The government, through the Dubidi Initiative, is targeting the cultivation of 10,000 hectares of rice in the Northern and Northeast Regions as part of its broader effort to boost food production under the “Feed Ghana Programme.” Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, the Director in charge of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA), shared these plans during a recent visit to farmlands in the West Mamprusi Municipality of the Northeast Region.

Expanding Farmland and Empowering Youth

During his visit, Dr Otokunor revealed that the initiative has already registered nearly 9,000 farmers, with expectations that the target of 10,000 hectares may soon be surpassed. While the project is initially starting on a pilot basis, it aims to increase food production nationwide.

The pilot will focus on three key food commodities: rice, soya beans, and maize. In the Northern and Northeastern regions, rice and soybeans will be cultivated. At the same time, maize will be grown in the Upper West Region. The government aims to engage 25,000 young men and women in maize farming in the Upper West, with a target of cultivating 50,000 hectares of maize.

Risk Management and Crop Insurance

Dr Otokunor acknowledged that the scale of the initiative comes with significant risks, particularly regarding maize cultivation in the Upper West. However, he emphasized that the government and its partners are taking steps to mitigate these risks, including the provision of crop insurance. “We are making efforts to ensure that if we lose, the insurance will take care of it,” he stated.

The government plans to expand this initiative next year, incorporating large-scale crop insurance to safeguard the investment in these critical farming activities.

Supporting Farmers with Inputs and Partnerships

Dr. Otokunor also highlighted the importance of collaboration with private partners to ensure the initiative’s success. The government will provide vital support to farmers, including seeds, fertilizers, certified seeds, and other essential farm machinery. Additionally, technical support will be offered to help farmers adopt best practices, thereby enhancing their productivity and income.

“This initiative is here to support you now, but we cannot do it alone,” Dr. Otokunor stressed. “We need private partnerships to help make this a success.”

A Future of Sustainable Agriculture

Mallam Abu Zeidu Abudu Hassan, the leader of the farmers, expressed gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing that it would alleviate many of the challenges faced by farmers in the region. He urged his fellow farmers to avoid politicizing the program and focus on sustaining it for the benefit of all farmers in Northern Ghana and beyond.

Through the Dubidi Initiative, the government aims to empower farmers, enhance food production, and foster sustainable livelihoods, thereby ensuring a brighter future for agricultural communities across the region.

Frontier Missions Network continues the work of the lord. Comes to the Aid of 65-Year-Old Widow Kokoetey Dokaara, a 65-year-old visually impaired widow from Wechao-Buo in the Wa West District, has endured immense hardship. Born partially blind and later losing her sight entirely, her life took a dramatic turn after the death of her husband in the late 90s. The tragic loss of her son and her home in a rainstorm further deepened her struggles.

The Final Tragedy

The death of her last surviving son, Yaw Dezem, was a devastating blow. Yaw, aged 27, had been Kokoetey’s primary source of support. He had been working tirelessly to build her a new home, even attempting to gather additional funds from a galamsey site to complete the project. Sadly, he passed away mysteriously on May 3rd while trying to secure resources to finish the house. This left Kokoetey entirely destitute and without anyone to care for her.

Community’s Concern and Intervention

Kokoetey’s plight did not go unnoticed. The assembly member for the Sanuori electoral area, Claudius Dare Kuuyore, shared the challenges the widow faced after the storm. “She was staying in this single room, and when the rainstorm hit the community on April 5th, she lost everything,” he explained. “Now, she is homeless and vulnerable. Her mentally disturbed son has disappeared, and with no one else to turn to, her situation became unbearable.”

Seeing the urgency, Mr. Kuuyore intensified his efforts to seek assistance for Kokoetey. His search led him to the Executive Director of Frontier Missions Network, Apostle Dr. Moses Sansa, who immediately responded to the call.

Frontier Missions Network Steps In

Upon learning of Kokoetey’s hardships, Apostle Dr. Moses Sansa visited her personally. He described Kokoetey as someone with immense strength and a positive attitude despite her circumstances. “She has a very cheerful heart and a powerful attitude because if she were to be any other person, she would have been broken down by now,” he remarked.

To alleviate her suffering, the Frontier Missions Network made a generous donation, which included two packets of roofing sheets, clothing (including second-hand items), and a bag of rice. Apostle Sansa assured the organisation that it would continue to support her. “We’ll keep an eye on her with some remittances and regular visits to ensure that she is coping well,” he added.

