A serious road traffic accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, January 18, 2026, when a Range Rover with registration number GE-2036-17 collided with a Toyota Sienta passenger car bearing registration number AC-7654-25 on the Damongo-Laribanga Highway.

The collision took place at a notoriously rough section of the road between Nabori and Laribanga, near the Yazz filling station.

According to the Range Rover driver, the accident was caused by a combination of dust and improper overtaking by the Sienta vehicle.

The driver explained that he was traveling from Tamale to Wa, having just collected his vehicle from repairs, when the unfortunate incident occurred.

The Sienta was transporting market women from Sawla to Buipe market at the time of the crash. Most of the passengers sustained serious injuries in the collision.

The injured victims were promptly transported to St Anne’s Catholic Hospital in Damongo, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road conditions on the Damongo-Sawla Highway, particularly at sections where poor road surfaces continue to pose safety risks to motorists.

Reported by Alhassan Z Nicholas

BY: ZAKARIA ABUBAKARI OLU JAKPA
0543152076
9th January 2026

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in the Savannah Rlegion has donated footballs to teams participating in the West Gonja Municipal Juvenile League 2025/2026 season.

This gesture forms part of GTA’s social corporate responsibility aimed at supporting the West Gonja Municipal Juvenile Committee in nurturing young football talents.

Addressing the teams, Mr. Kelly Alhassan, on behalf of the Director of GTA Savannah Region, Alhaji Ahmed Suleman, expressed the authority’s commitment to promoting sports development within the municipality. “We are poised to support the growth of sports in West Gonja, and we’re starting with this small contribution to aid the smooth running of the league,” he said.

In addition to the footballs, GTA also provided branded Ghana Tourism exercise books and pens to be awarded to Players of the Match, encouraging both sporting excellence and academic achievement.

GTA promises more support as the league progresses, with the aim of elevating sports in the Savannah Region. The West Gonja Municipal Football Association welcomed the initiative, noting it would boost the league’s momentum.

The juvenile league is expected to nurture grassroots talent, contributing to football development in Ghana.

Olu Jakpa for spear fm sports

The Assemblyman for Atributo Electoral Area in the West Gonja Municipality, Hon. Inusah Karim, has issued an urgent appeal to stakeholders to provide a befitting classroom block for students of Damongo Presby Junior High School Block A.

Hon. Inusah expressed deep concern over the growing issue of unsafe classrooms in the West Gonja Municipality, describing the situation as a matter requiring immediate attention. He specifically called on the West Gonja Municipal Assembly to take decisive action to address the deteriorating infrastructure once and for all.

“We are now in the twenty-first century where things are supposed to be better off, but it rather tends to be different,” the assemblyman stated, highlighting the disconnect between modern expectations and the reality facing students.

According to Hon. Inusah, he had previously raised alarms about the poor conditions affecting students and staff at Damongo Presby JHS Block A, but the situation remains unresolved. He revealed that officials from the West Gonja Municipal Assembly had visited the facility and recommended renovation, yet the building remains untouched.

The Atributo Assembly Member has now extended his call to the youth of Damongo, urging them to join in advocating for the improvement of educational infrastructure in their community.

The appeal underscores ongoing challenges with school infrastructure in the municipality and the need for urgent intervention to ensure safe learning environments for students.

The 2025 Biennial Congress of the Vagla Youth Association (VAYA) in Bole received a major boost when the Member of Parliament for Bole–Bamboi, speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), unveiled a series of development commitments and peace-focused assurances for communities in the area.

Addressing the grand durbar, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana said he stood before the gathering in his dual capacity as the elected representative of the Bole–Bamboi Constituency and the President’s representative, conveying the goodwill and appreciation of the Head of State to the Vagla people and their allied communities.

According to him, President Mahama deeply appreciates the role played by the Vaglikooris, the Vagla Youth Association (VAYA), the Vagla Safalba Choruba and Nomee Council (VASCAN) and the wider Vagla community in contributing to his return to power. “The President has not forgotten you,” the MP told the gathering, explaining that this appreciation was already reflected in key government appointments across the area.

Alhaji Yusif Sulemana( MP) noted that the President’s commitment to inclusivity and unity was demonstrated through the appointment of people from different ethnic backgrounds within the Bole and Sawla areas. He cited, among others, the appointment of a Vagla as District Chief Executive for Sawla, a Mo as District Chief Executive for Bole, and other strategic appointments drawn from various tribes within the two districts.

He described the approach as deliberate and symbolic, aimed at strengthening unity, trust and shared ownership of development in the Savannah Region.

