Introduction: A Growing Concern in the Catholic Church

During the centenary celebration of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Bolgatanga, the Catholic Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, raised concerns about the growing trend of some Christians returning to traditional and ancestral forms of worship. The Bishop warned that this shift reflects a more profound spiritual crisis within the Church, urging the faithful to return to the core values of Christianity.

A Call for Recommitment to Christian Values

Bishop Agyenta shared his concerns while delivering a homily at the event, which marked “100 Years of Walking Together as a Family of God.” He noted, “We are witnessing a growing number of Christians who are returning to their ancestral homes in the form of worship. This signals not only spiritual confusion, but also a weakening of faith.”

The Bishop emphasised that these practices undermine the strong moral and spiritual foundations of the Church and called for a renewed commitment to Christian teachings.

The Need for Cultural Renewal Aligned with Christian Principles

At the heart of the celebration, Bishop Agyenta also called for a revival of cultural values that align with Christian principles. “If we do not renew our culture and change the way we see things, all our efforts will be in vain,” he remarked.

He urged the faithful to adopt a mindset that fosters selflessness, community, and a return to the foundational values of Christianity. According to the Bishop, this centenary celebration was not just a reflection of the past but an opportunity for the Church to recommit to its mission of service and evangelism. “A mission means we are sent to go out and serve,” he said.

A Message of Peace for Troubled Regions

The celebration also featured messages of support from various dignitaries. In a goodwill address, the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri, congratulated the diocese on its 100-year milestone. He highlighted the Church’s significant contributions to education, healthcare, and social welfare in the region.

“The Catholic Church has been a dependable development partner. We appeal to you to continue praying for peace in Bawku, Doba-Kandiga, and other troubled areas,” the Minister said, underscoring the Church’s role in supporting peace efforts in conflict-prone regions.

Interfaith Harmony: A Shared Commitment to Peace

The Upper East Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Alhaji Umar Yussuf, also offered his praise for the Church’s efforts in promoting peace and fostering interfaith dialogue. He emphasised the common ground between Islam and Christianity, highlighting that both faiths recognise Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

“We are all brothers and sisters walking in faith,” Imam Yussuf stated, noting the Church’s consistent role in advocating for justice, education, and social harmony.

The Catholic Church’s Impact on Community Development

The Chief of Dulugu and representative of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, Abanga George Akuune, also expressed gratitude for the Catholic Church’s contributions to the region. He acknowledged the Church’s role in building schools, hospitals, and social centres, as well as its efforts in mending broken families and promoting societal values.

“The Church has built several schools, hospitals, and social centres across the region, and on this special occasion of yours, we want to say thank you,” said Chief Akuune, offering continued support from the traditional council to the Church.

Conclusion: A Centenary of Service and Renewal

The centenary celebration of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Bolgatanga was a powerful reminder of the Catholic Church’s mission to serve its community, promote peace, and uphold moral values. As the diocese looks to the future, Bishop Agyenta’s call for spiritual renewal and a commitment to Christian principles serve as a guide for the Church’s continued impact in Northern Ghana.

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A New Chapter for the GJA Northern Region

On the morning of July 12, 2025, the newly elected executives of the Northern Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) were officially sworn into office at the Tamale High Court. The event marked a new chapter for the association as it seeks to elevate the standards of journalism in the region.

Swearing-In Ceremony Led by Judge Emmanuel Bart-Plange Brew

The Oath of Office and secrecy was administered by Supervising High Court Judge, Emmanuel Bart-Plange Brew. In his address, Judge Brew urged the new executives to uphold professionalism and ethics in their roles. He emphasised that it was their responsibility to maintain the highest standards of journalism and serve the people with truth and accuracy.

“Focus on truth and accuracy for the benefit of the people you serve and for Ghana at large,” he advised, stressing the crucial role journalists play in shaping society.

Commitment to Ethical Journalism and Regional Peace

Following the swearing-in, Abdul Majeed Yakubu, the newly appointed Chairman of the Northern Regional GJA, expressed his gratitude to Judge Brew for officiating the ceremony. Yakubu assured the judge and the public that under his leadership, the association would work tirelessly to meet the expectations placed upon journalists. He pledged that the GJA would play a pivotal role in safeguarding peace and security in the region through responsible journalism.

“As journalists, we must live up to the expectations of our communities and protect the peace and security of the Northern Region,” Yakubu stated, emphasising the importance of journalism in maintaining order and trust within society.

