Category: Savanna News

SWIDA-Ghana engages Women in Savelugu and Nanton Engaged in Government Agricultural Policies

Women farmers in the Savelugu and Nanton Districts of the Northern Region participated in a forum designed to improve their understanding of government agricultural policies and programmes. The event, organised by the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana) with support from the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), featured participatory dialogue sessions, policy presentations, and discussions on challenges faced by women farmers.

Collaborative Discussions for Policy Improvement – SWIDA-Ghana

The forum brought together representatives from women’s farmer groups in 10 communities, including Bihinaayili, Tampion Gushee, Looni, and Saamkpem, among others. It was part of SWIDA-Ghana’s Inclusive Community Policy Dialogues and Stakeholder Engagement Fora on Agricultural Policy Barriers, aimed at promoting women’s economic security in Northern Ghana.

Addressing Systemic and Policy Barriers

Hajia Alima Sagito-Saeed, Executive Director of SWIDA-Ghana, emphasised the importance of the forum in deepening participants’ understanding of systemic and policy-level barriers that affect agriculture. She also highlighted the goal of documenting community-driven recommendations to improve agricultural policies and foster stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

Government Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture

Mr. Kojo Inusah from the Savelugu Municipal Directorate’s Department of Agriculture provided a training session on government initiatives, particularly the “Feed Ghana” project, aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring food security. He encouraged women farmers to form or maintain groups to access these initiatives and improve their agricultural practices.

Positive Feedback and Future Engagement

Madam Mary Amadu, a participant from Bihinaayili, praised SWIDA-Ghana and its partners for organising the forum, noting that it would play a key role in promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture, especially in rural areas.

Northern Excellence Awards Recognise Impactful Individuals and Organisations

The Northern Excellence Awards, held on July 5 in Tamale, honoured individuals and organisations making a significant impact in Northern Ghana. The annual event honours those who have made significant contributions to the region’s social, economic, and community development.

Awardees of the Night

Among the awardees was Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor, the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area, who received the Development-Oriented Chief of the Year award. Mr. Attah Issah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Sagnarigu Constituency, was named People’s MP of the Year. Dr. Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, MP for Walewale Constituency, was awarded Emerging Political Leader and Advocate for Youth Empowerment. Mr. Manasseh Azure Awuni, an investigative journalist, was recognised as the Most Influential Media Personality of the Decade. Miss Alimatu Bawah Wiabriga, Co-Founder of Cowtribe, won the Social Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Other Notable Winners at the Northern Excellence Awards

Additional recipients included Miss Maltiti Sayida Sadick, a journalist with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, who was named Most Promising Media Personality of the Year. Mr. Yakubu Abdul-Karim, Founder and Executive Director of the Baron Healing Hearts Foundation, received the Community Impact and Humanitarian Service Award. Kodu Technology was honoured as Social Innovation Enterprise of the Year. At the same time, the Total Life Enhancement Centre won the Excellence in Mental Health Advocacy and Psychosocial Development Organisation of the Year award. Dabokpa Technical Institute earned the Community Innovation and Technical Transformation School of the Year award.

Honouring Contributions to Education, Business, and Tradition

In the education sector, Dame Anna-Maria Fati Paul, CEO of Fachi Little Flower School Complex Ltd, was awarded Educational Excellence and Community Impact Personality of the Year. Mr. Felix Sangteeh, CEO of Majesty Galaxy Ghana Ltd, was recognised as the Emerging Business Personality of the Year. At the same time, Alhaji Alhassan Sofwan, CEO of Alsofwan Engineering and Construction Company Ltd, received the Tradition and Development Advocate Award.

Community Building and Digital Empowerment Recognised

Alhaji Hussein Yushaw Fuzak, CEO of Fuzak Construction Company, received the Community Builder and Social Impact Award. Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari, Executive Director of AfriTech Hub, was named the Outstanding Youth Achiever in Digital Empowerment and Civic Impact. Aisha Hospital received the Community Health Development Award.

