The Honorable Akamugri Donatus Atanga, Upper East Regional Minister, has emphasized the need for increased cooperation. He believes this cooperation should be between mining companies and local communities. This partnership will help reduce resistance towards mining activities and promote employment opportunities in the region.

During a courtesy visit to Cardinal Mining, led by Chairman Tang Zhenjiang, officials discussed the company’s ambitious plans. These include a $10 million gold exploration project and the construction of a regional airport. Zhenjiang stressed the company’s dedication to compliance, corporate social responsibility, and collaborations with government and host communities. Additionally, he mentioned that Cardinal Mining has already built a solar farm within its lease area. The company also plans to introduce high-yield seeds from China. This is to support agriculture underneath the panels.

Zhenjiang asked the minister to help educate locals about the project’s advantages. The project guarantees employment opportunities and improves infrastructure. In recognition of the efforts made by the company, Hon. Akamugri emphasized the importance of involving local individuals in employment opportunities to mitigate tensions. He also recommended further dialogue on the proposed airport. This ensures it aligns with current government plans. The land was previously allocated for a similar project many years ago.

“There are lots of efforts here. In fact, there some lands that were allocated for the construction of the airport some 30 years ago, and nothing has happened,” he noted.

“In recent days you can see that, if you have been following social media, some communities members have been trying to take up the mantle by themselves and trying to support by clearing the land round-way. That shows how the airport is so dear to the people of this region,” he stated.

Furthermore, the minister applauded Cardinal Mining for their agricultural efforts and connected them to the country’s “Feed Ghana” campaign. They also suggested partnering on mechanization and providing seeds.

The current NDC administration has introduced a program called Feed Ghana. It aims to focus on agriculture and increase domestic food production. This will reduce our reliance on imports and ensure our citizens are well-fed.

“We have an intention of organizing district mechanization centers where farmers where farmers will have all the needed inputs, whether be it equipment or inputs like seeds for planting. All these will need your partnership,” he added.

He also pushed for extending the solar project beyond Talensi to strengthen security measures.

The minister was invited to tour Cardinal Mining’s operations, which were described as the largest-scale mine in Ghana. The meeting concluded with this invitation.

Daniel Kwame Gariba, the former Builsa South District Chief Executive, has declared his candidacy. He is running for the Upper East Regional Secretary position in the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This announcement marks a notable change in his political aspirations.

Gariba failed three times to obtain the parliamentary position in the Builsa South Constituency. Now, he has shifted his attention towards serving the party on a regional scale.

In an interview with Dreamz FM’s James Nana Tsiquaye, the former DCE indicated he’s ready for regional duties. Thus, he’ll be aiming for the position of Regional Secretary of the NPP. According to Mr Gariba, leadership is primarily concerned with serving others. He plans to utilize the leadership skills and qualities he exhibited as DCE to bolster the party.

He vowed to utilize his expertise and background. The NPP focused on revitalizing its foundation. They are preparing for the upcoming 2028 national elections.

Gariba strongly believed in the party’s chances. He declared that the NPP would regain control from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2028 elections. This would be achieved by working together with determination.

The Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga is currently facing a significant shortage of health professionals. This shortage significantly affects the standard of healthcare the region provides. As the primary referral centre for more than 1.3 million individuals from within and beyond the area, the facility struggles to function with a severely understaffed team.

The hospital was founded as a clinic in 1946. Over time, it has grown into a 265-bed referral facility. Despite its size, it is currently run by only 760 employees. This number includes just one radiographer and one gynaecologist, a situation that hospital authorities have described as dire.

Dr. Aiden Suntaa Saanwie is the hospital’s Medical Director. He expressed his concern about the impact of the staff shortage on current health workers.

“Our major issue when we went round was staffing. We have received a lot of facilities, and we need the recommended staff to be able to use these facilities to the benefit of the people, and that is a key challenge. For instance, we don’t have a biomedical engineer. When the machines break down, we have to get someone from either Accra, Tamale, or Kumasi to come and work on them. Some of them even come in and end up worsening the problem because they are not certified people.” he explained.

Dr Saanwie addressed the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health during their visit. He highlighted the shortage of staff housing as a significant factor in the issue at hand. He emphasized that numerous healthcare professionals are forced to lease pricey apartments in Bolgatanga. This happens because of the lack of available institutional housing.

“Staffing for our doctors and nurses is among the challenges. High rents in town make it challenging. If you don’t have accommodation and you want to go out and rent, you’re faced with difficulties,” Dr Saanwie explained.

Dr Saanwie expressed gratitude to the Committee for their visit. He urged the government, through them, to provide support in constructing a chest ward. He also asked for help in renovating the maternity block at the hospital.

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health is headed by Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane, Member of Parliament for Nabdam. They recently visited the hospital. This visit was part of their nationwide tour of teaching and regional hospitals. The delegation also included Patrick Boakye-Yiadom, who is the MP for Obuasi East. It also included Anthony Mwinkaara Sumah, the MP for Nadowli-Kaleo. Lastly, Kingsley Agyemang, the MP for Abuakwa South, was part of the delegation.

