chief Executive of proper maintenance and usage of the machines for the intended purpose.

The District Chief Executive for the Wa West, Hon. Edward Sabo Laabiir, who handed over the machines to the education directorate, stated that “this is just one of the many interventions the government under the able leadership of his Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo is providing to lessen the burden of parents and improve teaching and learning in the District”. He was optimistic that, the education directorate would cultivate the habit of maintenance to sustain the life span of these items.

Reacting to the issue of an office complex for the education directorate, Hon. Sabo Laabiir said “it is indeed true that the Wa West Education Directorate needs an ultramodern office complex. And the district assembly has it in plan and will consider the proposal as soon as funds are made readily available”.

The short commissioning ceremony was witnessed by some core staff of both the District Assembly and the Education Directorate of the Wa West.

Agric Director extolls Wa West DCE, Hon Sabo Laabiir, for good works in agriculture

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Posted Aug 17, 2020 at 3:22:37 PM
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The District Director of Agriculture in the Wa West, Mr. Joseph Kambunabu, has heaped praises on the District Chief Executive, Hon Edward Sabo Laabiir, for his exploits in agriculture in the area. He said the works of Mr. Sabo Laabiir has significantly improved agricultural activities in the Wa west district.

According to Mr. Kambunabu, the DCE has been very instrumental in ensuring that many farmers in the district benefit from the government’s agricultural policies including the Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) and the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiatives. He said beyond the flagship programmes, Hon Sabo Laabiir has also introduced initiatives to get the youth actively involved in farming.

“In 2018 farming season, the district through the DCE ploughed over 200 acres of farmland for maize production for youth groups in the district, and again facilitated the release of fertilizers and seeds for credit under Planting for Food and Jobs campaign.” Mr Kambunabu disclosed, adding that “this hardworking DCE through the Department of Agriculture this year again ploughed 120 acres of land for youth groups across the district”.

The Director of Agriculture and acting District Coordinating Director was speaking at a ceremony in Ga to distribute 600,000 cashew seedlings to about 3,000 farmers in the district.

The 600,000 cashew seedlings which are being distributed were raised by the Wa West district as part of the Planting for Export and Rural Development initiative of the government of Ghana. The district in 2018 and 2019 raised and distributed 580,000 seedlings to farmers. The target for 2020 according to the DCE was to raise one million cashew seedlings. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the district could only raise the 600,000 seedlings which are to be distributed to farmers in the district.

Speaking at the event, the Wa West DCE urged the youth to take agriculture serious as it is the surest way to making ends meet. He said but for farming, he would not have been where he is. Mr. Sabo laabiir noted that he is DCE today because of farming as he educated himself through the proceeds from his farming activities. He therefore challenged the youth who are beneficiaries of the PERD project and other agricultural initiatives by the government and the district to make good use of the support.

Education Stakeholders in Wa West Sensitized on Covid-19, Charged to be Change Ambassadors

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Posted Aug 3, 2020 at 10:32:45 AM
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The District Director of Education for the Wa West District, Mr. Ablimsige A. Richard has tasked Circuit Supervisors, head teachers and school health coordinators to be ambassadors for change as a way of supplementing government’s efforts in fighting the novel coronavirus disease in the district.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a four day cluster-based sensitization workshop for major stakeholders in the district, Mr. Ablimsige, who confirmed the emergence of two reported cases of the novel coronavirus in the district, was optimistic that if all hands are kept on board regardless of tribe, religion and politics, the novel virus would be conquered in the district.

“Until the Novel Coronavirus is dead, buried and its final funeral performed, we all are at risk and therefore the need to strictly abide by the safety protocols”, he stated.

The District Director however described as unfair sentiments by some teachers that the government has not made adequate arrangements to cater for them by way of providing nose masks and hand sanitizers in the midst of the Covid-19. “Most of us, teachers, have families, and if not for the sake of our pupils at schools, we should be mindful of our kids at home by securing for ourselves and families nose mask and hand sanitizer “. He advised and further urged teachers not to relent in furthering their education as it is the only way of been more productive in and outside the Service.

On his part, the District Training Officer, Mr. Williams Namunakpe indicated that the workshop was a downstream district level sensitization exercise, a quick response to fighting the novel coronavirus pandemic within schools in the Wa West district. “This workshop is part of government’s efforts towards the full resumption of schools across the country as I am aware there is currently a stakeholder meeting with some major stakeholders on a clear roadmap to reopening schools since the novel coronavirus disease has come to stay.”

