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Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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S/R: District Assemblies to Enact By-Laws Against Commercial Charcoal Burning-Minister

The Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu Be-Awuribe, has announced plans to ban commercial charcoal burning in the region.

In an exclusive interview with Spear Fm on Friday 11th April, 2025, the ministers remarked that the various districts in the Savannah Region will soon pass by-laws to put a total stop to commercial charcoal production. This move aims to address the climate impact of charcoal production, which involves heavy trucks transporting large quantities of charcoal to other parts of the country.

The minister acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, Saeed Muhazu Jibril, who had previously implemented a ban on charcoal production in the region.

According to him, to ensure sustainable charcoal production, individuals who still want to engage in the charcoal business will be required to acquire land and establish tree nurseries for charcoal production wich will be operated under strict supervision by the Forestry Commission

The minister also promised major developments in the region, focusing on Health, Education, Road infrastructure, other areas

According to him, the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to address environmental concerns while promoting development in the Savannah Region. The Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are expected to play a crucial role in enforcing these by-laws, as mandated by the Local Governance Act of 2016 (Act 936).

Confirm me to propel development – West Gonja MCE Nominee

The Municipal Chief Executive nominee for West Gonja, Yakubu Yussif Castro has appealed to Assemblymen to endorse his nomination to accelerate development in the municipality.

The MCE Nominee made this clarion call in an exclusive interview with Spearfm.com at his private residence in Damongo on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

He explained that three months into the year have been wasted which necessitates swift endorsement from the Assembly members to augment the situation.

“My nomination by the president doesn’t end there. The Assembly members still have to endorse my nomination so I’m appealing to them to show up and massively endorse me to bring the needed development because months have gone wasted already”, he appealed.

He pledged to work assiduously to advance development and improve the well-being of the people of West Gonja.

Castro also affirmed his commitment to serve with dedication, humility and transparency while emphasizing that he will confront the challenges facing the area with collaboration.

The nominee expressed his heartfelt gratitude to H.E John Dramani Mahama for the immense confidence reposed in him and to party leadership, constituents, and all stakeholders for their massive support and encouragement following his nomination.

Further, he appealed to his competitors who lost out in their bid to become the MCE for the area to rally behind him to champion the course of the municipality.

“I was not alone in the race to become the MCE. As a matter of fact, we were fourteen but as we all know, only one person can emerge in a race like this so i want to urge them not relent in their pursuit of making the area a better place. They should support me to accomplish the goals of the president”.

Hon. Yakubu Yussif was nominated as the Municipal Chief Executive for West Gonja on Friday, April 4 2025.

The Savannah RCC has scheduled Wednesday, April 16 2025 for his confirmation.

Savannah Regional Police Arrest Suspect in Connection with Murder of Momo Vendor

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The Savannah Regional Police Command has apprehended a suspect in connection with the robbery and murder of a mobile money vendor in Pwalugu, Upper East Region. Nuhu Mumuni, the prime suspect, was arrested on April 8, 2025, at his hideout in Mankarigu, a community in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region.

According to COP Samuel Winful, Savannah Regional Police Commander, Mumuni and his accomplices allegedly shot and killed Benjamin Apuri, the mobile money vendor, on March 3, 2025, stealing an unspecified amount of money. The suspect is currently in police custody and will be handed over to the Upper East Regional Police Command to face justice.


The arrest was made possible through an intelligence-led operation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the police’s efforts in combating crime. COP Winful assured that the police are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice, ensuring peace and safety in the region.

Mankarigu, where the suspect was arrested, is a community in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region. The area is part of the Daboya/Mankarigu constituency, which has seen efforts to improve infrastructure and services in recent times.

Cue Audio of Savannah Regional Police Commander COP Samuel Winful

Rainstorm Destroys Parts of Larabanga Islamic Senior High School

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A severe rainstorm that swept through Larabanga on Tuesday evening has caused significant destruction at the Larabanga Islamic Senior High School, leaving parts of the school infrastructure in ruins.

The storm, which lasted for over an hour, ripped off the roof of a section of the classroom block, rendering the affected classrooms unusable should school resumes shortly. The school kitchen was also severely damaged, this will disrupt the preparation of meals for students, when school resumes on 23rd April as scheduled.

According to eyewitnesses, the storm began with strong winds accompanied by heavy rains, which quickly escalated, tearing through buildings and causing widespread damage. Staff and students weren’t present at the time, school is on vacation.