During the visit, the MPs had the opportunity to tour important departments. They witnessed healthcare operations firsthand. They also discussed with hospital management to gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles hindering efficient service delivery.

Dr. Nawaane raised a red flag about the issue. He urged the government to offer unique incentives. These incentives would entice healthcare providers to underprivileged areas. He proposed that the Ministry of Health and Finance collaborate. They should promptly approve funds for medical personnel. These personnel are interested in serving in isolated and impoverished regions.

“We’ve been to different wards, and the problem of staffing is number one, and the government needs to do something about it. The financial clearance that they need, the government has to look at it very well and probably look at these remote areas. The financial clearance can be discriminated in such a way that people who want to come to areas like Bolga should have their financial clearance a bit early. How can the who of Upper East region have 1 radiographer and 1 gynecologist when they need about 6,” he stated.

Additionally, the Committee stressed the importance of promptly addressing the logistical and infrastructure deficiencies at the hospital. These issues have been detrimental to the provision of high-quality healthcare services. Dr Nawaane acknowledged the management’s efforts in maintaining the facility. He also urged them to find ways to increase revenue. This would allow the hospital to generate income.

“They are talking about staff attrition. When they post people here, within two or two years, they leave. You can post a hundred staff here, but without motivation, they will leave. I believe that if the hospital’s IGF is good, they will be able to some extent assist in this staff motivation and reduce staff attrition,” he suggested.

Adam Yaminu Kasim, the Regional Manager of the Rent Control Department in Upper East, mentions a critical issue. Tenants and landlords often face excessive advanced payments required by landlords. This has caused difficulties for many tenants. They cannot afford such large upfront costs. These costs often do not correspond with the quality or worth of the rented properties. Unfortunately, this mismatch between rental fees and property conditions is a persistent concern in the region and nationwide.

One of the most prevalent concerns for tenants and landlords is rental payments. Landlords may often require a significant upfront payment, which can prove to be a major obstacle for many tenants.

During a recent interview on A1 Radio in Bolgatanga, monitored by www.thesavannaonline.com, he addressed the increasing tensions and anxieties surrounding rent fees. He also highlighted the issue of certain landlords disregarding rent regulations.

Mr Kasim emphasized the importance of involving the Rent Control Department early in the rental process. He encouraged tenants to report any suspected irregularities or exploitative practices. This is particularly important when faced with exceptionally high rent demands. However, he acknowledged that numerous tenants hesitate to contact the department.

“Mostly, what we urge tenants to do is, at least sometimes, when you go to a place and inspect it, and the figure is a bit outrageous or too high, you can draw Rent Control’s attention.”…He narrated.

The Rent Control Act governs rental practices in Ghana. Landlords must register their properties before making them available to the public. This process enables the department to determine and approve a reasonable rental rate. Unfortunately, some landlords ignore this obligation and only approach the department when conflicts arise.

“As a landlord or landlady, under the act we are currently operating with—Act 220—even before you put up the premises, once you have the intention of renting it, you have to come and register it with Rent Control. That way, Rent Control is empowered to move in after construction is completed to carry out the assessment and issue a certificate for the appropriate rent.”He further stated.

In addition, Mr. Kasim emphasized the purpose of the Rent Control Department, which is to assist tenants and landlords. The department acts as a neutral entity, providing guidance and settling rental conflicts. However, it has faced challenges in fulfilling its duties due to limited resources. Only five or six officers are responsible for the entire region. As a result, the department has struggled to educate the public and promptly address concerns adequately. Education is a key aspect of the mandate of the outfit. Yet, limited resources prevent Rent Control from fully fulfilling it.

The regional manager emphasized the importance of seeking help from the Rent Control Department early on in any rental situation. It is better to tackle concerns promptly rather than waiting for disputes to worsen.

He encouraged individuals not to hesitate in seeking assistance. The Rent Control team is available to offer guidance whenever needed.

Mr Kasim emphasized that the landlord must adhere to legal procedures when evicting tenants.

“There are laws guiding how a tenant should be evicted. A landlord or landlady cannot just get up and evict you…I encourage all tenants who think they have issues with their landlords to be bold and come forward,” he added.

The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) has launched the 22nd edition of the Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF), which is set to take place from August 7 to 10, 2025 in Accra.

Launched on the theme: “Inclusive Publishing, Celebrating Accessible Literature,” the fair aims to bring together local and international publishers, authors and stakeholders to promote reading culture and the growth of the publishing industry in Ghana.

The launch, which took place in Tamale last Wednesday, also served as the official opening ceremony for the Tamale Regional Book Fair and marked the celebration of UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day.

Organised in partnership with Twellium Industrial Company Limited, UNESCO, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and the Ghana Library Authority, the four-day event sought to foster collaboration among key players in the literary sector.

It also created a platform for authors to showcase their work, for publishers to connect with readers, and for stakeholders to explore new literary content.

Inclusive publishing
At the launch, the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, emphasised the transformative power of inclusive publishing.

“Inclusive publishing will dismantle barriers and ensure no one is left out of the transformative power of literature.”

“It is not only about retrofitting existing books, but designing literature from the outset in multiple accessible formats,” he said.

