Category: Savanna News

According to the World Bank, Ghana is 72nd in terms of vulnerability to climate change. It is also commonly known as a highly religious nation. Yet, according to Greenfaith Africa, relying solely on prayer will not be sufficient to combat climate change and its difficulties. Action must also be taken.

The effects of climate change are clear in all corners of the country. Temperatures in northern Ghana are now higher than they used to be. The region is now facing erratic weather conditions, hindering efforts to achieve food security. Coastal areas are also witnessing rising sea levels, resulting in the displacement of homes.

In light of this, GreenFaith Africa-Bolgatanga Circle has presented a petition to the government. They are urging swift measures to tackle these issues.

According to the organisation’s assessment of the Upper East Region, climate change impacts women and farmers, making communities more susceptible.

It is disturbing that the region known for its vibrant agriculture is now grappling with erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells, rising temperatures and heat waves, reliance on polluting energy sources, and deforestation.

GreenFaith Africa-Bolgatanga Circle recently submitted a petition to the government via the Upper East Regional Minister. The organisation emphasised clean energy investment for rural communities, supporting women-led clean cooking programs and safeguarding farmlands and water sources. Additionally, they stressed the importance of ensuring that climate funds directly benefit rural communities.

Before presenting the Petition last Friday, members of the Circle took part in a Climate Walk. They held placards with powerful messages such as “Your food, your future: demand clean energy.” It was emphasised that communities must take charge of the climate movement. It was also reminded that God has entrusted us with the earth, and it is our responsibility to protect it. Simply praying for change is not enough; action must be taken now. The President of the Bolgatanga Circle, Felicia Baan, urged immediate measures to address climate change.

While we commend the government for appointing a Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, we urge bolder action: Prioritise investment in clean energy for rural communities —expand solar-powered irrigation systems and renewable energy for food production to reduce reliance on climate-vulnerable rain-fed farming. Support women-led clean cooking initiatives —Provide subsidies for clean cookstoves and alternative fuels to reduce indoor pollution and save women’s time. Stop destructive energy policies – Shift funds from fossil fuel expansion into renewable energy solutions that benefit smallholder farmers and local economies, protect farmlands and water bodies: Enforce strict laws against deforestation and land degradation while promoting agroecology and tree-planting initiatives, ensure climate funds reach rural farmers -Allocate resources for smallholder farmers to access climate-resilient seeds, irrigation, and sustainable farming practices. Climate change is not just a government issue. It is a collective responsibility. Every Ghanaian must commit to protecting our environment and shifting toward clean, fair, and sustainable energy solutions.

Regional Minister Hassan Ibrahim Abdul-Kadr received the Petition. The regional economic planning officer and Acting Regional Coordinating Director addressed the topic of Climate Change. He emphasised its significance to the government. He expressed confidence that necessary actions will be taken to address this pressing issue.

The CKT-UTAS medical school in Navrongo is soon to come. The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service has committed to expediting the process.

The War Memorial Hospital in Navrongo is located in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region. It is being upgraded to become a teaching hospital.

The facility’s upgrade would enable the addition of a medical school. This would be added to the Clement Kubindiwor Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS).

The purpose of this is to educate skilled healthcare experts in conducting research. It aims to enhance healthcare access and outcomes in the region. This will have a positive impact on academic and community well-being.

Pe Asagpaare Aneakwoa Balinia Adda II, the Paramount Chief of Navrongo Traditional Area, requested action. In response, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea is the Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS). He made a commitment in Navrongo. He will advocate for the completion of projects. These projects were pledged by President John Dramani Mahama before the 2024 General Elections.

During his three-day tour of the northern regions, he also visited the Paramount Chief. The purpose of his tour was to raise awareness about the deadly Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) disease. This disease had tragically taken many lives in the area.

During his recent “Thank you” tour in the region, President Mahama restated his promise. He committed to upgrading the War Memorial Hospital into a teaching hospital. This move aims to improve medical services and support training for medical professionals, as initially pledged during his campaign.

Professor Akoriyea expressed his deep attachment to the Navrongo War Memorial Hospital. He stated that a medical school at CKT-UTAS would equip the region with a capable healthcare workforce. This would address the community’s needs.

