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Govt Secures European Funding for Damongo Water Supply Project – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government has successfully secured funding to address the water crisis in Damongo, located in the Savannah Region. The European Union has committed financial support for the construction of a new water supply system for the area.

“We have all the designs ready, and the European Union has offered funding to execute the project,” President Mahama revealed.

During his ‘Thank You Tour’ in the Savannah Region, the President reassured the residents of Damongo that the government is dedicated to resolving the ongoing water shortage, with the project set to begin soon.

He emphasized the importance of clean water, stating, “Your Majesty, access to clean water is not a luxury but a basic right.” He also informed Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I that the long-awaited Damongo water supply system would soon be operational.

Once completed, the project will supply clean water to Damongo and its surrounding areas. “This project will draw water from Yapei and supply it to Damongo. I am pleased to announce that it will serve the 8,000 residents of Damongo and its environs,” President Mahama added.

The previous NPP administration had laid the groundwork for the Damongo Water Supply Project, which involved a $49 million credit facility from UK Export Finance and Deutsche Bank AG.

Currently, Damongo’s water supply relies on an irrigation dam. However, due to siltation issues caused by adverse climatic conditions, the existing plant has been non-operational since 2005. As a result, residents have had to depend on private hand-dug wells and boreholes with hand pumps for their water supply.

The new Water Supply System is designed to meet the needs of Damongo and surrounding communities until 2040, in line with government policy. The system is expected to serve a population of around 68,000 people, with an average daily water demand of about 8,800 cubic meters.

Tamale Constitution Review Forum Moves to New Venue

The Constitutional Review Committee has announced a new venue for its upcoming public engagement in Tamale.

The session, scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025, will now take place at the Modern City Hotel Conference Centre, Big Hall 1. The location is in the Northern Region capital, Tamale.

All other details—including the time and structure of the event—remain the same.

In a statement signed by the Committee’s Secretary, Dr. Rainer Akumperigya, the Committee apologized for any inconvenience. It urged the public, guests, and stakeholders to take note of the new venue.

The Tamale session is part of the Committee’s ongoing nationwide consultations. These sessions aim to gather views on the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

“This public forum is part of a broader effort to ensure that the voices of all Ghanaians are reflected in the future of our democratic governance,” the statement said.

The Committee encouraged citizens to attend and take part in shaping possible changes to the Constitution.

“Your voice matters, and we look forward to your active participation,” the statement added.

7 Drowned Lawra SHS Students Laid to Rest

A tragic incident struck Lawra Senior High School on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when seven students from the school’s cadet corps drowned in the River Dikpe. The students, two boys and five girls had been crossing the river as part of their morning routine when their canoe capsized midstream.

While three students managed to swim to safety, the others, unable to swim, were swept away by the strong undercurrent. All seven bodies were recovered and sent to the Lawra Municipal Assembly morgue for preservation. By 3 p.m. the following Sunday, six of the bodies had been released to the families for burial. The final two bodies were retrieved the following day.

The students were part of the cadet corps’ early morning jogging routine. The accident occurred when they used a different route across the river, opting for a canoe instead of crossing on foot. Typically, the crossing was shallow enough for them to wade across, but this time, they chose to board a canoe.

A Burkinabè with the canoe was seen crossing the river at the same time, and ten of the 15 cadet corps members joined him. The rest waited behind. Unfortunately, the canoe capsized during the crossing, leading to the drowning of the seven students. Three students, two girls and a boy, managed to swim to the bank, but the others were pulled away by the current.

The Upper West Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Razak Abdul Korah, confirmed the incident and stated that the GES would issue a detailed report soon. By 2 p.m. on Sunday, the GES visited two of the deceased students’ families in the Daffiama Bussie Issa District and was on its way to see a third family in Nadowli.

All seven students were buried by the time the report was filed. The GES has been visiting the affected families to offer condolences and support.

Abdul Latif Osman, the Upper West Regional National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Coordinator, explained that the cadet corps usually crosses the river during their routine jog. Still, the crossing was typically done on foot as the water was shallow. This time, the cadets used a different route and boarded the canoe after seeing the Burkinabè crossing. The canoe capsized while crossing, and seven students drowned. The Burkinabè, who was in charge of the canoe, fled the scene and has not been found.

The accident occurred at around 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The surviving students informed the community, and rituals were performed before the search began. The search team started at 10 a.m., and within an hour, five bodies had been retrieved. After a brief pause in the search, the remaining two bodies were found the following morning.

Teachers Aiding Candidates to Cheat in BECE Raises Concerns — WAEC

The Upper West Regional Controller of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Donald Tuor, has raised the alarm over the involvement of teachers and supervisors in examination malpractice during the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Mr Tuor revealed that some teachers have been helping candidates cheat by solving exam questions and hiding them in the examination halls or pre-arranged locations for candidates to pick up.

