Category: Savanna News

Pupils of Baare Primary School in Ghana’s Talensi District marked this year’s World Desertification and Drought Day by participating in a tree pruning exercise aimed at promoting environmental restoration.

The event was organised by the Forum for Natural Regeneration (FONAR), an environmental NGO dedicated to land restoration and climate resilience. It brought together teachers, community leaders, development partners, and the media to raise awareness of the increasing threat of desertification, drought, and land degradation.

The initiative was supported by the Heidehof Foundation of Germany and the Awaken Trees Foundation of Austria.

Urgent Call for Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration

Speaking at the event, Mr. Sumaila S. Saaka, Executive Director of FONAR, called for the urgent adoption of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) as a cost-effective and community-driven strategy to restore degraded lands and strengthen climate resilience.

“Over 35 per cent of Ghana’s land—especially in the five Northern Savannah Regions—is vulnerable to desertification due to overgrazing, unsustainable land use, bushfires, and illegal mining,” he said.

Citing the World Bank, Mr. Saaka noted that Ghana loses more than 315,000 hectares of forest annually, with drought-related crop revenue losses reaching GH¢22.2 billion in 2024 alone.

While acknowledging national efforts like the Tree for Life Reforestation initiative and Ghana’s AFR100 pledge to restore two million hectares of land, Mr. Saaka emphasised that:

“Tree planting alone is not enough. FMNR is a cost-effective and community-friendly approach that can achieve faster and more sustainable results.”

Youth at the Centre of Restoration

Mr. Saaka also highlighted FONAR’s project, “Regreening Communities through School Kids FMNR Eco-Clubs,” which is being implemented in 10 basic schools in the Talensi District. Under the initiative, over 200 pupils—known as ‘Eco-Warriors’—are being trained in sustainable land management and environmental stewardship.

He urged schools to adopt water-saving practices like rainwater harvesting and called for stronger partnerships to support future generations:

“The future of our land depends on the decisions we make today. By empowering young people, we are building a strong foundation for climate action and food security.”

Community Leaders Back FONAR’s Work

Baare Primary School Headteacher, Mr. Johnson Kolan, praised FONAR, noting that most schools in the district had experienced damage from windstorms linked to desertification.

Mr. Joseph Zida, Talensi District Human Resource Officer, echoed concerns about recent erratic rainfall patterns in June and urged more support for NGOs like FONAR.

Mr. Robert Abeero Alpha, District Director of NADMO, described FONAR’s FMNR approach as the “most suitable strategy” for districts such as Talensi, where irregular weather patterns are becoming more frequent.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Bolgatanga has celebrated its 100th anniversary with a strong call for spiritual renewal, mindset change, and national unity.

The climax of the year-long centenary celebration was held under the theme, “Celebrating 100 Years of Walking Together as a Family of God.” It brought together parishioners, traditional leaders, Muslim clerics, government officials, and other guests to reflect on the Church’s century-long journey of faith and service.

During the Holy Mass, Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese, described the milestone as a time to both celebrate and reflect.

“This centenary is a breakthrough and magnification of God’s love. We must not only celebrate the past but renew our minds and spirits for the future,” he said.

He urged Christians to embrace selflessness, cultural renewal, and stronger ties within families and communities.

“It is not enough to live in the past. We must change the way we see things, renew our culture, and strengthen our family and Church bonds,” he added.

Bishop Agyenta acknowledged that the journey from 1925 to 2025 was not an easy one. He said the Church faced persecution and resistance, but faith, resilience, and God’s grace sustained its growth.

“We must look to the future with confidence. The journey continues. It is a mission, and a mission means we are sent to go out and serve,” he said.

The Upper East Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Alhaji Umar Yussif, shared a message of solidarity. He commended the Church for its role in promoting peace and interfaith harmony.

“The Holy Quran recognises Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, and Christians are our sincere and beloved brothers. The Catholic Church has uplifted the marginalised and stood for justice. We are truly grateful for your work and celebrate with you today,” he said.

Mr. Abanga George Akuune, Chief of Dulugu and a representative of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, said the Church had always been a symbol of hope in difficult times. He praised the Church for its work in healthcare, education, and social justice.

Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, Upper East Regional Minister, also commended the Parish.

He said the Church’s century of service reflected resilience, faith, and commitment to God and humanity.

Describing the Church as “a dependable development partner,” he highlighted its impact in education, health, agriculture, and welfare. He also assured continued government collaboration with the Church, especially in peacebuilding.

