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Residents of Kabampe Plead With Yagbonwura to Rescind His Decision of Settling Fulanis in Kabampe.

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Residents of Kabampe in the West Gonja Municipality of Savannah Region have pleaded with the King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) to rescind his decision to allow Fulanis settle on Kabampe land.

Their plea came after the chief of Kabampe community Kabampewura Adegafo called the entire Kabampe village to a meeting on Thursday morning 16th January 2025 and told the community that the king and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) has sent his linguist Adamsey and some elders to inform him of the Yagbonwura’s intention to settle Fulanis on Kabampe land.

Speaking to Spear FM, Kabampewura Adegafo said the youth of the community were not happy with the information laid before them.

(Cue Audio Kabampewura Adegafo on Fulani Settlement)

Spear FM also spoke to the residents of Kabampe and they said they are pleading with the overlord not to allow any Fulani to settle on their land with cattle.

According to them, the people of Kabampe are mainly farmers but their land is already occupied by Mole National Park at one side and the Forestry Service at the other side leaving a very small portion of the land for farming, therefore, accepting Fulanis to settle on the land with cattle will hinder their farming activities.

The Kabampe youth on Wednesday morning 22nd January 2025 went to the Jakpa Palace with the chief of Kabampe, the youth chief of Kabampe, the Assembly Member for Kabampe and some other opinion leaders of the Kabampe community to plead with the Yagbonwura to reconsider his decision but their plea was turned down.

Spear FM interviewed some of the Kabampe residents and this is what they have to say

(Cue Audio Kabampe Youth VOX POP)

The Assemblyman for Apilso Electoral Area Hon. Mumuni Mohammed who is also the presiding member of the West Gonja Municipal Assembly speaking on Spear FM’s “This is Savannah” Super Morning Show said Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto rejected their plea.

The Assemblyman said they will find appropriate means of going to plead once again with the Yagbonwura.

Buipewura Jinapor II Donates Cement to Savannah Region Islamic Council in Damongo

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Vice President of National House of Chiefs HRM Buipewura Jinapor II has donated 100 bags of cement to the Savannah Region Islamic Council.

This is in fulfilment of a  promise he made to the council of supporting the council with cement to construct an office space for the region’s Islamic Council.

The cement was recieved by Shaikh Abubakari Sulemana Kayeli Chairman of the Savannah Regional Islamic Council and Shaikh Mohammed Khamil Eliasu Gbane Secretary to the Savannah Regional Islamic Council.

The General manager of Spear FM Mr Adam Akilu Gideon presented the cement on behalf of the Buipewura Jinapor to the executives of the Islamic Council.

The chairman of the Savannah Regional Islamic Council Shaikh Abubakari Kayeli and his Secretary Shaikh Mohammed Khamil expressed their profound gratitude to the Buipewura and offered prayers for him.

S/R: World Vision Holds EU LEAN Project Review Meeting

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World Vision Ghana has on Tuesday 21st January 2025 held a review committee meeting on the World Vision’s EU-funded LEAN project at the Conference Hall of the Mole National Park. The Landscapes and Environmental Agility across the Nation (LEAN) Project is an EU-funded initiative that seeks to directly contribute to the national efforts of conserving biodiversity, improving livelihoods of smallholder farmers, increasing climate change resilience, and reducing emissions from land use changes in the savannah, high forest, and transition zones of Ghana.

The project is being implemented in Ghana until 2025 by a consortium of World Vision, Tropenbos Ghana, EcoCare Ghana, and Rainforest Alliance. The objective of the meeting is to provide updates on the project delivery in the West Gonja municipality, and share remaining priorities and discuss sustainability measures ahead of the project closure.

Mr. Joseph Yelkabong, LEAN Project Manager at World Vision, speaking to the media after the review meeting expressed his gratitude for stakeholders as they gave them feedback on the project which he believes will help them in their next stage of planning especially since the project is about to end and the discussion of its sustainability since that is the key thing of every project.

According to him, beneficiaries of the project had several forms of benefits such as ruminants distribution and basic animal husbandry training and also provided structures which are bee hives for persons interested in honey harvesting. According to him, even though they faced a challenge as most of the livestock died with a high rate of mortality rate, the basic animals husbandry training still lies on the people and that the livestock will be replaced again.

