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Paga Youth Movement cites the best location for airport

The Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise the conversion of the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip into a regional airport. This is the most cost-effective and technically feasible option for the Upper East Region.

At a press conference in Paga on the 28th of May 2025, the group welcomed Mahama’s recent directive for the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach for the airport project. However, they expressed concern that the Paga/Navrongo Airstrip is being overlooked in favour of a proposed site at Anateem, which lies about 15km from Bolgatanga and 30km from the Paga border.

PAYOM argued that public discussions and actions by government officials suggest a preference for the Anateem location, even though there has been no evidence of an official visit to the Paga/Navrongo site. They viewed this as a lack of transparency and fairness, primarily because no comparative assessment of the two locations had been conducted.

The group questioned the logic behind choosing Anateem for its proximity to Burkina Faso when Paga sits directly on the Ghana-Burkina border. In their view, Paga is more strategic for cross-border trade, regional security, and economic growth.

They highlighted the historical relevance of the airstrip, which was constructed in 1939 and completed in 1940 by the colonial administration. It was built for military use and has served Ghana for more than 80 years. Previous studies, including one initiated under former Aviation Minister Joseph Kofi Addah, confirmed that the site is viable for conversion into a domestic airport.

With the government now exploring private sector investment, PAYOM believes that upgrading an existing airstrip will cost less than building a new facility. The group said the Paga/Navrongo site already has key infrastructure in place, making it more attractive to investors.

The youth movement outlined several benefits of developing the Paga/Navrongo airstrip. These include its proximity to Burkina Faso, which could improve trade with neighbouring Sahelian countries. They noted that the airport could also promote tourism, boost local investment, and support national security and emergency response efforts.

Tourist attractions like the Paga Crocodile Pond and Pikworo Slave Camp could become more accessible. PAYOM also believes the airport could enhance regional integration through academic and cultural exchanges with Francophone countries.

The group recalled that in June 2020, ten paramount chiefs from the Kassena-Nankana area petitioned then-President Nana Akufo-Addo to upgrade the airstrip. PAYOM expressed disappointment that current discussions ignore the input of these traditional leaders.

They called on GACL to conduct a side-by-side assessment of the Paga/Navrongo and Anateem sites, promising to support a site visit to ensure objective evaluation. The group also appealed to private investors to consider the cost benefits of upgrading the existing airstrip.

PAYOM insisted that their call was not based on parochial interests but on a desire for fairness and value for money. They criticised the current direction of the project, saying it appears to favour one site without proper justification. The group concluded with a pledge to work with all stakeholders—government, traditional leaders, investors, and the media—to ensure the airport project truly serves the region’s long-term development.

Bolga MCE Hands Over GH¢201,599 Boreholes Amid Concerns from Farmers

Two mechanised boreholes valued at GH¢201,599 have been handed over to Damwoe and Amogrebisi, two farming communities in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region. The projects, executed under phase one of the Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion (SOCO) initiative, are expected to support irrigation, particularly during the dry season.

The handover ceremony took place in Bolgatanga. Speaking at the event, Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive Roland Atanga Ayoo described the facilities as a significant step toward reducing the burden on farmers who heavily depend on rainfall. He urged young people in the communities to utilise the boreholes to enhance their lives through agriculture.

Mr Ayoo said the initiative was part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise agriculture and support rural farmers. He noted that better yields from irrigation farming would help strengthen the local economy.

However, the MCE raised concerns about the actual capacity of the boreholes. He revealed that the expected output of the system was to irrigate up to 52 hectares, but farmers had reported that the boreholes could not even support two acres. Mr Ayoo expressed frustration over the situation and warned the technical team against overseeing such poor-quality projects in the future.

At Damwoe, he advised the youth not to lose hope despite the setbacks. He emphasised that the current challenges were temporary and that more reliable support would be forthcoming.

In Amogrebisi, Assemblyman Samuel Azure voiced his community’s disappointment. He said the poor performance of the borehole had left many farmers frustrated. According to him, the current system could not even serve three farmers. He called for urgent action to address the problem.

Lantana Osman, Director of Agriculture at the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, also spoke at the event. She acknowledged the project’s shortfalls in execution and assured the farmers that her office would closely monitor future agricultural-related developments. She urged the community to remain calm, pledging that the promised mechanised boreholes would be delivered as soon as possible.

UDS delegation meets Sports Minister after historic football win, receives backing for World Cup in China

A high-powered delegation from the University for Development Studies (UDS) on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, to formally inform him of the university’s unprecedented triumph at the 2024 FASU Games in Lagos, Nigeria, where UDS emerged as African football champions, becoming the first Ghanaian University to win that title.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor of UDS, Professor Elliot Haruna Alhassan, who led the delegation, disclosed that by virtue of that historic victory, UDS has earned the honour of representing the African continent at the FISU World University Football Cup, scheduled to be held in China in September 2025.

