Accra, Ghana — Professor Patience Aseweh Abor has made history as the first female full professor at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), marking a significant milestone in the school’s academic journey.

Prof. Abor, a distinguished scholar in health and management sciences, joined the University of Ghana as a Graduate Assistant in 2007. She rose through the ranks, becoming Associate Professor in 2021, and now earns the esteemed title of full professor — a testament to her extensive contributions to teaching, research, mentorship, and university administration.

But her story goes beyond the academic realm.

Known in artistic circles as Wegeiwor, Prof. Abor is also a celebrated musician, actress, and social advocate, using creative expression to inspire, empower, and educate. Drawing from her Upper East roots, her music blends gospel with traditional Ghanaian rhythms, often exploring themes of identity, womanhood, healing, and cultural pride. Her soulful voice and messages of hope have earned her a loyal fan base across generations.

Her artistry extends to acting, with appearances in stage and screen productions — notably with Sparrow Productions — that spotlight societal issues including gender, family, and communal challenges.

A Life of Impact Beyond the Stage

Prof. Abor is the founder of the ExGlo Foundation (www.exglo.org), a non-profit dedicated to promoting education and health in underserved communities. Through ExGlo, she has positively impacted thousands of children and adolescents by providing them with school supplies, mentorship, health outreach, and empowerment programs.

Despite her intensive academic workload, which includes PhD supervision and international research collaborations, she continues to lead wellness seminars, give motivational talks, and perform on both rural and urban platforms.

“People ask me how I manage it all. The truth is, I don’t see my roles as separate. Whether I am in the lecture hall or on stage, I am teaching, healing, and leading,” she shared in a recent conversation.

Currently serving as a visiting professor in both the UK and the USA, Professor Abor’s influence extends across global academic and cultural circles. Her advocacy for holistic wellness — encompassing mental, emotional, educational, and spiritual development — makes her a rare blend of intellect and heart.

To many, the name Wegeiwor is more than an artistic pseudonym — it’s a powerful symbol of resilience, purpose, and compassion.

Tamale, Ghana – New research by the University for Development Studies (UDS) has revealed that poorly fed cattle, particularly the White Fulani breed, emit significantly more greenhouse gases than cars, posing a significant but overlooked threat to climate efforts in Ghana and beyond.

According to the findings, a single White Fulani dairy cow on a poor-quality diet produces up to 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) annually. By contrast, a typical passenger vehicle emits approximately 5 tonnes of CO₂e per year when driven about 18,500 kilometres.

Delivering the university’s 20th Professorial Inaugural Lecture in Tamale, Professor Addah Weseh, Director of Community Relations and Outreach at UDS and Professor of Ruminant Nutrition, described the situation as “alarming” and called for urgent policy action.

“We often blame industry for global warming, but our data show that cattle—especially when poorly fed—contribute even more,” Professor Addah said. “A herd of 60 cows emits as much greenhouse gas as 120 petrol cars.”

Why Poor Feeding Increases Methane Emissions

The research explains that low-quality feed prolongs digestion in the rumen, the first chamber of the stomach in cattle, resulting in higher methane output. Methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to global warming.

“When feed digestibility is low, it stays in the rumen longer, producing more methane,” Professor Addah said. “Improving feed quality through crop residue conservation can reduce emissions and boost cattle productivity.”

Solutions: Feed Quality and Crop Residue Conservation

Ghana, the professor noted, produces sufficient crop residues to feed its cattle year-round. However, only 32% of this potential feed is currently used, compared to up to 100% in countries like Burkina Faso. The result: Ghanaian livestock are less healthy, less export-ready, and more environmentally damaging.

“We must teach farmers how to properly store crop residues and discourage bush burning, which destroys vital animal feed,” he said.

Crop residues—including stalks, leaves, and stems left after harvest—are key to livestock nutrition when appropriately preserved.

A Call to Action

Professor Addah urged the government to:

• Regulate bush burning to protect feed resources
• Support farmers with training on residue conservation
• Invest in appropriate technologies to improve ruminant nutrition

He concluded by emphasizing that “land, feed, and cattle are all part of the climate equation.” With the right policies, Ghana could not only lower emissions but also improve livelihoods.

