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After 18 Years of Disputes, Bunkprugu Chief Finally Gazetted: “Now, I Can Build Peace”

After nearly two decades of legal wrangling and traditional tension, the Paramount Chief of Bunkprugu, Naba Alhaji Abuba Nasinmong, has finally received official recognition from the National House of Chiefs.

The Gazette, published on Wednesday, May 7, formally affirms his status as the legitimate ruler of the Bunkprugu Traditional Area—a milestone that many residents say ends years of uncertainty and stalled development. Celebrations erupted across the township, marked by traditional rituals and community gatherings in honour of the chief.

Although he assumed the skin in May 2007 following the death of his predecessor, Naba Nasinmong’s reign was immediately contested by rival factions, plunging the community into legal battles and occasional skirmishes. “Although I was traditionally recognised throughout this challenging period,” he told JoyNews, “this gazetting strengthens the foundation of my legitimacy as the Chief of Bunkprugu.”

The chief says the recognition now empowers him to pursue development initiatives actively. “The Jafouk family owns 99.9% of Bunkprugu land, and this gazetting means I can come out and move from place to place, region to region or country to country and request something good for my people,” he said. “So due to that, I’m happy to have it, and it would help build the peace.”

Tracing his royal lineage, the Bunkpurugu Naba offered a detailed ancestry that connects him to the 14th chief of Nungu in Fada N’Grouma. “My father, Nasinmong, gave birth to me, Alhaji Abuba,” he began before listing generations of chiefs in his bloodline. “That’s my lineage, and this is why I’m the chief of Bunkprugu.”

As his legitimacy is now undisputed, Naa Nasinmong used the occasion to call for urgent development support. Directing his appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, he urged the government not to overlook his people. “We, the Bi-Moba-land, are begging you, don’t leave us behind. We don’t have hospitals, we don’t have roads, and we don’t have schools,” he pleaded. He also called for the resumption of the district hospital project under the Agenda 111 initiative.

Pledging his allegiance to the Mamprugu overlord, Naa Buhaga Abdulai Mahama Sheriga II, the Bunkprugu chief, expressed hope for a united traditional front moving forward.

Local leaders and development partners have welcomed the gazettement as a critical step toward stability and progress. Delegations from across the North East Region have begun visiting the palace to congratulate the chief. At the same time, civil society groups say the resolution clears the path for new investments and improved governance.

With his official status now affirmed, Naba Alhaji Abuba Nasinmong will represent Bunkprugu in both the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs—no longer as a contested figure but as the lawful voice of his people.

WaterAid and Guinness Ghana Expand Clean Water Access in Upper West

In a significant boost to safe water access in the Upper West Region, WaterAid Ghana and Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC have jointly commissioned two expanded water supply systems in Nadowli and Nandom.

The newly completed facilities are capable of producing up to 200,000 cubic meters of water annually. Community members say the project couldn’t have come at a better time, as many households have faced persistent water challenges in recent years.

For Guinness Ghana, the initiative reflects its long-term commitment to improving water access across the country. Over the past five years, the company has delivered 13 such projects, with the latest additions expected to improve supply in the beneficiary communities significantly.

According to the organisations involved, the expansion will ensure consistent access to clean, safe water—an essential step toward improving public health, reducing waterborne diseases, and enhancing livelihoods.

Officials at the commissioning ceremony described the move as a game-changer, not just for the towns involved, but also as a model for private-public partnerships in development.

Garu NDC Youth Accuse MP of Bias and Poor Leadership

Discontent is brewing in the Garu Constituency of the Upper East Region as a youth group aligned with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused their Member of Parliament, Dr Thomas Winsum Anaba, of nepotism and poor leadership.

At a press conference held in Garu on Monday, June 2, 2025, the youth staged a peaceful protest to register their grievances. They described Dr Anaba’s leadership as “worrisome,” claiming he has consistently shown bias in the distribution of political opportunities.

According to the group, the MP has favoured only those who supported him during the NDC’s recent parliamentary primaries. One of their key concerns is the alleged manipulation of appointments under the Ghana School Feeding Programme. They also alleged that the MP attempted to reinstall a former Youth Employment Agency (YEA) director in the district—despite the recent official appointment and assumption of duty by Thomas Tampuri Wennam.

