In a heartwarming gesture of community support, the Assemblyman for Hangaline Electoral Area in the West Gonja Municipality, Hon. Gorden Kumatey popularly known as DJ Flenzy has once again stepped up to empower the next generation.
On Sunday, October 11, 2025, Hon. Kumatey donated essential school items to first-year Senior High School (SHS) students from his electoral area. The donation, aimed at easing the burden on families as students begin their SHS journey, included bathing buckets, pens, exercise books, and mosquito nets.
From a compiled list of 108 Junior High School (JHS) graduates in the area, about 60 students gathered at the Assemblyman’s residence to receive the support. Each student received a bucket, two pens, and five exercise books. Additionally, female beneficiaries were given mosquito nets to promote health and well-being.
Addressing the students, Hon. Kumatey encouraged them to take their studies seriously and remain focused as they enter this important phase of their academic lives. “Though the support may not be much, it comes from a place of care and commitment to your future,” he said.
He also warned the freshers against falling into bad company and experimenting with illicit drugs, urging them to be cautious and disciplined in their new environments.
This marks the third consecutive year that Hon. Kumatey has undertaken this initiative, funding it entirely from his personal resources.
His continued support stands as a shining example of grassroots leadership and a deep commitment to educational development in the electoral area..
A delegation of Brifor elders, led by their Council Chairman Thomas Bebeh Sennor and accompanied by Tandawura Alhaji Mohammed Amin, a sub-chief of the Wasipe Traditional Area and member of the Savannah Regional Peace Council, have sought forgiveness from the Gonja people at Bolewura Sarfo Kutuge Feso palace in Bole.
Speaking for the Brifor community, Bebeh Sennor characterized the conflict as a tragic and regrettable chapter in Brifor-Gonja relations. He attributed the violence to some young Brifors’ who lack understanding of traditional customs and land arrangements between Gonjas and Brifors.
Bebeh Sennor appealed to the Bolewura for forgiveness and requested that he lead a delegation to the Yagbonwura to facilitate reconciliation and restore peace between the two communities.
Listen to an audio below of what the Brifor Council of Elders Chairman said at Bolewura’s Palace
(Cue Audio of Bebeh Sennor Brifor Council of Elders Chairman)
However, Bolewura Sarfo Kutuge Feso (I) respectfully rejected the apology and symbolic gifts, explaining that his authority is derived from the Yagbonwura and that he cannot accept an apology without the Overlord’s consent.
“I cannot take your apology. If the Yagbonwura accepts your apology, then that acceptance will also be mine, because I am his son,” the Bolewura stated, emphasizing the importance of respecting traditional hierarchy.
The Paramount Chief provided historical context for Brifor settlement in Gonjaland, noting that they were granted permission to settle during the reign of Yagbonwura Mahama Dagbonga.
The Bolewura expressed disappointment with the conduct of some Brifor youth, stating they have “deviated from traditional values.”
In a move toward reconciliation, the Bolewura appointed three of his sub-chiefs to accompany the Brifor Council of Elders to the Jakpa Palace to formally present their apology to the Yagbonwura.
The conflict between Gonjas and Brifors claimed lives, destroyed property, and displaced thousands of people.
Energy Minister John Jinapor Commissions Expansion Project in Central Gonja District, Reaffirms Government’s Push for Universal Access
Energy and Green Transition Minister Hon. John Jinapor whon is also the Member of Parliament for Yapei/Kusawgu Constituency on Saturday 11th October 2025 commissioned the expansion of rural electrification to 13 new communities across the Central Gonja District in the Savannah Region, marking another significant milestone in the government’s drive to achieve universal electricity access.
The expansion project, which underscores the administration’s commitment to reaching every corner of Ghana, aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of ensuring no community is left without electricity.
Speaking during a durbar with chiefs and residents of the beneficiary communities, Minister Jinapor highlighted the nation’s impressive progress in electrification. “Ghana currently has about 90% electricity access, one of the highest rates in Africa, and we are determined to reach 100%,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s determination to leave no community in darkness.