In a development announcement that drew loud applause, the MP assured residents that all communities in the Bole area currently without electricity will soon be connected to the national grid. He disclosed that contractors are expected to move to site in January 2026, with both new connections and extension works planned.

Among other key projects announced were the siting of a Farmers’ Service Centre at Sakpa, the construction of the Sonyo–Bole–Grupe road, and a small water system project for Sonyo to improve access to potable water.

On education and health infrastructure, the MP announced plans for Nurses’ quarters at Seripe and Sakpa, a six-unit classroom block for Mankuma, and a broader housing project expected to provide quarters for up to 100 nurses and teachers across beneficiary communities. All these projects, he said, are scheduled to commence in January 2026.

Relaying a direct message from President Mahama, the Deputy Lands and Natural Resources minister stressed that none of the promised development projects would materialise without peace. “The President appeals for peaceful coexistence,” he said, warning that instability and conflict would derail government plans for the area.

He also urged the youth to make good use of the four-year tenure of President Mahama, cautioning against violence and conflict. “If these four years pass and we choose violence instead of development, we will only have ourselves to blame for remaining poor, underdeveloped and dejected,” he warned.

In a striking appeal, the MP called on residents to embrace peace in every aspect of life. “Let us speak peace, wear peace, walk peace, eat peace and do everything in peace,” he said.

The MP commended earlier speakers at the congress for their strong messages of peace and unity. He also reminded the gathering of the importance of respecting traditional authority and roles.

He urged chiefs, traditional priests, landowners, settlers and community members to remain proud of their responsibilities and to play their respective roles diligently. Recalling a time when traditional affairs, such as the collecting of royalties and fowls for customary rites were conducted without interference, he encouraged communities to preserve and respect these practices as part of maintaining order and harmony.

Responding to requests made by the Vagla Youth Association, the MP announced that President John Dramani Mahama has promised a new pickup vehicle for VAYA to support its activities.

In addition, the President donated GH₵200,000 to the VAYA Educational Trust Fund, aimed at supporting education and human capital development within Vagla communities.

The MP himself also made personal contributions, donating five sets of jerseys and footballs to teams that participated in sporting activities during the VAYA Congress. He further presented GH₵50,000 to the Vagla community in support of peacebuilding and development efforts in the area.

The MP’s address added momentum to a congress already defined by strong calls for unity, peaceful coexistence and youth leadership in development. Participants expressed renewed optimism that, with peace and cooperation, the Savannah Region, particularly the Bole and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba areas could witness meaningful transformation in the years ahead.

The ancient town of Bole in the Savannah Region came alive from 28th to 30th December 2025 as chiefs, youth leaders, government officials, and representatives of diverse ethnic groups converged for the Biennial Congress of the Vagla Youth Association (VAYA).

Held under the theme “Peaceful Co-existence: Youth Agents of Development,” the congress became a powerful platform for reflection, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to peace following recent conflicts that affected parts of the Savannah Region.

The grand durbar attracted high-profile dignitaries, including representative of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, Members of Parliament, Municipal and District Chief Executives, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups from across the Savannah Region and beyond.

In his keynote address, Jacob Kuubu Ahiah, National President of the Vagla Youth Association, described the congress as a historic milestone in the journey of the Vagla, Safalba, Choruba, and Nomee/Batigee people, particularly within the Bole and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Districts.

According to him, the gathering reflected the enduring philosophy of “Unity in Diversity,” bringing together not only the Vagla people but also allied ethnic groups with shared ancestral roots, including the Sissalas, Mos (North and South), Kasenas, Tampulmas, Chakalas, and the Ngbanya. He noted that the timing of the congress could not have been more appropriate, as the region emerges from a period of tension and seeks lasting peace.

“This is a period of calm and reflection, and we must seize the opportunity to embrace peace and strengthen peaceful co-existence among all ethnic groups in the Savannah Region,” he stated.

Mr. Ahiah urged the youth to unite against what he described as their common enemy, which is poverty, stressing that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace. He emphasised that the youth must not be passive observers but active promoters of peace and agents of development.

Mr. Ahiah reaffirmed that the Vagla Youth Association remains open to all recognised political parties, including both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), stressing that development must transcend partisan politics.

He encouraged the youth to be politically active, informed, and responsible, rather than passive, while maintaining peace and national unity.

Speakers, throughout the congress, were unanimous in stressing that peace is the bedrock of development, warning that conflicts divert scarce resources meant for schools, hospitals, roads, and livelihoods into peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts. With the Savannah Region already among the least developed areas in Ghana, speakers cautioned that the cost of violence is simply too high.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Vagla Safalba Choruba and Nomee Council (VASCAN), the Chairman, Jarah Vaglikoori Bawi-Ela Baglizum, highlighted how conflicts destroy social bonds, collapse inter-ethnic marriages, erode trust, and expose children to hatred instead of hope.