Wider Community Support

Frontier Missions Network’s assistance didn’t stop with Kokoetey. The NGO extended its support to 61 other widows in the community, providing them with food, clothing, and other essentials. Each widow received a brand-new cloth, half a bag of rice, and used clothes from home. Additionally, 200 school pupils received a hot lunch, sanitary pads were distributed to the girls, and residents were educated on proper hygiene practices.

The NGO also provided educational sessions on the correct use of sanitary pads, including hygiene practices such as handwashing, to promote better health within the community.

Through this initiative, Frontier Missions Network has not only helped Kokoetey but also provided crucial support to a broader group in the region, demonstrating their commitment to improving the lives of those in need.

The Savannah Regional Police have arrested 16 individuals in Damongo for their involvement in the illegal drug trade. Among those arrested were a teenage nursing mother and another female suspect. This crackdown, which took place around World Drug Day on June 26, is part of a larger security operation to address the rising drug problem in the region.

Targeted Operations in Damongo

The arrests were part of a targeted operation aimed at curbing the increasing menace of drugs in the region. The suspects, primarily young adults in their late teens and twenties, were apprehended from various hideouts such as cemeteries, abandoned buildings, farms, and homes. Eleven individuals were arrested on Wednesday, with five more taken into custody the following day, June 27.

A Successful Operation

The Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Salisu Be-Awuribe, who also serves as the Chairman of the Regional Security Council, praised the security forces for their efforts. He described the operation as a success, adding that it was an essential step in reducing drug abuse in the area. However, he also had a strong message for parents.

A Call for Parental Responsibility

Mr. Be-Awuribe urged parents not to seek leniency for their children in police stations. Instead, he stressed the importance of parents actively guiding their children away from harmful behaviours. “Parents should not just be interested in bailing out their children but counsel them and give them the kind of parental guidance that will stop them from engaging in such bad practices,” he advised.

A Warning to Drug Dealers

The Regional Minister didn’t hold back in his warning to drug dealers and users: “If you are in this business, it’s better to stop now, or there will be no hiding place for you in the Savannah Region.” This operation is part of a broader, sustained effort to combat drug trafficking and usage in the region.

Long-Term Strategy: Punishment and Education

The police operation is not a one-off event. The regional authorities have emphasized the combination of punitive actions and educational efforts to combat the drug crisis. Public education campaigns are being run alongside arrests to help reduce drug use and raise awareness about its dangers. The Minister recalled previous warnings issued by traditional leaders, such as the Yagbonwura, during Islamic celebrations, further underlining the urgency of the issue.

The Role of NACOC and the Need for Stronger Enforcement

While the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has been working to educate the public, the Minister pointed out that drug peddlers and users continue to thrive. This highlights the need for a more intense enforcement effort. The goal of the operation is not only to arrest but also to reform offenders and deter future criminal activity.

Regional Crackdown Expanding

Mr. Be-Awuribe emphasized that the operation’s reach would expand beyond Damongo. He warned that the crackdown would extend to all seven districts in the Savannah Region. Parents, he cautioned, should be prepared to face the consequences if their children are caught in drug-related offences.

Community Response

As of the latest update, several parents, including influential community leaders, were gathered at the divisional police headquarters in Damongo, attempting to secure the release of the detained suspects. However, the message from the regional authorities remains clear: the battle against drug use and trafficking in the Savannah Region is far from over.

During a recent stakeholder consultation in Tamale, Persons Living with Disabilities in the Northern Region presented a compelling proposal for amending the constitution. The aim was to ensure that working members of their community were guaranteed full-salary pensions, much like the retirement benefits enjoyed by certain public officeholders under Article 71 of the 1992 Constitution.

A Step Towards Social Equity

The proposal originates from the ongoing constitutional review exercise, which has garnered contributions from various stakeholders, including government agencies, youth groups, and civil society organisations. Ayishetu Abubakari, a representative from the Northern Regional Chapter of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, emphasised the importance of social protection and equity for people with disabilities. She explained that extending the benefits of Article 71 to include people with disabilities would not only provide much-needed social protection but would also foster fairness in society.

“This change would enhance the quality of life for many of us, ensuring we receive the same rights as other public officeholders,” Ayishetu noted.

Expanding Benefits Beyond Public Officials

Currently, Article 71 provides retirement benefits only to a select group of public officials, such as former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Chief Justices, Members of Parliament, and other high-ranking officeholders. Ayishetu believes that this provision should be extended to working-class members of the disabled community, offering them the same pension guarantees as these officials.

“We propose that Article 71 should be amended to include us—people living with disabilities—so that we too can enjoy the full-salary pensions that are granted to other public officeholders,” she stated.

