Month: June 2025

Amnesty International Ghana (AI Ghana) Urges Government to Act on Bawku Conflict

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.”

Mr-Francis-Nyantakyi—Board-Chairman-AI-Ghana

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.

Upper West Regional Minister Distributes Sanitary Pads to Female Students

Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, has presented sanitary pads to female students in second-cycle institutions across the region to support menstrual hygiene management. This initiative is part of the government’s Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme, which aims to promote gender equality and enhance school attendance among girls.

Government’s Commitment to Girls’ Education – Upper West Regional Minister

The distribution was launched at the Jamiat Islamic Girls’ SHS in Wa, where Mr Puozuing emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for girls to actively participate in their academic activities. He highlighted that this policy, introduced by President John Mahama, aims to help girls remain in school, maintain good health, and focus on learning.

“The government may not be able to meet the sanitary pad needs of the schoolgirls throughout the year, but we are committed to ensuring that whenever schools are in session, the girls will have the support they need to stay comfortable and focused,” said Mr Puozuing.

Regional Distribution Plans

Mr Razak Abdul-Korah, the Upper West Regional Director of Education, revealed that the region was expected to receive a total of 220,000 packs of sanitary pads for distribution to female students. To date, 73,650 packs have been delivered, with each female student set to receive four packs, which are expected to last approximately five months.

Addressing Menstrual Hygiene Challenges

Hajia Afisata Salia, the Headmistress of Jamiat Islamic SHS, acknowledged that access to sanitary pads had been a significant challenge for some students. She expressed optimism that this intervention would ease the burden on the girls and help reduce absenteeism, promote better health and personal hygiene, and create a more supportive learning environment.

Students Express Gratitude

Miss Mukarramah Hafiz, a student at the school, expressed her gratitude to the government, stating that this initiative would not only alleviate the financial burden on parents but also foster greater inclusion in teaching and learning. She appreciated the thoughtful consideration of the menstrual hygiene needs of schoolgirls.

This initiative demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to supporting girls’ education and ensuring that they can learn in a healthier and more inclusive environment.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Tamale Celebrates the Feast of Corpus Christi

The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Tamale marked the Feast of Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, a significant event in the Catholic faith that underscores the central mystery of the Eucharist—the actual presence of Jesus Christ in the bread and wine during Mass.

A Day of Celebration and Faith at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

This year, the celebration was vibrant, with all the church groups donning their colourful uniforms to honour the feast. The parishioners gathered to commemorate this sacred occasion, focusing on the importance of the Eucharist as the gift that Jesus left for humankind.

Father Hilary Pogbeyir’s Sermon on the Eucharist

Very Reverend Father Hilary Pogbeyir, the Parish Priest of the Blessed Sacrament Church, delivered a sermon highlighting the significance of the Eucharist. He explained that the Catholic Church believes in the real presence of Christ in the elements of bread and wine during Mass. Father Pogbeyir urged the congregation to renew their commitment to faith, emphasising that the Eucharist is the surest way for Catholics to encounter God’s love in their daily lives.

A Call to Live Christ’s Love

Father Pogbeyir spoke about how Christians are called to embody God’s love in their unique circumstances, just as Jesus incarnated God’s love during his earthly life. He encouraged the faithful to allow this transformation to take place through the Eucharist, which he described as a powerful means to bring Christians closer to Christ’s presence.

Supporting the Poor and Needy

As part of his message, Father Pogbeyir urged Christians to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ by reaching out to support the poor and needy in their communities. By doing so, they would receive God’s blessings and be faithful followers of Christ’s example of love and service.

Post-Mass Celebration

After the Holy Mass, the church organised a get-together and outdoor games for the parishioners. The event fostered a sense of community and joy as the faithful came together to celebrate not only the Feast of Corpus Christi but also their shared faith and commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Through this celebration, the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Tamale reaffirmed its dedication to the Eucharist and the transformative power of Christ’s love in the lives of its members.