He noted that several candidates had been caught with unauthorized materials, while others had swapped their question papers.

Donald Tuor – Upper West Regional Controller of WAEC

Method of Malpractice

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Tuor explained, “The teachers would hide in bushes, solve the questions, drop them in the examination halls for the candidates, or place them in toilets for the candidates to retrieve.” He added that the teachers already informed the candidates about where to find the solved questions. “The candidates know exactly when and where to go for them,” he stated.

Mr. Tuor expressed disappointment, mentioning that many supervisors and invigilators had been compromised and were assisting candidates in their cheating activities.

Handling Malpractice

Typically, when candidates are caught with foreign materials or found cheating, they are asked to fill out a form acknowledging the infraction, which is witnessed by the supervisor. After this, they are allowed to continue with the rest of the exam. For the teachers involved their names have been submitted to the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) for disciplinary action.

Other Incidents

While the examination has generally proceeded smoothly, there have been isolated incidents of cheating and swapping of question papers. Mr Tuor mentioned an unusual occurrence last Friday when a bee invasion at Wa School for the Deaf led to two candidates being stung and rushed to the hospital. One of the victims, a girl, was detained and unable to sit for the second paper, while the boy was treated and discharged.

PURC Launches the “Tamale in Focus Project” to Curb Utility Losses

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), in collaboration with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), has introduced the “Tamale in Focus Project.” The project aims to reduce commercial losses and enhance service delivery across the Northern Region.

This initiative is part of a broader campaign aimed at enhancing the financial health and operational efficiency of utility service providers. It specifically targets the rampant issue of power and water theft, a problem threatening the stability of NEDCo and GWCL.

According to GWCL, between January 2024 and May 2025, the company lost GH¢88.5 million due to illegal connections, recording 1,145 theft cases. Similarly, NEDCo reported GH¢195 million in electricity losses in Tamale alone after purchasing GH¢370 million worth of power during the same period.

The PURC states that the Tamale in Focus Project will foster closer collaboration between utility providers, the media, and the public. The goal is to raise awareness, promote responsible consumption, and improve enforcement.

The Northern Regional Minister and other leaders from institutions that would facilitate the Tamale in Focus Project

At the launch in Tamale, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Ali Adolf John, called the initiative a much-needed intervention. “This project brings stakeholders—especially utility companies, the media, and the public—into a common space to work together toward reducing the high commercial losses these service providers face,” he said.

The Minister warned that the rising levels of illegal connections and debt in Tamale are pushing utilities to a breaking point. “If care is not taken, we may wake up one day to find these institutions on the verge of collapse,” he cautioned.

He urged consumers to pay their bills on time and avoid illegal practices, emphasizing that sustainable services depend on shared responsibility.

Mr. Adolf John also praised the Northern Regional Office of PURC for addressing over 93% of the 319 complaints it received in the first quarter of 2025. He encouraged the Commission to maintain its efforts to protect consumers and ensure high-quality service.

Northern Regional Minister – Honourable-Ali-Adolf-John-Mburidiba

The Minister further urged public and private institutions with utility debts to commit to repayment plans, stressing the importance of timely debt settlement in maintaining operations.

“Tamale in Focus Project” has received full support from the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, with Mr. Adolf John calling on the media and all stakeholders to get behind the initiative.

PURC’s Northern Regional Manager, Mr. Simon Ali, expressed confidence in the Tamale in Focus Project’s potential. He announced the formation of a media coalition to combat power and water theft, which will identify and publicly expose individuals involved in illegal activities.

After the launch of Tamale in Focus Project, NEDCo’s Northern Regional Manager, Ing. Elvis A. Demnyakor, addressed the alarming energy loss figures. He shared that the Tamale and Yendi Bulk Supply Points account for 96% of NEDCo’s total energy losses in the Northern region. “We procured about GH¢370 million worth of electricity, and nearly GH¢195 million was lost in Tamale alone,” he stated. “These losses are simply not sustainable.”

Although areas like Damongo and Buipe report lower losses, he warned that unchecked losses in Tamale and Yendi could disrupt power supply across the region. “If this trend continues, we risk waking up one day without power,” he warned.

Ing. Demnyakor also cited operational challenges, such as limited access to transformers and ageing power lines, which hinder reliable service delivery. “Our inability to raise enough revenue is hindering investment in critical upgrades, which in turn affects our service quality,” he added.

He called for urgent, collective action from all stakeholders to reverse the current trends and stabilize the electricity supply in the Northern Region. Tamale in Focus Project.

Mahama Unveils 2025 Development Plan for Savannah Region

President John Mahama has outlined a new development plan for the Savannah Region. The plan includes a university, a hospital, a water supply system, and major road projects. These interventions are set to begin in 2025.