The Headmaster of the school expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that the destruction will significantly impact teaching and learning activities if not handled before school resumes.

“This is a major setback for us. We are currently assessing the extent of the damage and appealing to the Ghana Education Service, the District Assembly, and benevolent individuals and organizations to come to our aid,” he lamented.

Parents Association chairman have also called for urgent support to rehabilitate the affected structures, stressing the importance of a safe and conducive learning environment for the students.

The school cannot even boast of a pesewa in its coffers.

As the school grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, authorities are expected to undertake a full assessment and mobilize resources for immediate repairs.

Savannah Regional Chief Imam Pays Courtesy Call on Spear FM Management and Staff

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Damongo, Savannah Region – The Savannah Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Amadu Musah, paid a courtesy call on the management and staff of Spear FM on Thursday, 3rd April 2025. The visit was aimed at expressing gratitude to the radio station for providing airtime for Islamic clerics to preach during the Ramadan season.

Accompanied by his secretary, Shaikh Mohammed Zaky, and the Deputy Chief Imam of Alasuna, Shaikh Mohammed Khamil, the Regional Chief Imam commended Spear FM for its support in promoting Islamic values and teachings. He also offered prayers for the management and staff of the radio station.

In response, the General Manager of Spear FM, Mr. Adam Akilu Gideon Abrantie, expressed appreciation for the Chief Imam’s visit and assured him of the radio station’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Muslim community in the Savannah Region.

As a token of this commitment, Mr. Abrantie offered the Chief Imam the opportunity to select a specific day and time each week for Islamic clerics to preach on Spear FM. This collaboration is expected to promote greater understanding and unity among the people of the Savannah Region.

The courtesy call underscores the importance of building bridges between religious leaders and media outlets in promoting peaceful coexistence and social development.

Damongo Constituency MP, Samuel Abu Jinapor, Donates to Rebuild Central Mosque

In a generous move, Member of Parliament for Damongo constituency, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has donated 100 bags of cement and GHC20,000 cash to support the reconstruction of the Damongo central mosque. This significant contribution aims to rebuild a modern and befitting mosque, as the current one has been in a deplorable state for some time.

Former MCE for West Gonja Municipal Assembly, Hon Karim Musah Kusubari, who handed over the donation to the Savannah Regional Chief Imam, highlighting the collaborative effort to revitalize the mosque.

According to him, Abu Jinapor’s commitment to public service extends beyond his political responsibilities, earning him recognition among his constituents. His leadership and dedication to sustainable development have made a positive impact on the community.


(Cue Audio Hon Musah Kusubari Central Mosque Donation)

Zebila Wura Alhaji Baba, receiving the donation on behalf of the Savannah Regional Chief Imam expressed gratitude to Jinapor and the MCE for their support.

Zebilawura siezed the opportunity to appeal to all and sundry to donate in order to help build the house of God.

Zebilawura said Abu Jinapor’s selfless act resonates with the Prophet Mohammed’s (SAW) words, “He who builds a mosque, Allah will build for him a house in Jannah.”

The Damongo Central Mosque’s reconstruction is a community-driven initiative, with stakeholders urged to contribute to the effort.

(Cue Audio Zebilawura Central Mosque Donation)

President Mahama Announces 72 MMDCE Nominees, But Damongo and Bole Left in Limbo

President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with with Article 243(1) of the 1992 constitution and 20(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) (as amended) has nominated 72 individuals for the position of District Chief Executives (DCEs) across the country, pending approval by their respective assemblies. However, the people of West Gonja Municipal Assembly and Bole Municipal Assembly have been left disappointed as their DCE nominees were conspicuously missing from the list.

The Savannah Region has five nominees:

Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District: Saaka Sinkina
North Gonja District Daboya: Abdulai Nashiru
Central Gonja District Buipe: Mahama Fuseini
North East Gonja District Kpalbe: Abdul Mumin Ewutomah
Salaga South Municipal: David Rabiu Kassim

Speculations are rife that the delay in announcing nominees for Damongo and Bole is due to external pressures from politicians, chiefs, and party executives. This development has sparked concerns among residents, who are eager to know their DCEs.