The D-G visited the War Memorial Hospital. They also toured the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. The D-G was accompanied by the Regional Director of Health Services. Dr Samuel Boakye-Boateng joined them, along with other senior health personnel from Accra. During their visit, they generously donated medical equipment worth GH¢220,000.00 to the management, alongside the Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, CKT-UTAS, Prof. Juventus Ziem.

The items in question are as follows. They include a surgical gown, Rikair Flow­meter set, Pulse Oximeter, Bedsheets, KN 95, and Nose masks.

Additional items included a CPAP machine and a 5 LPM Oxygen concentrator. They also included a LumiraDX POCT Platform Instrument and LumiraDX HBAIC Test Strips. Additionally, there was a 5L Cardboard Sharp Container.

During his presentation of the items to management, Prof. Kaba pointed out the unfortunate reality that CSM patients have lost their lives due to insufficient funds for medicine.

He advised clowns working in hospitals and health centres to avoid selling the drugs.

He urged the chiefs, opinion leaders, and media to collaborate with health promotion officers. This collaboration aims to bolster awareness of the escalating issue of CSM.

Dr Abraham Titiga, the Medical Superintendent, expressed his gratitude. He thanked them for the medical consumables and equipment received on behalf of the hospital. He thanked the Director General for this kind gesture. He acknowledged that it would greatly assist in addressing some pressing challenges faced by the hospital.

During his visit to the Mental Health Unit at Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, Prof. Akoriyea commended the staff for successfully fulfilling their duties despite resource constraints.

He pledged to address specific challenges hindering the smooth operation of healthcare facilities in the area. He urged healthcare providers to cultivate strong relationships with their patients during interactions.

The newly appointed director of the Ghana Health Service is Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyea.

President John Dramani Mahama has selected Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea as the new Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

Prof. Akoriyea takes over from Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye. Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye is known for his exceptional leadership. He was particularly recognized during the challenging times of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Under Dr Kuma-Aboagye’s guidance, Ghana emerged as one of the most proactive countries in Africa in handling the pandemic. This involved widespread testing and rigorous contact tracing. Prompt policy interventions were also crucial. These actions ultimately led to a remarkably low fatality rate compared to other nations in the region.

During the handover event, Dr. Kuma-Aboagye thanked his colleagues and encouraged them to rally behind Prof. Akoriyea, stressing the importance of teamwork.

Prof. Akoriyea reaffirmed his pledge to promote the government’s health objectives as stated in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto.

Additionally, he stressed his commitment to enhancing the nation’s healthcare system. He emphasized focused implementation of key initiatives to improve access to quality health services.

He recognized the crucial contribution of the Ghana Health Service to reaching the government’s health objectives. He promised to guarantee the efficient provision of healthcare services to citizens.

Prof. Akoriyea’s appointment ushers in a new era. We are eager to see the further development of Ghana’s healthcare system. This progress builds upon the solid groundwork established by Dr. Kuma-Aboagye.

The chiefs, Tindamas, and people of the Talensi Traditional Area in the Upper East Region on Sunday, successfully climaxed the annual Golob Festival, a deeply spiritual and cultural event that marks the beginning of the farming season. This age-old festival, celebrated throughout March, is a sacred period dedicated to seeking the blessings of the gods for fertile lands, abundant rains, and a bumper harvest.

More than just an agricultural ritual, the Golob Festival is a time for unity, purification, and cultural preservation. It is a period when the Talensi people reconnect with their traditions, renew their faith in their ancestral deities, and strengthen communal bonds.

During the month-long celebration, the Talensi land is considered sacred, and the people strictly adhere to a set of customs and taboos aimed at ensuring purity and order. Marriage ceremonies, extramarital affairs, noise-making, and even mourning the dead are strictly forbidden. Bloodshed in any form is also prohibited, reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on peace and harmony.

“With your wife, it is allowed to have sex with, but outside marriage, it is not accepted. And if one goes wayward within our community, a song is composed to deter others from doing same,” Jacob Omboehyin, leader of the Wakii Golob dancing group.