He added that the workshop which was initially slated for two days has to be extended to four days because the district wants to adhere to social distancing as one of the safety protocols. “A total of four hundred and thirty four (434) participants have been clustered to participate in the four days sensitization workshop and all have to be taken through topics relating to overview, responsibilities of stakeholders, and preventive etiquette and safety guidelines for schools on the novel coronavirus.”

The four days non-residential workshop which is solely sponsored by the government of Ghana was graced by high profile officers from the Ghana Education Service including the Deputy Director in charge of National Maths and Science, National Guidance and Counselling Coordinator and a member of the National Coronavirus Response Team. Their presence in the Upper West Region was to ensure the successful implementation of the sensitization workshop across the eleven districts of the region.

U/W: Help us serve you better – VRA/NEDCO appeals to customers

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Posted Jul 29, 2020 at 11:38:26 PM
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The district supervisor of VRA/NEDCO for Wa area, Mr. Martin Ayimedu, has appealed to residents of the Wa Municipality to protect assets of the company to enable it serve them better.

Mr Ayimedu

Speaking exclusively to W93.5FM, Mr. Ayimedu complained about the insecurity surrounding VRA/NEDCO equipment, which according to him continues to affect the quality of service delivery. He cited encroachment at the VRA/NEDCO sub stations, siting of temporal and permanent structures under high tension lines and blockage of access routes to their transformers as some major challenges. Mr. Ayimedu pointed out several locations within Wa town where persons have blocked access to VRA transformers, “making maintenance and fault clearing difficult”.

Encroachment at a VRA transformer

It will be recalled, a few months ago, that the Wa Municipal Assembly had to forcefully demolish some temporal structures along the Naa Sidiki Bomi II Park to enable the VRA gain access to one of its faulty transformers. Although the demolishing exercise did not go down well with the owners of these structures, VRA/NEDCO believes more of such needs to be carried out across the municipality.

On his part, the regional manager for VRA, Mr. Eugene Addo explained that persons living or operating businesses close to VRA transformers are not only posing a danger to the equipment, but “they are at risk themselves”. Mr Addo further hinted that his office will soon embark on an exercise to secure all transformers by getting rid of such encroachers.

Meanwhile, checks by W93.5fm confirm the claim of encroachment by VRA/NEDCO. Some of these supposed encroachers however blamed the situation on lack of coordination by the various stakeholders involved in the planning of the Municipality.

For example, owners of some temporal structures sited under “high tension cables” claimed they acquired the space through the Wa Municipal Assembly, and showed some documents as proof of payment or permission to occupy such space.

 

Dr. Rashid Pelpuo Hands Over GH₵27,000 Worth Mechanized Borehole to Tagirayiri Residents

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Posted Jul 23, 2020 at 8:45:58 AM
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Residents of the Tagirayiri community in Wa were on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, left with joy after the Member of Parliament for the Wa Central Constituency, Dr. Hassan Rashid Pelpuo, handed over to them, the keys of a mechanized borehole costing about GH₵27,000.00 for use.

According to Hon Rashid Pelpuo, the decision to construct the borehole was in response to a request made by the Sungumo clan of the Tagirayiri community. He said providing potable water to constituents of the Wa Central has been one of his priority areas since he became a parliamentarian, and pledged to continue to do more on that. Handing over the water facility to the residents of the area, the MP charged them to use it judiciously so that it will continue to serve its purpose for long. He also said there is still a lot in stock for the Tagirayiri community and the Wa Central Constituency as a whole.

The Wa Central representative in Parliament said he has made so many efforts in ensuring that everyone in the Wa Central Constituency has access to potable water. He cited the extension of the Jambusi Water to many communities who do not have the ability, and the construction of boreholes with some mechanized in communities where the Jambusi Water Project is yet to be extended to. Biihee and Dondoli are some of the beneficiary communities of the borehole projects by the MP. He said this is important as it prevents people from traveling a long distance to fetch water, and also avoid unnecessary fights in accessing water.

The elders and people of Tagirayiri thanked the MP for his kind gesture in responding to their call and pledged that the facility will be put to good use. They said they will do everything possible to avoid unnecessary damages to the facility. The community members also prayed for Dr. Rashid to continue to have strength and good health as he discharges his duties as a MP. They also wished him well in his political endeavours and further advised him to continue using his office for the benefit of the less privileged in the society.