While commending the government’s efforts to expand electricity infrastructure, the Energy Minister stressed that citizens must fulfill their part of the bargain by paying for electricity consumed. “We can keep the power on if customers pay their electricity bills. It’s a shared responsibility,” Jinapor noted, urging consumers to settle their obligations promptly.
Acknowledging concerns raised by residents, particularly in Tamale, the Minister announced a flexible approach to outstanding electricity bills. “Those who have not been able to pay their electricity bills, let’s put them on a payment plan. However, those who are hooking up illegally must desist from such acts,” he cautioned.
The Minister explained that illegal connections not only violate the law but also damage transformers and negatively impact entire communities. He further revealed that the government is implementing a comprehensive loss reduction programme to minimize both commercial and technical losses within the electricity distribution network.
“Already, as a result of NEDCo’s efforts, we’ve seen about a 10% improvement in collections and reduced losses,” Jinapor disclosed, signaling positive progress in the sector’s operational efficiency.
Reaffirming his commitment as Energy Minister, Jinapor pledged continued support to maintain the momentum of development in the sector. “Together, we are lighting up lives and building a stronger Ghana,” he concluded.
Listen to what John Jinapor said in the audio below
(Cue Audio John Jinapor on Electricity Expansion in Yapei/Kusawgu Constituency)
The excited residents of the newly electrified communities presented a citation to Minister Jinapor, a gesture of gratitude for the government’s investment in their communities and his role as their Member of Parliament for the Yapei/Kusawgu Constituency.
Mr. Daniel Okyere Opare (Coach BB) and six others have filed a petition against the Ghana Swimming Association’s elections, scheduled for October 11, 2025. The petitioners claim that the voter register is flawed, with unregistered associations and members from ten regions being included despite not being registered with the association.
According to the petitioners, this move breaches the association’s constitution, and they are seeking the removal of these ineligible members from the register. They argue that the association must adhere to its constitution in guiding its affairs, including elections.
The petitioners have made several claims against the current executives, including the inclusion of non-regional representatives, supposed technical officials without proper association backing, introduction of proxy voting without constitutional provision, and inclusion of non-active swimming clubs. Additionally, they claim that Mr. Seth Nii is disqualified from contesting for Treasurer due to his role as National Sports Authority representative.
Furthermore, the petitioners point out that the association has failed to provide audited accounts and financial reports, and has not convened annual General Assembly meetings as required by the constitution. Given these breaches, the petitioners seek declarations that the defendants have breached the GSA Constitution and an injunction to prevent further breaches.
A court injunction has been placed on the elections, pending hearing and determination of the petition. The respondents have been served with the court processes and are expected to respond to the petition.
Experiencing Ghana’s Agricultural Heart Through Agritourism
Nestled in Ghana’s Savannah Region lies a unique destination that transforms the humble cashew farm into a vibrant cultural and culinary experience. Bunyanso Farms Cashew Plantation Agritourism Enterprise has been pioneering agricultural tourism since 1996, offering visitors an opportunity to connect intimately with rural farming life while celebrating the richness of cashew cultivation.
In an era when agritourism is gaining momentum across regions like Vietnam and beyond, Bunyanso Farms stands as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to sustainable tourism and agricultural education. The enterprise was founded with a singular vision: to promote cashew plantation agritourism among local farmers while providing visitors with authentic, immersive experiences that reveal the stories behind the crops that feed nations.
More Than Just a Farm Visit
What sets Bunyanso Farms apart is its comprehensive approach to visitor engagement. Rather than offering a passive observation experience, the enterprise invites tourists to roll up their sleeves and participate directly in the farming process.
Hands-on activities form the heart of the experience. Visitors can engage in cashew harvesting, learning the techniques and timing required to bring these valuable nuts to maturity. They also participate in the application of organic farming methods, including the use of HJA Africa Organic Farming Aid (OFA) Liquid Fertiliser, gaining practical insights into sustainable agriculture that protects both the land and the final product.
