A feat worth celebrating

In a groundbreaking achievement for Northern Ghanaian music, the music video for “Empty Grave” by Dr. Pushkin and B-Wayne has officially become the most-streamed music video from Northern Ghana on YouTube, currently nearing 1.6 million views in just seven months.

Shot at the iconic Red Clay Studio in Tamale by visionary director Junaid Timtooni Yakubu and his talented team, the video has now surpassed the legendary “Total Cheat” by Fancy Gadam and Sarkodie. This track held its dominance for eight years.

What makes this milestone even more extraordinary is that “Empty Grave” reached this height without the usual advantages:

• No big-name Southern Ghanaian feature
• No mainstream media coverage
• No industry gatekeeper support or co-sign

Instead, its rise has been powered by its raw authenticity, cinematic brilliance, and a deeply resonant social message—proof that true artistry can thrive on merit and purpose alone.

The track, written by Paul Azunre and Bismark Sombilla and produced by Paul Azunre, Dreamlife & Memory, and Peewezel, stands as a compelling piece of conscious music that refuses to compromise. Its artistic excellence has also been recognised on the international stage, with multiple awards already won and more nominations on the horizon.

Meet the Creative Powerhouse Behind Empty Grave

• Directed & Edited by: @timjooni
• Director of Photography: @nimbang__
• Production Design: @aa_fatawu
• Key Grip: @big_nabs
• Stylist: Rabiatu Abdul-Aziz
• Makeup: @kutidazzles_beauty_parlour
• Production Assistant: @salim_marlian
• BTS Coverage: @wun.yiko
• Title Card Design: @i.mreed

This success is not just a win for the team behind “Empty Grave”, but also for Northern Ghana, for independent artists, and for conscious creatives who dare to tell real stories through their art.

To every supporter who streamed, shared, and believed in this movement—thank you. You’ve helped write a new chapter in Ghanaian music history.

Congratulations to Isolirium Entertainment and the entire “Empty Grave” team! The world is watching—closely.

Tas Tas is a statement

Tas Tas is pure musical genius. Presented by the musical collective Savannah Sonics, the recruited musician for this particular song exudes a “show-off”. Each with an enviable stature as a creative, Gingsen, Wiz Child, and Ntelabi prove why they stand out amongst their peers. With an impeccable production quality, Tas Tas is a reminder of the musical prowess that abounds in northern Ghana.

Tas Tas comes on the heels of Northug’s assertion of neglect by mainstream Ghanaian media. However, productions like this further advance the discourse of looking beyond Accra for talented musicians. Music is one of the few elements of life that holds everyone spellbound. Thus, there’s a need to deliberately find more music outlets to quench the respective musical thirsts of all.

Enjoy Tas Tas, a baller’s ultimate anthem.

Other lasting musical impressions you would love

In an effort to continue the agenda of ensuring we amplify Northern Ghana through thesavannonline and its affiliates; we have curated playlists to make your search for good music from the North of Ghana easy on Audiomack, Spotify, and Boomplay for now. We will periodically update the list to ensure you get the best from all the regions. You can search Smock Rhythms for our carefully put together playlists.

Below is one of our playlists labeled Smock Smooth Vibez. It is a collection of soulful rhythms and mellow grooves that soothe the soul. Smooth Vibes brings you the best of Afro-soul, neo-soul, and chill melodies from Northern Ghana. Powered by thesavannaonline.com

A broken culvert along the Varemperi-Vieri-Wechiau road in the Wa West District has severely impacted several communities, cutting them off from essential services, particularly healthcare. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 13, 2025, has left the local population, especially pregnant women, children, and the elderly, vulnerable and unable to access the Vieri Health Centre.

The damaged culvert has also hindered traders in Varemperi and surrounding areas from reaching the Vieri market, further disrupting the local economy and daily activities.

Alternative Routes Are Not Sustainable

Motorists have been forced to take longer detours through the Wa-Kpongu-Siiru-Vieri road to access Vieri and Wechiau, the district capital. However, this alternative route poses its challenges. During the rainy season, the Siiru dam frequently overflows, rendering the road impassable and leaving residents with no reliable access to the region’s vital services.

Impact on Local Communities

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Fatawu Dong, a resident of Varemperi, shared the challenges his community now faces. Farmers cannot access their farms located beyond the broken culvert, and workers who commute from Wa to Vieri, including teachers, are unable to reach their jobs. “This is the only road to our district capital,” Mr. Dong explained. “If anyone is referred from the CHPS Compound here now, the person must go to Wa, which is far from here.”

Temporary Measures in Place

Although the community has created a temporary path to allow limited passage, this solution is not sustainable. Mr. Annetus Tanzu Ziembo, the Assembly Member for the Vieri Electoral Area, highlighted that the makeshift path would become impassable when it rains, further complicating the situation for residents.