They believe such actions amount to running a parallel administration within the constituency and have urged the party leadership to act. “We call on the national and regional executives of the party to call Dr. Anaba to order and to desist from running a parallel administration,” the group stated.

However, District Chief Executive (DCE) John Abugba Abaare pushed back on the allegations. He argued that the MP should not be held solely responsible for the tensions surrounding political appointments. “The appropriate body to be held accountable is the NDC Garu Constituency Executive Committee,” he said, pointing fingers at the local party leadership as the root of the current confusion.

As frustrations mount, the youth are calling for swift action to restore fairness and unity within the constituency’s political ranks.

‘Okra’ Jailed 18 Years as Police Crack Down on Robbery in Wa

The Upper West Region has achieved a significant victory in the fight against violent crime. Adnan Mahmoud, a 25-year-old man widely known by the alias “Okra,” has been sentenced to 18 years in prison with hard labour for his role in a string of armed robberies.

Okra was arrested on Saturday, May 31, 2025, during a high-risk, intelligence-led operation at his hideout in Sandemuni, a suburb of Wa. He had long been on the police radar for his alleged involvement in multiple robberies that had terrorised residents across the region.

At his court appearance on Monday, June 2, Okra pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and robbery. The Wa Circuit Court presided over by His Honour Jonathan Avogo, handed down the 18-year sentence.

Police say his removal from the streets has brought a sense of relief to many. “Residents can now feel more secure in their communities,” said ASP Michael Toya, the Regional Public Affairs Officer. He described the conviction as a turning point that would help rebuild public trust and restore calm in the region.

Two other suspects—Abdulai Ibrahim, also known as “Baba,” and Abdulai Kipo—have denied the charges. Both were remanded into custody and will continue to face trial on Tuesday, June 3.

For the police, Okra’s sentencing marks more than just a courtroom victory. It reflects a broader commitment to dismantling robbery networks and restoring long-term peace. “The Command remains resolute in its efforts to track down and bring to justice all individuals who pose a threat to peace and security in the region,” the Police Service noted.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts. With one notorious figure behind bars, the police believe the tide may be turning in the fight against armed robbery in the Upper West.

Paramount Chief of the Sagnarigu goes hard on drugs

The Paramount Chief of the Sagnarigu Traditional Area, Naa Ambassador Yakubu Abdulai, has strongly criticised the government’s response to illicit drug trafficking and abuse, calling it ineffective and, at times, oppositional to local efforts.

Speaking at a stakeholder forum organised by Savana Signatures on the theme “Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Solutions for a Substance-Free Northern Ghana”, he said the state had failed to capitalise on public outrage and the formation of task forces in Tamale and surrounding areas. Instead of supporting these grassroots initiatives, he noted, the government remained largely passive or even obstructive.

“The public, traditional leaders and communities are ready to share intelligence on traffickers, traders, and users,” he said, stressing that the state’s inaction had allowed the situation to worsen. He blamed the current drug crisis on institutional failures, including lax border controls that have permitted drugs to flood communities.

The chief also expressed concern over children as young as ten wandering the streets at night, warning that such conditions put their education and future at risk. He urged parents to take greater responsibility and called for immediate government action, saying, “This is not the time for long speeches but for action.”

He acknowledged recent public statements by officials and the Regional Security Council as a hopeful sign that authorities were finally beginning to respond to the crisis.

Commending Savana Signatures for bringing stakeholders together, the chief thanked the organisation for fostering collaboration among key actors, including the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, Narcotics Control Commission, law enforcement, and civil society.

Dr. Stephen Agbenyo, Executive Director of Savana Signatures, urged the media to amplify the call for reforms and support efforts to secure the nation’s borders. He said the campaign would continue beyond senior high schools, extending to tertiary institutions and out-of-school youth to address the growing threat of substance abuse.

Plan International Pushes for Period-Friendly Ghana at Walewale SHS

At Walewale Senior High Technical School (Walewale SHS) in Ghana’s Northeast Region, menstrual hygiene is a growing concern. The school, which has 2,013 students—including 939 girls—is facing serious challenges due to the lack of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.

