Category: Savanna News

World Vision Ghana, an international NGO, has celebrated schools in the Zabzugu District for their dedication to improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices. The organisation’s Schools’ Sanitation League Table, now in its fourth edition, recognises outstanding basic schools that demonstrate exemplary commitment to hygiene and sanitation.

Promoting Healthy Sanitation Behaviours in Zabzugu District and others

The Schools’ Sanitation League Table aims to encourage healthy sanitation and hygiene behaviours among schoolchildren. This year, a total of 73 schools participated in the competition, marking a significant increase from the 15 schools that initially participated when the program was launched. The event was an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of schools in maintaining high hygiene standards.

From Poor Hygiene to Healthy Competition

Mr. Joseph Kwogyenga, the Zabzugu Area Programme Manager of World Vision Ghana, highlighted the transformation in the region’s schools. He recalled a time when poor hygiene conditions were prevalent, with many pupils falling ill due to open defecation and the improper use of WASH facilities. “Some years ago, you would visit schools, and despite the presence of WASH facilities, they were barely used. Human waste was common in the school environment, and the general health of pupils was poor,” he said.

This situation prompted World Vision Ghana to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Zabzugu District Assembly, the Ghana Education Service, and the Ghana Health Service, to develop a WASH league table that would promote healthy competition among schools.

Criteria for the Sanitation Competition

The competition’s criteria focused on the availability and cleanliness of latrines, the proper use of hand-washing stations, and overall hygiene practices. Through this partnership, several schools have benefitted from improved WASH facilities, including latrines, hand-washing stations, and other essential resources.

Winners and Rewards

Dagbabaani D/A Primary School emerged as the winner in the Junior category. At the same time, Gor-Kukani Roman Catholic JHS topped the Senior category. Each of the 73 participating schools received various sanitation and educational materials, including hand-washing kits, detergents, bleach, gloves, rakes, wheelbarrows, and teaching aids.

Mr. Kwogyenga encouraged school authorities to utilise the provided items effectively to continue maintaining high hygiene standards. The support provided by World Vision Ghana and the District Assembly aims to ensure a healthier learning environment for all students.

A Shared Vision for Cleaner Schools

Mr. George Lakoba Tanie, the Zabzugu District Chief Executive, commended World Vision Ghana for its unwavering commitment to promoting WASH in schools. He noted that the organisation’s efforts have contributed significantly to improved health and better teaching outcomes in the district.

The Headteacher of Dagbabaani D/A Primary School, Mr. Alhassan Mumuni, expressed his excitement about his school’s victory and encouraged other schools to keep working hard in future competitions. “This is a great motivation. Let’s keep the spirit of hygiene and healthy competition alive,” he said.

The event, which brought together stakeholders from the education, health, and local government sectors, reinforced the commitment to building cleaner and healthier school environments across the district.

Mr. Dominic Bingab Aduna Nitiwul, Member of Parliament for Bimbilla Constituency and former Minister for Defence, is calling for a deliberate and transformative shift in the development of Northern Ghana. He envisions a Northern Ghana that transcends its current association with poverty and underdevelopment, aiming instead to become a region renowned for its resilience, innovation, peace, and boundless opportunities.

A Vision for Change – Mr Dominic Nitiwul

Speaking at the First Northern Ghana Development Conference in Tamale, organised under the theme “A Conference of Northern People, Leaders, and Partners”, Mr. Nitiwul emphasised the urgent need to address the stark development divide between the northern and southern parts of the country. He argued that bridging this gap requires bold, targeted policy interventions and sustained investment in human capital. “It is time to build a Northern Ghana that is not only known for poverty and neglect but a place that symbolises hope, resilience, innovation, and peace—a place that even southerners would desire to settle,” he asserted.

Courageous Leadership for Long-Term Change

Mr. Nitiwul stressed that changing the narrative of Northern Ghana demands visionary leadership. Such leadership, he believes, should be focused on policies that reduce inequality and foster equal opportunities for all citizens. “This transformation will not happen overnight. We need long-term vision and courageous leadership to ensure that all Ghanaians have the chance to thrive, regardless of their geographical location.”