He called for prayers for the President and national leaders, as well as for peace in Bawku.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish was established in February 1925 by the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa), who had arrived in Navrongo in 1906 from Ouagadougou. Since then, the Parish has expanded in size and population, giving rise to seven other parishes.

The Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, has banned this year’s Fire Festival celebration in the Tamale Metropolis.

The festival, which was scheduled for tonight, Saturday 5th July 2025, will no longer take place.

A statement from the Gbewa Palace stated that the decision was made after consultations with security agencies and local authorities. It cited growing tensions among certain groups in the area.

The statement, signed by Palace Secretary Abdul Rahaman Mohammed, stated that the ban is intended to protect lives and maintain peace.

While acknowledging the cultural significance of the Fire Festival, the Ya-Na emphasised that the current priority is to prevent conflict and maintain harmony.

“All traditional leaders are to relay this directive to their communities and support efforts to maintain order,” the statement said.

Residents were also urged to remain calm and cooperate with security measures.

“It is the hope of Ndan Ya-Na that the Fire Festival will resume in the near future under more favourable and peaceful circumstances,” the statement added.

About the Fire Festival

The Fire Festival, also known as Bugum Chugu, is an ancient tradition of the Mole-Dagbon people. It marks the start of the Dagbon lunar year.

The festival commemorates the night a chief’s son went missing and was found using torches during a community search.

It is a time of cultural reflection and unity, but tensions in recent years have led to increased security concerns.

The European Union, UNICEF, and UNHCR have launched a €2.7 million project to support forcibly displaced people and their host communities in northern Ghana.

The two-year initiative, known as the UNITE Project, is being rolled out in the Tarikom and Zini communities in the Upper East and Upper West Regions. It aims to enhance resilience, improve access to essential services, and foster long-term development for vulnerable groups.

Led by UNICEF Ghana and UNHCR, the project will focus on the needs of women and children. It will also work with national and local partners to strengthen education, health, child protection, and identification systems.

The initiative is part of a broader response to displacement linked to instability in the Gulf of Guinea. Over 17,000 asylum seekers are currently estimated to be living in northern Ghana.

“Through the UNITE project and other efforts, the EU is supporting displaced people and the communities that have opened their doors to them,” said EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly. He stressed the EU’s commitment to upholding refugee rights under international law.

UNICEF Ghana’s Representative, Osama Makkawi Khoghali, said the project is about “restoring dignity, strengthening community resilience, and building a future where every child and family has access to the services they deserve.”

UNHCR’s Head of Office in Ghana, Needa Jehu-Mazou, added that the programme will help displaced persons and host communities “not only survive but thrive.” She praised the EU’s backing and said the project will promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable solutions.

National partners include the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, the Ghana Health Service, the Ghana Education Service, and the National Identification Authority.

The UNITE project also complements existing efforts, such as the Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion Programme (SOCO).

It is part of a larger €12 million regional package supported by the EU and four UN agencies—UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP, and IOM—being implemented across Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin.

A creative writing conference aimed at empowering aspiring writers and young journalists was held in Tamale. The event provided participants with essential skills in storytelling, news writing, and creative expression.

Hands-On Learning and Mentorship

The day-long conference offered workshops, expert presentations, and interactive sessions, giving participants valuable opportunities for learning, mentorship, and networking. Organised by the Manasseh and Friends Creative Writing Clinic, the conference was proudly sponsored by MTN Ghana and Star Oil.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Writers

Mr. Manasseh Azure Awuni, an investigative journalist and lead facilitator, emphasised that the initiative aimed to mentor and inspire the next generation of writers, particularly in northern Ghana. The event was designed in response to numerous requests from young people seeking guidance on the writing process.

“You do not need to be famous to start writing. Begin where you are, write about what you see, and let your voice make a difference,” he encouraged the participants. Mr. Awuni also stressed the importance of honesty, curiosity, and clarity in writing, advising the attendees to read widely and practice consistently to hone their craft.

Celebrating Young Talent

A key moment at the event was the recognition of 13-year-old Miss Abane Ellen Selikem Akolgomah, the youngest participant. Her passion and dedication to writing earned her a laptop and books authored by Mr. Azure. She described the conference as “inspiring and life-changing”. She appealed to the organisers and sponsors to continue supporting such initiatives, thereby building a culture of reading and writing among the youth.

Positive Feedback from Participants

Madam Benedicta Daana, another participant, praised the depth and practical value of the breakout sessions, particularly appreciating how they focused on real-world writing challenges. The event was celebrated for its ability to inspire and equip young writers with the tools they need to succeed.