“The purpose of our visit is two-fold,” Prof. Alhassan noted. First, to extend our warm congratulations to you on your appointment as Minister for Sports and Recreation. Second, to share the good news that UDS has lifted the flag of Ghana high in Africa and is now preparing to carry the banner of the entire continent at the global stage.”

Prof. Alhassan reminded the Minister of his deep-rooted ties with UDS, noting his close association with the late former President J.J. Rawlings, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the University.

In his response, Hon. Kofi Adams warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the recognition and visit.

“I am truly honoured by your presence,” the Minister said. “Let me congratulate the entire UDS community for this incredible achievement. You have not only made Ghana proud, but you have brought pride to the continent. I am confident you will go even further and make Africa proud in China.”

While acknowledging the financial constraints currently facing the Ministry, including longstanding arrears owed to coaches of the senior national football team, Hon. Adams assured the delegation of the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the UDS team.

“We will do our best to support your preparations for the World Cup. I will personally engage corporate Ghana to explore sponsorship opportunities for the team. Government is also putting plans in place to establish a National Sports Fund to cater for such needs in the future,” he stated.

The Minister also revealed plans to liaise with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to create opportunities for UDS to engage in friendly matches as part of their preparation for the global tournament.

Hon. Adams used the occasion to commend the innovative course model adopted by UDS, which blends practical sports training with academic instruction. “UDS is setting the pace,” he said. “Many universities are now following your example, and that’s exactly how we bridge the gap between academia and the world of work.”

He further emphasized the importance of university sports in national development, noting that sports not only foster unity and discipline but also open doors to international exposure and opportunities for students.

The UDS delegation included the University Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar, the Director of Sports, Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, and key members of the University’s Sports Advisory Committee, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu and Mr. Yussif Abdulai as well as the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen.

The meeting concluded with mutual commitments to deepen collaboration between the Ministry and UDS as preparations intensify for the 2025 World University Football Cup.

UDS remains the first Ghanaian university to win the FASU football tournament, and the only institution set to fly Africa’s flag at the upcoming global university football championship.

Story By Abdul Moomen | gbcghanaonline

GAUA-UDS Declares Indefinite Strike Over Allowance Cuts

The University for Development Studies (UDS) branch of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has declared an indefinite strike effective Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The decision follows a controversial directive from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to suspend the payment of office-holding allowances to GAUA-UDS members serving in management and leadership roles.

The directive, issued on April 28, 2025, has been met with significant resistance from the association, which views the move as a violation of long-standing service conditions. The GAUA-UDS leadership expressed dismay that the decision was made without any prior consultation or dialogue, describing it as a breach of trust and an affront to the principles of fairness and mutual respect.

According to GAUA-UDS, the directive also contradicts an earlier decision by GTEC itself. In a letter dated September 18, 2023, GTEC approved the recognition of the same headship positions now affected by the allowance withdrawal. The abrupt reversal has left many members frustrated and financially strained.

The association revealed that 108 of its members have been directly impacted by the cut in allowances. Many are said to be facing financial hardship severe enough to threaten their ability to manage daily expenses until the following payday. This has fueled further resentment, with GAUA-UDS describing the move as inconsiderate and detrimental to staff welfare.

In response, the association convened an emergency meeting on May 26, 2025, where members unanimously agreed to withdraw all services and responsibilities. The strike will remain in force until GTEC rescinds its directive, reinstates the withheld allowances, and initiates steps to establish a ministerial committee to develop a standardized framework for the administration of office-holding allowances and other welfare-related issues.

The leadership also warned that the strike would have significant implications for ongoing academic activities at the University of Development Studies (UDS). GAUA-UDS members are responsible for safeguarding and distributing examination booklets as well as monitoring the setup of examination halls. The withdrawal of these services, therefore, poses a severe disruption to the university’s examination process.

GAUA-UDS maintains that it remains open to constructive engagement but insists that any resolution must include the reversal of the allowance withdrawal and an institutional commitment to fairness and dialogue in the future.

Championing Integrity: Upper East Minister Rallies Appointees to Reject Corruption and Uphold Ethical Leadership

The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has urged government appointees in the region to uphold integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct while rejecting all forms of corruption in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking during a Regional Coordinating Council meeting held in Bolgatanga on Monday, May 26, Mr Atanga addressed a gathering that included District Chief Executives (DCEs), Presiding Members, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and development partners. He expressed grave concern over what he perceived as a widespread culture of corruption that extends beyond politicians and deeply into the ranks of technocrats.