Education as the Key to National Transformation

A key element of Mr. Nitiwul’s vision for Northern Ghana is education. He emphasised that no nation can develop without investing in education, calling it the most potent tool for national transformation. He expressed deep concern over the region’s educational disparities, noting that these gaps continue to limit the potential of the northern youth. “The north is still far behind in terms of access to quality education, and we see the outcomes. This must change,” he said, highlighting education as a priority for unlocking Northern Ghana’s potential.

Investing in Skills for Employment

In addition to formal education, Mr. Nitiwul called for a significant increase in investments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He believes that equipping young people with employable, practical skills is critical for closing the gap between Northern Ghana and the rest of the country. “The youth of Northern Ghana need employable skills. If we are to catch up with the south, we must prioritise TVET and upgrade the region’s educational infrastructure,” he added. This, he argued, will ensure that the region’s youth are equipped for the demands of today’s job market.

A Unified Approach to National Development

Mr. Nitiwul’s comments come at a pivotal moment, as the Northern Caucus in Parliament and other development stakeholders are exploring solutions to the region’s pressing challenges in education, employment, and infrastructure. His call for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to national development echoes the growing desire for a nation where no region, including Northern Ghana, is left behind in the pursuit of progress.

By investing in the right areas and providing leadership with a long-term vision, Mr. Nitiwul believes that Northern Ghana can achieve the transformation needed to become a model of innovation, peace, and resilience for the entire country.

Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) has launched a new initiative called “DigiMarkt,” a digital marketing project designed to equip students, academic staff, and industry professionals with advanced digital marketing skills.

Bolgatanga Technical University DigiMarkt Project Overview

The two-year project, co-funded by the European Union (EU), is designed to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana. It seeks to empower youth, teachers, and professionals with practical digital skills to meet the demands of an ever-evolving job market.

Enhancing Skills through Digital Competence

At the launch event held at BTU’s main campus in Sumbrungu, Dr. Benjamin Asunka, the Project Coordinator, outlined the main objectives of the DigiMarkt project. He explained that the initiative aims to build the capacity of TVET educators, enhance students’ employability, and establish a fully equipped digital marketing laboratory.

State-of-the-Art Digital Marketing Lab

Dr. Asunka, also the head of BTU’s Department of Marketing and Communication, announced that the digital marketing laboratory has already been established on campus. The lab is equipped with tools for e-commerce, content creation, and digital analytics, providing a hands-on learning environment for students, staff, and industry professionals.

“This facility will offer a practical space where users can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios,” Dr. Asunka said. Additionally, several BTU academic staff members have participated in ‘train-the-trainer’ programs organised by EU partners, covering topics such as online pedagogy, emerging digital tools, and modern marketing strategies.

A Broader Focus on Industry Professionals

Dr. Asunka emphasised that the project is not limited to students and lecturers but also targets industry professionals. He encouraged businesses to send their employees for training to enhance their digital competitiveness.

“The training is offered free to students. However, participants will be expected to apply their skills and submit progress reports on their digital marketing practices. Given the high demand for digital marketers in freelancing, agencies, and in-house roles, this project offers flexible, future-ready career paths,” he added.

Collaboration with Other Universities

As part of its broader strategy, BTU is collaborating with Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) and Cape Coast Technical University. The partnership aims to co-develop and integrate digital marketing content into TVET curricula across Ghana.

“Academic experts will work to contextualise global frameworks such as the Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) and the Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp) for local use,” Dr. Asunka explained.

Significance of Digital Marketing Education

Professor Peter Boamah, Pro-Vice Chancellor of BTU, highlighted the importance of digital marketing skills in modern education and employment. He urged both students and faculty to embrace the opportunity, stressing, “In today’s digital economy, lacking digital marketing skills puts you at a disadvantage. Nations that have made remarkable progress have invested in technologies like this.”

Aligning with University’s Mission

Mr. Richard Atia, Acting Registrar of BTU, noted that the DigiMarkt project aligns with the university’s mission to provide career-focused education, supported by practical training, research, and entrepreneurship development. He emphasised that the project would help strengthen BTU’s efforts to offer skills-based education in a conducive learning environment.

Support from International Partners

Apart from BTU, the DigiMarkt project is also being implemented at AAMUSTED and Cape Coast Technical University, with support from international partners, including Steinbeis Beratungszentrum (Germany), the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, and INT@E.

Gowrie Senior High/Technical School in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region of Ghana was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, when teachers forcibly removed the headmistress, Elizabeth Zinye Paaga, accusing her of autocratic leadership and mismanagement of school resources.