He called on the youth to reject manipulation, ethnic stereotyping, and misinformation, particularly on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok. “Young people are both the greatest victims and the main actors in violent conflicts. If there is peace, it is the youth who benefit; if there is violence, it is the youth who suffer most,” he stated.

Throughout the congress, youth were urged to take responsibility as peacebuilders by guarding their words both online and offline, building cross-ethnic friendships, supporting inter-ethnic marriages, and refusing to be used as tools for violence.

The formation of youth peace clubs, joint sporting activities, cultural exchanges, and community clean-up exercises were proposed as practical steps to strengthen unity among communities in the Bole and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Districts.

Traditional institutions were also recognised for their historic role in resolving disputes, conducting land cleansing, and performing pacification rites. Youth were encouraged to respect and support these traditional structures.

Delivering a heartfelt address, Abdulai Haruna Obey, on behalf of His Royal Highness Bolewura Sarfo Kutuge Feso (I), Paramount Chief and Overlord of the Bole Traditional Area, described the congress as both a moment of mourning and renewal.

While acknowledging recent disturbances that tested unity in the area, he emphasised that youth congresses must serve as platforms to reinforce traditional values, peaceful coexistence, and shared identity.

He stressed that violence has never brought development and called for youth education, employment, and inclusion in governance as long-term strategies for peace. He further appealed to government to prioritise youth employment, including recruitment into the security services, to reduce the vulnerability of young people to conflict manipulation.

North Mo Traditional Council’s solidarity message, read on behalf of Nnaa Kwaku Dapaah II, Paramount Chief of Bamboi and President of the North Mo Traditional Council, Nnaa Agbaah Jaaga III, Bampewakoora and Acting President of the Council, commended the Vagla Youth Association for sustaining unity among its people.

He urged the youth to take education seriously, avoid drug abuse and hooliganism, respect elders, and prepare themselves as future leaders. He also stressed the importance of understanding history, noting that ignorance of one’s roots often fuels conflict. On environmental sustainability, the traditional council cautioned against irresponsible mining activities, urging the youth to protect water bodies and engage in environmentally safe livelihoods.

The congress ended with a collective call for unity among ethnic groups including the Vagla, Gonja, Mo, Sissala, Brifo, Dagaaba, Kasena, Tampulma, and Ngbanya, envisioning a region where people farm without fear, investors operate confidently, and children grow up knowing cooperation rather than conflict.

Participants pledged to reject hatred, promote peace both physically and digitally, and work together to confront common enemies such as poverty, ignorance, and disease.

The event saw cultural dispalys such as Dugu, Zingor, Sator and many others.

Coalition for Development of Northern Ghana (NORTHCODE GHANA) which operates in Northern Ghana alongside Biodiversity Conservation activities, Advocacy and Research, Health Program and Agric and Food Security with an objective to promote sustainable and equitable development of the deprived, poor and vulnerable societies, communities and individuals to reflect social justice in their operational areas in partnership with Conciliation Resources UK and funded by Global Affairs Canada, has launched a youth-focused peace initiative aimed at preventing conflict and violent extremism in border communities.

The project, titled “Leaders of Today, Not Tomorrow,” was officially launched on Monday December 29, 2025, at the Damongo Community Centre, bringing together youth groups, state institution representatives, traditional authorities, and various ethnic groups from across the Savannah Region.

Under the theme “Strengthening Transnational Youth Peace Leadership Along the Ghana – Cote d’Ivoire Border,” the initiative seeks to equip young people with leadership skills to promote peace in border and vulnerable communities.

Speaking at the launch, NORTHCODE-GHANA’s Executive Director, Mr. Cletus Zume Zeus, explained that the Savannah Region was strategically selected due to its position as Ghana’s largest region, sharing borders with Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. He noted that security challenges in neighboring countries, including violent extremism and insurgency-related attacks, pose potential spillover risks to Ghana, making youth empowerment in peacebuilding essential for community safety and long-term stability.

Mr. Zeus raised concerns about illegal mining activities in parts of the Bole area, describing them as potential security threats due to undocumented migrants, and warned that such activities could create avenues for criminal networks. He urged young people to prioritize their development and resist manipulation by politicians and traditional leaders who sometimes exploit youth for selfish interests, leading to communal conflicts.

Addressing social challenges, Mr. Zeus described the increasing abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs among youth as a major threat, calling on the Ghana Police Service to adopt rehabilitative approaches rather than punitive detention to better transform and reintegrate affected young people into society.