It’s worth noting that President Mahama had earlier revoked the appointments of all MMDCEs, paving the way for new nominations. The delay in announcing nominees for Damongo and Bole has raised eyebrows, and many are waiting with bated breath to see who will be appointed to lead these municipalities.

Destructive Thunderstorm Hits Damongo, Causing Widespread Damage

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A powerful thunderstorm swept through Damongo on Monday night 24th March 2025, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm ripped off the roofs of several houses, including a pavilion serving as a car park for the Jakpa Palace.

The residence of Uncle Bashiru, Chief Driver of Zoom Lion Ghana, was also severely damaged, with the car-parked roofing of Jakpa Palace being forcefully removed and carried across the road to his residence.

A private car belonging to Regional NADMO Director, Tahiru Mohammed, was damaged by the strong winds, which carried roof debris and hit the vehicle.

The storm also destroyed the office of the Gonja Traditional Council, breaking all the glass windows, and uprooted several electricity poles around the Ghana Education Service office, leaving many houses in the area without power.

High-tension electricity wires fell on the Yagbonwora palace street to DASS street, posing a risk to road users. Residents are advised to exercise caution when using these streets until the situation is resolved.

Some offices and quarterses of the West Gonja Municipal Assembly were not spared from the destruction of the Monday thunderstorm in Damongo.

The frequent strong storms in the area have sparked concerns among residents, who attribute the destruction to the widespread deforestation caused by charcoal producers. Many are calling on the chiefs, West Gonja Municipal Assembly, and the Savannah Regional Minister to take action against charcoal burning to prevent further natural disasters.

SWIDA-GHANA Bridges Gap between Political Leaders and Excluded Social Groups in West Gonja.

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A forum dialogue organized by SWIDA-GHANA funded by Star Ghana Foundation and foreign common wealth and development office brought together 100 participants, including representatives of excluded social groups, NDC government officials, and traditional leaders, to facilitate inclusive political participation and strengthen accountability.

Hajia Alima Sagito Saeed, Executive Director of SWIDA-GHANA, emphasized the forum’s aim to enhance democratic engagement and bridge the gap between political leaders and marginalized communities.

The forum focused on key areas of the NDC manifesto, including:

– *Economic Empowerment*: Job creation strategies for youth, women, and marginalized communities
– *Agriculture and Rural Development*: Supporting smallholder farmers and agribusiness development
– *Education and Skills Development*: Expanding access to quality education and vocational training
– *Health and Social Protection*: Strengthening universal health coverage and social welfare programs
– *Governance and Participation*: Implementing affirmative action for women and persons with disabilities
– *Digitalization and Innovation*: Bridging the digital divide for women, youth, and persons with disabilities

The event featured panel discussions, community-led questions, and breakout sessions, providing a platform for participants to make valuable inputs and shape the discussions and outcomes.

Madam Alima Sagito said the forum provided a platform for the marginalized groups to understand the manifesto of the ruling government therefore given them they understanding to hold the government accountable.

(Cue Audio of Hajia Alima Sagito SWIDA)

Mr. Mumuni Yahaya Kiyoyo Zambache, Damongo constituency NDC communication Officer, commended SWIDA-GHANA for organizing the forum, stating that it provided an opportunity for the NDC to explain and break down their manifesto to the ordinary Ghanaian.

The forum is a significant step towards promoting inclusive governance and addressing the needs of marginalized communities in Northern Ghana.

(Cue Audio Hon Kiyoyo SWIDA)

Amending Mining in Forest Reserves Regulation, 2023 (L.I. 2462) Could Restore Minister’s Power to Grant Mining Licenses in Forest Reserves – Abu Jinapor Warns

Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency, Hon. Lawyer Samuel Abu Jinapor, has contributed to a parliamentary debate on the laying of a Legislative Instrument to amend the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462). Jinapor emphasized the need for pre-laying consultations, highlighting that Parliament lacks the power to amend such Instruments once laid.

He clarified that L.I. 2462 aimed to restrict the Minister’s power to grant licenses for mining in certain forest reserves, including protected areas and cultural sites. Jinapor warned that revoking or amending this law without careful consideration could restore the Minister’s unfettered power to grant mining licenses on any land in Ghana, including forest reserves.

Jinapor’s contribution stressed the importance of engaging in a broad discussion to safeguard Ghana’s forest resources. He advocated for a detailed plan to protect the country’s forests, emphasizing that all stakeholders must work together to achieve this goal.