Touching on other plans for the year, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo announced that renovation works at the Wa Municipal Hospital will soon begin. He said there are some facilities in the hospital including clinics and offices which are in deplorable state and need to be taken care of. He further disclosed that some schools will see a facelift with others getting furniture where necessary. He said a lot of things in various sectors will also be touched before the close of the year. “I will renovate schools, provide furniture for schools, provide water for communities, renovate health facilities and help individual students with their pressing needs”, he stated.

The long serving MP in Wa Central who is seeking a fifth term said he is ready to make public the projects he intends to carry out so that people can track him on the promises, adding that, “I don’t make promises I can’t fulfill”. He however cautioned that he is not the type of persons who do things for people and want the whole world to know even before the thing becomes beneficial.

Intellectual Ladies of NDC Congratulates Prof Opoku-Agyeman, says her nomination exhibits Mahama’s Commitment to Women Empowerment

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Posted Jul 9, 2020 at 9:55:21 AM
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Asheeka Latif Khalid – President, Intellectual Ladies of NDC

A group calling itself Intellectual Ladies of National Democratic Congress has lauded the nomination of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman as the running mate to partner John Dramani Mahama for the 2020 general elections.

The group, at a press conference in Wa, the Upper West regional capital, addressed by Madam Asheeka Latif Khalid, congratulated Prof Opoku-Agyeman and said she remains an icon to many women in Ghana and beyond. “You have been allotted a seat well deserved in the high echelon of our national politics”. Madam Asheeka said, echoing that, the nomination of Madam Naana Jane “is a renewable spirit of true commitment to inclusive democracy and this amplifies the voice of women”.

Madam Asheeka who is President of the Intellectual Ladies of National Democratic Congress (NDC) further described the choice of Professor Opoku-Agyeman as a morale booster for women and pledged that “you have our undying support to secure victory for the party”.

The ladies also expressed their profound gratitude to John Dramani Mahama for choosing a female as his vice presidential candidate for the oncoming elections. They noted that such a nomination exhibits the former president’s “leadership style and view of an inclusive democracy” and a proof that President Mahama is committed to women empowerment. “We wish to thank you immensely for the recognition [given to women]”, the group said and vowed to “rally behind [John Mahama] through thick and thin for this rescue mission to be executed”.

Intellectual Ladies of National Democratic Congress is a group of women in the Upper West Region who have come together to promote the ideals of the NDC and to campaign for the party to retake power in the 2020 general elections.

The group president also debunked claims that women become arrogant when in leadership positions. She opined that “leadership does not make people arrogant”, explaining that arrogant and disrespectful women are usually arrogant from childhood but only showcase their arrogance when in position of leadership. Asheeka Latif Khalid called on the general public especially political parties to support and give more opportunities to females as they have a lot to offer for national development. She however advised that women of substance, and not just any woman, should be given such opportunities as she posited that arrogant and disrespectful women do not deserve to lead.

“Don’t Temper with my Victory” – DBI MP Warns EC

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Posted Jul 7, 2020 at 5:05:12 PM
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The Member of Parliament of the Daffiama-Busie-Issa Constituency, Dr. Sebastian Sandaare has sent out a strong warning to the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to avoid activities that will mar his victory come December 7, 2020. He said any calculated attempt by the EC and other political actors to derail his chances of going to Parliament for the second term will be vehemently resisted.

The NDC law maker in the constituency expressing confidence of securing another four years to serve as MP boasted that “I am convinced that the people of Daffiama-Busie-Issa will renew my mandate and I am sure of my victory which is my focus “. He therefore cautioned that “anybody who dares temper with the victory of Dr. Sandaare, you are tempering in a way that will not be good for you”.

The DBI legislator alleged that there is a deliberate attempt by the Electoral Commission to disenfranchise some residents of Daffiama, Wogu and other polling stations who form a major part of the constituency.  He claimed that the EC had clearly exhibited this by changing, overnight, the agreed gazetted schedule for the Phase II from July 6 to August 6 without any form of consultation particularly with the District Inter Party Advisory Committee (DIPAC). “We know the game plan of what the electoral commission wants to do to the people of Daffiama, and we will not accept that”, he fumed.

Hon Sandaare reminded the EC of their core duty and charged them to make the electoral processes “transparent enough, free enough and fair enough for the people to decide”. He was worried that prevailing conditions such as persistent rainfall and break down of machines may disrupt the processes during the adjourning months.