New Executives Take Office

The newly elected executives are:

• Chairman: Abdul Majeed Yakubu
• Secretary: Albert Futukpor
• Treasurer: Joyce Kantam Kolamong

These leaders will guide the Northern Regional GJA through the upcoming term, focusing on strengthening the association’s influence and furthering the ethical practice of journalism in the region.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Journalism in the Northern Region

The inauguration of these new executives brings a sense of renewed purpose to the Ghana Journalists Association in the Northern Region. With a clear focus on truth, ethics, and community service, the association is poised to contribute significantly to both the region and the broader journalistic landscape in Ghana.

A Milestone for Reproductive Health Rights

On July 9, 2025, the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana) launched five newly established social safe spaces in Tamale, aimed at protecting the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) of vulnerable groups such as women, girls, and persons with disabilities. This initiative, supported by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), forms part of the implementation of the KASA project. The safe spaces are designed to provide an empowering environment where individuals can access the support they need to address reproductive health challenges.

Creating Safe Spaces for Healing and Empowerment

The launch event, held under the theme “Creating Safe Spaces for Healing, Growth and Development,” saw participation from various partner organisations, including the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Golden Inspire Foundation (GIF-Ghana), and Tiyumba Hope Foundation. Together, they shared their experiences and called for sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of the initiative.

Strategic Locations for Accessibility

The five newly inaugurated safe spaces are strategically located to ensure maximum accessibility for vulnerable groups across Northern Ghana. These facilities are hosted at the Total Life Enhancement Centre in Tamale (TOLECGH), Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Choggu Health Centre, Bilpeila Health Centre, and one at Walewale in the West Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region.

These safe spaces complement existing centres, ensuring broader access to reproductive health information and services for those who need it most.

A Vision for Gender Equity and Dignity

Hajia Alima Sagito Saeed, Executive Director of SWIDA-Ghana, spoke passionately about the creation of these spaces. She highlighted the growing need for community-based support systems that protect human dignity and promote gender equity. “We envision a Northern Ghana where no one is left behind, especially women and girls who are often victims of marginalisation,” she said.

These safe spaces are not just physical structures; they are platforms for healing, empowerment, and advocacy, specifically designed to support survivors of gender-based violence and vulnerable groups. Staffed with trained social workers and counsellors, these centres ensure both accessibility and confidentiality for victims.

Support for Gender-Based Violence Survivors

Hajia Saeed urged victims of gender-based violence to take full advantage of the initiative. These centres provide a safe, supportive environment to access reproductive health services and wellness. The initiative emphasises the importance of safeguarding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or status in society.

Alignment with National Development Goals

Mr. Adam Azabre Abugbila, the PPAG Project Coordinator for Northern Zone, expressed strong support for the initiative. He noted that it aligns seamlessly with Ghana’s national development agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

“These interventions demonstrate the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in tackling entrenched inequalities and building resilience among vulnerable groups,” Abugbila said, emphasising the importance of collective action in addressing these critical issues.

The Urgency of Support for Persons with Disabilities

Mrs. Shahadu Nima Abubakar, Northern Regional President of the Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), expressed her gratitude to SWIDA-Ghana for its unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable groups. She raised concerns about the abuse that many persons with disabilities face, including sexual violence and exploitation.

“Persons with disabilities often suffer in silence, without any form of support system,” Mrs. Abubakar said. She called for the establishment of separate safe spaces for persons with disabilities to prevent stigma and ensure they receive the care and attention they deserve.

A Broad Social Inclusion Strategy

This initiative is part of a larger social inclusion strategy in Northern Ghana, targeting districts where access to protection and support services is limited. As the region continues to battle issues such as poverty, early marriage, sexual and gender-based violence, and exclusion, these safe spaces are seen as crucial lifelines for thousands of individuals seeking better lives.

Conclusion: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Groups

The inauguration of these safe spaces represents a significant step forward in Northern Ghana’s efforts to protect and empower vulnerable groups. As more people gain access to critical reproductive health resources, the hope is that these spaces will become pillars of healing, growth, and development in the region.

The Upper East Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has conducted a significant operation in the Bolgatanga Main market, successfully removing unregistered and potentially harmful products to ensure public health and safety. The raid, which took place on a market day, involved FDA officials sweeping through the market, including shops in the central lorry station.

Unregistered Products Found and Seized by FDA

Despite the attempts of traders to hide the unregistered products upon seeing the FDA officials, the team was able to identify and seize various harmful items. These products, which included herbal products, aphrodisiacs, ointments, hand sanitisers, and body enhancement items, were found to carry disturbing imagery, such as stickers depicting male sex organs. The FDA did not spare those traders who pleaded, loudly shouting, “Please fear God and spare us.”