An anonymous teacher, fearing retaliation, revealed that tensions with the headmistress had been mounting since her appointment in 2021. After a series of student riots, the headmistress charged each student 109 Ghana cedis for damages. However, she allegedly failed to use the funds for necessary repairs, such as renovating the staff room and teachers’ quarters, and has not accounted for the money collected from the students. Despite multiple petitions to the district and regional education directors, no resolution was reached.

Teachers further criticised the headmistress for withholding the 2024 WASSCE results analysis, which they argue is crucial for evaluating student performance. Additionally, accusations of food diversion surfaced, including the removal of mackerels, gallons of oil, and bags of rice from the school storeroom to another location without informing the storekeeper.

The situation escalated when the acting district education director and police officers conducted an investigation. During their visit, teachers and students confronted the headmistress, chanting for her removal. One teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the faculty had been unable to administer end-of-term exams since Monday due to a shortage of A4 paper.

The teacher also mentioned instances of abusive language directed at the staff during meetings, which further fueled discontent among the faculty. Teachers are now appealing to the regional director of education to reassign the headmistress to another school. They argue that her continued presence at Gowrie SHS is damaging to the learning environment. If no action is taken, they fear they will be unable to work effectively or engage with students.

SEO Title: “Teachers Forcefully Remove Headmistress from Gowrie SHS Over Allegations of Mismanagement”

The Tamale East Region of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, a Catholic-friendly society, recently hosted its second regional conference, aimed at reflecting on its activities. The conference was held under the theme: “Marshallans as Pilgrims of Hope: Reflections in a Jubilee Year Towards a Century of Service to the Church.”

During the opening ceremony in Tamale, Worthy Brother Thomas Azuure, the outgoing Regional Grand Knight, explained that the conference is an annual event organised by the various regions of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall. Under the leadership of the Regional Grand Knights and Regional Noble Ladies, participants—Brothers and Sisters—gather to reflect on a selected theme.

This year’s theme was designed to inspire members to reflect on the Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis and to renew their spiritual journeys as pilgrims of hope.

Very Reverend Father Hilary Pogbeyir, Vicar General of the Tamale Archdiocese, who represented Most Reverend Philip Naameh, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale, encouraged Catholic societies to be a beacon of hope for the billions of poor and sick individuals who often lack life’s essentials. He reminded the attendees that, “the goods of the earth are not destined for a privileged few but for everyone.”

Father Pogbeyir stressed the Christian duty to care for the poor and urged the wealthy to be generous and attentive to the needs of the less fortunate.

Sir Knight Brother Professor Elias N. K. Sowley, Chairman for the occasion, also urged Christians to embody love for their neighbours and assist those in distress, echoing the message of compassion.

The Supreme Knight, Sir Knight Brother Richard Ayih-Akakpo, and the Grand Lady, Most Respected Lady Sister Patricia Dunenye, addressed participants, encouraging them to support God’s work by serving as disciples and missionaries, helping to build and strengthen the Catholic Church.

The three-day event was hosted by Council 153 (Male Branch) and Court 149 (Female Branch), both of which are affiliated with Sacred Heart Parish in Tamale. Attendees included members from Council 27 and Court 12 (Tamale), Council 146 (Saboba), and Court 173 (Lamashegu).

The Supreme Council (the governing body of the Knights of Marshall) was represented by Sir Knight Brother Dr. Paul Ntodi and Worthy Brother Wisdom Kumah. In contrast, the Grand Court (governing body of the Ladies of Marshall) was represented by Most Respected Lady Sister Clare Baneong-Yakubo and Respected Lady Sister Barbara Adisa Dickens.

At the conference, a new Regional Grand Knight, Worthy Brother John Issah Alhassan, and a new Regional Noble Lady, Respected Lady Sister Monica Ekekpi, were installed to lead the Tamale East Region for the next two years (2025–2027).

The conference concluded with a Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, marking the spiritual culmination of the event.

The Knights of Marshall were established in Sekondi in November 1926, while its female counterpart, the Ladies of Marshall, was founded in Kumasi in December 1969. Today, the Knights and Ladies of Marshall operate in many Catholic dioceses in Ghana, as well as in branches in Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and the UK.

SEO Title: “Tamale East Knights and Ladies of Marshall Host Successful Regional Conference”