He revealved that the thirteen major polling stations in the constituency which have been affected by these sudden changes had been sensitized and ready for the exercise on the first scheduled date. He therefore insisted the Electoral Commission should not have any other alternative than to honour their call to duty by doing the needful. He likened the act exhibited by the current staff of the EC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to autocracy and thus urged them to emulate the works of their predecessors.

Dr. Sebastian Sandaare is seeking re-election after winning the 2016 elections. He goes into the contest against the NPP’s Parliamentary Candidate, Hon Imori Nadi Sanda, who is also the Chief Executive of the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District.

I am a Member of Parliament in waiting – Bernard Mornah

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Posted Jul 2, 2020 at 4:11:53 PM
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The National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC) and Parliamentary Candidate for the party in the Nadowli/Kaleo Constituency, Bernard Anbataayela Mornah has stated that he is one of the legislatures for the next Parliament waiting to be sworn into office.

Speaking on Home Radio’s Constituency Watch, Wednesday night, Mr. Mornah indicated that he was the only candidate in the 2016 parliamentary elections who had an appreciable increase of votes in the Nadowli/Kaleo constituency. He said he had moved his party’s votes magnificently from a decimal of 169 votes in the 2012 elections to 5,393 votes, representing 3,200 percentage points increase. “The magnification is simply unprecedented and the magnification will be increased by 2.5 per cent, meaning that I will sweep not less than 7,000 votes that will further reduce the votes of my opponents in the other divides, making me a member of parliament in waiting,” he boasted.

Relationship with 2016 PNC Presidential Candidate

Chairman Mornah disclosed that his relationship with Dr. Mahama Nasigri, the 2016 flag bearer of the party,” is really very bad”. He however recalled how he campaigned massively for then candidate Nasigiri Mahama in 2016, making him the sole candidate to beat Nana Addo in the presidential elections at Sankana, Bernard Mornah’s home town.

According to Hon Mornah, Dr. Mahama has been a great disappointment to the party since he accepted an ambassadorial position from the New Patriotic Party in 2017. “Former president John Agyekum Kufour offered him a ministerial position which he declined because he had not sought the consent of the Party”, Bernard Mornah indicated and wondered if Dr. Mahama had now sought the party’s consent  now that he is an Ambassador at large. He opined that, the attitude of H.E Nasigiri Mahama violates the very fundamentals Dr. Mahama himself had set to guide the conduct of party executives.

The vociferous opposition leader noted that, “many individuals that used to sponsor the party had taken a backstage since his acceptance of the ambassadorial position which is currently affecting the fortunes of the party ahead of the 2020 polls”.

Controversial Figure

Reacting to criticisms of being controversial, Hon Benard Monarh stated that, “I will continue to be controversial as long as the marginalized in the society continue to suffer, and I will fight their course.” He argued that, there is so much injustice in the system particularly towards the underprivileged and that he will continue to be a strong activist against these injustices in the society. He described the NPP’s promises of “One village, one dam” and “One million dollars per Constituency” as total deceit and said there is the need for activists like him to speak out to demand the fulfilment of some of these “virtual promises”.

Don’t be a Dead Hero – Sammy Awuku to Youth

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Posted Jul 2, 2020 at 3:59:35 PM
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The National Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Mr. Sammy Awuku has cautioned the teeming youth of the Upper West Region not to allow politicians to use them as agents or tools for destruction in the electoral processes ahead of the 2020 general elections.

According to him, politicians who instigate the youth into getting involved in political violence usually turn their backs on the victims when the law catches up with them. He therefore urged the youth to be mindful of prescribed sanctions for offenses under the laws and not fall foul of same. “If you don’t have any business doing at the registration centre, do not go and cause mayhem, because that will come with its own sanctions and there are no dead heroes”, he advised.

Mr. Awuku however expressed his disappointment about anti-party conduct exhibited by some party faithful across the country. He cautioned NPP members to desist from invoking curses and misbehaving towards party leadership and establishments at the least provocation, warning that “the party disciplinary procedures are still in force and anybody who runs contrary to the dictates and provisions of the party’s constitution will be dealt with”.

The National Organiser made these calls when he interacted with some NPP members at the Blue Hill Hotel in Wa ahead of the compilation of the new voters’ register.