Tamale, Ghana – The Choggu Traditional Authority has removed a sub-chief from his position following shocking allegations of goat theft. This act has stirred widespread public reaction in the Tamale Metropolis.

Salamba Kukuo Naa, known in private life as Abdallah, was officially deskinned last Thursday by N-Yab Choggu Naa Mahamadu, the senior-most chief under the Gulkpegu Paramountcy. The decision came after the sub-chief was reportedly caught red-handed with slaughtered pregnant goats and later confessed to the crime.

The incident, which has since gone viral across local media and community discussions, has led to widespread condemnation and concern about the integrity of chieftaincy in the region.

“Stealing is abhorred in every sphere of life. It is an abomination for a chief to engage in such acts, which are against our culture and tradition,” Choggu Naa declared. “That is why I have decided to deskin him.”

According to the traditional leader, the conduct of the former chief undermines the sacred responsibilities of Dagbon chieftaincy, where integrity is a non-negotiable value.

“I enskinned the Salamba chief, and he in turn enskinned Kukuo Naa. Therefore, I declare that he is no longer Salamba Kukuo Naa. When a suitable candidate is found, we will confer the title accordingly,” he added.

Salamba Kukuo Naa, who served under the Choggu Traditional Area in Tamale, is suspected of being involved in livestock theft over a prolonged period before being apprehended.

The deskinment has sparked broad public discussion, with many residents expressing shock and disappointment over the disgraced chief’s alleged misconduct.

The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana, Mr. Niloy Banerjee, has emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in transforming Ghana’s economy and creating jobs, particularly for young people and women in Northern Ghana.

Speaking at the Private Sector Investment Forum in Northern Ghana, held in Bolgatanga, Mr. Banerjee underscored that while governments facilitate growth, real job creation is driven by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“In most countries, SMEs account for 80 to 90 percent of all employment. Africa’s youth bulge means not everyone will work in an office, but everyone has the potential to be an entrepreneur—creating jobs not only for themselves but for others,” he noted.

A Call for Strategic Investment and Ecosystem Building

The forum, themed “Accelerating Local Development Through Private Sector Investment and Partnership,” brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society, and development partners. Organized by the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), the event is part of a UN Peacebuilding Fund initiative being implemented by the UNDP and UNFPA.

Participants highlighted both the untapped economic potential and the structural challenges in Northern Ghana, including limited investment, high unemployment, climate vulnerability, and multidimensional poverty. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, some areas in Northern Ghana face poverty rates exceeding 60%, with women and youth disproportionately affected.

“We need infrastructure like cold storage, stable electricity, and improved market access to unlock entrepreneurship,” Mr. Banerjee added. “I pray Ghana builds the ecosystem that allows its entrepreneurs to flourish.”

Investment Readiness Tools and Local Government Transformation

Dr. Audrey Amoah Smock, Director-General of the NDPC, urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to reposition themselves as entrepreneurial facilitators rather than mere administrators. She revealed that the NDPC, in collaboration with the UNDP, has rolled out an “investment toolkit” to help district assemblies assess their investment readiness, identify high-potential sectors, and develop pitches for private investors.

“This toolkit will serve as a blueprint for real transformation,” Dr. Smock explained.

Mr. Ibrahim Ahmed, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, echoed the call for effective local leadership and outlined key government initiatives designed to stimulate private sector growth. These include:

• The Adumawura Programme supports 10,000 youth-led enterprises annually through training, mentorship, startup capital, tax incentives, and market access.
• The Feed Ghana Programme aimed at agricultural self-sufficiency, and
• The 24-Hour Economy Initiative is designed to boost productivity and service delivery.

He encouraged SMEs to take full advantage of these programs.

A Turning Point for Northern Ghana

Mr. Roland Ayoo, Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, described the forum as a “milestone moment” for unlocking the region’s rich human and natural resource potential through investment and strategic partnerships.

The forum ultimately served as a platform for aligning development goals, showcasing opportunities, and mobilizing investment for inclusive and sustainable growth in Northern Ghana.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has launched the second phase of its flagship land restoration initiative in Ghana, aiming to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainable livelihoods in the Sahel region.