For food enthusiasts, the culinary dimension of Bunyanso Farms offers a gastronomic journey through cashew diversity. Beyond the familiar roasted nuts, visitors discover fresh cashew apples, vibrant cashew apple juice, locally-made cashew jam, traditional cashew kebabs, and an array of prepared nuts—from salted and spicy varieties to honey-coated delicacies. Each tasting tells a story of transformation and innovation within Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Education Through Experience
Educational tours form another pillar of the enterprise’s mission. Visitors explore rural cashew farms and learn about production methods, gaining insights into both traditional and modern cultivation techniques. The plantation showcases organic farming practices in action, demonstrating how farms can maintain productivity while respecting environmental boundaries.
Particularly significant is Bunyanso Farms’ commitment to youth and women empowerment. The enterprise provides hands-on training in cashew production and aquaculture, equipping local community members with practical skills that enhance their economic opportunities and agricultural knowledge.
Guided tours of local processing facilities reveal the remarkable journey cashew products undertake from harvest to consumer. Visitors witness how raw cashew apples are transformed into jam and juice, and how raw nuts are processed into market-ready products, gaining appreciation for the labor and expertise involved in each step.
Bridging Culture and Commerce
Community engagement lies at the heart of Bunyanso Farms’ philosophy. The enterprise facilitates farm-to-table dining experiences, cultural heritage showcases, and farm stays that allow visitors to live alongside farmers and their families. Festival celebrations, workshops, and homestay programs create meaningful connections between tourists and local communities, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
This community-centered approach extends economic benefits throughout the region. For cashew farmers, agritourism provides a valuable income diversification strategy beyond selling raw nuts. The enterprise creates employment opportunities in hospitality, guiding, and cultural programming, stimulating economic activity in the Savannah Region while preserving agricultural traditions.
Impact and Vision
The benefits of Bunyanso Farms extend far beyond individual farm gates. By attracting visitors from around the world, the enterprise elevates the profile of cashew farming and educates the public about sustainable agricultural practices. It demonstrates that farming is not merely a livelihood but a source of cultural identity and culinary excellence worthy of celebration.
Perhaps most importantly, Bunyanso Farms contributes to the preservation of traditional farming methods and culinary customs that risk being lost in an increasingly globalized world. By creating economic incentives for maintaining these practices, the enterprise ensures that future generations will inherit not just agricultural knowledge but cultural heritage.
Visit Bunyanso Farms
For travelers seeking authentic experiences that nourish both body and mind, Bunyanso Farms Cashew Plantation Agritourism Enterprise offers a destination unlike any other. Whether you’re a seasoned agritourism enthusiast or simply curious about where your food comes from, Bunyanso Farms welcomes you to discover the beauty, sustainability, and flavor of Ghana’s cashew country.
Patients holding National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards have been turned away or asked to pay cash at St Anne’s Catholic Hospital in Damongo following a nationwide system disruption that has crippled electronic hospital management systems across the country.
The technical failure, which began on Monday, October 6, 2025, has left the hospital unable to verify NHIS membership or process claims, forcing management to demand upfront cash payments from insured patients or deny them treatment altogether.
Management of St Anne’s Catholic Hospital explained that they cannot generate the NHIA Claims Check Code (CCC), which healthcare providers use to submit claims to the National Health Insurance Authority for reimbursement of services delivered to NHIS members.
The hospital is also unable to access LIMS (Lightwaves Health Information Management System), the central database containing information on all NHIS cardholders. Even the alternative mobile phone-based platform designed as a backup for generating Claims Check Codes has failed to function.
The system breakdown has left vulnerable patients who cannot afford out-of-pocket payments stranded without access to healthcare.
The Savannah Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority, accompanied by NHIA staff, visited St Anne’s Hospital and confirmed that the disruption is affecting healthcare facilities nationwide.