He made the announcement on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a stop at the Yagbonwura’s Palace in Damongo. The visit was part of his ‘Thank You’ tour.

“This is more than a thank you,” Mahama told the gathering. “It is a renewal of trust, a renewal of shared purpose.”

He said the projects aim to close the development gap in education, water, healthcare, and transportation.

New University to Focus on Agriculture

One of the major projects is a public university with a focus on agriculture and related sciences. Mahama said it will support the Feed Ghana programme and train young people in agri-business.

Funding has been included in the 2025 budget. “This university will not just be symbolic,” he said. “It will be grounded in our national plan for skills and education.”

Water for Damongo

Mahama confirmed that the long-delayed Damongo water project will go ahead this year. It will draw water from the White Volta at Yapei and serve over 8,000 residents.

He stated that the European Union is financing the project and that all designs are now ready.

Regional Hospital and Stadium

A regional hospital will also be built in Damongo. This is part of a national plan to build hospitals in all six new regions.

A sports stadium will also be constructed in Damongo to promote youth development.

Major Roads to be Repaired

Mahama promised road improvements across the region. The Damongo-Fufulso-Sawla road will see repairs, especially the Damongo-Sawla stretch.

The Tinga-Busunu road is also in the works, with procurement underway.

He also mentioned the Bole-Chache road, Bole town roads, and feeder roads in Daboya, Busunu, Yapei, and Bipe.

New roads will link Central Gonja to Salaga North and South. He listed more routes, including Yapei-Salaga, Kusawgu-Pingjipe, and roads from Kpembe and Adape.

Teacher and Skills Training to Expand

A STEM high school will be built in Tinga. A vocational training centre will open in Salaga. It will focus on ICT, construction, green jobs, and agribusiness.

Mahama also announced that the Savannah College of Education in Daboya has been absorbed into the public system. The GETFund and the Tertiary Education Commission have been instructed to expedite staffing and development.

Construction at the abandoned teacher training college in Doli will also resume.

“We are here to work for the farmer in Daboya, the teacher in Bole, the nurse in Salaga, and the student in Damongo,” Mahama said.

Stronger Local Representation

Mahama praised the number of Savannah Region natives now serving in public roles—ministers, heads of agencies, and ambassadors.

“No region, no district, no community will be left behind,” he said.

BECE Accident Victims Will Still Get SHS Placement – Education Ministry

The Ministry of Education says BECE candidates who missed papers due to an accident will not be denied placement into Senior High School. Deputy Education Minister Dr Clement Apaak said the students’ futures remain intact. He explained that special measures have been implemented to protect them.

On Tuesday, June 12, 2025, eight pupils from Nangbagu Yapala M/A JHS were involved in an accident. They were on their way to write the English and Creative Arts and Design exams at the Tamale SHS centre. They arrived just ten minutes before the paper ended. None of them was able to write.

The situation caused worry among parents. Many feared their children would miss the chance to continue their education.

However, the Northern Regional Director of Education, Alhassan Alidu Junior, assured the public that the students would not be penalised. He said, “The students have two options available: self-placement and automatic placement.”

Dr. Apaak made the remarks during a monitoring tour of BECE centres in the Northern Region. On Monday, June 16, he visited Tamale Senior High School, Islamic Senior High School, and the Sakasaka Cluster of Schools.

He is expected to continue the tour on Tuesday with stops in the Eastern Corridor, including Yendi.

Bee Attack Disrupts BECE Exams in Wa; One Girl Misses Paper

Wild bees swarmed a BECE exam centre at the Wa School for the Deaf on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Two candidates were injured. Both were rushed to the Wa Municipal Hospital. The male student was treated and returned in time for the second paper. The girl, however, missed her Career Technology exam due to her injuries.

The incident happened after the English Language paper. According to WAEC’s Upper West Regional Controller, Mr Donald Tuor, the attack occurred when the staff of the Northern Electricity Company (NEDCo) pruned a tree near the school, disturbing a beehive.

“We are considering pursuing a clemency case for her (the female candidate who could not write the exam) because it was not her fault for not writing the exam,” Mr Tuor said.

“That paper is a compulsory subject, not a core, so even without it, she can still be graded,” he explained.

Mr Tuor also said the council was handling several cases of malpractice across the region. One invigilator in Wa has already been dismissed. Another is on the run.

“All reported cases of malpractice in the region would be investigated, and the perpetrators brought to book,” he added.

Teachers found aiding malpractice will be reported to the Director General of the Ghana Education Service for punishment.

A total of 14,733 candidates are taking the exam in the Upper West Region. That includes 7,928 girls, 6,805 boys, and 169 private candidates. The exams are being held at 51 centres, with nine depots supporting the process.