Apprentices Sensitised on Gender Equality and Adolescent Health Rights

The North East Regional Department of Gender recently organised a two-day workshop aimed at sensitising apprentices on crucial topics, including gender equality, roles, stereotypes, and adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The event, supported by the United Nations Population Fund, was designed to provide apprentices with essential knowledge and skills to challenge gender stereotypes, understand gender roles, and access adolescent-friendly health services in their communities.

Empowering Young Apprentices

The workshop brought together 92 participants from the Yunyoo/Nasuan District and the West Mamprusi Municipality, including tailors, hairdressers, makeup artists, masons, and carpenters. These apprentices were educated on a range of issues that affect their daily lives and futures, from understanding the difference between sex and gender to gaining practical insights into SRHR.

Understanding Gender and Challenging Stereotypes

Mrs Bushira Alhassan, the Northern Regional Director of the Department of Gender, led the workshop by discussing the critical distinction between sex and gender. She highlighted how traditional beliefs, such as the notion that men should handle physical labour and women should care for children, limit opportunities and perpetuate discrimination both at home and in society. These insights encouraged participants to reflect on how these stereotypes affect their personal and professional lives.

Adolescent SRHR: A Vital Right

Madam Miriam Bonah, a Senior Midwife with the Northern Regional Health Directorate, led a highly engaging session on SRHR. Her presentation covered vital topics such as menstrual hygiene, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the importance of seeking proper healthcare. She emphasised that access to accurate SRHR information should be considered a right, not a luxury, particularly for young girls in the informal sector who are often excluded from public health discussions.

Health Education and Practical Tips

Madam Joyce Sandow, a health professional at the North East Regional Health Directorate, sensitised participants on menstrual cycles, STI prevention, and the risks associated with unsafe sexual practices. She also discussed the dangers of overusing emergency contraceptives and provided practical advice on maintaining sexual health.

Participants gained valuable insights into the stigma faced by adolescent girls when seeking SRHR services. They were encouraged to utilise adolescent-friendly areas in local health facilities, which are designed to provide a more comfortable and supportive environment for young people seeking health services.

Debunking Myths and Challenging Gender Norms

During the plenary session, participants openly shared personal experiences and addressed community-held misconceptions. A key myth discussed was the belief that family planning methods could cause permanent infertility. This misconception discourages many young women from using contraceptives. Other concerns included teenage pregnancy, societal pressures, and the dangers of using unsafe local sexual enhancement products.

The discussions also explored how traditional gender roles often prevent men from participating in household chores, reinforcing gender inequality. Participants agreed on the need to challenge these stereotypes to create more equitable relationships both at home and in society.

A Step Towards Gender Equality

The workshop served as a crucial platform for apprentices to learn about their rights and gain the tools to challenge societal norms. By addressing both gender equality and SRHR, the initiative aimed to empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and future, ultimately working toward greater gender equality in the region.

Education Authorities Alarmed by Rising Child Marriages in Mamprugu Moagduri District

The Mamprugu Moagduri District in the North East Region of Ghana is witnessing a disturbing trend of child marriages, which is negatively impacting girl-child education. Across the district’s 48 schools, there has been a steady decline in school enrolment, particularly among girls.

Child Marriage

The Impact of Child Marriages on Education

Research conducted by Afrikids Ghana highlighted alarming statistics: in just 20 targeted schools, at least 30 cases of child marriage were recorded within a single month. In some communities, such as Kunkwa and Katigri, it is not uncommon for five to eight girls to marry within the same month, as this practice is deeply rooted in local norms.

However, Afrikids Ghana’s One Million Smiles Program, through community sensitisation and mentorship for girls, has begun to reverse this troubling trend. Yet, much more is needed to make a significant impact.

Rising Health Risks for Adolescents

The health directorate’s data paints a grim picture, with the number of adolescents attending antenatal care services rising toward 15%, a concerning figure that continues to climb. Many of these young girls are even travelling outside the district for care. This highlights the growing danger posed by child marriages, with many girls becoming mothers before they are truly ready.