Authorities Take Action

The Wa West District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Richard Wulo, visited the scene and reassured residents that efforts would be made to resolve the issue. He confirmed that he had contacted the Department of Feeder Roads to repair the broken culvert as soon as possible. He expressed hope that a contractor would be on-site soon to carry out the necessary repairs.

Additionally, two other culverts along the Varemperi-Vieri road were found to have been partially washed away and will also need immediate attention to prevent further damage.

Conclusion: Immediate Action Required

The broken culvert in Varemperi is a critical issue that needs swift attention to ensure that residents can access healthcare, markets, and essential services. While temporary measures have been implemented, they are insufficient for long-term access, particularly during the rainy season. Prompt repair of the culvert and other infrastructure is necessary to prevent further disruptions and ensure the well-being of the local population.

To address the significant demand gap of 92,000 chartered accountants in Ghana, the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG) has launched a sensitisation campaign targeting senior high school students in the Upper West Region. The initiative is designed to raise awareness among students about the vast opportunities in the accounting profession and encourage them to consider pursuing a career as chartered accountants.

Educating the Next Generation of Accountants

The campaign began with a visit to Wa Senior High School, where Dr. Paul Saayir, a member of ICAG and a Business Lecturer at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, addressed business students. Dr. Saayir worked to dispel the myth that accounting limits job opportunities, emphasising the wide-ranging career paths that can stem from a qualification in accountancy.

The ICAG’s Upper West District Society also visited Wa Islamic Senior High School in Busa, continuing the conversation about the benefits of pursuing a career in accounting. The campaign aims to inform students that the demand for chartered accountants in Ghana significantly exceeds the current supply, with only 8,000 accountants currently in the country. In contrast, the demand stands at approximately 100,000.

A Lucrative and Diverse Career Path

Dr. Saayir outlined the enormous potential in the accounting profession, particularly within the public sector. He highlighted the key roles that people with business backgrounds hold in Ghana, such as the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, the Auditor-General, and the Controller and Accountant-General. He also mentioned the Minister of Finance, emphasising that business and accounting professionals are essential in both the government and corporate sectors.

“Business people are employed everywhere,” Dr. Saayir noted, encouraging students not to be deterred by misconceptions that studying Business limits their future career opportunities. He assured students that they are in the right field to achieve success in numerous professions, including becoming business leaders, financial advisors, accountants, and bankers.

Breaking Down Misconceptions About Business Education

Dr. Saayir also addressed concerns about the perceived limitations of studying Business at the senior high school level. Some students worry that a business-focused education would prevent them from being admitted to Nursing or Teacher Training Colleges. Dr. Saayir debunked these myths, explaining that a business education opens doors to various educational and career opportunities, not just in accounting but also in other fields.

Global Recognition of the Chartered Accountant Qualification

Dr. Abraham Dakurah, Supervising Manager of Wa Community Credit Union (WACCU) and another member of ICAG, highlighted the global relevance of the ICAG qualification. He emphasised that ICAG is part of an international accountancy organisation, indicating that the qualification is recognised and valued worldwide. Chartered accountants with the ICAG certification can practice anywhere and are highly sought after in the business world.

“Every business entity requires an accountant to manage its finances,” Dr. Dakurah emphasised, urging students to stay focused, disciplined, and determined in their studies. He encouraged students to pursue a career in accounting with the understanding that it offers both local and international career prospects.

Supporting the Next Generation of Chartered Accountants

The Upper West District Society also announced a sponsorship package for any student who earns a single-digit aggregate in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This initiative aims to motivate students to excel in their exams and take the necessary steps toward becoming chartered accountants.

Additionally, ICAG members in the Upper West Region have pledged to provide support to students preparing for the exams, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to succeed. As part of the campaign, exercise books were also donated to students as a gesture of encouragement.

Conclusion: Building a Stronger Future with Chartered Accountants

The ICAG’s campaign in the Upper West Region is a vital step toward addressing the shortage of chartered accountants in Ghana. By educating senior high school students about the diverse opportunities in the accounting profession, ICAG is helping to shape the next generation of financial leaders. With the support of ICAG members, students are being empowered to pursue their aspirations and contribute to strengthening Ghana’s financial sector.

The morning after the devastating rainstorm on May 22, 2025, Sawaliga Basic School in the Talensi District was left unrecognisable. What once was a vibrant school block was now filled with mangled roofing sheets, broken wooden beams, and scattered debris. The storm had not only left the children without a school but also endangered their lives.