Purpose of the Northern Excellence Awards

The Northern Excellence Awards are an initiative by the Celebrities Charity Development Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to recognising and celebrating impactful individuals and organisations in the northern sector of Ghana. Mr. Alhassan Abdul-Latif, Executive Director of the Foundation, explained that the awards aim to highlight the achievements of both established and emerging personalities whose work has had a positive impact on communities across the north.

Encouragement to Continue Contributing to Society

After receiving his award, Mr. Peter Mintir Amadu, Executive Director of Total Life Enhancement Centre, commended the Governing Board for the recognition, noting that it would inspire them to continue their efforts for the betterment of society. The recognition, he said, will motivate them to do more for the development of the northern region.

Parts of Bolgatanga Municipality Left in Darkness Due to Faulty Street Lighting

Some areas of the Bolgatanga Municipality in the Upper East Region have been plunged into darkness due to malfunctioning streetlights on major streets. The issue has persisted for about a week, affecting key roads, including the highway from the SSNIT bungalows through the Regional Library, Ministries, and the Regional Coordinating Council roads.

Impact on Traffic Systems

As of the evening of July 8, 2025, thesavannaonline observed that the streetlight outage had also disrupted the traffic light system in the Municipality. Several intersections, including those at SSNIT, the Regional Police Headquarters, and the Library junction, had traffic lights that were either not functioning or entirely out of order. Other traffic light systems, including those at key intersections like the GBC, MTN, and hospital junctions, had been out of order for several years.

Challenges at Key Intersections

The outages at these critical intersections are causing congestion, particularly on market days, forcing motorists and pedestrians to navigate through busy roads with little to no guidance. At some intersections, the traffic lights are present but non-operational. In contrast, others have been completely displaced and are no longer at their original locations.

Concerns from Local Vendors

Local vendors along the major highway have expressed concerns about the lack of streetlights, which are affecting their businesses. Ms. Divine Grace Aneriba, a food vendor along the highway, shared that the darkness makes it difficult for customers to see her stall, significantly impacting her sales. Other vendors, including those selling pork and other food items, voiced similar frustrations, urging authorities to address the situation swiftly.

Municipal Chief Executive Responds

Mr. Roland Atanga Ayoo, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), acknowledged the ongoing challenges and explained the lighting issues. He noted that the streetlight installation was done by a contractor from the Upper West Region, who lacks a permanent presence in Bolgatanga. As a result, repairs take longer to complete, particularly when the contractor is unavailable.

Electrical Issues Contributing to the Malfunction

The MCE also noted that electrical connectivity issues, such as transformer malfunctions, have contributed to the failure of both street and traffic lights in certain areas. He explained that some of the affected streetlights were not malfunctioning but had been impacted by these electrical problems.

Plans for a Local Solution

To resolve the ongoing issue, the MCE assured residents that the Assembly is working to engage a local contractor with the technical expertise to address the problem more promptly. Efforts are underway to ensure the swift repair and maintenance of the street and traffic lighting systems in the Municipality.

Armed Robbery Operation Claims Life of Sick Woman in Welembelle

In a tragic incident on July 5, a sick woman lost her life after an armed robbery attack disrupted her emergency journey from the Welembelle community to the Tumu District Hospital in the Sissala East Municipality.

Robbery Halts Emergency Journey

The woman, who was being transported to seek urgent medical care, was caught in a violent robbery on the Welembelle-Tumu stretch. At gunpoint, the attackers detained the passengers for several hours, forcing them to lie down while they ransacked the vehicle. The robbers made off with mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The Driver’s Account

Mr. Basit Mumuni, the driver of the vehicle, shared the ordeal with the Ghana News Agency (GNA). He recounted how four armed men stopped the car at the Dangi Junction early on Friday morning. The delay caused by the robbery led to the woman’s death, as she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Tumu Government Hospital.