According to the Minister, public discourse often frames corruption as a purely political issue. Still, the problem is far more complex and entrenched. He emphasised that technocrats frequently play a pivotal role in enabling corrupt practices by showing politicians how to manipulate documents and systems. He pointed out that politicians themselves often do not manipulate records but instead rely on the guidance and complicity of bureaucrats and office staff, who are familiar with the inner workings of the system.

Mr Atanga challenged the narrow perception that corruption is solely driven by those in elected office and called for a shared responsibility in addressing the rot. He insisted that reversing the trend of unethical behaviour in public service would require a collective stance from both political leaders and career civil servants alike.

Reaffirming the government’s position on accountability, the Minister highlighted measures introduced under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership. Among these is a Code of Conduct and Ethics designed to guide public officials and reinforce principles of transparency, integrity, and responsible governance.

He specifically referenced ongoing concerns surrounding the smuggling of subsidised fertilisers, asserting that such practices have no place in the administration and should be met with zero tolerance. The new code, he explained, provides a framework that leaves no room for malfeasance, particularly in areas critical to national development, such as agriculture.

Mr Atanga called on all stakeholders to internalise the government’s anti-corruption stance, take the new code seriously, and commit to restoring trust in public institutions through responsible conduct and collaboration.

From Herding Cattle to Yale Law: Frederick Agaaya Adongo’s Journey, Powered by Alhaji Agongo’s Philanthropy

In a world filled with countless motivational stories, few genuinely capture the essence of grit, grace, and transformative generosity like that of Frederick Agaaya Adongo. From tending cattle in rural Zorkor in Ghana’s Upper East Region to earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the prestigious Yale Law School, his journey is as inspiring as it is humbling.

Last week, under the storied elms of Yale University, Frederick graduated with pride, wearing academic robes that stood in stark contrast to the rugged clothes of his youth. His path from rural hardship to Ivy League achievement has not only broken barriers but also restored belief in the power of perseverance, education, and meaningful support.

Frederick’s childhood was rooted in subsistence living. Growing up, he balanced school with farming and herding cattle—a routine that allowed him to attend classes only two or three times a week. Despite the disruptions and limited resources, he pressed on, leaving cattle herding behind only in his final year of junior high school to fully prepare for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Funding remained a persistent challenge throughout his education. During his time at the University of Ghana, he leaned heavily on support from chaplains and members of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. But it wasn’t until a senior student noticed his potential and connected him with philanthropist and businessman Alhaji Seidu Agongo that Frederick’s life indeed took a pivotal turn.

That introduction marked the beginning of a new chapter. Alhaji Agongo assumed full financial responsibility for Frederick’s education—from fees to personal welfare—lifting the weight of economic anxiety and allowing him to focus entirely on his academic journey. Frederick has since described this support as transformative, crediting it as one of the most defining factors in his success.

Remarkably, the two have never met in person. Their relationship, sustained through phone calls and consistent check-ins, remains a powerful example of selfless philanthropy. Alhaji Agongo has no personal stake in Frederick’s accomplishments. Yet, his continued support has ensured that a talented young man reached heights that once seemed unattainable.

Frederick’s story is not an isolated case. Alhaji Agongo has quietly but consistently supported hundreds of students across Ghana, many of whom would have seen their dreams cut short without such intervention. Beyond education, his philanthropic footprint includes the construction of a fully furnished Children’s Department block at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and support for widows, single mothers, and young women through vocational and entrepreneurial training programs.

At Yale, Frederick made history by becoming the first Ghanaian to graduate from the LL.M. program in nearly four decades. He chose the institution over Harvard, drawn by its intimate class sizes and student-focused approach. As the only African in his cohort, he took pride in representing Ghana and Africa on such a global stage. For him, Yale was more than an academic destination—it was a place where he found the intellectual space and responsibility to use legal knowledge for societal good.

Reflecting on his journey, Frederick views his background not as a limitation but as the foundation of his strength. He believes that one’s beginnings do not define one’s future, emphasizing the value of determination, mentorship, and humility in the pursuit of success. He encourages young people to push themselves beyond perceived limits and remain open to guidance from mentors, friends, and colleagues.

Now, as he prepares to return home and explore both work and future study opportunities, Frederick carries not just a degree but the hopes of many. His story is a living testament to the heights that can be reached when talent meets opportunity—and when generosity meets purpose.

In supporting Frederick, Alhaji Agongo has done more than sponsor an education; he has invested in a vision of national progress, proving that the impact of one person’s kindness can ripple outward to shape a better future for all.

Tamale Metro Launches Comprehensive Plan to Decongest City Centre and Boost Urban Order

According to a report cited on radiotamaleonline, Tamale is set to improve drastically on several fronts. In a bold step toward improving urban mobility and economic vibrancy, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA), under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Hon. Abu Takoro, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to decongest the Central Business District (CBD) of Tamale.