Seidu Agongo’s Heartfelt Response

When Seidu Agongo, a philanthropist and businessman, saw the viral photos of the storm’s aftermath, he was deeply moved. He could not bear to watch the suffering of the students, knowing they were left stranded in the debris. Agongo, feeling the weight of responsibility as a father figure to these children, said the images were not just pictures—they were his children, Ghana’s future, sitting and loitering in the dirt amidst broken materials. Without waiting for bureaucratic delays, Seidu Agongo immediately took action. He called contractors and set the process of rebuilding into motion.

A Miracle in Three Weeks

What followed was truly miraculous. Within just three weeks, the school was completely transformed. The once-destroyed building was now a modern, beautiful structure. The new roof gleamed in the sunlight, freshly painted walls brightened the classrooms, and sturdy floors replaced the debris-strewn ground. Students who had once studied under trees now walked through hallways filled with hope. This transformation, thanks to Seidu Agongo’s immediate intervention, gave them a new environment to thrive and prepare for their exams just weeks away.

Community’s Deep Gratitude to Seidu Agongo

The community’s appreciation for Seidu Agongo’s generosity was overwhelming. During the commissioning of the refurbished school, elders and residents praised him for his timely intervention. Seidu Agongo’s commitment to the students’ education and well-being was honoured with a citation, a sheep, and a smock—symbols of deep respect and gratitude for his compassionate action.

Restoring Education’s Foundation

While challenges like space constraints remained—three classes still shared one room—the foundation for learning had been restored. The students now had the hope of a better future, and the teachers had renewed purpose. Seidu Agongo’s work not only repaired a school but also reignited the community’s belief in the power of kindness and action. As he humbly stated, “Education is the foundation of our nation’s future, and if we can intervene to help, it helps.”

A Legacy of Compassion

The transformation of Sawaliga Basic School under Seidu Agongo’s guidance stands as a testament to the power of compassion and community action. His kindness turned what seemed like an impossible crisis into an inspiring story of resilience and hope. The students now walk into classrooms filled with potential, and their dreams of a brighter future have been restored. Seidu Agongo’s story reminds us all that sometimes, the most powerful changes come from the least expected places, and through kindness, lives can be transformed.

In a significant step towards promoting gender equity and rural transformation, IDEAS Ghana, an NGO focused on community development, has spearheaded an initiative in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region aimed at enhancing women’s access to land for agricultural purposes. The project, which has received support from Africa Action, Germany, is a milestone in the effort to secure land rights for women, who make up a significant portion of the agricultural labour force in Ghana.

A Collaborative Commitment to Change

The initiative brought together traditional leaders, assembly members, and community stakeholders from 11 communities to formally commit, in writing, to allocating fertile land for women’s use in climate-smart farming. This collaboration was the result of extensive community engagement, including dialogue sessions held in May this year in communities such as Kpalsako, Farig, Kamenga, Gbere, Tarikom, Kabore, Bugoure, Goosise, Azupopunga, Widnaba, and Komaka.

Addressing the Gender Land Ownership Gap

Dr. Joseph Ayembilla, Executive Director of IDEAS Ghana, noted during the engagement at Zebilla that women constitute nearly 70% of Ghana’s agricultural labour force but own less than 10% of the land. In subsistence-farming areas like Bawku West, this imbalance has perpetuated cycles of poverty and deprivation. Dr. Ayembilla emphasised that land is not only a means of production but also a vital source of security, identity, and resilience, especially for women in rural communities.

Overcoming Structural Barriers to Land Access

For years, women in the district have faced significant structural barriers to land access due to cultural norms, inheritance rules, and discriminatory land tenure systems. The new initiative is a direct intervention aimed at changing both mindsets and policies at the community level, making land access for women a reality.

Women’s Testimonies Spark Change

“These discussions are not just ceremonial,” Dr. Ayembilla stated. “They are platforms for truth, empathy, and action.” Women shared their struggles, from renting small, unproductive lands to relying on male relatives for access to land. These real-life testimonies had a profound impact, sparking the necessary change in the views of community leaders on land access.

Shifting Traditional Norms

Though traditional leaders expressed concerns about the limitations of the existing land tenure system, they also acknowledged that excluding women from decision-making over land use was no longer acceptable. Motivated by the initiative and the women’s experiences, the community chiefs and elders agreed to break traditional norms, endorsing the allocation of specific plots of land to women for long-term use.

Binding Commitments for Long-Term Change

The resolutions made during these discussions are now binding commitments at the community level, setting a precedent for locally driven land reforms. These resolutions serve as a powerful example of the progress that can be achieved when communities come together for change. As Chief Naba Mark Abuguraug Awingura of Gbere stated, “We cannot develop if more than half of our farmers, our women, are denied access to productive land. If women thrive, the whole community thrives.”