Return and Burial of the Deceased

Following the woman’s death, her remains were returned to Welembelle, where she was laid to rest according to Islamic tradition. Her tragic death has left the community in mourning, with increased concerns about security in the area.

Call for Stronger Security Measures

Welembelle resident, Mr. Jigne Suleman Musah, expressed his outrage at the incident, calling it a “death caused by sheer criminality.” He urged the police and other security agencies to increase patrols in the area and ensure that those responsible for the robbery are brought to justice. Musah also highlighted the lack of a resident medical doctor at the Welembelle Polyclinic, which has led to many cases being referred to Tumu and Wa, further exacerbating the risks posed by poor road conditions.

Robbery Details and Additional Victims

The robbery occurred between Kong and Nankpawie around 5:30 a.m. on July 4. Police confirmed that three other victims, including a teenage boy, were shot during the robbery while travelling in a separate vehicle from Tumu to Wa. These victims sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to the Tumu Hospital for treatment before being transferred to the Upper West Regional Hospital for further care.

Investigation and Police Response

At the time of reporting, no arrests had been made, but police investigations were underway. ASP Johnson Adusei Poku, the Sissala East Municipal Police Commander, assured the public that the perpetrators would be brought to justice as soon as possible. He also requested additional police officers to support efforts in enhancing security in the region.

Community Grief and Calls for Protection

As the community mourned the loss of a mother of four, calls for increased protection grew louder. Residents of Welembelle have called for stronger security measures to prevent further armed robbery attacks in the Sissala East Municipality, ensuring that such tragic events do not repeat.

Bishop Agyenta Inaugurates Committee to Oversee St Raphael Medical Centre Construction

On July 8, the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development Organisation (NABOCADO) inaugurated a seven-member implementation committee to oversee the construction and operationalisation of the St. Raphael Medical Centre at Pusgu-Namongo, Talensi District.

A Step Toward Better Healthcare

This ultramodern medical facility is a crucial initiative aimed at improving healthcare in Northern Ghana. The project, funded by the Hungarian Government through Hungary Helps, will offer specialised health services to communities in the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, including the Upper East and North East Regions.

Meet the Committee

The committee is led by Dr. Wilfred Akapanga as Chairperson, alongside key members such as Dr. Joseph Ayembilla (Consultant), Reverend Father Joseph Tabase (Diocesan Financial Administrator), and Mr. Ayedzi Delanyon Khiki (Regional Biomedical Engineer, Ghana Health Service). Other members include Mr. Peter Alnaa (Project Managing Engineer), Mr. Roland Abangiba (Secretary and Diocesan Health Service Trust Representative), and Mr. Dominic Ayaaba (Diocesan Lands and Estates Committee Representative).

A Heartfelt Message from the Bishop

During the inauguration, Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Diocese, expressed profound gratitude to the Hungarian Government and Hungary Helps for their generous support. He emphasised that the project goes beyond infrastructure; it’s about continuing the healing ministry of Christ. He urged the committee to focus on the project’s financial sustainability, stressing that while the Church is not profit-driven, adequate resources are essential for fulfilling its mission.

Teamwork for Success

Bishop Agyenta emphasised the importance of teamwork and collaboration, noting that a united effort would facilitate the project’s timely completion and attract additional support from potential donors.

The Vision for St Raphael Medical Centre

Mr. Daniel Damka, Chairperson of the Diocesan Finance Council and Business and Investment Board, reflected on the conception of the Centre in 2019, born out of the increasing demand for quality healthcare in the region. He emphasised the committee’s vital role in sustaining the project, which promises to usher in a new era of healthcare in Northern Ghana, thereby improving lives and overall well-being.

Commitment to the Mission

Dr. Wilfred Akapanga, Chairperson of the newly formed committee, thanked the Bishop for the trust placed in them. He pledged their unwavering commitment to the project’s successful completion. He recognised the personal connections many committee members have to the Church, viewing the task as both a responsibility and a calling. He also called for collaboration from the wider Church and community to ensure the project’s success.