FDA’s Ongoing Efforts for Public Health Safety

Mr. Abel Ndego, the Acting Regional Head of the FDA, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to maintaining regulatory compliance within the region. “We have been doing our underground work to ensure that we raid the region to get rid of all unregistered and unwholesome products that could pose a public health threat,” he explained. Despite multiple sensitisation programs aimed at traders, the presence of unregistered products continues to be a concern.

Smuggling Routes and Unregistered Product Infiltration

As part of ongoing investigations, the FDA traced the entry of these unregistered products from neighbouring countries. Mr. Jiah Jiato Juah, the Regulatory Officer 1 (RO 1) who led the exercise, revealed that Ghanaian traders crossed the border into Senkase, a community in Northern Togo, to purchase these products. They then used unapproved routes, such as motorbike trails through Bawku and Garu, to bring them into the Upper East Region.

Further checks revealed that unregistered products were also entering the region from Dakola, a community in Burkina Faso, smuggled through the Paga area in the Kassena-Nankana West District. These products, being unregistered, cannot legally be manufactured, distributed, imported, or exported, as per regulatory law. Despite this, some members of the public continue to purchase and use these products, putting themselves at risk.

Public Awareness and Support

The operation highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and awareness to protect public health. The Authority’s actions demonstrate its commitment to tackling the illegal sale of harmful products and safeguarding the well-being of residents in the Upper East Region.

The Upper East Region has seen a concerning surge in teenage pregnancies, with 2,436 cases recorded between January and May 2025. This alarming statistic raises fresh concerns about adolescent health and protection in the region, highlighting the need for urgent interventions to address this issue.

Teenage Pregnancy Breakdown

Ms. Charity Tanni, the Upper East Regional Health Information Officer of the Ghana Health Service, shared that of the total pregnancies, 25 involved girls aged between 10 and 14, while the remaining 2,411 were from girls aged 15 to 19. These figures were presented during a review meeting on the Essential Services Package (ESP) for women and girls subjected to violence, a project funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and implemented by the Department of Gender in collaboration with the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council.

Regional Distribution of Teenage Pregnancies

The data revealed that the Bawku West District recorded the highest number of teenage pregnancies, with 372 cases. Other districts such as Pusiga (276), Bongo (212), and Talensi (210) followed closely. Meanwhile, Bolgatanga East recorded the lowest number at 52 cases. The statistics underscore a widespread issue across multiple districts in the region, requiring coordinated efforts for effective intervention.

Gender-Based Violence and Defilement Cases

In addition to teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence continues to plague the region. Mr. James Akandi, the Registrar at the Circuit Court, reported that 14 out of 24 gender-based violence cases before the court were defilement cases. However, he expressed concern over the failure of witnesses to appear in court, as well as logistical and resource constraints that hinder justice delivery.

Coordination Challenges in Tackling Gender-Based Violence

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mariam Awemoni, the Regional DOVVSU Coordinator, highlighted a critical issue in the fight against gender-based violence: the lack of coordination between her office and district offices. The reporting structure, where district offices report directly to the District Police Commander, prevents timely data sharing with the regional office. This communication gap is hampering efforts to track cases and take action effectively.

Call for Stronger Collaboration

Mr. James Twene, the Acting Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Gender, emphasised the need for stronger institutional collaboration to combat both gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy. He stressed the importance of data gathering, segmentation, and coordination in achieving meaningful results. Similarly, Ms. Yvonne Wonchua, the UNFPA Focal Person at the Regional Coordinating Council, called for improved resource mobilisation and better coordination among ESP institutions to enhance service delivery and protect survivors.

Moving Forward: Collaborative Efforts for Change

The statistics from the Upper East Region serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing adolescent health and gender equality in the region. A more coordinated, well-resourced, and collaborative approach is needed to address teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence. Stakeholders from various sectors must work together to provide better protection for young people and ensure that appropriate services and support mechanisms are in place.

The Northern Region Chapter of Activista Ghana has stepped up its efforts to encourage active youth participation in community and national development. Over the past three months, the youth-led advocacy group has organised engagement sessions across districts, including Yendi, Mion, Bimbilla, Kpandai, Wulensi, and Kumbungu. These sessions aim to spark interest among young people in sustainable community development.

Activista Ghana Empowering the Youth

The sessions focused on a variety of essential skills such as leadership, communication, advocacy, campaign planning, community engagement strategies, and reporting. Issahaku Abdul-Latif, the Northern Region Coordinator of Activista Ghana, emphasised that the initiative was designed to equip both executives and members with the skills necessary to become effective leaders and change-makers in their communities.

“Our focus is to create a stronger, more unified voice for youth activism in the region and empower our district cells to contribute meaningfully to local development,” said Abdul-Latif. His statement reflects the group’s core mission of fostering youth leadership to address the challenges facing their communities.

