Workers of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Savannah Region have been crowned champions after beating the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) 4:1 in a football match to mark the 67th independence day celebration in Savannah Region at the Damongo astroturf on Wednesday, 6th March, 2024.
As part of activities that marked the 67th birthday of the republic of Ghana, the youth wing of the Ghana National Association of teachers (GNAT) led by Anampasa B Abraham(president) and George Ashford Aquah( secretary) at the West Gonja municipal assembly organized a friendly football match between WEST GONJA GNAT AND GHANA HEALTH SERVICE WEST GONJA BRANCH.
It was a thrilling encounter which saw both sides struggled at the early minutes of the game but moving on the Ghana health service team show their attacking prowess by scoring the first goal of the game in the 23rd minutes. Five minutes later they increased the tally to two which ended the first half. Two quick goals in the second half saw the nurses increased the tally to 4:0 before GNAT got a penalty to score a consolation goal.
The last time the two teams met the game ended 1:1 at the same venue.
After the game the organizers thanked both teams for their cooperation and dedication towards the game and assure the general public that, games of this nature will continue within the municipality to enhance the peace and unity that exist between the workers of both associations.
Following a longstanding of over 8 years of chieftaincy dispute in the Damongo Savannah region, two people have sustained gun wounds after several gunshots at Langbonto, a suburb of Damongo.
The incident happened at around 5:00 pm between members of the two factions, Chief Yakubu Imoro and Chief Damongowura Kelly Seidu.
Meanwhile, after close to an hour of exchange of fire, it took the intervention of the police and the military to calm the situation.
Spearfm 91.90FM will bring you details of the development.
The National Executive Committee of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially endorsed Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate for the Party’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, to partner in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Following the Presidential Candidate John Dramani Mahama’s formal submission of his choice of running mate to the party’s Council of Elders on February 27, 2024, the party has now solidly supported his partner’s choice for the December election.
Having previously served in the same capacity during the 2020 election, this marks the second consecutive term for Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman partnering with John Dramani Mahama as flagbearer.
Speculations have however over the week suggested Julius Debrah, former Chief of Staff to ex-President Mahama; economist Dr. Nii Moi Thompson; Member of Parliament for Asunafo, Eric Opoku; and retired Police Commissioner, Nathan Kofi Boakye, as potential candidates but Mr. Mahama has opted to maintain the former Education Minister.
General Secretary, for the opposition National Democratic party, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, said the party expressed confidence in the chosen running mate, anticipating that she will bring valuable experience, expertise, and dedication to the campaign, aligning with John Mahama’s vision to “Build Ghana We Want together.”
Fiifi Fiave Kwetey therefore conveyed gratitude to the party’s sympathizers for their loyalty and commitment, underscoring the collective journey towards a brighter future for Ghana.
Sources from major news portals suggest that sources close to the family confirmed the demise of the Deputy Minister of Finance who doubles as a member of parliament for Ejisu, in the Ashanti region.
Sources indicate that the Deputy minister was sick even though the cause of his death has not been confirmed.
The 45-year-old MP left behind a wife and Six children.
John Ampontuah Kumah was commonly described as a man of integrity who inspires hope for the future with a focus on job creation.
The Savannah regional minister, Hon. Saeed Muhazu Jibril has made a clarion call on citizens of the Savannah region to sustain the region’s peace and unity toward the nation’s general election coming up in the next nine (9) months.
Addressing the 67th Independence Anniversary Day celebration parade on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the Damongo Seniors High School Park, the Minister said not only are they celebrating Ghana’s independence, but its democracy as well, and that the theme for the anniversary “Our Democracy, Our Pride” makes the occasion a double celebration for us,” He added.
The Regional Minister added that the theme enjoins citizens to celebrate themselves for opting for multiparty democracy and sustaining the fourth republic for a good 32 years continuously.
He also said that this celebration of independence is a time for citizens to recognize the sacrifices made by the forebearers in the struggle for independence and to reaffirm the commitment to upholding the principle of democracy that governs citizens as a nation.
“For us in the Savannah region, democracy has been more rewarding upon the creation of the region, the fruits of which include improved infrastructure, and access to education, healthcare, and empowerment of our youth and women”. He said.
Ahead of the 2024 general election, the Savannah Regional Minister urged the people to cherish the present democratic dispensation as the all-time best.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as we are all aware, this year is an election year; the December 2024 elections are only a few months away. The theme, Our Democracy, Our Pride, should also motivate us to have a positive disposition for the coming elections” he motivated.