He also disclosed that some other beneficiaries will be provided with weaving materials that will also weave smock cloths for better livelihoods. Which he said will take place on Thursday, 23rd January 2025, at the forecourt of the West Gonja Municipal Assembly. He added that some women also received training on soap making and to building their capacities, and introducing women into “Saving for Transformation” (S4T) which aims to build financial resilience by supporting community members to save together in a safe, convenient, and flexible way.

Savings groups are owned, managed, and operated by the members, using a simple, transparent method whereby groups accumulate and convert small amounts of cash into savings. The group’s savings can be lent to members as credit. This supports parents and caregivers to manage cash flow, generate income, and meet their family’s basic needs.

Mr. Yelkabong said the multiple benefits derived from the project were strengthening the environmental agility and enhancing communities’ adaptive capacity against climate change.

(Cue Audio of Mr Yelkabong)

Alhaji Ronnie Sakara, chairman for the Landscape Management Board (LMB) for the LEAN project, emphasized on the benefits of the project and its impact on livelihoods.

He said the project is focused on managing our scarce resources such as our forest, preventing tree felling for charcoal burning. According to him, some of these activities are the only source of income for some others, hence alternative jobs should be provided, hence the LEAN project. He expressed gratitude to World Vision and the EU for the LEAN project.

(Cue Audio of Alhaji Ronnie)

LEAN is a four-year project funded by the European Union’s flagship GCCA+ initiative that aims to conserve biodiversity, build climate resilience, and reduce emissions from land-use changes in the savannah, high forest, and transition zones of Ghana—and all while helping local farmers to improve their livelihoods. It will be implemented on the ground by a consortium of four local and international NGOs with expertise in these challenging fields: The Rainforest Alliance, World Vision Ghana, Tropenbos Ghana, and EcoCare Ghana.

Damongo Alternative Water Supply: Angry Broto Residents Destroy Site Fence, Pipes

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A group of angry residents of Broto in the West Gonja municipality of the Savannah region has vandalized the Damongo Alternative Water Supply project site, destroying the fence and some pipes. This unfortunate incident has raised concerns about the future of the project, which aims to provide alternative water supply to Damongo township and surrounding communities, including Broto.

According to Yerinaa Vitalis, a native and resident of Broto who spoke to Spear news team, the action of the residents was surprising, given that the Alternative Water Supply project is intended to benefit the entire Damongo township and surrounding communities, including Broto. Vitalis believes that the residents’ actions were influenced by their perception that the project was affiliated with the NPP, as it began during President Akuffo Addo’s tenure. However, he emphasized that the project is a Government of Ghana initiative.

(Cue Audio Yarinaa Vitalis)

The caretaker of the project site, Mr. Majeed, shed more light on the situation. He explained that the residents’ actions were perpetuated by their consistent perception that the water from the project would be tapped to serve the people of Damongo township, leaving the Broto community without access. However, Majeed clarified that the contract agreement stipulates that the water will be distributed to the Broto community before nearby communities and subsequently to Damongo township.

Majeed further revealed that there is a schedule for the opening of the borehole for the people to fetch water, although the contract is currently on hold due to delayed payment to the contractor. Despite this, the residents are demanding that the borehole be opened to them always. Majeed recounted an incident where he was summoned to the chief’s palace after a woman came to fetch water when he was not around.

(Cue Audio of Majeed)

Mr. Mugeez Mbigamsi, a former assembly member of the area and technical person to the project, expressed disappointment over the community’s actions. He explained that the project is an alternative water supply initiative aimed at addressing the lack of water in Damongo, pending the completion of the Damongo water project. Mbigamsi attributed the residents’ actions to ignorance and misinformation, which has hindered developmental projects in the area.

(Cue Audio of Hon. Mugees)

The “Damongo Alternative Water Supply” project is a Government of Ghana initiative, supervised by the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources and Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) as the implementing agency. The project was awarded to Danak Engineering Company Limited as the contractor. However, information gathered by Spear FM indicates that the delay in the project’s completion is due to lack of funds disbursement to the contractor, resulting in delayed payment.

