Savanna News - thesavannaonline

Seidu Agongo Donates Food to Vulnerable Residents in Upper East Region

Alhaji Seidu Agongo is a well-known businessman and philanthropist. He has joined forces with a local initiative. Their aim is to provide vital food aid. The beneficiaries are the vulnerable residents of Adaboya-Kunkoe. This is located in the Bongo District, Upper East Region.

The generous donation comprised 35 bags of maize. It was distributed on Monday, April 28. This distribution benefited numerous women in the farming community.

Around 70 elderly individuals received the donation. This group includes widows, single mothers, and those unable to farm due to illness or disability.

The community largely relies on subsistence farming. It has been grappling with the effects of unpredictable rainfall in recent years. This has resulted in poor harvests and increasing food insecurity. This donation was intended to ease the growing food shortages.

Mrs. Janet Abugre, a native of Adaboya-Kunkoe, is the coordinator of the annual donation initiative. She shared with the media that Alhaji Agongo’s contribution allowed them to expand their outreach this year. This expansion enabled them to assist more families.

“What began as an effort to support around 20 individuals has now grown to reach approximately 70 beneficiaries, thanks to Alhaji Agongo’s generous contribution,” Mrs. Abugre stated.

The donation is typically made in June, aligning with the planting season in the Upper East Region. However, this year’s distribution occurred earlier. It provided timely relief to those struggling with food shortages due to inconsistent rainfall and dwindling harvests.

The recipients expressed immense gratitude for the donation. It was distributed at a neutral location. This ensured dignity and avoided stigma.

“We provide food rather than cash to ensure households have access to vital nutrition,” Mrs Abugre explained. She added that each bag of maize was shared among three beneficiaries to maximize its impact.

Alhaji Agongo, an entrepreneur based in Accra, is known for his extensive philanthropic efforts across Ghana. He continues to demonstrate his commitment to uplifting marginalized communities through this partnership. He maintains a long-standing tradition of giving back to society. This has been noted by Mrs. Abugre.

While this year’s donation has provided significant relief, Mrs. Abugre emphasized that the community’s needs are still substantial, with many vulnerable individuals requiring continued assistance.

She hoped that more supporters, like Alhaji Agongo, would continue contributing to the initiative.

Locals In Kanvili Kpawumo Face Isolation, Safety Concerns Amid Downpours

Residents of Kanvili Kpawumo in the Tamale North Constituency face the risk of isolation after recent heavy rains washed away the main road linking the community to Kalpohin and surrounding areas.

Though Tamale has recorded just two major rainfalls this week, residents fear the situation will worsen as the rainy season intensifies.

Heavy downpours in Tamale have exposed the fragility of infrastructure in the Kanvili Kpawumo area. A section of the main access road, constructed just two months ago, has been washed away, leaving residents worried about accessibility and safety.

The rains have also overwhelmed poorly constructed drainage systems, which locals describe as inadequate for managing stormwater.

According to the Ghana Meteorological Agency, this year’s rainy season is expected to begin earlier and bring more intense rainfall, deepening fears of flooding and isolation among residents.

One resident, who declined to be named, was seen relocating her belongings, citing the deteriorating road and the absence of alternative routes.

“When it rains, it gets worse than this actually. The children even swim. They have a diving competition here. It is that bad, and the rain takes away all the stuff, as you can tell that is why I am leaving,” she said.

Mothers in the area expressed deep concern about the safety of their children, particularly the dangers posed by open drains and fast-moving floodwaters.

“I have a daughter who is four years old. She going through and seeing all this is heartbreaking. There was a time the water almost took us away, this is the only place I have in Tamale. Imagine it rains like this and the road is like this, how do I get home?,” another resident lamented.

Several residents also reported losing livestock during previous storms.

Calls are growing for authorities to construct a more efficient drainage system, especially around the Gariba Lodge area, which channels runoff through the community.

As the rains persist, residents are urging swift intervention to prevent further destruction and ensure their community remains connected and safe.

Source: channel1news.com | Shawana Yussif

Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Defiling Minor in Wa

A young man from Guli in the Wa municipality, Mohammed Abudi, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the defilement of a 13-year-old girl.

The sentence was handed down. Abudi pleaded guilty to the charge during his appearance before the Wa Circuit Court. His Lordship Jonathan Avoogo presided over the court on April 23, 2025.

According to a police statement, Abudi committed the crime on April 11, 2025. The Upper West Regional Command apprehended him on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

The Regional Command has also warned potential offenders to refrain from engaging in such criminal activities.

Wa | Upper West Region

Smock Rhythms is here. 1 New thesavannaonline concept

Smock Rhythms – your weekly journey through the vibrant sounds of Northern Ghana.

Smock Rhythms is your weekly journey through the vibrant sounds of Northern Ghana. Every weekend, we handpick a fresh selection of tracks from the heart of Northern Ghana. From traditional rhythms to modern beats, this playlist is designed to keep your weekend energised and full of life. Each track is carefully numbered and linked in our blog post to ensure smooth listening and avoid copyright issues. Vibe with the music, explore new genres, and let thesavanna weekend pulse be your go-to soundtrack for every weekend!