The festival also dictates a unique dress code for both men and women. Indigenous men wear short knickers and animal skin, leaving their chests bare, with towels draped around their necks, symbolizing strength and masculinity. Women, on the other hand, adorn themselves in long towels covering them from chest to knee level, with their heads wrapped in cloth, a sign of purity and respect for tradition.

A highlight of the Golob festival is the invigorating week-long Golob dance, a spectacular display of Talensi culture, music, and spiritual energy. The festival ignites a sense of belonging and community spirit, as indigenous songs and dances take center stage in communities such as Wakii, Gorog, Tengzuk, Shia, Gbeogo, Gorogo, Yindure, and Separd.

The Golob dance is not merely for entertainment—it is a sacred ritual believed to usher in blessings, cleanse the land of negative energies, and prepare the people for the challenges of the farming season ahead.

“Today, the Tongraan will give millet to the Tindaamas present here and when they get back to their communities, it will then be distributed to all corners of the traditional area. So, when you are going to sow, no matter how small that particular millet is, mix it with the millet you are going to sow. We believe that by doing so, the gods will help us to get a bumper harvest. And once we talk to our ancestors, we will come out of the farms without any harm. We have snakes, and scorpions on the farms and once we do that, it will prevent us from attacks,” Naab Nyakora Mantii, the Chief of Baare stated.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion was Daniel Dung Mahama, the Member of Parliament for Talensi, who commended the people for upholding their culture and fostering unity through the Golob Festival.

“In a time when modernization threatens to erode our cultural values, it is refreshing to see the people of Talensi hold firmly to their traditions. Golob is more than a festival—it is a heritage that must be passed down to future generations. The number of people around here signified unity, peace, and love for one another. One thing about the festival is to remember our great ancestors, where they came from, and how they came together as one,” the MP stated.

For Rockson Bukuari from the Gbeogo community, the Golob Festival is not only about ushering in the rainy season but also about fostering unity among the Talensi people.

“Beyond being a spiritual exercise, Golob strengthens the bond among the Talensi people. It reminds us of our shared identity, our ancestral roots, and our commitment to preserving the customs of our forefathers,” he noted.

Source: A1Radioonline.com

The Bolgatanga East District Health Directorate worries about the severe shortage of mental health professionals in the area. Accommodating 256 patients, the directorate is facing difficulties as it operates with merely four mental health staff members.

Godfred Gamson represented the District Health Director. He brought attention to this matter at the district’s commissioning ceremony for the Blessed Home Wellness Centre.

The establishment is situated in the Zuarungu-Gonno neighbourhood. It strives to combat the increasing effects of substance abuse. It also addresses psychological struggles in the Upper East Region.

According to Mr. Gamson, the current lack of mental health professionals is a cause for concern. This affects the standard of care being provided to patients. He observed that the workload on the four mental health nurses is excessive. This could result in burnout. Ultimately, this diminishes treatment efficacy.

In an exclusive interview with our reporter, David Azure, Yeribu Hrriette confirmed the insufficient staffing issue. She is the Health Director of Bolgatanga East District. She expressed her approval of the opening of the Blessed Home Wellness Centre. She stated that it will significantly aid the district. This will be in conjunction with other private health facilities.

Madam Yeribu stressed the urgent need to address the shortage of mental health professionals. The demand for services keeps increasing. She also conveyed her willingness to collaborate effectively with Blessed Home Wellness Centre to ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare.

Roland Ayoo Atanga

The Communication Bureau of the Bolgatanga Central Constituency warmly congratulates Roland Ayoo Atanga. He was recently appointed as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Bolgatanga Central Municipal Assembly.

Roland Ayoo Atanga on the right has been a prominent figure in Bolgatanga Central. He has served an impressive 19-year tenure as constituency secretary. He has held numerous leadership roles within the party and region, making him highly regarded and respected. His nomination is currently awaiting approval from the municipal assembly.

A press release signed by the Constituency Communications Officer, Aboyom Job, hails Mr. Ayoo’s appointment. The bureau sees it as a recognition of his unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the party and national development.

According to the statement, Mr. Ayoo’s appointment proves his exceptional dedication and contributions to the party and Ghana. His commitment is evident from his time as a TEIN member and leader during his student days. It also shows in his recent involvement in the constituency and Upper East Region.