Laying the Foundation for Inclusive Land Governance

The initiative to secure land for women builds upon an earlier workshop held in 2024, which focused on inclusive land governance and sustainable agricultural practices. IDEAS Ghana used this foundation to expand its advocacy efforts, encouraging the community to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices as part of a shared development goal.

Land as a Developmental Right

IDEAS Ghana reiterated that access to land must be viewed as a developmental right, rather than a charitable gesture. Recognising women as rightful land users is essential for unlocking the economic potential of rural communities. The initiative marks a significant shift in how land access is viewed. It is a decisive step towards ensuring gender equity in rural development.

Amnesty International Ghana (AI Ghana) has called on the Government of Ghana to take decisive action to resolve the ongoing Bawku conflict, ensuring lasting peace and protecting innocent lives. The call was made on Friday, June 27, 2025, in response to the continued violence in the region.

Demand for Immediate Action – AI Ghana

AI Ghana, a local chapter of the global human rights organisation, emphasised that the lives of people in Bawku are as valuable as those in any other part of the country. Mr. Francis Nyantakyi, the Board Chairman of AI Ghana, urged the government to “end the silence” and take transparent steps to mediate, rebuild trust between the feuding factions, and protect civilians from further harm.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of AI Ghana, Mr Nyantakyi expressed concern about the government’s failure to address the prolonged violence in Bawku, which has resulted in the displacement of families, loss of lives, and a pervasive sense of fear. He criticised the government’s silence and indecisiveness, which he said “speak louder than any statement.”

The Growing Crisis of Illegal Mining

In addition to the Bawku crisis, Mr. Nyantakyi raised alarm about the growing issue of illegal mining in the country. He highlighted the urgent need to address illicit mining not just as an environmental issue but as a significant human rights crisis. The destructive effects of illegal mining, including toxic rivers, contaminated food chains, destroyed farmlands, and collapsing health systems, reflect a failure in leadership and enforcement.

Mr. Nyantakyi also noted the growing danger faced by those who speak out against these practices. Journalists, traditional leaders, and youth activists have been met with harassment, police violence, and laws that silence their efforts to expose the crisis. He urged the government to treat illegal mining as a human rights issue and to demonstrate political will by prosecuting those involved, including financiers and perpetrators of galamsey.

Protecting Free Expression and Strengthening Institutions

Furthermore, Mr. Nyantakyi urged the government to ensure that communities affected by the environmental impact of illegal mining receive adequate compensation and support for rebuilding. He also emphasised the need for legal reforms to prevent law enforcement from being used to suppress free expression and criticism.

Strengthening independent institutions was another key point of Nyantakyi’s speech. He urged that bodies like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the National Media Commission, and the Judiciary must be shielded from political interference to effectively carry out their duties and protect the constitutional rights of citizens.

International and Regional Collaboration

The AGM, which took place in Fiapre, near Sunyani, was attended by several prominent figures, including Mrs Easily Nemitz, Board Chair of AI, and Dr Julia Duchrow, Secretary General of AI Germany, along with representatives from AI chapters in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire. The four-day forum, themed “Resilience in a Restricted Civic Space,” continues to focus on critical human rights issues facing Ghana and the wider region.

Amnesty International Ghana’s call for decisive government action on the Bawku conflict and illegal mining highlights the urgent need for leadership that prioritises peace, human rights, and environmental justice.

Norsaac, an organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of women, youth, and marginalised groups, has successfully graduated 30 youth artisans in Tamale, located in the Northern Region. This milestone comes after an intensive training program designed to equip these young individuals with valuable skills in tailoring, tile laying, and construction.

Skills Training for the Future by Norsaac

The graduates underwent upgraded skills training in their chosen crafts, enhancing their expertise and marketability. Upon completion, they were provided with essential toolkits, grants, and mentorship to help them build and sustain their businesses. This support is designed to not only improve their skills but also to increase their earning potential.

Empowering Youth, Especially Women

Madam Hafsatu Sey Sumani, Head of Programme Policy and Influencing at Norsaac, emphasised the project’s alignment with the organisation’s core mission: empowering young people, especially women, with the tools to create sustainable livelihoods. She highlighted the importance of providing technical assistance and financial support to help these young artisans thrive.

“I believe that if the beneficiaries also train young people from their communities, it will help reduce the Kayayei issue in the region, especially among girls aged 10-15 years,” said Madam Sumani. By fostering skills development, the organisation aims to break the cycle of poverty and offer young women an alternative to precarious employment.

Norsaac’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment

Madam Sumani assured that Norsaac will continue its efforts to support youth through skills development programs. The organisation’s ultimate goal is to help these young artisans become influential leaders in their communities, driving positive change and creating opportunities for others.

Through this initiative, the organisation not only addresses immediate economic challenges but also plants the seeds for long-term social impact, offering a brighter future for youth and their communities.