Some schools were given awards for being emerging best in the match pass.
For the KG category, Jakpa KG secured a 3rd position putting the Damongo KG, and St. Anne Block ‘B’ in the 2nd and 1st positions respectively.
In the Primary Schools Category, Damongo Primary School holds the 3rd position, Mole Primary School in the 2nd position, and Cathedral Primary School in the 1st position.
Yagbon Junior High School Block ‘B’ clocked the 3rd position, placing Jakpa Junior High School ‘B’ in the 2nd position, and Girls Model Junior High School emerging winners in the Junior High School category.
For the second cycle institution category, Damongo Senior High School was announced 3rd position with St Anne Girls Senior High School coming in 2nd position, and Ndewura Jakpa Senior High Technical School announced 1st Position.
The 67th Independence day parade in the Savannah Region comprises personnel drawn form the 155 Armored Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, and the Ghana National Fire Service together with the Damongo Senior High School army Cadet, Ndewura Jakpa Senior High School Fire Cadet, Damongo Town Boys Scout, and 33 schools from Savannah Region comprising 10 KG, 10 Primary Schools, 10 Junior High School and 3 Senior High School
The Savannah region Queen Mothers Association said it is optimistic about ensuring a peaceful co-existence and proper integration with the Fulbe community of the Savannah Region.
In a pre-conference of solidarity held on March 4, 2024, at the eco clubhouse in Damonogo ahead of the International Day for Women slated for 8th March 2024.
The regional president, Kansawurche Dr. Veronica Azara Bukari said it was necessary for this conference since they lack funds to organize and celebrate this day.
Kansawurche, Dr. Azara Bukari, in an interview with Damongo-based Spear FM, said it is the core mandate of the Queen Mothers Association to promote and ensure peaceful coexistence with the Fulbes, especially women and children.
She added that the association will also ensure active mediation committees in the various paramountcies, which she said was a collaborative initiative with the Savannah Region House of Chiefs but however couldn’t conclude with its roadmaps. They as queen mothers have worked with the Fulbe women including some few men.
She also hinted at their plans with service providers on health and education to clamp down and avoid infant and maternal morbidity and mortality.
“When we’re able to educate and encourage the Fulbe women to visit hospitals during pregnancy and after birth for education, will bring the Savannah region to zero records of maternal and infant mortalities.
The association also entreats its members to accord the Mankumawurche the necessary respect as the paramount queen mother as tradition established and also bemoans how they are been neglected by the Chiefs.
Meanwhile, the association has, however, outlined a 3-year working policy starting from October 2023 to October 2026.
The occasion hosted Queen Mothers of the Savannah region, representation from the Fulbe women, Chiefs, and the Media.
The Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor has sent a delegation to Busunu to apologize and empathize with the family of late Queen mother of Busunu for the brouhaha that ensued between supporters of the NPP and NDC during the 7 days funeral rites performance of the late queen mother.
The delegation was led by the Municipal Chief Executive for the West Gonja Municipal Assembly Hon. Karim Musah Kusubari who was accompanied by the Damongo Constituency NPP chairman and some of the Constituency executives.
Addressing the family, Hon. Musah Kusubari said the MP for Damongo Constituency is very sad about what transpired.
According to him, the MP holds the late Busunuwurche and the entire family in high esteem and that is why he together with the government delegation and the NPP party supporters did not appear in party colors at the funeral grounds knowing very well that it wasn’t a political event
The MCE for West Gonja Municipality further added that it was rather unfortunate that some persons, instead of mourning and celebrating the late Queen Mother, resorted to fighting and turning the funeral grounds into a party rally ground, thus fomenting troubles.
Hon. Kusubari, said some family members of the late Queen Mother had visited his office on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, to express gratitude to him and the Damongo Constituency MP for their roles in the funeral rites of the late Busunuwurche.
The final funeral rites of the late Busunu Queen Mother were marred by violence due to political tension between supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This tension escalated when supporters of the NDC, believed to be from Tamale in the Northern Region, attempted to block the entry of representatives of the NPP, led by Chief of Staff Madam Frema Opare and MP for Damongo Constituency, Samuel Abu Jinapor, who arrived late at the venue.