Is this a list of New releases?

No. Smock Rhythms is not limited to new releases. It is a selection of some of the finest songs we hear from artists in the North of Ghana. Language and genre are not primary determiners. Our discretion is absolutely down to the quality of the sound, the song’s universal appeal, and the vocal performance. The listed songs are not based on a hierarchy.

Is this about the Northern Region?

No. thesavannaonline acknowledges the battle with appreciating the varied regions and ethnicities of Northern Ghana. However, the North of Ghana refers to the three traditional regions of the Upper East, Upper West, and Upper East Region. This implies that we now cover the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, North East, and Savanna regions.

Which artists or regions are a priority?

We do not prioritise any region or set of artists. We curate based on what we can access or see online across multiple platforms. However, we invite artists and their management to share links with us whenever they have some releases. It is not a guarantee that we will feature it on a particular list. However, it adds to the rich database we would be cutting. At 1 point or the other, we may feature some of the songs.

What do we seek to achieve?

We seek to augment the selection process of Deejays and show hosts for their playlists. We also believe music lovers can add songs to their own playlists through these weekly updates. It becomes a win-win for fans and artists.

When does Smock Rhythms begin?

Our first list goes out on May 9, 2025. It will consist of a blog post and an audiovisual representation of the selections.

We anticipate that this initiative will be embraced, and once again, www.thesavannaonline.com will highlight the music from Northern Ghana. thesavanna jam of the week will also make a return to radio soon.

You can reach www.thesavannaonline.com via svmediagh@gmail.com or 0244918560 / 0203100346

UDS April 2025 Graduation Ceremony: A Grand Celebration of Excellence, Leadership, and Legacy

The atmosphere at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Tamale Campus was electric with excitement, pride, and celebration on Saturday, April 26, 2025, as thousands gathered at the University’s Multipurpose Auditorium for the highly anticipated April 2025 Graduation Ceremony.

With brilliant sunshine bathing the sprawling campus, the venue was adorned with UDS colors, flowing banners, and flower arrangements that set the stage for a truly memorable occasion. Families, friends, and members of the academic community filled the auditorium to capacity, cheering and waving in celebration as the graduands, clad in flowing academic gowns, beamed with joy and anticipation.

The ceremony was graced by a distinguished array of dignitaries, including the newly appointed Chairman of the University Governing Council, Ambassador Abdulai Salifu; Her Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela, Managing Director of Eswatini Bank and wife of His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini of the Zulu Nation in South Africa; the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, Professor Augustine Ocloo; members of the UDS Governing Council; Professor Albert Luguterah, Vice-Chancellor of the C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences; former principal officers of UDS; and other eminent guests.

Addressing the University community for the very first time in his capacity as Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Abdulai Salifu commended the outgoing Council for their tremendous work and assured the gathering that the new Governing Council would work diligently to uphold and even elevate the standards set by their predecessors.

In a moment of deep emotion and gratitude, Dr. Emmanuel Djaban, the valedictorian, delivered a stirring speech on behalf of his fellow graduands. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to lecturers, administrators, and supervisors for their unwavering support, guidance, and dedication, which culminated in the successes celebrated on this proud day.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, in a reflective and inspiring address, emphasized the theme of perseverance and transformation. He congratulated the 2,630 graduands, who included 372 postgraduates and 2,258 undergraduates, with the postgraduate cohort boasting 26 PhD recipients. He highlighted with particular pride the landmark achievement at the Bachelor’s level, where, for the first time, female graduands (55.1%) outnumbered their male counterparts—a significant step towards gender parity in higher education.

Professor Al-Hassan lauded the University’s remarkable progress, noting strategic milestones such as a new partnership with Beijing Foreign Studies University in China, the successful delivery of the 7th Africa Leadership Lecture Series by Her Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela, Infrastructure development projects, including the near-completed Nursing and Midwifery Block, two 300-seater auditoriums, and a modern Dissection and Laboratory Complex, the official opening of the Campus Model Pharmacy on the Tamale Campus, UDS’ advancement to 3rd place nationally and 35th in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 2024 Times Higher Education Rankings. He also highlighted groundbreaking achievements in women’s technical education, student leadership initiatives that prioritized student welfare, and the remarkable national appointments of UDS faculty members, all testifying to UDS’s reputation as a powerhouse of national development.

The high point of the event was the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela, and citation presented to her read in part that “In 2022, you shattered a six-decade ceiling to become the first woman appointed Managing Director of Eswatini Bank, an historic ascent that reflects your trailblazing spirit and unyielding resolve.

In short address, the queen thanked the university for the honour. The President of the Alumni Association, Prof. Terry Ansah presented gift items on behalf of the alumni association to signify that she is now a member.

Individual students and groups that excelled during their deployment on the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP) as well as student leaders who showed exceptional leadership skills were honoured with citations and various amounts of money.

There was collective celebration as the names of the graduands were called, and degrees were conferred amidst resounding applause, ululations, and heartfelt embraces.