He highlighted the role of innovation, including AI-driven audiobooks and adaptive e-readers, in expanding access to literature.

However, he stated that less than 10 per cent of published works globally were fully accessible and called for collective efforts from publishers and policymakers to address this gap.

Linguistic diversity
Representing the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, the Head of the Education Section of UNESCO Ghana, Prosper Kwasi Nyavor, stressed the importance of linguistic diversity in publishing.
He said many communities lacked adequate resources in their native languages, posing a threat to literacy, education and cultural continuity.

“New technologies offer opportunities to widen access, but the digital divide continues to deepen inequalities in the global creative economy,” Mr Nyavor added.

He indicated that UNESCO had over the years supported several projects under its International Fund for Cultural Diversity to boost the book sector and protect copyright.

Declining reading culture
The Treasurer of the Ghana Publishers Association, Kwabena Agyapong, lamented the declining culture of reading and the limited investment in general books outside of textbooks.

He stressed that the absence of a national book development and reading policy had stunted the industry’s growth.

“Inadequate library resources and lack of local content continue to hinder public libraries.

The last major procurement of reading materials for basic schools, dates back to the year 2000,” he stated.

He further criticised the imposition of taxes on imported books, which he said had worsened the situation.

Mr Agyapong, therefore, called on the government to ease taxes on textbooks and prioritise the development of a national book and reading policy to promote literacy and cultural preservation.

Today, on Monday, April 28, 2025, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will continue his mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing Bawku conflict between the two opposing factions.

According to a press release dated April 15, 2025, the Asantehene has officially declared that mediation talks will be held at his palace in Kumasi from April 28 to May 1 in order to address the Bawku conflicts.

President John Mahama has assured that the Asantehene will lead the ongoing peace process as part of broader national efforts to restore calm in the troubled region.

Many Ghanaians, particularly the vulnerable residents of Bawku and its neighboring areas, are placing their hopes on the Asantehene’s mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict. Women and children, who this turmoil has significantly impacted, are especially hopeful that a lasting solution will be achieved through this process.

On this day, the 28th of April, Minister John Abdulai Jinapor of Energy and Green Transition rejected claims spreading on social media about his supposed statement labeling 70% of Tamale residents as electricity thieves.

Mr Jinapor has released a press statement this morning, denouncing the reports as “entirely false, contrived and baseless,” He has appealed to the public to pay no attention to these allegations.

He underscored that the audio-visual recordings would prove that he never called the people of Tamale power thieves during his visit.

Mr Jinapor further elaborated on his remarks, stating that he had raised apprehension over the significant ATC&C losses in the NEDCo operational area.

The losses were pointed out as the highest in the area, and they have played a significant role in causing frequent power outages.

“For the avoidance of doubt, technical and collection losses have nothing to do with power theft but rather signify the inefficiencies of the utility company,” he stated.

The Minister emphasized the necessity for immediate changes in the power sector in Tamale, stressing the importance of both substantial investments and operational efficiency to address the current difficulties.

According to him, it is imperative to make enhancements in revenue collection and technical operations in order to ensure a dependable, steady and uninterrupted electricity supply for the residents of Tamale.

Mr Jinapor’s proposed actions demonstrate a larger mission to improve energy distribution throughout the Northern regions.

As he wrapped up his statement, Mr Jinapor reiterated his profound admiration and dedication to the people of Tamale, referring to them as his fellow community members.

“Let me finally assure the chiefs, elders and people of Tamale of my utmost respect and reverence to them and will never use derogatory words to describe my kinsmen,” he said.

His forceful response seems to prioritize maintaining the trust of the community while tackling the technical obstacles in the local energy distribution system.

Doctors at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) have ended their strike and resumed complete services after intervention by the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya Naa Abukari II, and discussions with Health Minister Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

The doctors had withdrawn their services on April 23, 2025, following an incident during the health minister’s visit to the hospital the previous day. The strike was triggered when members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) raised concerns about persistent operational issues and other challenges hindering effective healthcare delivery.

The suspension of services disrupted both routine and emergency operations at the hospital. In response, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and a delegation from Ya Naa Abukari II engaged with the hospital’s leadership to mediate a resolution.

Following consultations with the National Executive Council of the GMA, emergency services were partially restored at TTH from 2 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025. On the same day, a meeting between the health minister and the doctors was facilitated by the GMA.

During the meeting, Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh expressed regret over the ongoing challenges at the hospital and the events leading to the strike. He reassured the doctors that measures had been implemented to address their concerns, including providing necessary medical equipment and supplies.

After these discussions, the doctors convened an emergency meeting on April 26, 2025, where they voted to call off the strike. In a statement, the GMA directed all doctors to resume complete duties immediately.

The GMA also pledged to continue engaging with the hospital’s management, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders to address the longstanding healthcare delivery issues. The association urged the hospital leadership to be more transparent about the institution’s challenges and appealed to the media to report responsibly on health matters.

While expressing appreciation for Ya Naa Abukari II’s role in resolving the matter, the GMA warned that they may consider further actions if logistical and equipment challenges persist. The association reiterated its commitment to improving healthcare at Tamale Teaching Hospital.