According to the regional manager, the NHIA issued a public circular on October 6, 2025, acknowledging the technical difficulties and instructing all credentialed healthcare providers to continue serving NHIS members without demanding cash payments.
The NHIA’s public notice explicitly states that “NHIS members should not be subjected to any financial burden or out-of-pocket payments because of this temporary system disruption.” The Authority directed healthcare providers to use alternative mobile phone-based platforms to generate Claims Check Codes during the outage.
However, St Anne’s Catholic Hospital management maintains that even these alternative platforms are not operational, leaving them with no means to verify patient eligibility or file claims.
The situation has created a healthcare crisis for insured citizens in the Savannah Region who depend on NHIS coverage for medical care. Many patients have been forced to choose between paying cash they may not have or leaving the hospital without treatment.
Spear FM interacted with some affected patients at the Damongo St. Anne’s Catholic Hospital and this is what they have to say
(Cue Audio of Stranded NHIS Clients)
In its statement, the NHIA indicated that the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders are working urgently to resolve the technical issues and restore full system functionality. However, no timeline has been provided for when normal service will resume.
The Authority has called for patience and cooperation from both healthcare providers and NHIS members as efforts continue to address the system failure.
A fire outbreak at Yipala, opposite the So Fueling Station in Buipe, has destroyed several properties while the Central Gonja District Fire Service remained unable to respond due to their fire tender being out of service for an extended period.
The incident occurred at the premises of a private fuel dealer who operates a retail fuel business selling petroleum products in drums. According to reports, the fire started when the dealer attempted to open one of the fuel drums that had been rolled on the ground. The pressure buildup in the drum caused an explosion, triggering a blaze that quickly spread to a fuel tanker parked in the yard.
Despite the severity of the fire and its proximity to a major fuel installation, firefighters could only watch helplessly as the flames consumed properties. The district’s fire tender has reportedly been grounded and non-operational for over a year, leaving the fire service without the critical equipment needed to combat such emergencies.
Residents of Buipe have expressed frustration and anger at district authorities and duty bearers for failing to maintain essential firefighting equipment. Community members argue that if the fire tender had been in working condition, significant property damage could have been prevented.
“This is unacceptable. We have a fuel pipeline running through our district, yet our fire service cannot respond to a fire emergency,” one resident stated.
The situation is particularly concerning given Buipe’s strategic importance as a district hosting a fuel pipeline. Such infrastructure typically necessitates a well-equipped and responsive fire service to handle potential emergencies.
The incident has raised serious questions about emergency preparedness and the maintenance of critical public safety equipment in the Central Gonja District. Critics point out that allowing a fire tender to remain non-functional for over a year in a district with significant petroleum infrastructure represents a serious dereliction of duty.
At the time of publication, district authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the fire outbreak or plans to repair the grounded fire tender. The full extent of property damage is yet to be assessed, and no casualties have been reported.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining emergency response equipment, particularly in areas with high-risk installations such as fuel pipelines and storage facilities.
Gonjaland’s own Boresa, a renowned musician from the Savannah Region, is set to drop a new single titled “Feelings” this Thursday, October 2, 2025. The romantic love song, which tells the story of a guy deeply moved by his lover’s touch, will premiere live on Spear FM 91.9MHz.
Music enthusiasts can also look forward to streaming “Feelings” on all major online music stores, including Spear FM’s official website. As one of the most talented musicians in the Savannah Region, Boresa continues to keep the local music industry thriving with his unique sound.
With several music albums under his belt, Boresa’s new single promises to be another hit, showcasing his exceptional artistry. Tune in to Spear FM on October 2 to catch the exclusive premiere of “Feelings” and experience the soulful voice of Boresa.
Savannah Region’s music scene is about to get a heartfelt boost as acclaimed Gonjaland musician Boresa announces the release of his latest single.