Direct Disbursement of Funds

In addition to the proposal for full-salary pensions, Mr Alhassan Shakun of the Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD) raised a concern about the current system of distributing the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) for persons with disabilities. Currently, funds are disbursed through the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), which Shakun described as “overly bureaucratic, inconvenient, and burdensome.”

Shakun proposed that the DACF be disbursed directly to the beneficiaries instead. He argued that this would not only enhance transparency but also restore confidence in the management and utilisation of the funds.

Additional Proposals for Constitutional Reform

The Tamale engagement also saw several other noteworthy proposals aimed at improving governance and accountability within the country. Among the key suggestions were:

• Converting the Council of State into a second legislative chamber.
• Merging the Office of the Special Prosecutor with the Office of the Attorney General.
• Reducing the number of Members of Parliament from 275 to 200.
• Abolishing the position of the Regional Minister and making MMDCEs directly accountable to the Ministry of Local Government.
• Scrapping ex gratia payments for government appointees.
• Raising the retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
• Introducing regulations for campaign financing to improve accountability.
• Preserving the constitutional provision barring chiefs from partisan politics to safeguard the chieftaincy institution.

A Call for Active Participation in the Review Process

Professor Henry Kwesi Prempeh, the Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, commended the participants for their thoughtful contributions. He encouraged citizens to remain actively involved in the constitutional review process to ensure that their voices are fully heard and reflected in the final reforms.

As the consultation continues, these proposals have opened up meaningful conversations about fairness, transparency, and accountability in the country’s governance system, especially for marginalised communities such as persons with disabilities.

In celebration of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Tamale hosted a pivotal event focusing on national efforts to reverse land degradation and promote environmental sustainability. The event highlighted the pressing need for reforestation, ecological awareness, and land restoration, particularly in light of Ghana’s escalating environmental challenges.

Empowering the Next Generation

Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of fostering environmental responsibility among Ghana’s youth. He introduced the “One Child, One Tree” initiative, which aims to empower every child in Ghana to plant and care for a tree. This initiative is viewed as a crucial step in the country’s broader efforts to reforest and enhance climate resilience.

“We aim to instill a culture of environmental responsibility in our younger generation. The goal is to empower every child in Ghana to plant and care for a tree,” Dr. Murtala said. He commended the efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regional partners for their continued commitment to promoting tree-planting initiatives.

The Pressing Need for Land Restoration

Dr Murtala highlighted the growing environmental pressures facing Ghana, including deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable farming practices, and the devastating effects of climate change. These factors are rapidly degrading the country’s ecosystems, particularly in the five northern regions. He emphasised that land restoration is not only essential for combating desertification but also for enhancing agriculture, creating employment opportunities, conserving water, and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

“Land restoration is a critical part of our strategy. It will help improve agriculture, create jobs, conserve water, and capture carbon,” he said, reaffirming the government’s dedication to embedding environmental sustainability in national development policies under the leadership of President John Mahama.

Recognising Efforts in Environmental Stewardship

As part of the event, Dr. Murtala presented awards to institutions and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to tree planting and environmental care. Among the awardees were the Tamale Nursing Training College, the University for Development Studies in Tamale, SARI, and various youth chiefs in the region, all of whom have shown outstanding commitment to maintaining healthy green spaces in their communities.

Global and National Impact

Mr. Felix Addo Okyere, Director and Head of Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), delivered a message on behalf of the EPA CEO, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse. He highlighted the alarming global scale of desertification, revealing that approximately one million square kilometres of productive land are degraded annually, affecting 1.3 billion people. Moreover, 1.8 billion people live in drought-prone areas, with over 4.4% enduring extreme drought conditions. Ghana is not immune to these challenges, with more than 39% of its land facing desertification, poor land use, and the harsh effects of climate change.

Northern Region’s Commitment to Reforestation

The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, praised the “One Child, One Tree” campaign, recognising its alignment with the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, which aims to plant over 30 million trees by 2025. He urged all stakeholders to ramp up their efforts in combating desertification. He pledged the full support of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council to ensure the success of these initiatives.

A Collective Call for Action

The Tamale event served as a powerful reminder of the pressing environmental challenges Ghana faces. It emphasised the need for collective action to combat desertification, drought, and land degradation. By empowering the next generation, fostering public awareness, and committing to large-scale reforestation efforts, the country is taking critical steps toward a greener and more resilient future.

