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The students of Gbache Kindergarten learn their lessons in the shade of trees.

In Gbache, a village in the Upper West Region’s Wa West District, young students gather under Shea trees. They receive their kindergarten education there. However, the school lacks proper facilities such as classrooms, textbooks, an ICT laboratory, and other essential materials. As a result, these pupils are not provided with an optimal learning environment.

During a recent visit by the Ghanaian Times, the children sat on benches under trees. The trees served as their learning area.

Mr Bantaaa Togsun is a concerned parent. He voiced his frustration regarding the adverse impact of health risks on his children’s education. These risks also affect their well-being.

The harsh weather conditions during the rainy and harmful seasons constantly expose our children to health risks. Their safety is a concern, so it is imperative that the authorities intervene and assist us.

He implored the government and NGOs to aid the community by offering suitable classroom space to enhance the learning atmosphere.

According to Mr Bantaa Togsun, Chairman of the School Management Committee (SMC), enrolment has decreased significantly. This is because there are not enough classrooms available.

He observed that classes were frequently shortened due to rain, disrupting the learning process and decreasing essential teaching time.

According to Mr Togsun, insufficient classroom resources and learning materials negatively impact children’s education. Therefore, he believes authorities must provide the necessary facilities.

Mr Ayila Yelsung, the Assembly Member for the area, drew attention to how the inadequate infrastructure was affecting school attendance. He emphasized that numerous 3- and 4-year-old children should be in school. They were missing out on classes because no suitable learning facility was available.

According to him, learning under trees is deterring children from consistently attending school. Proper classrooms would incentivize them to attend school and enhance their learning experience.

He reiterated that numerous schools in the vicinity lacked proper furniture and classrooms. He urged the government and other organizations to assist in tackling this issue.

Despite numerous written appeals, Mr Yelsung noted that the Wa West District Assembly had failed to respond effectively.

Parents and community members are optimistic. They believe their plea will reach the appropriate authorities. They hope it will prompt swift action towards creating a secure and enjoyable learning setting for the children of Gbache.

4 Organizations Join Forces to Build Fistula Holding Home at Yendi Hospital

Qatar Charity Ghana, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have begun a new project. They are building a state-of-the-art facility. It is a Fistula Holding Home. This new facility is being built at the Yendi Government Hospital in the Northern Region.

Once operational, the facility will function as a dedicated hub. It will address obstetric fistula. This is a prevalent maternal health concern among women in the Northern Region.

Mr Ben Appiagyei is the Health Information Officer at Yendi Government Hospital. He urged stakeholders to collaborate. Everyone should contribute to the project’s success.

Alhaji Alhassan Sulemana Gonje is the chairman of the Yendi Government Hospital’s Board. He stated that the project was necessary due to the growing demand for fistula care among women in the area. He also emphasized its timely implementation.

He pointed out that the lack of a functional fistula facility had presented difficulties in treating the disease. This situation hurt the dignity and well-being of affected women.

Dr Marion Okoh, Director of Family Health at the hospital, states that women struggling with this condition experience isolation. They face stigma due to involuntary leakage of urine or faeces. This issue is caused by prolonged or obstructed labour without prompt medical intervention.

Mr Hasan Owda, the Country Director of Qatar Charity Ghana, expressed the group’s dedication to providing dignified healthcare solutions. These solutions are aimed at aiding vulnerable populations. He assured that the project would be successfully completed.

UNFPA Representative Dr Wilfred Ochan encouraged the public to maintain their support for women affected by fistula. He urged people to bring joy to those who have overcome obstetric fistula.

Mr John Ali Adolf, the Northern Regional Minister, expressed the government’s unwavering dedication to enhancing healthcare services in the area. He also hailed the collaboration between Qatar Charity and UNFPA in their efforts to eradicate fistula in the region.

He says eradicating obstetric fistula in Ghana necessitates a joint effort and immediate action.

The MP for Salaga has committed to prioritising education for girls in their constituency.

Alhaji Alhassan Mumuni, the MP for Salaga North in the Savannah Region, has restated his dedication. He is focused on making girls’ education a top priority in his constituency. He said he is a feminist. He emphasized the importance of breaking barriers. These barriers prevent young girls from receiving quality education.

During an interview with The Ghanaian Times, he shared insights from his time as an MP. He worked with another member of Parliament to establish the KM Model Girls’ Junior High School. Their goal was to enhance girls’ access to education. He noted that while the initial number of female students was seven, the current enrollment surpassed 100.

To aid students from far-off communities, he mentioned supplying them with bicycles to make their daily journeys more manageable. He also expressed plans to broaden the school into a senior high institution.

Alhaji Mumuni regained his seat in Parliament after a loss in the 8th Parliament. He asserted his determination to pursue important educational and infrastructural initiatives. These initiatives had been neglected during the previous four years.

He committed to ensuring that all primary schools in his district had at least a three-unit classroom block. This effort was to enhance the learning environment.

He promised to set up a fund to support underprivileged but talented students. He will gather the necessary resources to ensure its effectiveness.

He expressed disappointment over the constituency’s lack of a senior high school. He promised to revive an unfinished E-Block project that began in 2016 but was not completed by the previous administration.

The MP further mentioned that the contractor’s departure from the site has left the community without access to secondary education.

In addition to education, Alhaji Mumuni emphasised the importance of enhancing road infrastructure in his constituency.

He recognised the hardships that residents encountered due to substandard roads. He promised to advocate for substantial improvements in this area.

