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Yagbonwura Caution a Youth Group in Gonjaland Known as “Edankare be Lembu” to Stop Tarnishing the Image of the Kingdom

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Amidst the controversies of the handing over of the renovated Jakpa Palace by the vice president of the Republic of Ghana ahead of his visit to the Savannah region on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 which is part of his campaign tour to the 16 regions of Ghana.

The attention of the Jakpa Palace has been drawn to a purported press release by a youth group in Gonjaland known as “Edankare be Lembu” opposing the vice president’s handing over of the renovated Jakpa Palace to the Yagbonwura saying it will resist it by all means.

The Jakpa Palace in a letter dated 14th May 2024 signed by Mr. Abdulai Abdul-Samed, Secretary to the Yagbonwura replied to the purported press release condemning it while describing the group as an “unknown group of young men” saying the group is not a registered group in any circles, be it economic or social services, traditionally and that the said group is alien to the palace and has no traditional authority over anything.
The Palace has expressed its disappointment saying that a section of the youth in the Gonjaland with the slightest opportunity, want to draw the most revered traditional symbol of authority in Gonjaland, the great Jakpa Palace to the gutters. In the 21st century, the youth are supposed to be engaged in viable ventures that draw development and economic growth closer to their communities.
The Jakpa Palace they say is a home to every well-meaning Ghanaian who believes in development and also a symbol that unites people and that, acts of division, hatred and regression must not be tolerated by the Palace. “Therefore, the palace can no longer sit aloof and watch a section of the youth who have decided to handle matters that bother on image of the kingdom in any form that always brings disgrace and disappointment to the palace” the letter added.

The palace has also by the letter encouraged the said youth to rally behind their leaders for a common good as youths all over the country are doing and put a permanent stop to their perpetual social media frivolities.

The palace has also expressed its commitment to engage all and sundry irrespective of religious, political and cultural affiliation to accelerate the development of Gonja Land.

Meanwhile, the Jakpa Palace in the letter has sent a strong warning to any individual, group or political activists to desist from the insatiable appetite for dragging the name of the palace to the public for their parochial interest as this may be the last time such acts of gross disrespect for the palace will be tolerated and also wish to state that no official record either on voice or print is known to the palace as the reason why the Yagbonwura is leaving in a private home as the said youth has described in their press release a reason why the Overlord Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) is leaving in his private residence instead of the Jakpa Palace.

Savannah Regional Early Childhood Care Development Committee Calls for Active Participation of Family and Community in Child Education Cycle.

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The Savannah Regional Early Childhood Care Development Committee held its 2023 fourth quarter meeting on Monday 13th May, 2024 at the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council Committee Room.

The meeting was funded by an NGO knwon as Children Believe.

At the meeting, the committee seized the opportunity to build the capacities of stakeholders on family and community engagement guidelines.

In a PowerPoint presentation by Mr John Puokyiene who is the Savannah Regional GES Early Childhood Coordinator, families and community members were advised to collaborate with teachers in the Savannah Region to ensure that children get the necessary care and attention in their educational life.

Mr John Puokyiene outlined some strategies for engaging families and communities in children’s education.

Some of the strategies outlined by Mr Puokyiene include the involvement of families in school programs such as sports and games, career day, cultural activities, speech and prize-giving days among others.

Mr. John Puokyiene also said one of the strategies is to strengthen partnerships and collaboration between schools, families, children and communities as a whole.

He called for continuous collaboration and community participation in events such as PTA meetings among others.

Mr John Puokyiene also encouraged the promotion of cordial relationships between schools, families and communities to support the overall well-being and healthy development of children.

He also admonished schools, families and communities to take advantage of communication channels such as telephone calls, websites, radio stations, SMS, and WhatsApp to access information to support school children.

Mr. John Puokyiene in his presentation also urged schools to maintain their staff strength, especially in KG schools by training volunteer teachers e.g. retired educators, parents, and nurses among others in hard-to-reach areas where there are no professional teachers to assist in classroom work.

Mr John Puokyiene also mentioned homework as one of the strategies in engaging families and communities in child education, saying homework provides opportunities to practice and internalize what is learnt in schools.

He therefore urged schools to develop homework policies that will provide support for families in assisting their children’s homework and that conscious efforts to guide families to support their children’s homework should be established.

Mr John Puokyiene also said parents must be informed periodically about their children’s homework and expectations.

The committee comprises stakeholders drawn from the traditional authority, GES, media, the Ghana Health Service, Hairdressers and Tailors Association, Traders, Private Schools, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council among others.

Damongo MP donates anti-snake serum to Health Directorate

The Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency, Abu Jinapor, has donated 110 vials of anti-snake venom to the West Gonja Health Directorate to tackle cases of snakebites.