Dubbed “Sahelian Landscapes, a Land of Opportunities – Widen Proven Furrows (LOGMe II)”, the three-year project builds on the successes of LOGMe I (2020–2024), which was implemented in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Niger. LOGMe II expands to include Benin and Senegal, targeting communities most affected by climate change and land degradation.

A Regional Vision for Resilience

LOGMe II is part of a broader regional strategy to position land as a driver of climate resilience, economic opportunity, and social empowerment. It is funded by the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security through the UNCCD Global Mechanism.

In Ghana, the project will benefit 16 communities across four districts: Talensi, Bawku West, Builsa South (Upper East Region), and Sissala East (Upper West Region). The project is being implemented by IUCN in partnership with A Rocha Ghana, CSIR-SARI, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

Building on Success: From Hectares to Livelihoods

LOGMe successfully restored over 3,700 hectares of degraded land and strengthened green value chains, including those for honey, shea, and soy-based products, thereby enhancing food security and access to renewable energy for local communities.

“Degraded lands are not just environmental crises—they are development, livelihood, and security issues,” said Ms Dorcas Owusuaa Agyei, National Coordinator of the IUCN Ghana Project Office. “LOGMe II marks a renewed commitment to turn landscapes into engines of resilience and prosperity.”

Community-Driven Restoration and Empowerment

LOGMe II will focus on:

• Inclusive, community-led land restoration
• Scaling up climate-smart green value chains, especially for women and youth
• Strengthening local governance systems to align with national and global restoration targets

It supports Ghana’s Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) commitments. It aligns with UNCCD’s Strategic Framework and SDG 15.3, which calls for a land-degradation-neutral world by 2030.

“Land restoration is more than planting trees. It’s about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and building resilience,” Ms Agyei added.

Partnership and Commitment for Greater Impact

Ms Felicite Chabigonni, Regional Coordinator for LOGMe II, commended donors and emphasised the importance of collective action in achieving sustainable outcomes.

Mr Isaac Kofi Notri of A Rocha Ghana said the project would work closely with local communities to ensure that land-use practices generate sustainable and equitable benefits.

Dr Iddrisu Yahaya, Principal Investigator at CSIR-SARI, urged beneficiary communities to remain committed and cooperative, noting that success depends on building on gains from Phase I.

Talensi District Chief Executive, Mr John Millim Nabwomya, noted that the Assembly will integrate aspects of the project into its Medium-Term Development Plans to sustain its impact.

LOGMe II represents a strategic shift toward restoring not just land but livelihoods, helping communities across Northern Ghana thrive in the face of climate and economic challenges.

The Northern Region has taken a significant step forward in its sanitation drive following the presentation of waste management trucks by Zoomlion Ghana Limited to bolster environmental cleanliness and public health.

The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John Mburudiba, received the trucks on behalf of the chiefs and people of the region. The trucks will be allocated to various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to strengthen their sanitation and waste disposal capacity.

Hon. Mburudiba expressed profound gratitude to Zoomlion for the timely intervention, assuring that the vehicles would be used responsibly and for their intended purpose.

“This support will go a long way to enhance our sanitation infrastructure and promote a cleaner, healthier Northern Region. We will ensure these trucks are well-maintained and effectively deployed,” the Minister affirmed.

Strengthening Local Waste Management

The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to address waste management challenges in the north and improve living standards across communities.

The Regional Minister urged the MMDAs to adopt sustainable maintenance practices and efficient operations to maximize the benefits of the new trucks.

“Sanitation is key to development. Clean environments foster better health and productivity,” he added.

Public-Private Collaboration for Development

The donation underscores Zoomlion’s ongoing commitment to supporting local governments in their efforts to improve sanitation. The partnership reflects a growing trend of private sector engagement in regional development across Ghana.

The Honourable Mburudiba commended the synergy between the government and private stakeholders, noting that such collaborations are vital for accelerating progress in sanitation and public health.

“It is through initiatives like this that we can collectively uplift our region and improve the quality of life for all residents,” he emphasized.

With this support, the Northern Region is poised to make measurable gains in sanitation, environmental protection, and public health outcomes, setting an example for sustainable waste management in other parts of the country.

