Month: July 2025

The Bolgatanga basket-weaving industry, once a thriving source of livelihood for over 100,000 people across the Upper East Region, is now on the verge of collapse. Rising production costs, an unstable exchange rate, and a lack of strategic policy interventions have left the industry grappling for survival. Stakeholders are sounding alarms about the urgent need for national action.

Rising Costs Threaten Bolgatanga Basket Industry’s Survival

During a recent stakeholders’ forum in Bolgatanga, Mawuli Akpenyo, CEO of Delata Ghana, expressed grave concern about the industry’s future. He pointed out that the rapid depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi has made baskets unaffordable for buyers. “A few months ago, $10 translated to about GHS150. Today, that same $10 is barely GHS100. Meanwhile, the cost of producing a quality Bolga basket has risen to GHS120 or more,” he explained. This sharp increase in costs is primarily driven by surging prices for raw materials, including straw, which has doubled from GHS 10 to GHS 20 per bundle. Additionally, transportation and packaging expenses have further inflated production costs.

Akpenyo stressed the unsustainability of the situation, as producers are now working at a loss, unable to raise prices abroad, where many of the baskets are sold. Without urgent intervention, the industry is at risk of total collapse.

Exchange Rate Volatility Disrupts Exports

Morten Ledskov, an international buyer from Hammershus Company, added his voice to the growing concerns, citing the sharp appreciation of the cedi—from 17 to 12 per Euro—as a significant disruption to exports. “If this continues, there could be a complete halt in Bolga basket production,” Ledskov warned, underscoring the urgency of finding a sustainable solution to the exchange rate crisis. He suggested that local straw cultivation should be commercialised as a way to reduce the dependency on sourcing from southern Ghana, providing a more stable and regional supply chain.

A Call for Local Straw Cultivation

Ledskov’s call for local investors to treat straw farming as a viable enterprise is echoed by others in the industry. Instead of relying solely on donor-funded initiatives, he advocates for a market-driven approach to straw farming, which could help stabilise the supply chain and lower costs. “If people can sell dyes, why not straw?” he asked, urging a shift towards commercialising local production.

Government Action and Policy Support

Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga acknowledged the seriousness of the crisis and stressed the need for a coordinated national response. He proposed the establishment of quality assurance centres, semi-industrial finishing hubs, and policy support for sustainable straw cultivation to help stabilise the industry. “This craft is a source of livelihood for over 10,000 women and youth. If we don’t act now, the industry could collapse,” Atanga warned.

Ensuring a Stable Supply Chain for the Future

Conrad Biilarh Duti, Program Manager at TradeAID Integrated, also addressed the challenges facing straw sourcing. Traders often face long delays in acquiring sufficient quantities of straw, making it difficult to maintain production schedules. Duti recommended integrating straw cultivation into national programs, such as Tree for Life and One District One Dam, to ensure a stable and sustainable supply of this critical raw material.

Urgent Call for Policy and Investment

As the crisis deepens, stakeholders are calling on the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), policymakers, and private investors to step in and save the Bolgatanga basket industry. The sector, a cornerstone of Ghana’s craft export industry, plays a vital role in the cultural heritage and economic well-being of the Upper East Region. Without immediate action, the future of this iconic industry remains uncertain, posing a threat to the livelihoods of thousands of people and Ghana’s craft export sector.

Ghana Youth Guide, a youth-led advocacy organisation, recently hosted a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at equipping smallholder farmers in the Tolon District of the Northern Region with vital knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices. The training, which benefitted 290 farmers, is part of their flagship initiative, the “Empowering Ghanaian Youth for Sustainable Agriculture (R2C) Project,” supported by DIB and CISU, Denmark-based organisations.

A Strong Focus on Resilience and Sustainability

The workshop brought together participants from five communities in the district, including Waribogu Kamonaayili, Tolon Galinkpegu, Gbanjong, and Gbulahgu. The initiative’s core focus was to help farmers enhance their understanding of climate-resilient agriculture and strategies for food security. Mr. Prince Chentiwuni Abdul-Fatawu, the Executive Director of Ghana Youth Guide, emphasised the importance of adapting to climate challenges for increased agricultural productivity.

“This training is part of a broader strategy to empower young farmers, ensuring they can navigate climate challenges and maintain productivity,” he said during the workshop.

Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change

As global climate patterns continue to change, Mr. Abdul-Fatawu emphasised the importance of farmers being well-informed about weather patterns and adopting techniques that enhance soil fertility. The participants were educated on effective planting and harvesting techniques, as well as how to reduce post-harvest losses. These insights are crucial for improving crop yields and minimising waste in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.

Women Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture

Mr. Abdul-Fatawu also highlighted the importance of involving women farmers in the government’s Feed Ghana Project. He urged that women farmers in deprived communities should be prioritised to address hunger, deprivation, and malnutrition in the region. The empowerment of women is key to sustainable agricultural growth in the district, and this workshop is a step toward achieving that goal.

Strengthening Agricultural Practices Through Collaboration

Mr. Abdul-Fatawu Seidu, a representative from the Tolon District Department of Agriculture, also addressed the farmers, urging them to use high-quality seeds and adopt modern agricultural practices. His presentation stressed the importance of these techniques for improving long-term farm sustainability and increasing yields. He also recommended that farmers form groups to access government interventions promoting sustainable farming practices.

Practical Tools for Success

As part of the initiative, participants were provided with essential agricultural and sanitation materials, including hand-washing kits, detergents, and farming tools such as wheelbarrows and rakes. These tools, combined with the new skills acquired during the workshop, are expected to help farmers increase their agricultural productivity and improve their livelihoods.

The farmers, many of whom belonged to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, expressed their appreciation for the training. They pledged to apply the knowledge and skills they gained to enhance their farming practices and contribute to the region’s agricultural development.