Addressing Development Gaps

Abdul-Latif also highlighted the need for greater investment in initiatives that tackle development gaps, particularly in underserved areas. His call underscores the importance of focusing on deprived communities, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and that they have a role in shaping the future.

A Commitment to Key Issues

The group is committed to championing key causes such as environmental sustainability, sexual and reproductive health rights, and the overall well-being of young people. Abdul-Latif urged various stakeholders to lend their support to the group’s initiatives, which are aimed at building resilient communities across the country. Activista Ghana continues to work tirelessly to ensure that youth empowerment and community development go hand in hand, creating lasting change.

Activista Ghana, the youth wing of ActionAid Ghana, an international NGO, remains at the forefront of advocating for youth inclusion in development processes, ensuring that young people have the tools and support needed to drive positive change.

At the 7th Igniting Dreams Summit held in Wa, the Coalition for Positive Impact (CPI) awarded three outstanding youth-led businesses after a competitive pitch session aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs in northern Ghana. The event, which attracted business enthusiasts and coaches, was part of CPI’s ongoing initiative to empower youth-led enterprises and help them thrive.

Awards for Innovation and Entrepreneurship – CPI

Eight youth-led enterprises competed in the pitch competition, showcasing their potential to impact society positively. Mauvee’s Crafts emerged as the winner, securing the gold prize of GH₵12,000.00. The silver prize of GH₵9,000.00 was awarded to Mani Technology. At the same time, Dee Plastic Waste Management took the third-place bronze prize of GH₵7,000.00.

In addition to the competitive prizes, Zee Farms received the “People’s Choice” award of GH₵5,000.00, along with a consolation prize of GH₵1,000.00. Other participants, including Mariam Millinery and Fashion Design, SunRay Innovations, Kelmi’s Crochet Outfits, and Selyn’s Stitches, were each given a GH₵1,000.00 consolation prize.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators

During his address at the summit, Mr. Isam Nuhu, the Director of Operations at CPI, emphasised the importance of positioning young people strategically to take advantage of the opportunities in today’s shrinking job market. Since 2019, CPI has been committed to empowering youth to build businesses that create job opportunities for others, reducing the unemployment and poverty rates in Northern Ghana.

Preparing the Youth for Future Opportunities

Mr. Banguu Delle, Board Chairperson of CPI, highlighted the growing competition in Ghana’s job market, with a large portion of the population under 26 years old. He stressed the importance of equipping the youth with the skills necessary to seize entrepreneurial opportunities and secure a prosperous future.

Ms. Elizabeth Akua-Nyarko Patterson, founder of the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana, advocated for early exposure to Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering (STEM) education. She proposed introducing STEM education at the pre-primary level better to prepare the next generation for a rapidly evolving world.

Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Alhaji Inusah Mahama, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), discussed the need for investing in skills development, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and market access to ensure youth can thrive as job creators. The NYA is committed to collaborating with development partners to create an environment where young people can flourish as entrepreneurs.

A Partnership for Change

CPI organised the summit in partnership with several organisations, including the Sangu Delle Foundation, NoniHub, the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana, Blue Hill Hotel, Dilight Space, and mNotify. A panel discussion on “The Future of Work” explored emerging trends and the essential skills needed for success in the future workspace.

The Igniting Dreams Summit not only recognised the achievements of young entrepreneurs but also laid the foundation for continued growth and innovation in Northern Ghana.

Two men caught stealing goats in Tamale have been banished from the Chogu community by the Chief following their confession and arrest. Nafiwu Bakar, a national service person with the Bole Forestry Commission, and his accomplice, Rashid Yussif, both from Damongo in the Savannah Region, were apprehended by a local vigilante task force last Friday while attempting to steal goats.

Arrest and Banishment

The two suspects were caught red-handed and handed over to the traditional authorities instead of the police. The Chief of Chogu, along with the community elders, deliberated on the matter and swiftly decided on their punishment—banishment from the town. The decision was made in a bid to deter similar crimes and maintain the peace and safety of the community.

The Thieves’ Explanation

In their defence, Bakar and Yussif claimed they were acting on the instructions of others who had promised to pay them for the stolen goats. However, this explanation failed to sway the chiefs, who emphasised the growing notoriety of the suspects and the importance of taking a strong stance against crime.

Chief’s Warning

The Chief of Chogu reiterated that such behaviour would not be tolerated under his leadership. His primary concern was ensuring the peace and safety of the community, and the swift banishment of the thieves sent a clear message about the consequences of criminal activity in the area.