The Executive Director disclosed that NORTHCODE-GHANA is implementing several interventions, including the KAPOK initiative, which empowers chiefs, queen mothers, and youth leaders to address sensitive community issues. He called on youth to serve as vehicles for peace, resist division, and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes.

The Municipal Chief Executive for West Gonja, Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro, commended NORTHCODE-GHANA and its partners for the initiative and urged the youth to be agents of peace in their communities.

The Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, has launched a scathing critique of his predecessor and former parliamentary contender, Adam Mutawakilu, accusing him of losing touch with the people he once sought to represent.

In a recent media interaction, Hon. Abu Jinapor claimed that Mutawakilu is “not a politician at heart,” but rather a politician driven by what he described as “pain, greed, and hatred.”

The MP alleged that Mutawakilu’s engagement with constituents has changed dramatically since his appointment as Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited. According to Hon. Abu Jinapor, while Mutawakilu stayed and slept in Damongo during his time in opposition, making himself accessible to residents, he now visits the constituency only occasionally and lodges at Zaina Lodge inside Mole National Park rather than staying within the township.

Hon. Abu Jinapor questioned how constituents could easily reach Mutawakilu with their concerns if he resides in what he described as an exclusive and less accessible location far from Damongo. He expressed particular concern for vulnerable residents, asking how an elderly woman in need of assistance would be expected to travel all the way to Zaina Lodge to have her problems addressed.

The MP further claimed that Mutawakilu, popularly known as Garlus, had himself admitted that he would not be seen frequently in the constituency because of his new office, which Hon. Abu Jinapor said confirms his concerns about Mutawakilu’s availability and commitment.

“Leadership requires constant presence and accessibility, especially for a constituency with pressing social and economic challenges,” Hon. Abu Jinapor argued.

The remarks form part of an ongoing political exchange between the two figures, as political discourse continues to intensify in the Damongo Constituency following recent media appearances by both men.

The Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, has sharply criticized his predecessor and two-time parliamentary contender, Adam Mutawakilu, who currently serves as Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited.
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‎According to Hon. Abu Jinapor, even President John Dramani Mahama, who belongs to the same political party with Adam Mutawakilu, would secretly vote for him (Abu Jinapor) in an election due to what he described as personal preference and performance.
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‎He argued that Ghana’s electoral system operates on secret balloting, making it impossible to determine individual voting choices. As such, although President Mahama may not publicly admit it, he believes the President would prefer him over Adam Mutawakilu, popularly known as Garlus.
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‎Hon. Abu Jinapor further stated that despite President Mahama’s massive support for Mutawakilu ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections, including the commissioning of the new Jakpa Palace, which was widely seen as a strategic move to boost Mutawakilu’s chances, he still emerged victorious.
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‎He maintained that this outcome proves that Mutawakilu would always be defeated by him in Damongo.
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‎Responding to comments made by Adam Mutawakilu during an interview on Damongo-based Kasha FM, where Mutawakilu suggested that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would “see double” of whatever it did to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2020 and 2024 elections, Hon. Abu Jinapor dismissed the statement as empty threats.
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‎Mutawakilu did not specify what actions of the NPP he was referring to, but Abu Jinapor insisted that the NDC cannot intimidate or scare the NPP in the Damongo Constituency.
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‎Describing himself as the “Man of Action,” a nickname he says was given to him by his constituents, Hon. Abu Jinapor said he remains firmly grounded and unshaken by political threats.
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‎He further challenged Adam Mutawakilu to face him “man to man” in future political contests and to leave President John Dramani Mahama out of the discussion.
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‎Hon. Abu Jinapor made these remarks during a one-on-one interview on Spear FM with host Adam Akilu Gideon.

The secretary to the Gonjaland Youth Association and founder of the Mufti Fan Club, Mufty Borijinkpor with the support of the Gonjaland Youth Association on Sunday 28th December organized a street festival to campaign against the use of illicit drugs (Opioids) by the Youth of Savannah Region dubbed “Dengoro Street Movement”.

The program which is the second edition after last year’s event started with floating where participants matched through the principal streets of Damongo the Savannah Regional Capital.

Dignitaries present included the Damongowura Seidu Kelly Boresa 1, the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu Be-Awuribe, Executives and some members of the Gonjaland Youth Association, some youth  from parts of Savannah Region and beyond (Buipe, Yapei, Bole, Babato, Kumasi etc.)

Convener for the exercise, Mr. Mufti explained the need for the exercise;

“Many times some of our youth are been neglected and vilified by the society because of their bad habits and it’s about time we bring them from the streets closer to us to be able to change them to be better in future”. He stated.