The bureau recognized and praised the remaining candidates. These candidates participated in the choice process for Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs). The bureau assured them they would have their chance in the future.

Mr Ayoo is an established leader with extensive experience in academia and politics. He is anticipated to promote stronger partnerships among stakeholders in local governance. Additionally, he will advance development initiatives in the constituency.

The statement also expressed gratitude to former President John Dramani Mahama. They thanked him for his trust in appointing him to the significant leadership position.

The ICU has urged the government to revive the Pwalugu Tomato Factory in the Upper East Region. According to the Union, this action would generate jobs for the area’s youth. It would also reduce the country’s reliance on expensive tomato imports.

During his speech at the Union’s Upper East Regional Conference in Bolgatanga on March 28, 2025, General Secretary Mr. Morgan Ayawine urged the attendees to consider his plea.

Mr Ayawine highlighted the increasing issue of unemployment in the nation, resulting in widespread youth migration. He emphasized establishing successful and enduring industries to generate employment opportunities. He also suggested that these efforts would motivate young individuals to stay in rural regions. They play a role in advancing their communities. This would contribute to the nation’s overall socio-economic progress.

The state of several industries and businesses is causing great distress for the Union. It is amplifying the country’s already dire unemployment issue. A prime instance is the Pwalugu Tomato Factory in the Upper East Region. It has been deserted for years. This has left many locals without job opportunities,” he noted.

He fervently urged the revival of the Pwalugu Tomato Factory to increase job prospects in the area.

A structure at Pwalugu that holds back or controls the flow of water.

The General Secretary of ICU-Ghana praised the government’s plan to build a dam at Pwalugu. This dam will supplement the current dams in the Upper East Region. This development will significantly enhance the region’s agricultural endeavours and other economic undertakings.

The potential economic gains of building the dam at Pwalugu were emphasized.

Additionally, he implored all parties involved in the labour sphere to resolve issues about work conditions promptly. This action is necessary to avoid potential disruptions in workplace operations.

Amidst the current difficulties, the government, employers, and labour unions must collaborate. They need to resolve labour-related issues promptly and urgently. This action will prevent avoidable industrial disruptions. He stated that a lack of peace and cooperation in labour relations hampers productivity.

The ICU’s regional conference precedes the 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference. It allows members to assess regional activities. Members can hold elections for the Youth, Women, and Regional Council positions. They can also pass resolutions for the national conference in August.

Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU).

Dansyn Innovation Social Organization (Dansyn ISO) has recruited 260 individuals for Cohort One (1) of its ACTIVATE Project. This group consists of 90% women and 10% males, all of whom are young adults.

About Dansyn ISO’s ACTIVATE

The five-year initiative is led by the World University Services of Canada (WUSC) Ghana. It is in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation. The initiative is underway.

The project aims to improve the welfare and adaptability of young men and women in Ghana. It will do this by establishing an industry-driven, request-based Agriculture, Technical, and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) System.

The project focuses on engaging individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, with a special emphasis on women. It also aims to include those with disabilities, refugees, and displaced persons in its efforts.

The project is in progress in the Upper East Region. SE Ghana and WUSC are collaborating on this effort. They are receiving funding from the MasterCard Foundation.

The emphasis on youth, particularly women, is due to their vulnerability. The goal of the project is to empower them and promote self-reliance.

Beneficiaries

According to Dr. Yennube Nang, the recipients will be given allowances to cover their transportation expenses during the three-month training period.

A total of 260 individuals will enlist for this. About 100 specialized in Poultry. Around 80 focused on fabricating agricultural tools. The remaining 80 were involved in software development. We plan to continue recruiting every three months. It is crucial to give ongoing support for young people. This support is especially important for youth and young women who are vulnerable and in need.

The beneficiaries shared their enthusiasm for the training. They eagerly expect acquiring practical skills. These skills will aid them in becoming more productive.

During the orientation, various individuals spoke to the trainees. Among them were a lecturer from Bolgatanga Technical University and the Assembly Member for Anafobisi Electoral Area, Hannah Asanyuure Talata. They emphasized the importance of behaving professionally and utilizing their newly acquired knowledge.