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

Demand for Immediate Action – AI Ghana

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

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

The Growing Crisis of Illegal Mining

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

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

Protecting Free Expression and Strengthening Institutions

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

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

International and Regional Collaboration

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

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

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

Skills Training for the Future by Norsaac

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

Empowering Youth, Especially Women

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

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

Norsaac’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment

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

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

Alaptawan has earned a reputation as the only female Dancehall artiste to stay grinding from the entire savanna of Ghana. With a steady climb, she’s endeared herself into the hearts of many music lovers and the music industry as a whole. The fierce goddess seems to never wanna rest. After releasing Big God a few months ago, one of Ghana’s finest reggae/dancehall vocalist Ras Kuuku has jumped on a remix. This further validates her stature as a major force waiting explode and dominate the dancehall scene.

Checkout Big God by Alaptawan Ft Ras Kuuku on all streaming platforms including Youtube.

Alima By Marcel is another beautiful tune from the Upper West Region. Produced by Alienbeatz who is same as Marcel, Alima is another impressive addition to his enviable repertoire.

Checkout out curated playlist featuring the latest songs from the north of Ghana.

I Do by Nazz Official ft Lazzy Bwoy is another beautiful wedding sog from the sultry singer Nazz Official. This time around, it’s an unreleased collaboration between the late Lazzy Bwoy known for his angelic voice. Suffice to say we have two humid voices on a wedding song. That is definitely serenading. Looks like we have another wedding banger from Nazz Official.

While at it, we continue to ask for a good rest for Lazzy Bwoy.

Checkout out curated playlist featuring the latest songs from the north of Ghana.

Nabilaa is Shatta Pique’s latest. Featuring one the finest rappers from the Navrongo area, the song is an interesting fusion of contemporary and indigenous musical instruments. Carlblingx who is featured on the song brings in that smooth but witty flow he’s renowned for.

Checkout out curated playlist featuring the latest songs from the north of Ghana.

Info Radio 91.1 FM, a commercial radio station based in Wa, has launched an ambitious new music reality show titled “The Next Upper West Music Star.” Premiering on Friday, June 5, 2025, during a live radio broadcast, the show is designed to uncover, nurture, and promote musical talent from the Upper West Region on both national and international platforms.

The show’s launch, led by the station’s Events Committee, revealed a prize package valued at GHC25,000—offering not just cash but also a recording deal, promotional opportunities, and structured mentorship. The organizers view the initiative as a full-scale investment in artistic development.

For Osuman Kaapore Tahiru, News Editor at Info Radio and a member of the organizing team, the project stands as more than a standard music competition. It represents a concrete effort to build pathways for raw talent backed by tangible resources and structured mentorship. In his view, the competition offers a professional springboard for emerging artists to break into the mainstream music industry.

Auditions will begin in July at the Info Radio studios, with registration open to anyone aged 12 and above. Entry forms are available for GHC100.00 via the station’s website, its front desk, and through partnering radio stations across the Upper West Region.

According to Marcelinus Seiworb, the show’s Event Lead and Info Radio’s in-house Music Studio Producer, a panel of respected music professionals will serve as both judges and mentors throughout the four-month contest. Weekly episodes will air on Info Radio and its digital channels, and audience voting will be instrumental in deciding who advances and ultimately wins.

The unveiling event drew attendees from industry stakeholders, including representatives from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and celebrated local performers such as Prince Karim, Samson B, and Sypha. Their enthusiastic endorsement underscored the importance of platforms like this in supporting a region rich in musical talent but often lacking in industry infrastructure.

Details regarding audition schedules, the judging lineup, and the official premiere date of the competition will be shared in the coming weeks. Interested artists and fans are encouraged to follow updates on Info Radio 91.1 FM and through the station’s website at www.inforadio.online.

With its mix of mentorship, exposure, and significant rewards, “Next Upper West Music Star” could prove a game-changer for local musicians aiming to take their craft to the next level.

More Entertainment News from the savanna here.

Former Nabdam MP Moses Asaga has been appointed as the new Board Chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). President John Dramani Mahama confirmed the appointment, which includes four other newly named board members.

At the swearing-in ceremony, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah urged the new board to uphold transparency and efficiency in regulating public utilities. He said the administration expects diligent and meticulous service, noting that the government was elected to serve the people’s interest and must act with both urgency and care.

Debrah emphasized the importance of high performance, particularly in the energy sector, stating that strong oversight and commitment from institutions like PURC are vital to satisfying public expectations and enhancing the government’s image.

Moses Asaga brings considerable experience to the role. An economist and banker, he previously served on the PURC board while Minister for Employment and Social Welfare. That board, chaired by Dr. Emmanuel Annan, included Samuel Sarpong and three other members.

Asaga also headed the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) from 2013, following his appointment by President Mahama. He succeeded Alex Mould, who went on to lead the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). In Parliament, Asaga chaired the Select Committee on Mines and Energy and played a key role in shaping Ghana’s oil and gas policy.

The newly constituted PURC board is tasked with enhancing regulatory oversight and ensuring that utility services remain affordable, reliable, and sustainable for all Ghanaians.