The donation was made on behalf of the lawmaker by his office coordinator, Mr. Bawa Fuseini on the evening of Monday, May 13, 2024.

According to him, the legislator will continue to extend his support to the Ghana Health Service in the Constituency because he is committed to the health and well-being of his constituents.

He disclosed that the items are to be administered to victims of snakebite for free because in most cases, victims are unable to afford them.

The Municipal medical supply officer, Mr. Madi Edmond who received the anti-snake serum said the donation was extremely timely because it’s during this season that cases of snakebite surge.

He conveyed words of appreciation to the lawmaker for the kind gesture and pledged that the items would be put to good use and administered for free as instructed.

Mr Edmond revealed that snakebite cases always rise at this time of the season with farmers and shea nut pickers being the predominant victims.

The donation made by the Member of Parliament adds to the several donations of the anti-snake venom and it’s expected that the latest donation made would bring a sigh of relief to his constituents.

Assembly Member Empowers Vulnerable Seamstress Apprentice with Sewing Machine

In a heartwarming gesture of support, Hon. Kumatey Gorden, also known as DJ Flenzy, the Assembly member for Hangaline – Ngbaripe – Alhassankura, has come to the aid of a vulnerable seamstress apprentice, Abubakari Munira, from Ngbaripe.

Munira, who is set to graduate in June this year, received a brand new sewing machine from Hon. Gorden, highlighting his commitment to youth empowerment and skills development in the electoral area.

The generous donation was brought to light when Munira’s group, comprised of young girls in Ngbaripe, appealed for assistance to empower its members.

Recognizing the importance of providing opportunities for vulnerable individuals, especially in skill-building endeavors, Hon. Gorden swiftly responded to the call for support.

Hon. Gorden’s dedication to youth empowerment has been evident since his election as the Assembly member for Hangaline. Through his various initiatives, he has consistently demonstrated a passion for uplifting young people across different sectors, with a particular emphasis on education and skill development.

The donation of the sewing machine not only provides beneficiary with the necessary tools to further her craft but also serves as a symbol of hope and encouragement for other aspiring apprentices in the electoral area.

By investing in the future of individuals, Hon. Gorden continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Hangaline – Ngbaripe – Alhassankura and beyond.

As beneficiary prepares to graduate and embark on her journey as a skilled seamstress, the support she has received from Hon. Kumatey Gorden serves as a testament to the power of community and the importance of leadership in creating opportunities for growth and success.

S/R, Damongo Constituency: Ex-MP Garlus Allegedly Throws Blows, Disrupts Voter Registration – NPP

Mr Kadiri Abdul-Rahman, Constituency Secretary, addressed the media on behalf of the party, providing updates and information on the current situation in the Damongo Constituency.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Damongo constituency has condemned the actions of former Member of Parliament, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu Garlus, for disrupting a peaceful voter registration exercise at the Canteen L/A registration centre.

According to the NPP, the exercise had been proceeding smoothly until Garlus arrived at the centre at around 13:00 hours and accused the police officers present of colluding with the NPP. He allegedly stated that he was disappointed in the security personnel and implied that they were responsible for his loss in the 2020 parliamentary election.

The NPP claims that Garlus’ inflammatory remarks sparked chaos, and he physically assaulted an applicant. The party has described his behaviour as unacceptable and undemocratic.

The NPP has also taken issue with Garlus’ verbal attack on the current MP, Lawyer Samuel Abu Jinapor, whom he referred to as a carcass who used antics to win the election. The party has demanded that Garlus apologize for his actions and behave in a more honourable and peaceful manner.

The party representative emphasized that their priority is to promote peace and development in the constituency, with a focus on improving the lives of constituents and fostering growth in the area. He expressed gratitude for the current MP, Lawyer Samuel Abu Jinapor, who he described as a forward-thinking leader committed to addressing the long-standing leadership challenges faced by the people of Damongo.

Furthermore, the NPP has accused Garlus of attempting to sack some Fulani individuals at the registration centre, which they deem an undemocratic display of arrogance. They have also criticized the NDC party for double standards, as John Dramani Mahama had promised to register the Fulbe community for the Ecowas identity card (Ghana card).

The NPP has reiterated its commitment to peace and development in the constituency and warned Garlus not to jeopardize the harmony that currently exists.

Listen to the NPP press Briefing below in Gonja and English

Register to exercise your civic duty – AEI to qualified Ghanaians

The African Electoral Institute, a Civil Society Organization has encouraged Ghanaians especially those who have attained 18 years and are eligible to vote to participate in the ongoing limited registration exercise by the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has commenced its limited registration exercise to register over one million Ghanaians who have attained the eligible voting age of 18.

In a press statement, the African Electoral Institute (AEI) emphasized that registering to vote as an electorate is vital because it will allow them to determine who they want to represent as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.