Reports from Busunu indicated that tensions escalated amidst alleged gunshots, resulting in multiple injuries to supporters of both the NDC and NPP. Security agencies intervened to calm the situation.
MP for Damongo Constituency, Lawyer Abu Jinapor, and former President Mahama condemned the violent acts, calling for peace and restraint among the youth of both parties.
Many people have since raised concerns over the politicization of such events and the potential for further unrest if tensions are not swiftly and decisively defused in future gatherings of the two parties, especially as 2024 is an election year.
The Savannah Regional Minister, Hon Saeed Muhazu Jibril in his speech during the general house meeting of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs on Tuesday 27th February 2024 said the various committees of the house should be given a free hand to operate.
The minister, first of all, congratulated the Yagbonwura who doubles as President of the house for conveying such an all-important meeting that people have yearned for, for so long and thereby welcoming all members and invited guests to the to Damongo, the regional capital.
The Regional minister, emphasizing on the welcome address by the President of the house, Yagbowura Bii-Kunuto Soale (I) said “One of the most important lessons that I have learned from the President’s speech is how to make the various structures of the SRHC function and function properly and that is where I take interest,” He said.
“Let’s give them the free hand to operate for the truth to be told to the people of Savannah region”. He added.
Meanwhile, he added that sometimes the committees aren’t always able to work due to lack of finances.
The minister also said it is time to achieve a common goal as a region and so, therefore the need to settle internal scores as Gonjas such as chieftaincy and land disputes before they can be successful in overcoming external disputes.
Speaking on the issues of group hunting in the region, the Regional minister pledged his support as chairman of REGSEC and assured the house of collaborating with the Northern Regional Coordinating Council to put to and the the menace since this act is mainly noticed taking place withing the eastern, northeast and some western parts of the region. He applauded the Buipewura for been able to stop this group hunting menace within his jurisdiction.
He also promised the house of an office complex by close of this year saying this meeting maybe the last of it’s kind that will be held in a rented facility saying this in reference to the visit of the minister for chieftaincy and religious affairs visit to the Yagbonwura earlier this month. “The contractor will visit the Yagbonwura in the coming weeks for his blessings to commence work.
He also sensitized the house on the roles of chiefs in the various MMDAS and that, they are directly involved in the local governance system hence the need to be added to the assembly’s annual budgets.
The minister assured the house of continual support both day and night.
The King and overlord of Gonja, Jira Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto (I) has vow to put to an end a future catastrophic activity to protect the eco-system of the Savannah region therefore placing a ban on group hunting in the region.
Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto(I) in his welcome address during a general house meeting of the Savannah Regional House of chiefs on Tuesday 27th February, 2024 which was read by the Registrar of the Savannah Region House of Chiefs Mr. Abutu Kapori encouraged the house to do more to achieve esteemed milestone since their impeccable efforts and collaboration to uplift the house to the admiration of the world is unmeasured.
The King, said his attention has been drawn to several activities that if care is not taking, will raid the biodiversity of the region and thereby making a passionate call on all chiefs to prevent group hunting in their various paramountcies within the Savannah region.
“This call is important because, some of the deities, gods, and critical taboos per custom and tradition are being trampled upon when such hunting sprees are embarked on” he said.
He added, that with this activities rolling out on yearly basis is also a severe threat to the Mole National Park which he described as the “Pride of Savannah Region”.
“I therefore passionately sanction a ban on group hunting in the Savannah Region”. The King declared.
Emphasizing on building a stronger better kingdom, the King pleaded on the custodians of custom and tradition by making a clarion call encouraging that this regime is a legacy focused one and so therefore, their foremost attention should concentrate on building impactful legacies for the generations yet unborn, and that the success of the house will depend on their unity and love for roles assigned them as chiefs with the utmost sincerity in discharging responsibilities.
The King concluded by urging Ghanaians to put the nation first before any other interest as he rallied for peace ahead of the December 2024 general election stating that the peace of mother Ghana is its pride.
Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale(I) is optimistic and poised that the Savannah Region House of Chiefs will not live any stone unturned in the course of developing the house and the region.
He equally extended his passionate appreciation to all members and the Savannah Regional Minister for their participation in this general meeting.
The New Patriotic Party in the Savannah Region has condemned the attack on NPP members by the NDC during the funeral rites performance of the late queen mother of Busunu.