What the Centre Will Offer

Once completed, the St. Raphael Medical Centre, located just five kilometres from Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital, will provide a range of advanced healthcare services. These will include outpatient care, short-term hospital stays, laboratory and diagnostic services such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, X-ray, endoscopy, mammography, maternal and child healthcare, pediatric care, and gerontology.

A Vision for Accessible Healthcare

The inauguration of the Project Implementation Committee marks a significant milestone in the Diocese’s long-term vision to make quality healthcare accessible to all. This aligns with the Church’s mission of service, compassion, and evangelisation, ensuring that the St Raphael Medical Centre will be a beacon of hope for the region.

Foundation Supports Kpatia Schools with Donations of Sanitary Pads and Educational Materials

On July 7, the BJL Koumase Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, donated sanitary pads and educational supplies to the students of Kpatia Primary and Junior High Schools in the Talensi District.

Items Donated to Promote Education and Hygiene

The donation included 96 sanitary pads for adolescent girls, as well as essential school supplies such as 300 exercise books, pens, pencils, and erasers for both boys and girls. These items were part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to promote education and menstrual hygiene, particularly in underserved communities.

Honouring a Late Educationist

The event was marked by a brief ceremony, during which Reverend Joseph Danso Kobre, Head of Operations at the BJL Koumase Foundation, spoke about the initiative. The donation was made in honour of the late Benedict Joseph Labre Kumasi, former headteacher of Bawku Senior High School, who passed away in 2024. Reverend Kobre highlighted that the Foundation was established to preserve the legacy of the late educator by supporting children and communities through education, health, and sustainable development programs.

Empowering Communities Through Education and Hygiene

Reverend Kobre emphasised the mission of the Foundation, stating that its goal is to empower communities to reach their full potential. He explained that by promoting education and menstrual hygiene, the Foundation aims to remove barriers that often prevent girls from continuing their education. He further encouraged the pupils and teachers to take their education seriously, as it plays a crucial role in becoming responsible citizens who contribute to the nation’s development.

Expanding the BJL Koumase Foundation‘s Impact

Reverend Kobre assured the audience that the BJL Koumase Foundation is committed to reaching more schools and communities in the region in the years to come. This will be possible as the Foundation seeks to secure more funding to expand its operations and continue supporting vulnerable communities.

Gratitude from School Authorities

Mr. Clement Baba Amoah, the Headteacher of Kpatia Primary School, expressed his appreciation to the Foundation for the donation. He shared that the items would significantly improve both academic performance and school attendance, particularly among female pupils who often miss school during their menstrual periods. He also prayed for the continued growth of the Foundation, ensuring it could support more rural children with access to education.

Pupils Inspired to Excel

The students who received the donation expressed their gratitude and promised to work harder in their studies. Ms. Jamilatu Tindaan, a JHS Two pupil, said the support had boosted their confidence, motivating her to study diligently for her upcoming exams. The gesture of kindness and support from the Foundation has sparked a renewed sense of purpose among the pupils, inspiring them to aim for academic excellence and become responsible citizens in the future.

Over 122,000 Children to Benefit from Phase Two of Quality, Inclusive Childhood Education Project in Northern Ghana

The second phase of the Quality and Inclusive Early Childhood Education Services for all Children (QAIECE 2) project has officially launched in Northern Ghana. This phase aims to enhance public kindergarten education opportunities, focusing on the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of 122,249 children, including 59,226 males and 63,023 females, aged 4 to 5 years. The project will impact 30 communities in the East Mamprusi and West Mamprusi Municipalities of the North East Region.