Use of NIA Card for Voter Registration

Sammy Awuku also said the reason why the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was against the compilation of the new voters’ register is because they find it difficult to retract their words. He accused the NDC of deceiving their members and other Ghanaians not to acquire the NIA card, only to realize later that the card was being used as a primary document for the compilation of the new voters’ register, hence their opposition to the Electoral Commission’s decision.

W93.5FM Launches Campaign for Peaceful Elections in Wa

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Posted Jun 30, 2020 at 7:30:41 PM
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A private commercial radio station in the Upper West region, W93.5FM has on Saturday, June 27, 2020, launched a project dubbed “W93.5FM Election Project – 2020” to campaign for peace in this year’s general elections.

The project themed “Ensuring Peaceful Elections for Sustainable Development” aims at educating and reminding the general public, especially political parties’ communicators and media practitioners, on the need to avoid activities that can compromise the peace the country has been enjoying.

Welcoming participants to the launch, General Manager of W93.5FM, Ibrahim Abdul-Aziz Pelpuo said the project “will instil in residents of the Wa Municipality and beyond, a sense of responsibility in maintaining peace before, during and after the elections”. The campaign according to Mr. Pelpuo will also serve as a platform to create awareness about the electoral activities as well as inform electorates of their rights and responsibilities in the electoral process.

“The project will also commit political leaders and other stakeholders in the municipality and the region at large to sign a peace treaty that will require them to ensure violence-free elections and also take responsibility for any election related violence emanating from their respective parties or camps”, he added.

Acknowledging that Ghana has enjoyed considerable peace since constitutional governance, the Manager admonished that everything possible should be done to safeguard the peace being enjoyed. He said it was particularly important “as pockets of [electoral] unrests and chaos have been recorded in various parts of the nation” in recent past.

Mr. Pelpuo also appealed to benevolent organisations and individuals to support his station financially and in kind to make the project a success. He said in as much as W93.5FM has enough airtime to run the project, the station does not have adequate resources to undertake the other public events such as lectures, peace games, peace walk and musical concert.

On his part, the Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, in a statement read on his behalf as the Guest of Honour lauded management of W93.5FM for initiating the campaign, adding the programme will “complement the efforts of the Regional Security Council in maintaining peace in the region by way of public education”.

Dr. Bin Salih further urged media practitioners to be meticulous in the discharge of their duties and not give attention to nation wreckers. He advised them against broadcasting “the pronouncements of any individual, group of people or any politician which has the potential to jeopardize the peace we are currently enjoying in the region”. He also urged political parties to be mindful of the campaign messages they put out for the electorate, saying that “no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of chaos and anarchy”.

The occasion was graced by the Waala Traditional Council including representatives of the Yari-naa and the Regional Chief Imam, the Local Council of Churches, the Peace Council, the NCCE, the Electoral Commission,  representatives of political parties and youth groups and the Kpongu Jansi Group.

NPP: EMBRACE AND PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE UPCOMING VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE, YOUTH ORGANIZER APPEALS TO CONSTITUENTS

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Posted Jun 23, 2020 at 9:12:46 PM
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The Wa Central Constituency youth organizer of the New Patriotic Party, Mr Hanif Jaoto has appealed to his constituents especially the youth to embrace and actively participate in the upcoming voter registration exercise scheduled to commence on 30th June, 2020.
According to Mr Jaoto, possessing a voter ID card is not only a right but a responsibility to every eligible citizen. He therefore appealed to the populace especially members and sympathizers of the NPP to acquire the “new voter’s ID card” when the Electoral commission starts the compilation of a new voters register as scheduled. This according to him will guarantee their voting right and enable them give a definite victory to the NPP in the 2020 general elections. “Possessing the new ID card guarantees our voting right and as party people; we have the ultimate responsibility to ensure that our voting right is guaranteed in order for us to give yet another resounding victory to our president…” Mr Jaoto said.

Mr Hanif Jaoto

The youth leader also admonished his constituents to disregard the opposition NDC’s call for the Electoral commission to abort the process of compiling a new voter’s register, describing it as “unfortunate”. He added that the NPP will support any lawful decision taken by an “independent Electoral commission” including the compilation of a new voter register.
Mr Hanif Jaoto made this plea during a press briefing today, 23rd June, 2020 at the Wa central constituency youth office.


Meanwhile, the Electoral commission has announced 30th June, 2020 as the start date for the exercise to compile a new voter’s register amidst resistance from some political parties and groups.