According to our source, some NDC macho men tried to prevent the Chief of Staff Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare who was accompanied by the MP for Damongo Constituency Hon Lawyer Abu Jinapor, the Savannah Regional Minister Hon Saeed Muhazu Jibril, the Savannah Regional NPP Chairman Alhaji Iddrisu Sulemana Prof Kalamonia together with some party bigwigs who came for the funeral from getting access to the funeral grounds of the late Busunu queen mother.
This generated into an exchange of blows between the NDC and NDC leaving some two members of NPP injured. It took the intervention of the military and police personnel to bring the situation under control.
The funeral of the late Busunu queen mother was also attended by the former president of the Republic of Ghana and flag bearer of the opposition NDC H.E John Dramani Mahama, the Savannah Regional caucus of NDC members of parliament and parliamentary candidates, Savannah Regional NDC executives and some NDC party bigwigs.
Spear FM sighted a release from the Savannah Regional NPP Secretary Mr. Mohammed Issah condemning the act by the NDC.
Read the release below.
*TAMALE NDC THUGS DISRUPTS BUSUNU QUEEN MOTHER FUNERAL DUE TO GROWING NPP POPULARITY IN SAVANNA REGION*
15/02/2024.
In what was supposed to be a moment of reflection and respect for the gentle soul of our Queen Mother, Busunuwurche at Busunu in the Damongo Constituency, the unrepentant NDC metamorphosed this into a sad scene as they sponsored, planned, and orchestrated thuggery to mar the beauty and significance of the funeral. It was ably executed by a gang of NDC criminals led by their first national Vice Chairman, Azoka from Tamale.
They first attacked an NPP branded vehicle and its driver before openly attacking the military personnel on duty at the grounds without any provocation.
This criminal gang from Tamale also attempted to stop the government delegation from getting onto the podium and in the full glare of the security and mourners, attacked some 2 indigenes of Busunu. The love and resistance of the people of Busunu for their Member of Parliament, Lawyer Samuel Abu Jinapor didn’t allow the wish of these strangers to prevail. The podium was mounted by the Maverick Lawmaker, the outstanding Chief of staff, the Savannah Regional Minister and the unblemished Regional Chairman.
In all these, the former president, John Mahama was comfortably seated and supervising the thuggery and unlawful attacks at innocent Gonjalanders and the Security. He was surely enjoying the wanton disregard for peace and public safety as his men from Tamale molested the people of Busunu for merely supporting their Member of Parliament and the government.
On the contrary, the venerable and unblemished Vice President and NPP Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been an obedient and productive son to Gonjaland. His last visit to the Region was a show and display of rich culture and reverence for the Yagbonwura. A very humble and peaceful Bawumia came and left with only positive headlines for the Region.
The New Patriotic Party in the Savannah Region wishes to condemn in strongest possible words, the conduct of the NDC by NDC hooligans from Tamale that disrupted a social program of such magnitude. The S/R is not a war zone, the Azorka and his boys should get themselves enlisted into the Russia-Ukrain military; that is where their services maybe needed.
The plan of the NDC has always been violence, they can’t survive anything on ideas and policy. Their action has collaborated with the war drums the NDC S/R was fuming sometime last year on Kasha FM in Damongo.
The people of Savannah Region are resolute on the need to give back to a government that stood for them in times of need. The love at these social events for the NPP and its functionaries is undiluted. The love is pure and unshaken. No amount of violence and attacks would stop it. Gonjaland and S/R for that matter have given far too much to Mr. Mahama with peanut in developmental and human resource return. We don’t owe him any more years of governance.
The Regional Party puts out without any unequivocation, that this would never happen again in the Region. No indigene from the Savannah Region or Gonjaland shall be attacked by John Mahama and his NDC any longer. If they ever try it again, the gods of the land would speak loudly.
We are serving a caution of our battle readiness to protect the peace of the region by all means, the John Mahama led NDC lacks what it takes to create a region like S/R, so they can put irresponsible behaviors such as today at Busunu.
We have since identified all these hooligans from Tamale. They have been well noted and the next move would surely be managed appropriately.
We again extend a passionate appeal to the Savannah Regional Police Command to take keen interest in what happened, conduct lawful investigation, and bring perpetrators to book. We are very mindful of our rights to safety and the need to protect our lives and that of others on our land.
Lessons has been learned, fingers crossed and it serves as the last time NDC criminals will use the S/R as a practical war zone.
Signed: Mohammed Issah 0244227266 Regional Secretary, Savannah NPP