Boresa, widely regarded as one of the finest musicians in the Savannah Region, continues to carry the torch for the region’s music industry with his upcoming single titled “Feelings.” The track is scheduled for release on Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, and will be premiered live on Spear FM 91.9MHz on Friday 3rd October 2025.l
With several albums already under his belt, Boresa has established himself as a consistent force in Savannah’s music landscape. In fact, he remains one of the few artists actively keeping the region’s music industry vibrant and relevant.
“Feelings” is described as a romantic love song that captures the profound emotions of a man deeply moved by the touch of his beloved. The track promises to showcase Boresa’s signature style while delivering a message that resonates with lovers everywhere.
Music fans across the region and beyond won’t have to wait long to experience the new release. Following its premiere on Spear FM, “Feelings” will be available on all major online music platforms, including the Spear FM website, making it accessible to listeners worldwide.
As anticipation builds for this release, Boresa once again demonstrates why he remains a pillar of Savannah Region’s entertainment industry. Fans are encouraged to tune in to Spear FM 91.9MHz on October 3rd for the exclusive premiere of “Feelings.”
For more information, visit the Spear FM website or tune in to 91.9MHz.
The Center for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana) has concluded a two-day sensitization workshop for Muslim and Christian leaders in the Savannah Region, focusing on democracy, human rights, and the protection of all persons, including sexual minorities.
The workshop, held at the Jabote Conference Hall in Mole National Park on September 29-30, 2025, brought together religious and faith-based leaders from across the region for discussions on constitutional provisions, international human rights obligations, and Ghana’s duty to protect fundamental rights.
Three facilitators led participants through extensive sessions covering foundational values and beliefs, the Quran, the Bible, and human rights. Mr. William Nyarko, Executive Director of the Africa Center for International Law and Accountability; Dr. Michael Augustus Akagbor, Programs Manager for Human Rights and Social Inclusion at CDD-Ghana; and Prof. James Dzisah Richard explored topics including Ghana’s constitutional provisions on human rights, the African human rights system, and international instruments to which Ghana is a state party.
Dr. Akagbor told the media that the workshop is part of CDD-Ghana’s social dialogue series under its Human Rights and Social Inclusion program, which has been engaging religious leaders across the country. The Savannah Region marks the ninth region to host such a program and represents a significant milestone as the first region where the organization has engaged with Muslim clerics alongside Christian leaders.
“Savannah Region is predominantly an Islamic-dominated region,” Dr. Akagbor explained, noting that previous workshops in eight other regions had focused solely on Christian clerics.
The Programs Manager expressed satisfaction with the workshop’s outcomes, stating that the feedback exceeded his expectations. He highlighted participants’ critical examination of pending legislation, particularly their concerns about a bill that could have far-reaching implications beyond its stated targets.
“The participants’ comments on how they see the bill to be passed as problematic, considering that it endangers every Ghanaian and not only just LGBT persons, was very eye-opening,” Dr. Akagbor said.
He emphasized that many participants who had not previously engaged with the bill’s content came to realize there were aspects that warrant greater awareness beyond media narratives.
(Audio of Dr. Micheal Akagbor)
The Savannah Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Amadu, acknowledged the workshop’s impact on his understanding as a community leader. He committed to promoting peace and harmony with all persons and pledged to share the knowledge gained with his followers and household.
(Audio of Savannah Regional Chief Imam)
Pastor Joseph Atta Achintri, Secretary of the Damongo Local Council of Churches, expressed gratitude to CDD-Ghana for the impactful program. He assured that participants would relay the information to members of their various congregations across the region.
(Audio of Pastor Joseph Atta Achintri, Secretary of Local Council of Churches)
CDD-Ghana is an independent, not-for-profit research and advocacy think tank dedicated to promoting democratic consolidation, good governance, and inclusive growth and development. The organization uses evidence-based research, partnerships, and dialogue to inform and influence public policy while strengthening democratic governance and public accountability in Ghana.