The incident highlights the need for effective communication and education to address misconceptions and ensure the successful implementation of development projects. It also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in project management to prevent misinformation and mistrust.

Damongo: NDC Constituency Executive Committee Present Seven (7) Shortlisted MCE Aspirants to Regional Executives; Kiyoyo Dropped!

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The Damongo constituency NDC Executive Committee has presented seven (7) shortlisted aspirants vying for the position of Municipal Chief Executive for the West Gonja Municipal Assembly to the Regional Executive committee for onwards trimming to 3 which will then be forwarded to H.E John Dramani Mahama for final selection.

14 persons applied to be considered for the MCE position for West Gonja Municipal Assembly.

They are:

  1. Mr. Mumuni Yahaya Kiyoyo
  2. Mr. Braimah Alhassan
  3. Mr. Bawa Mubarik
  4. Hon. Abraham B. Anampasah (AB)
  5. Mr. Dramani Katuribi
  6. Mr. Adam Hadi
  7. Mr. Abu Salage
  8. Mr. Gbolo Braimah Gambo
  9. Mr. Alhassan Samed
  10. Madam. Issah Abibata
  11. Mr. Adam Iddrisu
  12. Mr. Inusah Abudu
  13. Madam. Hajia yapoga
  14. Mr. Yakubu Castro

These Fourteen aspirants were vetted by a five member Constituency vetting committee comprising the constituency chairman; Chairman trouble, Mr Action, Mr Rahman former Yipala Nabori Assemblyman who is the current Constituency Organiser, Mr. Seth Demoulga Youth Organizer and Mr. Adamu Zomnira Shaibu who is the Constituency Deputy Secretary.

Out of the Fourteen (14) aspirants, the vetting committee settled on seven (7) aspirants which they presented to the Regional Committee in a letter sighted by Spear FM and signed by the Constituency Deputy Secretary Mr. Adamu Zomnira Shaibu and addressed to the Regional Vetting Committee.

The letter read;

“The Constituency Executive Committee submit to you the following shortlisted names of applicants for the position of Municipal Chief Executive in West Gonja, DAMONGO”.

These names were shortlisted after a thorough screening interview conducted on Thursday, the 16th of January 2025.

The shortlisted aspirants are;

  1. Adam Hardi
  2. Alhaji Abu Mahama Salange
  3. Braimah Alhassan
  4. Gbolo Braimah
  5. Katribi Dramani
  6. Yakubu Yussif Castro
  7. Bawa Mubarik

The aforementioned names were selected based on the highest marks obtained during the interview.
By the directive from the regional Secretariat, the above names are hereby submitted to your Secretariat for further action.

Thank You.”

The Savannah Regional NDC executive council is expected to screen the (7) aspirants and select a maximum of three (3) aspirants for onward consideration by the President in the coming days.

Meanwhile information reaching Spear FM indicates that some of the aspirants who were not selected have registered their displeasure over the decision of the selection committee.

Supporters of some of the aspirants have accused the 2024 NDC parliamentary candidate for Damongo Constituency Hon Adam Mutawakilu Garlus for influencing the selection process and ensuring that his favorite candidates are chosen

Hon. Lawyer Salisu Be-Awuribi Pays Homage to Yagbonwura Ahead of Vetting

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BY: ZAKARIA ABUBAKARI OLU JAKPA
17TH JANUARY, 2025

The Savannah Regional Minister-designate HonLawyerSalisuBe-Awuribi, paid a courtesy call to the Jakpa Palace to seek the guidance and blessings of Yagbonwura Jira Bikunu Jewu Osale I, the king and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom and President of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs. He was accompanied by key members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from the Savannah Region, including the 1st Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Communications Officer, Women’s Organizer, and Deputy Youth Organizer.

The visit comes ahead of Be-Awuribi’s vetting by the Vetting Committee of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, scheduled for January 27, 2025. This significant meeting is a crucial step in Be-Awuribi’s journey to becoming the Savannah Regional Minister.

During the meeting, Be-Awuribi acknowledged the Savannah Region’s need for development, emphasizing that the people of the region are eager for progress rather than a change of name. He also made a special request to Yagbonwura, asking him to select 2 or 3 chiefs from the kingdom to accompany him to the vetting. This request was made in light of the committee’s instruction for him to appear with a delegation of 10 people. The remaining members of the delegation would comprise his family members and some party faithful.

