Category: Savanna News

On July 13, 2025, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) marked this year’s Food Safety Day with a durbar at the Wa Central Market. The event aimed to highlight the need for both traders and consumers to prioritise food safety above all else.

The FDA also reached out to the students and staff of the Wa Technical Institute, emphasising the importance of safe food handling and its role in leading to healthier lives. This initiative serves as a reminder that ensuring food safety goes beyond the market; it’s a responsibility shared by everyone involved in the food value chain.

A Call for Safe Food Practices

During the event, FDA’s Head of Safety Coordination and Consumer Education, Ms. Jocelyn Adeline Egyakwa Amusah, urged all players in the food industry—producers, transporters, sellers, and consumers—to play their part in making sure food is safe. She explained that food safety is a collective responsibility, emphasising that “Food safety is everybody’s business.”

She also reminded traders to sell food items on raised platforms to avoid contamination. She encouraged consumers to be mindful of the quality of food they purchase, stating, “If it is not safe, then it is not food.”

Science-Based Safety Practices

The theme of the event, “Food Safety: Science in Action,” was explained by Ms. Amusah, who emphasised the scientific principles behind food safety. “Everything we do with our food is based on science; therefore, let us practice these things well to ensure our food is safe,” she remarked. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Ishmael Albert Viala, Finance Assistant at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). He noted the FAO’s commitment to reducing hunger and improving food security, emphasising that safe food is essential for human growth and development.

Local Authorities Support Food Safety

Alhaji Nurah Issah Danwana, the Wa Municipal Chief Executive, highlighted the long-term benefits of safe food handling for public health. He emphasised, “Our health is our future, everything depends on how we handle our foodstuff.” The local authorities expressed their gratitude for the FDA’s efforts to organise such events, reinforcing the need for continuous education on food safety.

Mr. Kelvin Dafaari Sunkpal, the Upper West Regional Head of the FDA, also called upon traders to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the food they sell. He reminded the public that both the actions and inactions of traders could affect the safety of the food they sell. He reaffirmed the FDA’s commitment to ensuring that food consumed by the public remains safe and wholesome.

Collaboration for a Safer Future

Representatives from the Environmental Health and Sanitation Department, as well as other stakeholders, also attended the Food Safety Day event. Their participation underscored the collective effort needed to enhance food safety practices in the region. The event served as a crucial platform for reinforcing the message of food safety, ensuring that both traders and consumers understand their roles in creating a healthier society.

The celebration of Food Safety Day in Wa marks a vital step in educating the public and ensuring that food safety is a shared responsibility—one that requires action at every stage of food production, transportation, and consumption.

The government has vowed to restore the statue of the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, which was destroyed during recent disturbances in Bawku.

Rebuilding the Bawku Naba Statue

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister of Defence, confirmed that the statue of Bawku Naba would be rebuilt. Speaking at a durbar with all ranks of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) at Burma Camp on July 17, 2025, he emphasised that the destruction of the statue was “unacceptable.” He assured that appropriate sanctions would be imposed on those responsible for the act.

“The destruction of the cherished statue in Bawku is unacceptable. The government shall rebuild it, and we expect those responsible to face appropriate sanctions,” Dr. Boamah declared.

Chieftaincy Tensions and the Statue’s Destruction

The Bawku Naba statue, located in a public space in Bawku, was brought down amid ongoing chieftaincy tensions between the Mamprusi and Kusasi factions. The incident escalated political and security concerns in the area.

Parliamentary Response and Accusations

On July 15, 2025, several Members of Parliament from the Upper East Region, including Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, Mahama Ayariga, Ebenezer Alumire Ndebilla, and others, held a press conference to address the situation. They accused some GAF personnel of being involved in pulling down and burning the statue of Zugran Asigri Abugrago Azoka II. This action was described as a “state-sponsored assault.” The MPs called for a full investigation, an official apology, prosecution of the individuals responsible, and a review of military operations in the region.

Addressing Security Concerns in Bawku

During his durbar with the GAF, Dr. Boamah also addressed concerns regarding security conduct in Bawku. He strongly condemned the shooting of two soldiers. He warned the troops against taking on unauthorised guard duties for private individuals, stating that such behaviour tarnished the military’s image and discipline.

Commendation for Exemplary Conduct

On a positive note, Dr. Boamah commended a soldier who had declined a bribe during an anti-galamsey operation. In recognition of his integrity, the soldier was promoted by the Chief of the Defence Staff and received a personal donation of GH¢10,000 from the Defence Minister.

Reset Ghana Agenda for the Military

Dr. Boamah also highlighted the government’s “Reset Ghana” agenda, which includes significant improvements for the military. These improvements encompass better accommodation, healthcare, salaries, training, and infrastructure, ensuring that the GAF is equipped to serve the nation effectively and ethically.

This multi-faceted approach by the government aims to restore trust and stability in Bawku while addressing internal security concerns and military integrity.

The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has launched a campaign aimed at empowering the youth of the Upper West Region to take a stand against corruption in all its forms. The initiative seeks to build an inclusive nation by promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities for all, particularly the youth who are often the most affected by corruption.

The Impact of Corruption on Development

Corruption continues to undermine Ghana’s development, perpetuating inequality and eroding public trust in institutions. The GACC highlighted that young people bear the brunt of these consequences, which further fuels the need for a collective and proactive stance against corruption.

“The GACC recognises that empowering youth to stand against corruption is a critical step toward building a fairer, more inclusive Ghana,” said Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, the Executive Secretary of the GACC, in a speech read on her behalf during the corruption sensitisation campaign in Wa. The campaign was part of the 2025 African Union Anti-Corruption Day celebration, themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

Engaging the Next Generation

The GACC engaged students at the Northern Star Senior High School and Wa Technical Institute, encouraging them to actively participate in fighting corruption by “Resisting, Rejecting, and Reporting” corrupt activities. This initiative aligns with the African Union’s renewed call for bold, inclusive, and united action to combat corruption across the continent.