As the sun set over the Tamale skyline, leaving a golden hue across the campus, it was clear that the April 2025 Graduation Ceremony was not just an academic ritual, it was a powerful statement of UDS’ enduring legacy and a radiant beacon for the future of Ghana and Africa.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen
UDS Media

Alice Abeere-Inga has been appointed the new Director of Education for the Upper East Region.

On Monday, 28th April 2025, the Upper East Region’s Regional Director of Education (RDE), Mr. Bright Armstin Lawoe, held a short but noteworthy ceremony at the Regional Education Office to officially hand over his position. After taking office on 7th February 2023, Mr. Lawoe will relocate to the Savannah Region to serve as the new substantive Regional Director of Education.

Throughout his career as a leader, Mr. Lawoe was recognized for his strong management skills. He showed dedication to enhancing educational delivery. He also promoted cohesive partnerships among regional education stakeholders.

Mrs. Alice Ellen Abeere-Inga, the outgoing Municipal Director of Education for Kasena-Nankana East, is now taking on the leadership role. She has several decades of experience in the education sector. She brings a wealth of knowledge to her new position. Mrs Abeere-Inga’s professional journey began as a classroom teacher in Bolgatanga Municipality. She then worked as a School Improvement Support Officer (SISO) in Bongo District. Additionally, she served as Chief Inspector of Schools. She also coordinated the School Health Education Program (SHEP) at the Regional Education Office.

Her exemplary leadership skills were undeniable. Because of these skills, she was selected as the Head of Chiana Senior High School for a brief period. She was then promoted to the Municipal Director of Education for Kasena-Nankana East. She also managed the Kasena-Nankana West District twice during her five-year tenure in this role.

During his handover speech, Mr Lawoe expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Regional Education Office. He also thanked the Municipal and District Directors of Education. Additionally, he appreciated all partners for their unwavering support during his term.

Mr. Lawoe expressed confidence in the region’s ongoing success under the capable guidance of Mrs. Abeere-Inga.

In her brief speech, Mrs Abeere-Inga promised to improve upon the strong foundation her predecessor had laid. She urged ongoing support from all involved parties to further education in the Upper East Region.

The event ended with heartfelt conversations. Everyone in attendance showed a renewed dedication. They pledged to cooperate in promoting educational excellence throughout the area.

The New UDS Governing Council has been urged to promote unity and development.

The University for Development Studies (UDS) has officially inaugurated its new 13-member Governing Council. The council was charged with promoting unity, collaboration, and commitment to the university’s developmental mission.

During the inauguration ceremony, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu is a Member of Parliament for Tamale South. He is also a former Minister of Education. He emphasized the importance of council members working together. He highlighted the need to maintain UDS’s commitment as a community-oriented institution. The institution prioritizes development.

He emphasized the significance of unity and teamwork. He addressed key challenges, such as improving graduate employability. Additionally, he focused on fostering stronger alumni relations.

Hon. Iddrisu emphasized the need for the council to prioritize policies that benefit our graduates. He also urged the council to foster stronger connections with the university. He further reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting the independence of tertiary institutions.

He emphasized the importance of a politically unbiased education sector, promoting academic freedom and safeguarding institutional independence.

During his speech, the newly appointed council chairman, Professor Alhassan Wayo Seini, reassured stakeholders. He emphasized the council’s commitment to furthering the university’s interests.

He emphasized the importance of building on the achievements of past councils. He promised that the new team would strive to enhance UDS’s reputation. They would also work to achieve its developmental objectives.

The ceremonial event signifies a significant stride in UDS’s dedication to maintaining academic excellence. It also promotes community engagement and supports sustainable development.

Lack of electricity hampers economic and social life in Tolla, Assembly Member cries for help

While many people from other parts of the country would usually express discomfort over power outages, the situation for residents of Tolla, a community in the Talensi District, is one of permanent darkness, at least until the community is connected to the national electricity grid.

There is no single pole that one would see upon arriving in the community, leaving residents to endure darkness coupled with poor mobile network connectivity.

According to the Assembly Member for the Datuku Electoral Area, Ayariga Mahamudu, the lack of electricity is affecting the social and economic lives of residents of the area.

He explained that the situation has led to many individuals, especially teachers and nurses, often refusing to be posted to the community.

A recent case involved the posting of a lady to the area as part of her one-year mandatory National Service Program. Upon arrival, the lady refused to honour her posting to the area, citing the lack of electricity.

Charging mobile phones and grinding food items is done outside the community since there is no electricity.

The Assembly Member, Mr. Mahamudu is appealing for the extension of electricity to the community to create some economic opportunities for the people of the area.

“In the community, there is no electricity, so we are appealing to the government, the MP, and the DCE to come to our aid to bring development to the area. It is affecting us a lot. It is affecting our social life.

When they post nurses and teachers to the area, they won’t come. Just recently, they posted one National Service Personnel to the area, but when she came, she said she could have managed despite the area being a remote area, but without electricity, she couldn’t stay. And even people are not able to engage in any trade because of the lack of electricity.”

SOURCE: DREAMZFMONLINE / NICHOLAS AZEBIRE

Category: Savanna News