Outgoing Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Raymond Wejong Ali Adofiem, has been commended for his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to peace and security in the region during his tenure.

At a joint End-of-Year Get-Together (WASSA) and handing-over ceremony held at the Regional Police Headquarters in Bolgatanga, Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, praised DCOP Adofiem for his professionalism, strategic foresight, and effective collaboration with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and sister security agencies.

“Your professionalism and dedication have left an indelible mark,” Hon. Akamugri remarked, adding a heartfelt traditional farewell: “Lahooy Fara Fara, Ti Puuhiya.”

Widely respected and fondly known as the “Lion King,” DCOP Adofiem’s leadership was credited with reducing crime rates, enhancing police-community relations, and strengthening inter-agency coordination across the region.

New Commander Takes Over with High Expectations

The ceremony also marked the formal assumption of duty by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) John Ferguson Dzineku as the new Upper East Regional Police Commander.

Hon. Akamugri urged ACP Dzineku to build on the legacy of his predecessor and continue strengthening the region’s security, particularly in light of challenges such as border-related threats and chieftaincy disputes.

“You have our full support—REGSEC, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders stand ready to work with you,” the minister assured.

Strengthening Law Enforcement Capacity

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to public safety, Hon. Akamugri highlighted ongoing investments in the Ghana Police Service, including:

• Modern communication systems
• Additional patrol vehicles
• Protective gear for officers
• Expansion of the Safe City Project through enhanced CCTV surveillance

He emphasised the importance of intelligence-led policing, deepening community engagement, and eradicating misconduct within the service to uphold its integrity.

Praise for Election Operations and Police Resilience

The minister also commended the Police Service for its resilience during the 2024 election operations, describing the officers’ performance as a key contributor to the peaceful outcome in the region.

He concluded with a commitment to ensuring improved logistical and welfare support, urging officers to continue serving with honour and professionalism.

The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John Mburudiba, has issued a passionate call for national unity, moral renewal, and collective action to propel Ghana toward a future of lasting peace and shared prosperity.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama during the inaugural National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held at the Church of Pentecost, Tishigu Assembly in Tamale, Hon. Mburudiba encouraged citizens to reflect on their shared journey as a nation, reset their attitudes, and renew their commitment to national development.

A Sacred National Reset

Themed “Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity,” the Minister’s address underscored the symbolic and spiritual importance of the event. He urged Ghanaians to:

• Reflect on past challenges and victories, learning from both to inform your future endeavours.
• Reset by discarding divisive habits, complacency, and apathy.
• Renew national values through innovation, patriotism, and shared responsibility.

“We must renew our resolve to build a nation where healthcare is accessible, education is quality-driven, businesses flourish, and all citizens feel safe, valued, and empowered,” Hon. Mburudiba declared.

A National Call to Action

Hon. Mburudiba called on all citizens to uphold high moral standards, embrace volunteerism, and be active contributors to their communities. He made a heartfelt plea for prayer, particularly for the nation’s youth, to be shielded from social vices such as drug abuse, which threaten their future and national progress.

He led the congregation in intercessory prayers for:

• Wisdom and integrity for national leaders
• Unity and stability across Ghana
• Healing and hope for vulnerable populations

A United Front for Peace and Development

The event drew participation from key local authorities, including:

• Hon. Adam Abukari Takoro, Mayor of Tamale
• Hon. Abdulai Imoro Gong, MCE for Sagnarigu
• Senior officials from the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly
• Members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), led by Chief Director Mr. Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu

Their presence underscored the commitment of regional leadership to national unity and public safety. REGSEC’s active role in the event reinforced its pivotal mandate in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for civic gatherings.

A New Chapter for Ghana

The Northern Regional Minister concluded his message with optimism and gratitude, calling on Ghanaians to view this National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving not just as a moment of spiritual reflection but as the beginning of a renewed national spirit anchored in cooperation, peace, and development.

“Let this be the dawn of a new chapter for Ghana—one where we rise together as one people, under God, with a renewed determination to build a prosperous nation.”

As prayers echoed across the sanctuary, a palpable sense of hope and solidarity filled the atmosphere, signalling that the journey toward national renewal had begun.