“Registering to vote as an electorate is very necessary in every electoral process for citizens to determine who they want to represent them in terms of democratic governance. It is, therefore, a civic duty as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution”.

The statement therefore entreated all first-time voters who have turned 18 years after the last voter registration exercise, to do well to register during the exercise.

The African Electoral Institute (AEI) through its press release also reminded the public that, unlike previous registrations whereby the registration is taken to polling stations, this time, the registration exercise will be carried out at the EC’s District offices across the country.

It further recommended that the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana make public the list of its District offices (registration centres) and their location and if practicable, add a GPS address.

About African Electoral Institute

African Electoral Institute ( AEI) is a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) founded to deliver sustainable electoral solutions to Emerging and Developed Democracies to strengthen, augment, and build electoral stakeholders’ capacity and participation on electoral issues through electoral education on voter’s rights among others.

African Electoral Institute Urges  Electoral Commission  Of Ghana To  Improve On The Challenges With The Registration Exercise

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana on Tuesday, 7th May 2024 started voter ID card registration for persons who have attained the age of 18 years recently and replacement for those who have lost their ID cards and proxy voters subsequently.

The process as commenced faces a lot of challenges at the various registration centers and some selected electoral areas within the districts across Ghana.

A press release by the African Electoral Institute (AEI) entreats the EC to improve on the challenges with their equipment and starting time which occurred on the first day of the voter registration exercise for persons who are 18 years and above but never registered.

The  Institute observed that most of the EC’s non-functioning equipment and the late starting of the registration exercise, as observed on 7th May 2024, could cause tensions if it were an election day.

The African Electoral Institute, therefore, urges the  EC to test their equipment before its usage and ensure that their programmes are started on time across many of their Centres.

“We at the African Electoral Institute (AEI) also urge the security agencies to ensure peace and order at the registration centres”. Part of the press release stated.

The press release dated 8th May 2024 is signed by AIE’s Director of Communication and External Relations and the Deputy Director of Communications,
Joshua Nii Adjin- Tettey

The African Electoral Institute ( AEI) is a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) founded to deliver sustainable electoral solutions to Emerging and Developed Democracies to strengthen, augment, and build electoral stakeholders’ capacity and participation on electoral issues through electoral education on voter rights and freedom, electoral research, election monitoring, election observation, election results collation, election security awareness and training of polling agents and elections directors underscoring the fact that “elections are won at the polling stations’’ and the participation of all identifiable electoral stakeholders in an electoral process such as Political Parties, Governmental Institutions, underpinning transparency and accountability for free, fair, and credible elections in Africa and the wider world.

S/R: Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee For Health Promotion Inaugurated.

The Ghana Health Service inaugurated the Interagency Coordinating Committee for Health Promotion (ICC-HP) for the Savannah region following similar committees inaugurated in the other four northern regions of Ghana; Upper East, Upper West, Northern and North East regions to improve the health and well-being of the Ghanaian population.

The inaugural ceremony took place at the West Gonja Municipal Health Directorate on Tuesday, 7th May 2024

In a welcome address, the Savannah Regional Health Director, Dr Josephat Hyuzaghl said that the purpose of the meeting is to train the Regional/District Risk Communication and Community Engagement Committees (RCCE) and also to re-inaugurate the Regional Inter-agency Coordination Committee for Health Promotion.

According to him, he hopes that when both activities are completed the health system will be strengthened to prepare and adequately respond to public health emergencies and also improve general health promotion activities in the Savannah region.

Dr. Josephat added that Ghana has been confronted with several Public health emergencies and events in the recent past, and the Savannah region had its fair share of these outbreaks and emergencies which include yellow fever, Marburg, Measles, and floods.

“As champions of health promotion, the committee strategically partners with government agencies to advocate for and execute policies that advance public health initiatives”. He said

He also noted that one of the key pillars of any public health response to emergencies is the need for effective risk communication which is crucial in ensuring that communities have access to accurate, reliable, trusted and timely information so individuals and communities can have access to the right information, they are more likely to adopt the appropriate behaviour and also take up public health interventions that will help reduce disease burden and ultimately translate into the kind of health outcomes that are desired.

The Acting Director of the Health Promotion Division- Ghana Health Service, Mrs. Mabel Kissiwah Asafo, emphasized the crucial role of the newly inaugurated members in advancing the collective mission of the ICC-HP.

She charged them with the responsibility of actively contributing to the improvement of health and well-being within communities across Ghana

Mrs. Mabel mentioned that at the regional level, ICC-HP members are selected from various entities including the Ghana Health Service, Information Services Department, Environmental Health and Sanitation Department, media outlets, and Non-Govemmental Organizations.