Project Goals and Expected Achievements

Phase two of the project, co-funded by the European Union (EU) with a budget of €2.7 million, will focus on several key improvements. These initiatives include the construction of 10 fully furnished kindergarten classrooms, as well as facilities for water, sanitation, and hygiene. Additionally, 10,812 workbooks were distributed to pupils, digital equipment was provided to six target schools, and five boreholes were drilled. Additionally, 136 teachers will receive training on the new kindergarten curriculum and ICT. At the same time, 120 community facilitators will be trained to provide support in the target kindergartens.

The project also aims to develop a manual for managing and maintaining school facilities, train 285 school management committee and parent-teacher association members on their roles and resource mobilisation, and provide support for 224 vulnerable children.

A Strong Foundation for Early Childhood Education

Mr. Donghyun Lee, Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), emphasised that Phase 2 of the project builds on the success of Phase 1, which concluded last year. He expressed his commitment to the future of early childhood education in Ghana, noting that phase one had already improved kindergarten infrastructure, teacher development, and parental awareness—key pillars for quality learning environments. Phase two aims to expand access to quality education for children aged four to five years, with a focus on long-term impact and sustainability.

Addressing Challenges in the Region

Mr. Lee also highlighted the challenges that northern Ghana faces in providing quality kindergarten education, citing a research study that revealed a shortage of qualified early childhood education teachers. Of the 40 teachers in nine schools assessed, only seven had qualifications in early childhood education. This gap in trained professionals remains a significant issue, and phase two of the project seeks to address this by improving teacher training and resources.

The Importance of Early Learning

Madam Esenam Kavi De-Souza, Country Director of Children Believe Ghana, stressed the importance of early childhood education, emphasising that the early years provide a critical opportunity to lay a solid foundation for children’s future learning. She called on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to prioritise early childhood education in their development plans. She urged the government to increase its budget allocation for early education.

Government and Community Support

Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister for Education, expressed gratitude to the Korean Government for its financial support and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving early childhood education nationwide. He also appealed to development partners to continue supporting this crucial sector.

Mr. Ibrahim Tia, North East Regional Minister, acknowledged the gains made during the first phase of the project and promised to ensure that investments made in the second phase would directly benefit the targeted communities.

With these ongoing efforts, the QAIECE 2 project will continue to enhance educational opportunities for young children, improving their prospects and contributing to the overall development of northern Ghana.

Nanumba Traditional Council Condemns Tragic Killing of Student During Fire Festival

The Nanumba Traditional Council has condemned the tragic death of a female student from Bimbilla Senior High School during this year’s Fire Festival celebrations in the Nanumba North Municipality, Northern Region. The incident occurred on July 5, 2025, when the student was struck by a stray bullet, believed to have been fired from an unauthorised weapon during the festivities.

Unprecedented Loss During Cultural Celebrations

In a press statement, the Nanumba Traditional Council expressed deep sorrow, noting that this is the first time in the history of the Fire Festival that such a heartbreaking loss has occurred. The statement highlighted the mourning across the entire Nanung traditional area and extended condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a tragedy that resonates deeply within the community.

Firm Stance Against Unauthorised Firearms

The Council emphasised that, before the festival, clear warnings were issued explicitly banning the use of unauthorised firearms and dangerous weapons to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of the cultural celebration. “The use of unauthorised weapons during our cultural celebration is not part of our tradition. It is a perilous deviation that we, as guardians of our heritage, will not accept,” the statement read.

Call for Justice and Accountability

Describing the incident not as an accident but as a criminal offence, the Nanumba Traditional Council urged security agencies to expedite their investigations and hold those responsible accountable. “No one, no matter their status or intentions, should escape accountability,” the Council stressed. The statement also assured the public that the palace would cooperate closely with law enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future, reaffirming the commitment to protecting the sanctity of their cultural celebrations.

The Nanumba Traditional Council concluded by reiterating that their culture is a living legacy meant to unite the community and uplift its people, not to take innocent lives. The call for justice continues as the community seeks closure from this tragic event.

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