Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) has launched a new initiative called “DigiMarkt,” a digital marketing project designed to equip students, academic staff, and industry professionals with advanced digital marketing skills.

Bolgatanga Technical University DigiMarkt Project Overview

The two-year project, co-funded by the European Union (EU), is designed to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana. It seeks to empower youth, teachers, and professionals with practical digital skills to meet the demands of an ever-evolving job market.

Enhancing Skills through Digital Competence

At the launch event held at BTU’s main campus in Sumbrungu, Dr. Benjamin Asunka, the Project Coordinator, outlined the main objectives of the DigiMarkt project. He explained that the initiative aims to build the capacity of TVET educators, enhance students’ employability, and establish a fully equipped digital marketing laboratory.

State-of-the-Art Digital Marketing Lab

Dr. Asunka, also the head of BTU’s Department of Marketing and Communication, announced that the digital marketing laboratory has already been established on campus. The lab is equipped with tools for e-commerce, content creation, and digital analytics, providing a hands-on learning environment for students, staff, and industry professionals.

“This facility will offer a practical space where users can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios,” Dr. Asunka said. Additionally, several BTU academic staff members have participated in ‘train-the-trainer’ programs organised by EU partners, covering topics such as online pedagogy, emerging digital tools, and modern marketing strategies.

A Broader Focus on Industry Professionals

Dr. Asunka emphasised that the project is not limited to students and lecturers but also targets industry professionals. He encouraged businesses to send their employees for training to enhance their digital competitiveness.

“The training is offered free to students. However, participants will be expected to apply their skills and submit progress reports on their digital marketing practices. Given the high demand for digital marketers in freelancing, agencies, and in-house roles, this project offers flexible, future-ready career paths,” he added.

Collaboration with Other Universities

As part of its broader strategy, BTU is collaborating with Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) and Cape Coast Technical University. The partnership aims to co-develop and integrate digital marketing content into TVET curricula across Ghana.

“Academic experts will work to contextualise global frameworks such as the Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) and the Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp) for local use,” Dr. Asunka explained.

Significance of Digital Marketing Education

Professor Peter Boamah, Pro-Vice Chancellor of BTU, highlighted the importance of digital marketing skills in modern education and employment. He urged both students and faculty to embrace the opportunity, stressing, “In today’s digital economy, lacking digital marketing skills puts you at a disadvantage. Nations that have made remarkable progress have invested in technologies like this.”

Aligning with University’s Mission

Mr. Richard Atia, Acting Registrar of BTU, noted that the DigiMarkt project aligns with the university’s mission to provide career-focused education, supported by practical training, research, and entrepreneurship development. He emphasised that the project would help strengthen BTU’s efforts to offer skills-based education in a conducive learning environment.

Support from International Partners

Apart from BTU, the DigiMarkt project is also being implemented at AAMUSTED and Cape Coast Technical University, with support from international partners, including Steinbeis Beratungszentrum (Germany), the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, and INT@E.

In a report sighted on inforadio, Kaabogu, a remote community in the Nator West Electoral Area of the Nadowli/Kaleo district, is reportedly facing significant educational challenges that are hindering the future of its children.

Critical Lack of Infrastructure and Staff in Kaabogu

The community has raised alarm over the severe lack of proper infrastructure and qualified teaching staff, which continues to hinder efforts to provide quality education.

At the centre of this issue is Kaabogu Primary and Kindergarten (KG) School, which operates in a deteriorating six-unit classroom block. Years of neglect have left the building in a poor state, with crumbling windows and doors, cracks in the walls, and classrooms that stray animals are increasingly using. These unsafe conditions make it extremely difficult for children to receive a proper education.

Adding to the hardship, the school, despite being part of the Ghana School Feeding Program, lacks a proper kitchen. Meals are currently being prepared under a dawadawa tree, which also serves as the kindergarten classroom. This setup not only disrupts the learning environment but also exposes the food to contamination, risking the children’s health.

Community’s Self-Help Project

In response, the Kaabogu community started a self-help project to build a proper kitchen. However, progress has been slow. The single-room kitchen, constructed from mud bricks, remains unfinished and is vulnerable to damage from the elements. Rainwater is gradually destroying the structure as it remains uncemented.

Youth Chief Mr. Clement Taduri shared the community’s struggles, saying, “We started through our efforts, but it’s challenging getting cement. We don’t even know how to get wood and roofing sheets to complete the project.” He appealed to philanthropists and organisations for assistance in completing the facility.

Need for a Junior High School

Chief Taduri also advocated for the establishment of a Junior High School (JHS) block within Kaabogu. Many students drop out after completing primary school because they must walk long distances to Nator to continue their education. Having a JHS nearby would reduce dropout rates and improve educational outcomes for the children.