During the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration on Saturday, May 31, school authorities highlighted how these gaps are affecting female students. Many girls lack access to sanitary pads, private changing rooms, or clean water. Some are forced to use unsafe alternatives or miss classes altogether.

The school receives water once a week from the Community Water and Sanitation Agency. That supply runs out within two days, often disrupting academic activities as students search for water off-campus. In many cases, this leads to disciplinary issues and health risks.

To address this, the Headmaster of Walewale SHTS called for immediate support. The appeal focused on the construction of female-friendly KVIP toilets, private changing rooms, and a more reliable water system.

Speaking at the same event, the Country Director of Plan International Ghana said that most schools across the country lack essential facilities for menstrual hygiene. Without private spaces, running water, and disposal systems, many girls are pushed into isolation or miss out on their education entirely. He stressed that treating menstruation as a problem only worsens inequality.

In response, Plan International pledged to build girl-friendly WASH facilities at the school in the coming months. The organisation also distributed thousands of reusable sanitary products to students as part of the day’s activities.

The event also acknowledged government action. A budget allocation of ₵292.4 million in 2025 is set to provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls. This move fulfils a campaign promise made by President John Dramani Mahama and represents a significant step in addressing menstrual poverty.

The message to the nation was clear: menstruation must not be a source of shame or disadvantage. Instead, it should be recognised as a natural part of life that deserves dignity, support, and policy attention. The campaign concluded with a powerful call to action, advocating for awareness today, policy change tomorrow, and long-term empowerment for girls across Ghana.

National Peace Council Working to Resolve 10 Conflicts in Northern Region

The National Peace Council (NPC) is actively working to resolve about 10 ongoing conflicts in the Northern Region, most of which are rooted in chieftaincy and land disputes.

According to Rev. Fr Thaddeus Kuusah, former Northern Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council (NPC), these disputes are concentrated in the eastern part of the region. He noted that while the ethnic aspects of the conflicts have diminished, the tensions persist.

Fr Kuusah shared these insights during a stakeholder dialogue focused on strengthening civilian-security relations to prevent violent extremism. The event was part of the Preventing Violent Extremism through Social Accountability (PoTVESA II) project, supported by the Netherlands Embassy and implemented in partnership with the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).

The dialogue brought together youth groups, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and security personnel to promote trust and cooperation in communities considered vulnerable to extremist threats.

Fr Kuusah warned that conflicts often escalate during the rainy season—a time extremist groups may exploit to infiltrate communities. He pointed out that existing tensions, combined with youth unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, poor access to essential services, and limited government presence, create conditions that extremists could use for recruitment.

He called on all stakeholders—traditional leaders, youth, civil society organisations, and security forces—to collaborate in addressing these issues. He stressed that preventing violent extremism requires community-wide involvement and not just the efforts of security agencies.

Frank Wilson Bodza, Deputy Director for Conflict Management and Resolution at the National Peace Council (NPC), also addressed the forum. He highlighted the Northern Region’s heightened vulnerability due to its history of conflict and its proximity to the Sahel, where extremist activity is increasing.

He praised participants for their dedication to building trust between communities and security agencies. Bodza said sustained dialogue and information sharing will be key in addressing potential threats and ensuring long-term peace in the region.

Police in Bimbilla Enforce 15% Fare Cut Despite Driver Resistance

Police in Bimbilla have launched an enforcement campaign to ensure drivers comply with the nationwide 15% reduction in transport fares. The move comes amid growing defiance from some commercial drivers who continue to charge old rates.

The fare reduction, announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), aims to cushion commuters following the cedi’s steady appreciation and recent drops in fuel prices.

On May 28, officers led by the Municipal Crime Officer visited major transport terminals in Bimbilla to monitor the situation. The visit followed concerns raised after some drivers openly refused to adjust their fares, citing financial pressures and low profit margins.

Despite the directive, a number of drivers still charge previous rates, while only a few have complied. This ongoing resistance prompted police intervention to protect passengers from unfair pricing.

Authorities have indicated that the enforcement exercise will continue until full compliance is achieved. The operation is part of broader efforts to ensure the benefits of the economic changes reach the commuting public.