He further pleaded with the Yagbonwura and the government to try and get a rehabilitation centre in the Savannah Region.

“I want to appeal to the Yagbonwura and the government for a matter of urgency construct a rehabilitation centre in the Region to help change the youth who are already into drug abuse”. He concluded.

After his speech, the Damongowura also advised various pharmaceutical companies to desist from selling illicit drugs for the youth.

“We all have sleepless nights because of these drugs and I want to tell all pharmaceutical companies to desist from selling those illicit drugs to our youth. But anyone who flout this orders and gets arrested will be prosecuted and no one is going to bail you.” He warned.

The Regional Minister also added his voice to the Damongowura’s comment.

“This exercise is not only in Damongo but the entirety of the Savannah Region and Anybody who happens to find himself in this unfortunate situation will be laughing at the wrong side of his mouth, So our doors are opened, give us the alert and we will definitely go for them and use that to prosecute them and the courts are also supporting us to punish both the consumers and the peddlers in that regard.” He said.

After the floating, a ceremony was organised at the Redemption Children’s Home to climax the exercise.
At the Children’s Home, some orphans were given citations as well as some food vendors in the Damongo community for their massive support for the youth of Damongo.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the West Gonja Municipality in collaboration A-Rocha Ghana has on Sunday, 21st, December, 2025 intensified public education on fire prevention and safety through a public sensitization programme for residents within West Gonja Municipality, the North Gonja District and the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District aired on SPEAR FM in Damongo.

The programme formed part of efforts to reduce the rising incidents of domestic and bush fires, especially during the festive season. Officers who led the sensitization included Station Officer I Andrews Kofi Nimo, Leading Fireman Kipo Mubarak, and Leading Fireman Ahwiren Richard, all from the West Gonja office of the GNFS.

Explaining the concept of fire, the officers noted that, according to the GNFS, fire is a process of combustion that produces heat, light, and often smoke, resulting from a chemical reaction between a fuel source, heat, and oxygen. They stressed that removing any of these elements can prevent or stop fire.

The officers identified common causes of domestic fires as faulty electrical wiring, overloading of sockets, unattended cooking, misuse of gas cylinders, and careless handling of naked flames.

To prevent such fires, they advised households to avoid overloading sockets, switch off electrical appliances when not in use, service gas cylinders regularly, and ensure proper electrical installations by certified electricians.

They further recommended that a standard single room should have at least four sockets, while a hall should have a minimum of six sockets, to reduce pressure on electrical outlets.  “Most domestic fires are preventable if people follow basic safety measures, especially with electrical wiring,” Station Officer I Andrews Kofi Nimo stated.

The officers also advised residents to consult the Volta River Authority (VRA) or NEDCO offices in their areas for recommendations of certified electricians for wiring works. Additionally, they noted that the GNFS should be consulted for professional advice before putting up structures, to ensure safety standards are met.

During the sensitization, the officers urged the public to remain calm during a fire outbreak, alert occupants immediately, switch off the main power supply if possible, and contact the GNFS promptly. They cautioned against attempting to fight large fires without proper equipment.

On bushfires, the officers mentioned land clearing through burning, careless disposal of cigarette butts, hunting activities, and uncontrolled farm fires as major causes. To prevent bushfires, they advised farmers and hunters to avoid indiscriminate burning, create fire belts around farms, and ensure fires are completely extinguished after use.

The GNFS officers cautioned farmers to stop burning farms as a method of land preparation. They encouraged early morning or late evening burning under strict control where necessary and advised farmers to always inform neighbours and local authorities before burning. “Fire does not respect boundaries. What starts on one farm can destroy an entire community,” Leading Fireman Kipo Mubarak warned.

As the Christmas season approaches, the officers urged the public to be extra cautious with electrical decorations, candles, cooking activities, and fireworks.

They also lamented what they described as a growing trend where people prioritise security over safety in their homes. “People invest heavily in burglary proofing and security cameras, but forget basic safety measures like fire extinguishers,” Leading Fireman Ahwiren Richard noted.

The officers revealed that the GNFS is finalising a policy that will soon see fire personnel stopping vehicles to check for fire extinguishers. “Very soon, vehicles without fire extinguishers will be sanctioned. Defaulters will be prosecuted because safety is not optional,” Station Officer I Andrews Kofi Nimo disclosed.

They encouraged vehicle owners and households to install and maintain fire extinguishers and to learn how to use them properly. The GNFS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and called on the public to cooperate fully by observing fire safety regulations, especially during the festive season.