Lack of Electricity and Teacher Accommodation

The Queenmother of Nator Baanuore, Pognaa Sofia Kunfere, highlighted another major challenge: the lack of electricity in Kaabogu and its surrounding communities. “Our teachers do not stay here because there are no teachers’ quarters, and there is no electricity,” she said.

The lack of basic amenities discourages teachers from living in the community, exacerbating the already dire staff shortages. Furthermore, the lack of electricity means that children cannot study at night, which affects their academic performance.

A Call for Support

The situation in Kaabogu highlights the urgent need for infrastructural improvements, educational resources, and community support. With the help of government agencies, NGOs, and compassionate individuals, the children of Kaabogu will soon have access to a safe and supportive learning environment that nurtures their potential.

The Vea Dam, located in the Bongo District of Ghana’s Upper East Region, has been a crucial source of irrigation since its establishment in 1965. However, the dam has not undergone significant rehabilitation over the years. Spanning over 850 hectares, it supports more than 2,500 farmers, who cultivate rice, peppers, tomatoes, corn, okra, and other vegetables. In total, approximately 1,179 hectares are impacted by the dam’s irrigation system.

Current Water Supply Challenges from Vea Dam

Water extracted from the dam is treated at the Vea/Gowrie plant, which is designed to process 7,200 cubic meters per day. However, the plant currently produces only about 5,500 m³ per day, resulting in water rationing in the Bolgatanga District, where daily demand reaches 9,000 m³.

World Bank’s Rehabilitation Investment

To address these challenges, the World Bank has announced a $125 million financing package for the rehabilitation of the Vea Dam. A significant portion of this funding—80%—will go towards irrigation improvements. The focus will be on restoring broken canals, automating water delivery systems, and upgrading infrastructure such as bridges and roads along the Vea Left Bank, which directly benefits 850 hectares of land used by local farmers.

Ms. Ashwini Rekha Sebastian, the World Bank Task Team Leader for the West Africa Food Systems Resilience Program, emphasised that these improvements are crucial to enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring a reliable water supply for farmers in the region.

Climate-Smart Agriculture

The project will also integrate climate-smart agricultural practices, including farmer training to enhance productivity and improve overall yield. The design updates for the Vea Dam’s irrigation system have been completed, and inspections are now underway to evaluate the current state of the infrastructure.

Commitment to Agricultural Modernisation

Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, reiterated the government’s commitment to modernising agriculture through year-round irrigation, which will help create sustainable livelihoods. He stressed the importance of engaging local youth in agricultural initiatives once the project is completed to boost employment opportunities.

Farmers’ Concerns and Project Timeline

The rehabilitation project aims to develop over 850 hectares for continuous cultivation. Still, some farmers have raised concerns about the project’s timeline. However, assurances have been given that work will begin by the end of the year.

Mr. Dominic Anarigede, managing director of ICOUR, praised the World Bank’s involvement, noting the project’s potential to enhance agricultural productivity and food resilience in the region. The rehabilitation will modernise the Vea Dam’s left bank, including the construction of new canals, the rehabilitation of the spillway, and overall automation of the irrigation system.

Support from Local Leaders

Lawyer Charles Bawa Dua, the Member of Parliament for Bongo, pledged to expedite parliamentary approval for the financing, acknowledging the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to empower local farmers and create job opportunities for the youth.

Gowrie Senior High/Technical School in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region of Ghana was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, when teachers forcibly removed the headmistress, Elizabeth Zinye Paaga, accusing her of autocratic leadership and mismanagement of school resources.

An anonymous teacher, fearing retaliation, revealed that tensions with the headmistress had been mounting since her appointment in 2021. After a series of student riots, the headmistress charged each student 109 Ghana cedis for damages. However, she allegedly failed to use the funds for necessary repairs, such as renovating the staff room and teachers’ quarters, and has not accounted for the money collected from the students. Despite multiple petitions to the district and regional education directors, no resolution was reached.

Teachers further criticised the headmistress for withholding the 2024 WASSCE results analysis, which they argue is crucial for evaluating student performance. Additionally, accusations of food diversion surfaced, including the removal of mackerels, gallons of oil, and bags of rice from the school storeroom to another location without informing the storekeeper.

The situation escalated when the acting district education director and police officers conducted an investigation. During their visit, teachers and students confronted the headmistress, chanting for her removal. One teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the faculty had been unable to administer end-of-term exams since Monday due to a shortage of A4 paper.

The teacher also mentioned instances of abusive language directed at the staff during meetings, which further fueled discontent among the faculty. Teachers are now appealing to the regional director of education to reassign the headmistress to another school. They argue that her continued presence at Gowrie SHS is damaging to the learning environment. If no action is taken, they fear they will be unable to work effectively or engage with students.