She discourages stigmatization in society as some people’s perception of leprosy is witchcraft and one of the roles of the ICC-HP is the sensitization of contemporary issues related to health.

The All Regional Games: A Platform for Unity and Development – Asamoah Gyan

By Zakaria Abubakari (Olu Jakpa) – May 4th, 2024

The All Regional Games organizing team, led by renowned footballer Asamoah Gyan, visited the Savannah Region on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, to raise awareness about the upcoming games. This initiative aims to bring together athletes from all 16 regions of Ghana to compete in various disciplines, including soccer, athletics, arm wrestling, basketball, volleyball, para games, boxing, tennis, and table tennis.

According to Chief Franklin, the coordinator of the All Regional Games, “The key highlights of the event are inclusivity and participation. The age category for participants is 18 years and above, with a specific age range of 18 to 23 years for soccer.” By setting these criteria, the organizers aim to provide young talents with the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially pave the way for a professional career in sports.

To make the registration process convenient, participants can register online through the official website of the All Regional Games. After registration, they will receive notifications via text message, keeping them updated on important information and schedules.

The Savannah Region, known for its abundance of talented athletes, stands to benefit greatly from this event. Not only will it provide a platform for local athletes to showcase their abilities, but it will also attract attention and potential investment in sports infrastructure within the region. In fact, any region that emerges victorious in a particular discipline will have a facility for that sport constructed in their region, further promoting sports development across the country.

Asamoah Gyan stated in an interview with Spear FM sports presenter Olu Jakpa that the All Regional Games will also feature entertainment from popular musicians such as Windy Shay and Stone Bwoy, who have bought into the idea of the games. Their performances will not only entertain the supporters but also add a vibrant atmosphere to the event.

Furthermore, the organizers have taken a commendable step by involving local producers to create costumes for the athletes representing the Savannah Region. This not only supports local businesses but also adds a unique touch to the competition, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Another noteworthy aspect of the event is the involvement of local coaches residing in the Savannah Region. These coaches will lead the team to the main event happening in Accra later in November. This not only provides an opportunity for local talent to gain exposure but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership among the community.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the organizers have put in place an insurance policy for athletes who may sustain injuries during the competition. This demonstrates their commitment to the well-being and safety of the participants, ensuring that they can compete with peace of mind.

In conclusion, the All Regional Games serve as a platform for unity, development, and talent discovery. By bringing together athletes from all regions of Ghana, this event promotes inclusivity, showcases the diverse sporting talents of Ghana, and encourages investment in sports infrastructure. With the support of local coaches, producers, and musicians, the event promises to be a celebration of both sports and culture. The games will be officially launched on June 15, 2024, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. Let us embrace this opportunity to unite as a nation and celebrate the power of sports in fostering growth and harmony.

MAGA Cosmetics Enterprise Catalogues Results of Grant Support From A Rocha Ghana MOMO4C Program

MAGA Cosmetics, a sole proprietorship and producers of organic cosmetics out of sheabutter and Moringa has shared some results it achieved after receiving grant support from MOMO4C.

The grant, received from the Mobilizing More for Climate (MOMO4C) amounted to Gh¢20,000 with which, MAGA Cosmetics Enterprise was able to invest in equipments, and expand its operations.

This massive development was shared with spearfm.com in an exclusive interview with the Manager, Mr. Gabriel Eshie.

Asked how the grant has impacted its production capacity, he contended that the grant has tremendously fueled the growth of his business which he said is a testament of resilience and how the right support can transform a small business.

“Before the grant, MAGA Cosmetics Enterprise was only into one product which was approved by the FDA and it was sheabutter hair and body pomade but after the grant came, I now have about six to seven products and two have been approved by the FDA, the others are still undergoing the processes”.

He added that through the grant, he has also been able to acquire some assets which have been of immense benefit and game-changer to his business.

“I remember when i started, the production capacity was just fifty but now, I have in stock, production capacity of 2,500 which can be produced weekly”.

Mr. Gabriel expressed gratitude to Arocha-ghana under which MOMO4C is operating for the timely intervention.

*BACKGROUND*

The Mobilizing More for Climate (MoMo4C) is a five year programme which seek to develop innovative finance for climate action using a landscape approach in Ghana and its implemented by A Rocha Ghana in the Mole Landscape.

As part of effort to ensure a Green business economy in Ghana, A Rocha Ghana and partners in August 2021 opened a call for climate-smart green business initiatives to build climate change resilience and achieve landscape restoration.

Maga Cosmetics is a sole proprietorship stationed in the West Gonja and produces organic cosmetics out of sheabutter and moringa extracts therefore adding value to some of the region’s most priceless raw materials.

Maga Cosmetics was the 3rd winner and was awarded a grant of GHC 20, 000 for technical support.

The amount of GHC20, 000 was received on last year November, 2023.