Raising Awareness and Promoting Civic Engagement

Supported by the Hewlett Foundation, the GACC aims to raise awareness about corruption, promote civic engagement, and encourage whistleblowing through its anti-corruption campaign. Mrs. Narteh stressed the devastating impact of corruption on Ghana’s development, referencing the 2023 Auditor-General’s Report, which revealed that the country lost over GH¢11 billion to financial irregularities. These funds, she noted, could have been invested in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and job creation.

The Cost of Corruption on Youth Opportunities

“Corruption disrupts access to quality education, reduces job prospects, limits opportunities, and undermines trust in public systems,” Mrs. Narteh explained. “These realities make it more challenging for young people to envision a future built on fairness and integrity.” The GACC plans to utilise platforms such as schools, religious institutions, and community media to encourage young people to lead with integrity and demand accountability.

Leveraging Anti-Corruption Legislation

Ms. Amanda Wiesekor Tembile, a GACC Local Accountability Network (LANet) Executive Member in Wa, introduced the students to Ghana’s Anti-Corruption legislations, including the Whistleblower Act 2006 (Act 720). She encouraged the students to utilise these laws to expose corruption, while emphasising that whistleblowers are protected under the law.

Ms. Tembile urged the students to take personal responsibility in fighting corruption, reminding them that it starts with resisting, rejecting, and reporting corrupt practices to the appropriate authorities.

Inspiring Youth Leadership in the Fight Against Corruption

The GACC’s campaign in the Upper West Region is a vital step in engaging the youth in the fight against corruption. By empowering students with the knowledge and tools to resist and report corruption, the coalition is helping to build a generation of young leaders committed to integrity and fairness.

The Mental Health Authority has announced plans to establish additional mental health facilities in the northern regions of Ghana. This development is part of the government’s ongoing effort to improve access to mental health care, particularly in underserved areas of the country.

New Psychiatric Hospitals Under Construction

The announcement was made during the 2025 edition of the Dcoded Show, organised by the University of Ghana’s Career and Counselling Centre in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson. The event, themed “Fixing the Pieces When the Mind Splits,” focused on raising awareness about schizophrenia and advocating for better mental health care.

Dr. Josephine Stiles Darko, Deputy Head of Communications at the Mental Health Authority, revealed that two new psychiatric hospitals are currently under construction, explicitly targeting the northern regions of Ghana. These facilities will be part of a broader initiative to expand mental health services, ensuring that communities across the northern regions have access to specialised care.

Integrating Mental Health into District Hospitals

In addition to building new facilities, Dr. Darko emphasised the importance of increasing the number of mental health specialists. The government is working on integrating mental health care into district hospitals, ensuring that all doctors receive psychiatric training as part of their medical education. This will enable them to better identify and treat mental health conditions at the local level.

Training and Community Outreach

Alongside the infrastructure expansion, the Mental Health Authority is actively training healthcare workers and conducting community mental health outreach programs. These efforts aim to promote early detection and treatment of mental health conditions, ensuring that individuals receive the care they need before issues become more severe.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Mental Health Improvement

The establishment of additional mental health facilities and the integration of mental health services into district hospitals are critical steps toward improving mental health care in Northern Ghana. With continued training for health workers and expanded outreach efforts, the government is taking significant strides to ensure that mental health services are accessible to all, particularly in underserved regions.

Dr. Emmanuel Abeere-Inga, the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), has embarked on a regional consultation tour across the five northern regions of Ghana. The purpose of the tour is to engage with regional ministers, seek support, and foster collaboration for the successful implementation of NDA projects aimed at boosting development in Northern Ghana.

Building Strong Partnerships for Regional Growth

During his visit to Damongo, Dr. Abeere-Inga paid a courtesy call on the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe. The two discussed the NDA’s plans and explored opportunities for collaboration to ensure the sustainable development of Northern Ghana. Dr. Abeere-Inga emphasised the importance of leveraging the minister’s expertise gained through his previous role as District Chief Executive and expressed hope for effective teamwork in developing the northern regions.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

The NDA CEO announced that the authority is collaborating with various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to implement key projects that will bring lasting benefits to the five northern regions. He also mentioned an upcoming meeting being organised by the Northern Caucus of Members of Parliament to discuss critical developmental issues. He promised to take actionable steps following the discussions.

Private Sector Partnerships for Investment

Dr. Abeere-Inga outlined plans to collaborate with the private sector to stimulate investment in the North, particularly for projects such as the Buipe inland port, which the President is passionate about. “We want to focus on private sector initiatives to attract investments and ensure the implementation of key projects,” he stated.

Engaging Local Leaders for Support

As part of his tour, Dr. Abeere-Inga met with chiefs and opinion leaders in the Savannah Region, seeking their support for the region’s transformation. His efforts aim to unite local stakeholders in driving forward development initiatives.

Support from Regional Authorities

The Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, assured Dr. Abeere-Inga of the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council’s full support in bridging the development gap between the North and South. “It’s better for all of Ghana to be developed rather than just one side. We are more than willing to partner and share ideas to ensure the development of the five regions of the North,” he affirmed.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Path to Northern Development

Dr. Abeere-Inga’s regional consultation tour represents a vital step in fostering collaboration between government officials, local leaders, and the private sector to bring meaningful development to Northern Ghana. With support from all stakeholders, the NDA’s initiatives are set to play a crucial role in the region’s growth and prosperity.