By empowering smallholder farmers with the knowledge of sustainable practices, Ghana Youth Guide is playing a crucial role in improving agricultural productivity in the region, ensuring that farmers are better equipped to face the challenges posed by climate change.

World Vision Ghana, an international NGO, has celebrated schools in the Zabzugu District for their dedication to improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices. The organisation’s Schools’ Sanitation League Table, now in its fourth edition, recognises outstanding basic schools that demonstrate exemplary commitment to hygiene and sanitation.

Promoting Healthy Sanitation Behaviours in Zabzugu District and others

The Schools’ Sanitation League Table aims to encourage healthy sanitation and hygiene behaviours among schoolchildren. This year, a total of 73 schools participated in the competition, marking a significant increase from the 15 schools that initially participated when the program was launched. The event was an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of schools in maintaining high hygiene standards.

From Poor Hygiene to Healthy Competition

Mr. Joseph Kwogyenga, the Zabzugu Area Programme Manager of World Vision Ghana, highlighted the transformation in the region’s schools. He recalled a time when poor hygiene conditions were prevalent, with many pupils falling ill due to open defecation and the improper use of WASH facilities. “Some years ago, you would visit schools, and despite the presence of WASH facilities, they were barely used. Human waste was common in the school environment, and the general health of pupils was poor,” he said.

This situation prompted World Vision Ghana to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Zabzugu District Assembly, the Ghana Education Service, and the Ghana Health Service, to develop a WASH league table that would promote healthy competition among schools.

Criteria for the Sanitation Competition

The competition’s criteria focused on the availability and cleanliness of latrines, the proper use of hand-washing stations, and overall hygiene practices. Through this partnership, several schools have benefitted from improved WASH facilities, including latrines, hand-washing stations, and other essential resources.

Winners and Rewards

Dagbabaani D/A Primary School emerged as the winner in the Junior category. At the same time, Gor-Kukani Roman Catholic JHS topped the Senior category. Each of the 73 participating schools received various sanitation and educational materials, including hand-washing kits, detergents, bleach, gloves, rakes, wheelbarrows, and teaching aids.

Mr. Kwogyenga encouraged school authorities to utilise the provided items effectively to continue maintaining high hygiene standards. The support provided by World Vision Ghana and the District Assembly aims to ensure a healthier learning environment for all students.

A Shared Vision for Cleaner Schools

Mr. George Lakoba Tanie, the Zabzugu District Chief Executive, commended World Vision Ghana for its unwavering commitment to promoting WASH in schools. He noted that the organisation’s efforts have contributed significantly to improved health and better teaching outcomes in the district.

The Headteacher of Dagbabaani D/A Primary School, Mr. Alhassan Mumuni, expressed his excitement about his school’s victory and encouraged other schools to keep working hard in future competitions. “This is a great motivation. Let’s keep the spirit of hygiene and healthy competition alive,” he said.

The event, which brought together stakeholders from the education, health, and local government sectors, reinforced the commitment to building cleaner and healthier school environments across the district.

Mr. Dominic Bingab Aduna Nitiwul, Member of Parliament for Bimbilla Constituency and former Minister for Defence, is calling for a deliberate and transformative shift in the development of Northern Ghana. He envisions a Northern Ghana that transcends its current association with poverty and underdevelopment, aiming instead to become a region renowned for its resilience, innovation, peace, and boundless opportunities.

A Vision for Change – Mr Dominic Nitiwul

Speaking at the First Northern Ghana Development Conference in Tamale, organised under the theme “A Conference of Northern People, Leaders, and Partners”, Mr. Nitiwul emphasised the urgent need to address the stark development divide between the northern and southern parts of the country. He argued that bridging this gap requires bold, targeted policy interventions and sustained investment in human capital. “It is time to build a Northern Ghana that is not only known for poverty and neglect but a place that symbolises hope, resilience, innovation, and peace—a place that even southerners would desire to settle,” he asserted.

Courageous Leadership for Long-Term Change

Mr. Nitiwul stressed that changing the narrative of Northern Ghana demands visionary leadership. Such leadership, he believes, should be focused on policies that reduce inequality and foster equal opportunities for all citizens. “This transformation will not happen overnight. We need long-term vision and courageous leadership to ensure that all Ghanaians have the chance to thrive, regardless of their geographical location.”

Education as the Key to National Transformation

A key element of Mr. Nitiwul’s vision for Northern Ghana is education. He emphasised that no nation can develop without investing in education, calling it the most potent tool for national transformation. He expressed deep concern over the region’s educational disparities, noting that these gaps continue to limit the potential of the northern youth. “The north is still far behind in terms of access to quality education, and we see the outcomes. This must change,” he said, highlighting education as a priority for unlocking Northern Ghana’s potential.

Investing in Skills for Employment

In addition to formal education, Mr. Nitiwul called for a significant increase in investments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He believes that equipping young people with employable, practical skills is critical for closing the gap between Northern Ghana and the rest of the country. “The youth of Northern Ghana need employable skills. If we are to catch up with the south, we must prioritise TVET and upgrade the region’s educational infrastructure,” he added. This, he argued, will ensure that the region’s youth are equipped for the demands of today’s job market.

A Unified Approach to National Development

Mr. Nitiwul’s comments come at a pivotal moment, as the Northern Caucus in Parliament and other development stakeholders are exploring solutions to the region’s pressing challenges in education, employment, and infrastructure. His call for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to national development echoes the growing desire for a nation where no region, including Northern Ghana, is left behind in the pursuit of progress.

By investing in the right areas and providing leadership with a long-term vision, Mr. Nitiwul believes that Northern Ghana can achieve the transformation needed to become a model of innovation, peace, and resilience for the entire country.

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.

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.

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