Afrikids Ghana’s Interventions

Currently, Afrikids Ghana is addressing six child marriage cases involving school pupils. So far, four of the victims have been successfully rescued, reunited with their families, and returned to school. These cases primarily involve girls at the primary and junior high school levels.

Mathew Abagna, the District Manager for Afrikids’ One Million Smiles Program, emphasised the significant barriers to girls’ education in the district, with forced marriages being the most prominent challenge. He stressed the need for intensified sensitisation efforts to change this damaging practice.

The Norm of KAYAYE and Child Labor

In addition to child marriage, another pervasive issue affecting school attendance is the migration of girls to southern Ghana for labour, commonly known as “KAYAYE.” Over 90% of school girls under the age of 18 are involved in this practice, further depriving them of their education. Mr Abagna revealed that both parents and teachers in the district are complicit in this issue, with 70% of children being taken to farms during school hours, leaving classrooms nearly empty.

Impact on Teaching and Learning

Julius Bernet Ofori, the Director of Education for the Mamprugu Moagduri District, confirmed Afrikids’ findings and shared the challenges this situation presents for education. “During school hours, especially in the farming season, many classrooms are almost empty because children are working on farms with their parents. We are doing our best, with other stakeholders, to address these challenges,” Mr. Ofori explained.

The Widespread Prevalence of Child Marriages in North East Region

Data from the Ghana Statistical Service reveals that the North East Region has the highest percentage of girls in a union, with 13%, more than twice the national average of 4%. The Savanna and Northern Regions follow with 10.9% and 10.6%, respectively. This starkly contrasts with the national trend, underscoring the need for urgent intervention in these areas.

Child Marriage

UNICEF’s Findings and Global Efforts

Ending child marriage is a critical target of Sustainable Development Goal 5, and Ghana, like many countries, faces significant challenges in achieving this goal. According to UNICEF, Ghana is home to over two million child brides, including both current and former child brides. The data further reveals that girls from rural areas or poor households are at a higher risk of being married off early. More than nine in ten of these married girls are not attending school, significantly limiting their future opportunities.

A Call for Action

The increasing rate of child marriages and child labour in the Mamprugu Moagduri District highlights the urgent need for more focused efforts on the education and empowerment of girls. Afrikids Ghana’s intervention is a vital step, but continued support from both the local and national government, as well as civil society, is essential to combat these deeply rooted challenges and ensure that every girl in the district can receive an education, free from the threat of early marriage or exploitation.

Philanthropist Namleeb Konlan Rescues Conflict Victims and the Impoverished in Northeast Region

Philanthropist Namleeb Konlan, through his Yennutoona Foundation, has provided crucial support to victims of recent violence and impoverished families in the Bunkpurugu/Nakpanduri District in the Northeast Region. His initiative has benefitted thousands, including those affected by the deadly conflict in Nanik and Bimbagu, as well as countless households enduring chronic poverty.

A Timely Humanitarian Response by Namleeb Konlan

On June 21, 2025, with the assistance of family and friends abroad, Namleeb Konlan distributed essential items, including food, clothing, and cash, to over 30,000 households. This act of kindness follows a violent clash on February 28, 2025, over a chieftaincy dispute in Nanik and a related land conflict in Ngagma Gberuk. The violence resulted in the deaths of seven people, including 27-year-old teacher Nashiru Maijida, and left nearly 200 homes and food stores destroyed.

Many of the victims were displaced, with some fleeing to nearby communities in the Yunyoo District, Bunkpurugu, and even neighbouring Togo. Despite these efforts to seek refuge, residents of Bimbagu, who are reportedly responsible for the attacks, have continued to resist the return of the displaced.

Targeting the Vulnerable

Konlan’s foundation specifically focused on the most vulnerable groups, including widows, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals branded as witches. The foundation also distributed farm inputs and cashew seedlings to promote sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, selected beneficiaries received cash assistance to cover medical bills, school fees, and other daily expenses.

“This is a time of hunger in the Northeast—when early millet hasn’t arrived, food is scarce,” said Konlan. “So this food you see, we are giving to the blind, the crippled, widows, orphans, even lepers.”