The initiative follows growing concerns over worsening traffic, unregulated street activities, and a decline in urban order and safety. Acting on a directive from the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) during a recent site inspection. A technical committee was tasked with formulating a practical, action-driven plan to guide the decongestion process.

The committee, which first convened on May 14, outlined a clear set of goals and engaged key stakeholders in crafting sustainable strategies.

Core Objectives of the Decongestion Plan in Tamale

The primary aim is to create a safer, more navigable, and economically viable city centre. Specific objectives include:

Clearing Public Right-of-Way: Eliminate street hawking and unauthorized use of pedestrian walkways and road shoulders to ease movement.
Reorganizing Transport Nodes: Address congestion caused by unregulated “yellow-yellow” tricycle stations and informal bus stops.
Structured Relocation: Provide alternative trading and parking areas to accommodate displaced vendors and drivers.
Sustaining Urban Order: Establish systems that prevent re-encroachment and ensure ongoing discipline in commercial and transport activities.
Enhancing Revenue Generation: Boost Internally Generated Funds (IGF) by formalizing informal economic activities and improving land use.

Focus Areas

The decongestion effort will concentrate on high-traffic zones within the First Ring Road, including:

Aboabo
Moshie Zongo
Central Market
Aboabo Market
Flyover Underpass

These hotspots have been identified as epicentres of urban disorder and mobility challenges.

Stakeholder Engagement

Recognizing that lasting urban transformation requires collective buy-in, the plan places significant emphasis on inclusive stakeholder engagement. Key groups include:

Market Traders and Street Hawkers: Who will need relocation and support services?
Transport Operators and Unions: Particularly tricycle riders and commercial drivers.
Law Enforcement and Security Agencies: To enforce new regulations and maintain order.
Traditional Authorities and Local Leaders: Vital for Community Mediation and Support.
Civil Society and Development Partners: To provide technical expertise and advocacy.

A multi-sectoral task force comprising representatives from all these groups has been established to ensure fairness, transparency, and successful implementation.

Key Interventions

Several critical interventions will guide the implementation:

Zoning and Infrastructure Redesign: Modernize market layouts, street zones, and pedestrian paths to support urban flow.
Alternative Facilities: Construct well-equipped trading and parking spaces with lighting, sanitation, and waste management systems.
Policy Enforcement: Strengthen by-laws on street vending, sanitation, and traffic, backed by firm enforcement.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate residents via media, community forums, and outreach programs.
Smart City Tools: Integrate digital traffic systems, GIS mapping, and mobile apps for coordination and monitoring.

Immediate Action Steps

The roadmap to execution includes the following:

Stakeholder Consultations: Forums to explain the rationale, benefits, and available support.
Mapping and Data Collection: Assess informal sector activities to inform decisions.
Resource Mobilization: Secure funding and logistics to develop new facilities.
Phased Rollout: Begin in high-impact areas with minimal disruption to livelihoods.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Track progress, manage feedback, and refine interventions.

As Tamale continues to expand rapidly, this decongestion initiative stands as a pivotal measure to balance growth with functionality, safety, and sustainability.

If successfully executed, it could become a model for urban transformation across Ghana, advancing national goals for inclusive and sustainable city development.

GCB Bank Supports Dagbon Heritage with 2,000-Bag Cement Donation for Gbewaa Palace Reconstruction

To preserve cultural heritage and promote community development, GCB Bank PLC has donated 2,000 bags of cement to support the reconstruction of the historic Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, the traditional seat of the Dagbon Kingdom in northern Ghana.

The donation underscores the bank’s dedication to national development and cultural preservation. The Managing Director of GCB Bank, Alhaji Farhan Dandaawa, formally presented it to the Public Relations Officer and Secretary of the Gbewaa Palace during a brief ceremony held at the palace grounds.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Dandaawa highlighted the symbolic importance of the project and GCB Bank’s role in supporting national culture. “The Gbewaa Palace is not just a symbol of Dagbon’s tradition, but also of Ghana’s rich cultural diversity. GCB Bank is proud to contribute to this historic reconstruction effort,” he stated.

The Gbewaa Palace reconstruction is a flagship cultural initiative aimed at restoring the seat of the Dagbon Kingdom to its former grandeur. As the heart of the Kingdom, the palace represents authority, unity, and continuity for the Dagbon people.

Representatives of the palace expressed deep appreciation for GCB Bank’s contribution, noting that the 2,000 bags of cement will significantly accelerate progress on the project. They described the donation as timely and impactful.

This act of corporate citizenship further positions GCB Bank as a leading financial institution and a reliable partner in national development, particularly in the areas of culture, education, and community welfare.

Category: Savanna News