UPPER PRESBYTERY ELECT NEW CHAIRMAN AND LAY REP

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Posted Jun 16, 2020 at 7:31:18 PM
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The Upper Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana held a Presbytery Session dubbed “COVID-19 Session” at Peniel Congregation in Bolgatanga on Saturday, 13th June, 2020. The gathering that used to last for a period of four/three days, was compressed to a day because of the new normal (COVID-19).

In his address, the Chairman of the Upper Presbytery, Rev. Emmanuel B. Atami indicated that, the Upper Presbytery has nineteen (19) social service entities (Schools, Agricultural Institutions and Health Facilities) and that plans are far advanced to revamp non vibrant ones.

He was however quick to add that, no social service entity has the right to auction assets without the knowledge of the Presbytery so as to curb the issue of people auctioning cars to themselves. He, together with delegates applauded the Presbyterian Junior High School, Bawku for performing very well and ranked first in the 2019 Basic Education Certificate Examination.

Rev. James Kwame Awuni and Madam Damata were elected Chairman and Lay Representative to the General Assembly Council respectively. They were congratulated and prayed for while awaiting their official induction in September, 2020. Chairman and Lay Representative elect appreciated the delegates for the trust reposed on them and will perform as expected looking up unto God as their ultimate helper.

The Upper Presbytery which was elevated in 2010 has seven Districts and covers the Upper East and Upper West Regions and parts of the newly created North East and Savannah Regions. The first Chairman of the Presbytery was Rev. Esmond W. Nagba who’s tenure ended in 2015 and was succeeded by Rev. Emmanuel B. Atami who’s tenure will be ending in August, 2020. The Chairman elect will be succeeding Rev. Emmanuel B. Atami and will occupy the office till 2025.

However, the climax of the 10th anniversary celebration which was initially slated for middle of July, 2020 had been postponed to a later unknown date because of the corona virus pandemic.

UW/R: Stay Away from Takpo “Galamsey” Site – Police Warns Illegal Miners

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Posted Jun 11, 2020 at 3:23:50 PM
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The Upper West Regional Police Command has served notice to the general public to avoid going to mine around Takpo, a community in the Nadowli/Kaleo District, or any other site in the Upper West region if they do not have the requisite license to do so.

Speaking to W93.5FM, Wednesday, June 10, on Wakeup Upper West, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Police Service in the region, Inspector Gideon Ohene Boateng stated that, “the police presence will be there (Takpo galamsey site) until the end has come to the end. As much as the “galamsey” is concerned, security is also concerned”.

Inspector Boateng decried the destruction caused by illegal mining and warned that anyone found at “galamsey” areas in the region without paperwork will be made to face the full rigours of the law. “We the police, we protect the people of Ghana. And we will make sure that whatever [that must be done] to protect you and myself, we will do it”. He said, adding that “we are there [to enforce any law] to protect the people of Ghana and their property. So therefore we are there to protect people 24/7”.

Inspector Ohene Boateng also confirmed the murder of two persons in the Takpo area, and revealed that investigations are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to book.

According to the Police P.R.O, the two cases though related happened on different days. Mr. Ohene Boateng narrated that “on the 7th [of June, 2020] police had information that Kelvin Dalio, 28, (first deceased) had a scuffle with then suspect, Kwaku Dapaah, 20, (second deceased), at Niiri near Takpo. In the process Kelvin Dalio was stabbed on the neck with an implement by Kwaku Dapaah. The police proceeded to the locus in quo and realized that the first deceased was lying in a supine position, and police picked him to the St. Joseph Hospital.”

Mr. Ohene Boateng said the police after taking the first deceased to the hospital combed the whole area with the community members for then murder suspect but could not find him. He however disclosed that, “the following day on the 8th, police had information around four O’Clock that Kwaku Dapaah had been lynched by the community members who arrested him, and now he is also in the morgue at St. Joseph Hospital”. The P.R.O said the police are “now hunting for those who murdered the second deceased. If we get them, they will face the full rigours of the law”.

The Inspector therefore called on the general public to avoid meting out “instant justice” as the law does not permit that. “Nobody has the right to instant justice. If you arrest somebody, bring the person to the police. Let us investigate. Perhaps they may be a syndicate, he may not be the only person”, he advised.

The death of the two is believed to be associated with activities at an illegal mining site (galamsey) in Takpo. The Police P.R.O however did not disclose the reason behind the scuffle that ensued between the two which led to the death of both. He said disclosing such information may jeopardise the investigations.