SEO Title: “Teachers Forcefully Remove Headmistress from Gowrie SHS Over Allegations of Mismanagement”

The Tamale East Region of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, a Catholic-friendly society, recently hosted its second regional conference, aimed at reflecting on its activities. The conference was held under the theme: “Marshallans as Pilgrims of Hope: Reflections in a Jubilee Year Towards a Century of Service to the Church.”

During the opening ceremony in Tamale, Worthy Brother Thomas Azuure, the outgoing Regional Grand Knight, explained that the conference is an annual event organised by the various regions of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall. Under the leadership of the Regional Grand Knights and Regional Noble Ladies, participants—Brothers and Sisters—gather to reflect on a selected theme.

This year’s theme was designed to inspire members to reflect on the Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis and to renew their spiritual journeys as pilgrims of hope.

Very Reverend Father Hilary Pogbeyir, Vicar General of the Tamale Archdiocese, who represented Most Reverend Philip Naameh, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale, encouraged Catholic societies to be a beacon of hope for the billions of poor and sick individuals who often lack life’s essentials. He reminded the attendees that, “the goods of the earth are not destined for a privileged few but for everyone.”

Father Pogbeyir stressed the Christian duty to care for the poor and urged the wealthy to be generous and attentive to the needs of the less fortunate.

Sir Knight Brother Professor Elias N. K. Sowley, Chairman for the occasion, also urged Christians to embody love for their neighbours and assist those in distress, echoing the message of compassion.

The Supreme Knight, Sir Knight Brother Richard Ayih-Akakpo, and the Grand Lady, Most Respected Lady Sister Patricia Dunenye, addressed participants, encouraging them to support God’s work by serving as disciples and missionaries, helping to build and strengthen the Catholic Church.

The three-day event was hosted by Council 153 (Male Branch) and Court 149 (Female Branch), both of which are affiliated with Sacred Heart Parish in Tamale. Attendees included members from Council 27 and Court 12 (Tamale), Council 146 (Saboba), and Court 173 (Lamashegu).

The Supreme Council (the governing body of the Knights of Marshall) was represented by Sir Knight Brother Dr. Paul Ntodi and Worthy Brother Wisdom Kumah. In contrast, the Grand Court (governing body of the Ladies of Marshall) was represented by Most Respected Lady Sister Clare Baneong-Yakubo and Respected Lady Sister Barbara Adisa Dickens.

At the conference, a new Regional Grand Knight, Worthy Brother John Issah Alhassan, and a new Regional Noble Lady, Respected Lady Sister Monica Ekekpi, were installed to lead the Tamale East Region for the next two years (2025–2027).

The conference concluded with a Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, marking the spiritual culmination of the event.

The Knights of Marshall were established in Sekondi in November 1926, while its female counterpart, the Ladies of Marshall, was founded in Kumasi in December 1969. Today, the Knights and Ladies of Marshall operate in many Catholic dioceses in Ghana, as well as in branches in Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and the UK.

SEO Title: “Tamale East Knights and Ladies of Marshall Host Successful Regional Conference”

The Chiefs and people of the Sirigu Traditional Area will celebrate a decade of leadership, unity, and development under the reign of Azukodaana Naba Roland Atogumdeya Akwara III, the Paramount Chief of the area. The anniversary celebration, marking 10 years since Naba Akwara III was enskinned as Paramount Chief and President of the Sirigu Traditional Council on July 20, 2015, is scheduled to take place from December 26 to December 30, 2025.

Celebrating a Decade Naba Akwara‘s Leadership

The theme for the anniversary celebration is “A Decade of Leadership, Unity, and Development,” and it is expected to bring together the sons and daughters of Sirigu, both within and outside the traditional area. The event will honour the leadership of Naba Akwara III over the past decade and institutionalise the Azuko festival as an annual cultural event. This festival will pay homage to Azuko, the founder of Sirigu, whose vision and courage laid the foundation for the community.

The celebration will also aim to foster community unity, promote cultural heritage and tourism, mobilise resources for community development, and inspire the youth through education and talent recognition. Additionally, it will strengthen national and diaspora partnerships.

Reflecting on Progress and Challenges

At the joint launch of the anniversary and the maiden Azuko cultural festival, Naba Akwara III, in a speech delivered on his behalf, urged residents to reflect, rejoice, and recommit to the values that have united them over the years. He called on all stakeholders—including the sons and daughters of Sirigu, dignitaries, well-wishers, and the international community—to join the traditional council in the countdown to the inaugural festival.

A Living Tribute to Leadership and Legacy

“Let this 10th Anniversary and maiden Azuko festival be a living tribute to leadership, legacy, and love for our homeland,” Naba Akwara III said. He appealed to everyone to begin saving money and resources for development projects aimed at strengthening Sirigu.