Namleeb-Konlan-&-Team-sorted-out-packages

Yennutoona Foundation’s Ongoing Impact

The Yennutoona Foundation, now celebrating 46 years of existence, operates with complete funding from Konlan and his extended family. Over the years, the foundation has empowered 60 women’s groups through agricultural projects, helping them earn an income from cultivating and selling economically valuable trees, such as shea and cashews.

“Our women now sell their produce, pay school fees, and feed their children,” Konlan proudly stated. “We’ve restored self-sufficiency to many homes.”

Call for Government Action

While highlighting his foundation’s accomplishments, Konlan urged the government to ensure the equitable distribution of national resources and to ensure that social intervention programs truly benefit underserved regions like his own. His call for fairness in the allocation of resources underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the area.

Gratitude from the Community

Residents, especially women and children, expressed their deep gratitude for Konlan’s intervention. “This food and clothing will help us survive this difficult time,” said Ama Dubik, a widow from Nanik. “We thank Mr. Konlan for remembering us.”

A Beacon of Hope for the Region

The Bunkpurugu/Nakpanduri District continues to grapple with long-standing challenges, including recurring conflict and a lack of mechanised farming, making initiatives like Konlan’s not just important but essential for survival. His dual focus on providing immediate relief and advocating for peace has become a beacon of hope for many in the region, offering both practical support and the promise of a brighter future.

Nuts for Growth (N4G) Empowers Over 81,000 Women in Northern Region

Nuts for Growth (N4G), an Agro-Processing Company based in Tamale, has successfully empowered more than 81,000 women in the Northern Region through its Inclusive Shea Sourcing and Tricycle Support Programme. This initiative is part of N4G’s ongoing commitment to engage more women in the shea nut value chain, which plays a critical role in both local livelihoods and the country’s agricultural economy.

Transforming the Shea Nut Value Chain

Ms. Dora Haborsutei Torwiseh, the CEO of N4G, shared these accomplishments during a recent visit by Dr. Peter Bramah Otokunor, Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA). She highlighted the company’s state-of-the-art shea butter processing facility, which can process 450 metric tons per day alongside a 300-metric-ton kernel crushing line. This robust infrastructure supports a dynamic network of women across the shea value chain, ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials.

N4G founded 12 years ago, has grown to become one of West Africa’s largest women-led oilseed processing companies, playing a pivotal role in the region’s agricultural transformation. As a woman-led driver of industrial change, the company is making significant strides in empowering women and driving economic growth.

Expansion Plans and Economic Growth

The company has ambitious expansion plans aimed at increasing its economic impact. N4G is focused on creating a 24-hour economy. It aims to employ 900 people daily, train 200 youth annually, and achieve a $500 million turnover within five years. These efforts align with the company’s vision to transition from raw exports to high-value processing, which is expected to increase exports by 40% and generate over $50 million in foreign exchange annually.

Government Support for Continued Growth

Ms Torwiseh called for increased government support to help N4G scale up its initiatives and empower more women and youth, particularly in the northern regions of Ghana. She emphasised the importance of continued investment and government support to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development.

In response, Dr Otokunor commended the company for its impressive investments in the shea industry, recognising it as a key driver of the export market and the country’s overall economic development. He assured the company that the government was committed to supporting its growth and job creation efforts, particularly under the 24-hour economy initiative, which is expected to employ over 12,000 people when fully operational.

Global Recognition and Future Prospects

The success of N4G in the shea value chain has garnered attention beyond Ghana. Dr Otokunor announced that, due to the company’s success, the PIAA office, in collaboration with Savannah Golden Tree Company Limited, is hosting the second World Shea Expo in the Northern Region. This event will further underscore the significance of the shea industry in Ghana and West Africa, offering opportunities for international exposure and investment.

Through its ongoing efforts, N4G continues to lead the way in empowering women, boosting local economies, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Ghana’s agricultural sector.

Dubidi to improve Food Production in 5 Northern Regions

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.

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