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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Introduction: Strengthening Bonds with Northern Ghana

On July 12, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama delivered a compelling keynote address at the 29th Annual Quran Anniversary hosted by Bambawia Islamic Institute in Tamale. This event marked a significant occasion for the community and was attended by several key figures, including the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John Mburudiba, and other prominent dignitaries.

A Spiritual Gathering: Gratitude and Reflection

In his address, President Mahama began by expressing heartfelt gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to gather for this sacred Quranic recitation. He emphasised the significance of such gatherings in strengthening the spiritual ties that bind the community. It was a moment for reflection on the values of peace, strength, and unity that underpinned the event.

The Role of Islamic Institutions in National Development

The President recognised the profound impact of Islamic institutions like the Bambawia Islamic Institute on Ghana’s moral fabric. He praised these institutions for promoting peace, social responsibility, and ethical consciousness among Ghanaians. President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s ongoing commitment to working closely with Muslim leaders on critical sectors like education, youth development, healthcare, and governance.

Addressing Infrastructure Needs in Muslim Communities

One of the President’s key points focused on addressing infrastructure deficits in Muslim communities. He highlighted the need for improvements in housing, sanitation, schools, and other public infrastructure. President Mahama directed that communities in Tamale, Yendi, Boku, and Wa be given priority in the upcoming urban renewal compact outlined in the national budget. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap in basic infrastructure and uplift the standard of living in the region.

Fulfilling Promises to Northern Ghana: A Vision for the Future

President Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people of Northern Ghana. Key projects were outlined, particularly in the areas of road construction, agriculture, agribusiness, healthcare, and education. The President also announced plans to integrate Islamic school systems into the formal education structure while maintaining their spiritual autonomy. This integration would offer greater opportunities for students while preserving the values that these institutions instil.

Promoting Peace, Tolerance, and Accountability

In his closing remarks, the President called for continued peace, tolerance, and mutual respect among communities. He urged chiefs, Imams, and youth leaders to uphold these values and to promote accountability in governance. To ensure a corruption-free future, President Mahama revealed his plans to review Article 71 of the Constitution, introducing penalties for public corruption.

A Collective Call for a Prosperous Future

The President ended his speech with a powerful reminder from the Quran, stressing the importance of righteousness and compassion. His message was clear: for Ghana to prosper, every community must work together, ensuring no one is left behind.

Prayer and Blessings for the Nation

Following the speech, Sheikh Lukuman Bamba led an intensive prayer for the President and the country, seeking divine guidance, protection, and blessings for Ghana’s future.

Conclusion: Unity and Progress Ahead

The event, which saw the attendance of Paramount Chiefs, Islamic Scholars, members of the Council of State, and the general public, was a reminder of the enduring bond between Ghana’s leadership and its diverse communities. With renewed promises and a focus on development, the future of Northern Ghana is poised for transformation.

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.