The Azukodaana expressed gratitude to God, his ancestors, the gods of Sirigu, Divisional Chiefs, Queen Mothers, Assembly members, government and non-governmental agencies, and women’s groups for their support throughout his reign. He also commended the Azuko Festival Committee, led by Mr. Ricky Kasisi Peprah, for their efforts in organising the December celebration.

Regional Minister’s Praise

Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, congratulated Naba Akwara III for his decade of success and distinguished service to the people of Sirigu. He commended the chief’s leadership, which has been marked by dignity, wisdom, and a commitment to the development of Sirigu. Mr. Atanga highlighted Naba Akwara III’s efforts in championing education, upholding cultural identity, supporting women’s empowerment through the Sirigu Women’s Organisation for Pottery and Art (SWOPA), and promoting peace and cohesion.

A Life of Service and Education

Naba Akwara III, born on December 26, 1985, is the 15th male child among 30 siblings. He began his education at Sirigu Primary School, continued to Sirigu Junior High School, and completed his basic education in 2004 at Bolgatanga Secondary School. After secondary school, he worked briefly with the Navrongo Health Research Centre. He later served as a pupil teacher at his alma mater, Sirigu Primary School.

In pursuit of further academic and leadership excellence, Naba Akwara III attended Saint John Bosco College of Education in Navrongo from 2012 to 2015, before being enskinned as Paramount Chief in July 2015. He continued his studies at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), earning a Bachelor’s degree in 2019. He furthered his education at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where he obtained a Master of Arts degree in Development Studies, specialising in human rights, gender, and conflict.

A Vision for Development

Over the past decade, Naba Akwara III’s reign has been characterised by proactive leadership and a blend of traditional wisdom with modern approaches to foster development in Sirigu. His leadership has propelled the community forward, focusing on both the preservation of cultural values and the advancement of contemporary development strategies.

The Upper West Regional office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has successfully facilitated the recovery of GH₵50,659.29 in revenue for the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and consumer adjustments amounting to GH₵1,157.62 during the first half of 2025.

In addition to revenue recovery, PURC also supported NEDCo in replacing High-Tension and Low-Voltage poles at a cost of GH₵41,500. This reflects the PURC’s continued commitment to ensuring fairness and accountability in the utility services sector. These achievements were outlined in the 2025 half-year report from the Upper West Regional office of the PURC.

The report also revealed that a total of 481 complaints were lodged against utility providers and consumers during the review period. Of these, 472 complaints, representing 98%, were successfully resolved. The remaining nine complaints, mainly related to billing, were still under investigation as of June 2025.

Out of the total complaints, NEDCo received the highest number, with 442 complaints, accounting for 91.89% of the total. Ghana Water Limited (GWL) had 37 complaints (7.69%), while two complaints were filed against customers (0.42%).

The majority of the complaints (97.71%) were related to the quality of service. Other concerns included billing issues (0.62%), consumer service delivery (0.62%), metering (0.42%), and unlawful disconnections (0.21%).

The report also highlighted various strategic activities undertaken by PURC to strengthen stakeholder confidence, foster collaboration with key partners, and protect both consumers and service providers. These efforts helped improve the Commission’s visibility in its jurisdiction, promoting the delivery of high-quality water and electricity services to consumers.

The report emphasised the PURC’s commitment to regulatory excellence, stating that the Commission’s proactive engagement with stakeholders and responsiveness to consumer concerns led to the rapid restoration of power and water in affected areas. These actions have also strengthened relationships between the Commission, complainants, and utility providers, fostering trust and cooperation in the sector.

A violent clash between students of Vitting Senior High School and Dabokpa Technical Institute in Tamale on July 19 has left one student injured, briefly disturbing the peace in the area. The Northern Regional Police Command received a distress call at approximately 2:40 AM, reporting a confrontation between students from two schools. The police quickly deployed their night patrol team to restore order.

According to Inspector Lukman Neindow, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Police Service in the Northern Region, the students threw stones across the boundaries separating the two schools until law enforcement intervened. Upon arrival, police found a student from Dabokpa Technical Institute injured. The student was immediately rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for medical care. The following day, the police confirmed that the student had been treated and discharged from the hospital.

Inspector Neindow stated that while no arrests had been made yet, a search of the dormitories at both schools revealed dangerous items, including scissors, machetes, and knives. The police are reviewing CCTV footage and collecting additional evidence to identify the cause of the disturbance and those responsible. The police assured the public of their dedication to maintaining peace and order. They also called on school authorities, parents, and community leaders to help promote discipline and peaceful coexistence among students.

In response to the incident, the Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Ali Adolf John, and the Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro, visited the schools to appeal for calm and engage with stakeholders in resolving the tensions.