Eco Restore, a prominent reforestation and restorative social enterprise has officially launched its annual tree-planting month in Takoradi, located in the North East Region. This initiative combines ancient sustainable practices with cutting-edge regenerative techniques to improve soil health, restore biodiversity, and ensure food security for future generations.

Celebrating World Environment Day with Purpose

The launch of the tree planting month coincided with the celebration of World Environment Day (WED) on June 5, which this year focused on the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.” This theme aligns perfectly with Eco Restore’s broader mission to restore ecosystems and promote sustainable land management practices across the region.

Global Shea Landscape Emission Reduction Project

The tree planting month forms part of the Global Shea Landscape Emission Reduction Project (GSLERP). This five-year initiative started in 2024. The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It is implemented by the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), with technical support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

In partnership with Bunge, a primary international shea processor, and their collaborator Agriterra, Eco Restore aims to plant 142,000 trees across 19 communities by 2025. Of these, 100,000 will be shea trees, with the remaining 42,000 being non-shea trees.

A Million Trees Planted and Counting

At the launch event, Eco Restore Director Dr Peter Lovett shared the organisation’s remarkable achievement of planting over one million trees in the past six years. He emphasised the importance of planting more indigenous trees, particularly shea trees, highlighting their role in supporting reforestation efforts, generating market value, and serving as a vital source of livelihood for women.

A Call for Environmental Responsibility

Dr. Issahaku Zakaria, another Eco Restore Director, called on the public to avoid activities that harm the environment. He urged individuals to plant more trees or replace those they cut down, emphasising the importance of sustainable land management to prevent the future loss of vital ecosystems and landscapes.

Symbolic Tree Planting Ceremony

The launch was further marked by a symbolic tree-planting ceremony led by the chief of Takorayiri, Mba Takora Dinbahara Dabru. Other key figures, including ISODEC Coordinator Madam Agnes A. Gandaa, Madam Scholastica Atarah from the Centre for Ecological and Livelihood (CEAL), and Dr. Michael Barnor, officer-in-charge of the Bole sub-station of CRIG, also participated in the event, showing their support for this critical environmental initiative.

Eco Restore’s annual tree planting month serves as a reminder of the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. Through these efforts, the organisation aims to make a lasting impact on the environment, community livelihoods, and sustainable land-use practices.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye has called for urgent and tangible measures to resolve the ongoing conflict in Bawku. He expressed deep concern about the prolonged insecurity in the area, urging the government to move beyond verbal assurances and implement lasting solutions that ensure peace and safety for the residents.

Moving Beyond Verbal Assurances

Speaking during the ordination of ministerial probationers at the Garrison Methodist Presbyterian Church in Burma Camp, Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye criticized what he described as “cosmetic” measures being taken to address the conflict. He pointed out that verbal promises from government authorities have failed to deliver meaningful results, highlighting the need for real, practical solutions.

The Moderator emphasized that the safety of the people in Bawku must be the primary concern, stressing that current actions have not sufficiently addressed the root cause of the conflict. He mentioned a recent order from the president instructing the military to accompany people travelling on the Bawku road, a clear indication that the situation remains unresolved.

Impact on the Church’s Mission

The ongoing conflict has severely affected the Church’s ability to deliver essential services, particularly in healthcare and education, to the communities in the conflict zones. Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye expressed his concern over the disruption of students’ education, noting incidents such as the recent shooting at a school bus, which further undermines trust and safety.

“I cannot assure them of safety. Though it is my school, I cannot guarantee their protection,” he said, reflecting on the grim reality faced by students and their families.

A Call for Unity and Cooperation

Despite the challenges, the Moderator remains hopeful that peace can be achieved if all parties come together. He called on national leaders, security agencies, and traditional leaders of the two ethnic groups involved to sit down and collaborate on a solution. He expressed confidence that with concerted effort, peace could be restored to Bawku.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye’s call underscores the urgent need for a unified approach to resolving the Bawku conflict, with an emphasis on long-term solutions that restore safety, security, and trust to the region.

Alhaji Adams Muaza, the newly appointed Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Lawra in the Upper West Region, has tragically passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Reports indicate that he has been struggling with health issues since his appointment in April 2025.

Health Struggles and Tragic Timing

Alhaji Muaza’s death comes at a time when the Lawra Municipality is still reeling from the recent tragic drowning of seven students in the Black Volta at Dikpe. The loss of the MCE adds to the deep sorrow in the region, which has been facing a difficult period.

Political and Community Contributions

Before becoming MCE, Alhaji Muaza had served as the Deputy Constituency Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lawra. His passing marks a significant loss to the community, where he had been a prominent figure, contributing to both political and social life in the area.