Be-Awuribi expressed his gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for nominating him for the office, citing the president’s vision for the region’s development. He assured Yagbonwura and the people of Ghana that he would work diligently to ensure the region receives the desired development. Be-Awuribi’s commitment to the region’s growth is evident in his words and actions.

Be-Awuribi noted that the Savannah Region falls under the jurisdiction of the Gonja Kingdom, which occupies a significant portion of Ghana. He highlighted the kingdom’s rich history and legacy, drawing parallels between President Mahama’s aspirations and those of great leaders who achieved remarkable feats in a short time. Furthermore, Be-Awuribi emphasized that John Mahama will leave a lasting legacy for Ghana in 4 years, underscoring his confidence in the president’s vision.

In conclusion, Hon. Lawyer Salisu Be-Awuribi’s visit to the Jakpa Palace demonstrates his commitment to engaging with local leaders and seeking their guidance and support. As he prepares to face the Vetting Committee, Be-Awuribi’s assurance to work towards the development of the Savannah Region is a welcome promise to the people of the region. With the backing of Yagbonwura and the Gonja Kingdom, Be-Awuribi is poised to make a positive impact in the region, and his success will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and prosperity of Ghana as a whole.

Breaking News: Lawyer Salisu Be-Awuribi Nominated as Savannah Regional Minister

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Spear FM has gathered reliable information that H.E John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana has submitted 10 names to the Speaker of Parliament for approval for the position of Regional Ministers for 10 regions.

Spear FM can confirm that Lawyer Salisu Be-Awuribi has been nominated for the position of Savannah Regional Minister.

In the letter, addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, the nomination of regional ministerial positions is part of the John Mahama’s ongoing efforts to reshape his administration after assuming office.

The document lists ten nominees to head various regions across Ghana, with a clear request for parliamentary approval as per constitutional requirements.

The intercepted letter reveals the following nominees:

Name of Regional Ministers nominees by President Mahama

Northern Region – Ali Adolf John, Oti Region – John Kwadwo Gyapong, Volta Region – James Gunu, Eastern Region – Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, North-East Region – Ibrahim Tia, Ashanti Region – Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Upper East – Akamugri Donatus Atanga, Ahafo Region – Charity Gardiner, Savannah Region – Lawyer Salisu Bi-Awuribe, and Greater Accra Region – Linda Ocloo

More soon.

Bungalow Razed Down By Fire Outbreak At Damongo Senior High School

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A devastating fire outbreak has razed down a teacher’s bungalow at Damongo Senior High School. The unfortunate incident occurred on Monday, December 12, 2024, at around 11:00 am.

The fire outbreak which gutted the bungalow, caused significant damage sending shockwaves throughout the school community.

Eyewitnesses reports gathered by spearfm.com disclosed that the fire was caused by bushfires from the nearby Yagbon Residential Area (Y.R.A).

The eyewitnesses account of the devastating event revealed further that the fire rapidly spread aided by long grasses and weeds inside the school fence with severe flames ravaging the teacher’s bungalow.

Fortunately, the occupant of the bungalow was out of town when the incident happened having been transferred to a senior high school in Bamboi as an assistant headmistress. This was revealed to Spear FM’s news team from a source close to the school.

The staff member who wants his identity concealed confirmed that the bungalow was empty, and that the teacher had relocated to her new post at Bamboi in the Bole municipality of the Savannah Region.

Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service who were dispatched to the scene to contain the situation were commended by the school authority and students for their swift intervention, which prevented further damage.

The timely response of the GNFS ensured that the fire was brought under control, minimizing the destruction of school property.

There were no casualties recorded at the scene of the fire outbreak.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention measures, especially in areas prone to bushfires

Buipewura Jinapor Congratulates H.E John Mahama on His Elections as President of The Republic of Ghana.

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Vice President of Ghana’s National House of Chiefs and President of the Buipe Traditional Council, HRM Buipewura Jinapor II has sent a congratulatory message His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for winning decisively in the December 7th 2024 general elections as president of the republic of Ghana.

The former president emerged victorious after contesting the 3rd time for the highest seat of the land when he polled 6,328,397 of the votes representing 56.55%, while his main contender vice president Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and presidential candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), secured 4,657,304 votes representing 41.61%

Buipewura Jinapor in his congratulatory message said as a distinguished son and a royal of the Gonja Kingdom, John Mahama’s ascension to the highest office of the country is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and profound commitment to the service of humanity. 

Buipewura Jinapor also prayed for wisdom, good health, and strength for John Mahama as he embark on this significant journey to lead the nation.

Read the full message below….

HIS MAJESTY BUIPEWURA JINAPOR II, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL HOUSE OF CHIEFS AND PRESIDENT OF BTC

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF GHANA

Your Excellency, John Dramani Mahama,

For and on behalf of His Royal Majesty Buipewura Jinapor II, Vice President of the National House of Chiefs-NHC, and the entire membership of the BUIPE TRADITIONAL COUNCIL-BTC, wish to congratulate you on your resounding victory in the just ended 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

As a distinguished son and a royal of the Gonja Kingdom, your ascension to the highest office of our beloved country is a testament to your unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and profound commitment to the service of humanity. 
Once again, congratulations on this remarkable achievement, Your Excellency. I pray for wisdom, good health, and strength as you embark on this significant journey to lead our nation.

May the Almighty Allah and our ancestors continue to guide and bless you abundantly.

Best regards!

Issued:
Prince Gbanso
Public Relations Officer
Jinapor Palace

Peace Is Not A Destination But A Journey We Must Undertake Together – Yagbonwura To Politicians

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King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Biikunuto Jewu Soale I has urged political parties to use their platforms to preach peace and eschew violence because he believes the power they are pursuing is not worth the blood of any citizen nor the tears of a grieving mother.

At a stakeholder gathering held on Saturday, November 30 at the Jakpa Palace on peace and security, the Yagbonwura opined that democracy is sustained by the election processes which he said indicates the power of choice, the hope of progress and the strength of a united people.

However, the Gonja Overlord stressed that elections have the potential to divide people not only in the communities but also at the national level if calm heads and productive judgements are not allowed to prevail in the course of elections.

The Yagbonwura maintained without equivocation that the Gonja Kingdom has over the years been blessed with long standing peace, unity and resilience.

“From the days of our forefathers, peace has been the bedrock upon which we have built our communities, nurtured our children and sustained our livelihoods, still maintain that”, he urged.

He appealed to stakeholders in the next elections slated for December 7 to focus more in maintaining peace and avoid igniting conflicts in the Gonja Kingdom.

Instead of engaging in divisive and hate speech, the Yagbonwura entreated political parties in the Savannah Region to disseminate their policies to the electorates as they gear themselves up for the December 7 general election.

He emphasised the importance of peace and called on all political actors to prioritise peace and the nation’s progress by avoiding actions that could lead to electoral violence.

He further called on the MMDCEs and the security agencies in the region to demonstrate neutrality in the conduct of their duties before, during and after the 7th December polls by dealing professionally with persons who have resolved to instigate mayhem.

The Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency, Samuel Abu Jinapor on behalf of the NPP Parliamentary candidates in the region assured the overlord of maintaining the prevailing being enjoyed by the people.

He also pledged to convey the message of the Yagbonwura to their support base since the people of the Savannah Region are one people.

He described the Damongo NDC Parliamentary candidate as his Uncle from the same family asserting that he will remain his uncle regardless their political differences.

Parliamentary candidate of the NDC for Damongo Constituency, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu on behalf of his parliamentary candidates in the Savannah Region pledged to ensure peace and also drum the message of the Yagbonwura to their supporters to maintain peace before, during and after the elections.

According to him, he reached out to Hon. Abu Jinapor to congratulate him after he lost the Parliamentary election in 2020 and expect that same feat be repeated because he believes it will help promote peace in the Savannah Region.

Regional Chairmen of the two major political parties in the Region assured the Yagbonwura about their commitment to peace as the country goes to the polls on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The Yagbonwura and all stakeholders in the region signed a peace pact put together by the Overlord signalling their commitment to ensuring peace before, during and after the polls