Regarding healthcare, he promised to finish unfinished projects and enhance the delivery of medical services. He showed faith in President John Dramani Mahama’s guidance, highlighting his knack for making resolute decisions that benefit the people.

Alhaji Mumuni, a grassroots politician, shared that he became a member of Parliament during the Sixth Parliament. He served as the inaugural MP for the Salaga North Constituency. He mentioned his previous role as a District Chief Executive (DCE), where he led various developmental projects.

He stated that his loss in the prior parliamentary polls gave him time to think. He was able to plan how to fulfill the needs of his constituents.

According to him, the residents of Salaga North view him as a liberator. He has brought about significant progress during his tenure as DCE and MP. And now, after four years with a different leader, they have given him another chance to continue his work.

With his renewed drive, he committed to tirelessly improving the lives of his constituency and supporting the Mahama-led government’s achievements.

Introducing Sheila Azuntaba, Consolidated Bank Ghana’s new Acting Deputy Managing Director.

Sheila Azuntaba is a former Miss Ghana and a proficient finance executive. She has been named the Deputy Managing Director of Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG). This appointment marks a new phase in her professional journey and exemplifies steadfast leadership based on purpose and determination.

The appointment is effective March 26, 2025. It was announced alongside that of Naomi Wolali Kwetey. President John Dramani Mahama has nominated her to serve as Acting Managing Director of CBG.

The endorsements were validated in a letter. Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson signed it and addressed it to the Bank’s Board Chairman.

Per the letter, the Board must formalize the appointments. This should be done according to the Companies Act 2019 (Act 992). The Bank’s Constitution must also be adhered to.

Azuntaba shared her thanks and enthusiasm on Instagram by posting:

The dawn of a new era has arrived at CBG!

“A New Dawn at CBG!

First and foremost, I give all glory to God Almighty for this incredible opportunity. He truly does all things in His own time and on His own terms. This is a divine reminder that His plans are always perfect, and His timing is unmatched.

Congratulations to @dr.naomi_kwetey, our new Managing Director of Consolidated Bank Ghana! It is with immense pride and joy that I celebrate this groundbreaking moment — not just for our institution, but for women everywhere who continue to rise, take up space, and shatter glass ceilings.

As your deputy, I pledge my unwavering support, loyalty, and commitment to your vision and leadership. I will show up — always — with excellence, purpose, and strength, ready to serve and drive our collective mission forward.

I am deeply grateful to H.E. @officialidmahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, for the honor of being nominated as Deputy Managing Director of Consolidated Bank Ghana. I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I pledge to serve with integrity, excellence, and a heart for impact.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to H.E. Professor @njoagyemang, Vice President of the Republic. Thank you for blazing the trail and being an extraordinary example of what women in leadership can achieve. You continue to inspire a generation of women to dream, to lead, and to rise with confidence and purpose.”

Sheila Azuntaba brings over two decades of expertise in the banking and finance industry. She joins her new position with a wealth of understanding. Her experience spans Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. She was Assistant Vice President at Citigroup’s Global Transaction Services Unit in Nigeria. In this role, she played a key role in developing products and implementing successful marketing and sales strategies.

In addition to her corporate endeavours, Azuntaba is recognized for advocating financial aid for women. She has provided strong leadership as the founder and CEO of Innovative Microfinance Ltd. Through her efforts, more than 100,000 individuals in Ghana’s Northern Region have been positively impacted. She offers microloans and educates women and families on financial management.

According to Azuntaba’s interview with thosewhoinspire.com, the North can be described as Ghana’s breadbasket. In this region, it is common to encounter women with multiple children. These women struggle to feed them. They often do not even get enough rest. In such situations, the most helpful gesture is providing them with extra support.

In 1996, her public journey began. She became the first woman from the northern region to hold the Miss Ghana title. She attributes her mother to instilling valuable qualities in her. According to her, her mother always emphasized independence, strength, and focus—these were the virtues she inherited from her.

Azuntaba has completed degrees in Marketing and Finance from prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. This includes a BA (Hons) from the University of Westminster. Additionally, Azuntaba earned an MBA from Strathclyde Business School in Glasgow, Scotland.

In her role at CBG, a government-owned universal bank licensed by the Bank of Ghana, she enhances the institution’s operations. She also drives long-term growth.

Upper East Regional Minister Leads Operation on Illegal Mining Sites, 73 Arrested

Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, led a joint security operation on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The operation targeted illegal mining activities. These activities were occurring in the Tilli Forest Reserve, which straddles the Nabdam and Bawku West Districts.

The operation resulted in 73 arrests, including infants. Authorities seized mining equipment. This action was taken following complaints of foreign encroachment into the protected area.

The operation was conducted by a team of police, military, and immigration officers. They uncovered air compressors, drilling machines, and motorbikes. They also found gold-processing equipment and personal belongings at multiple sites. Among those detained were 27 Togolese, two Burkinabes, and 41 Ghanaians.

Hon. Akamugri said the raid was prompted by a complaint from Naba Sigri Bewong, chief of Sakoti in the Nabdam District. He reported foreign miners invading the reserve during a meeting with the minister on February 20, 2025.

“Based on that, we had a (Regional Security Council) REGSEC meeting, and we thought that it was important for us to follow up to ascertain for us what the paramount chief said, whether it is true or false,” Hon. Akamugri said. “We have seen that there is some mining in the river itself. Some people are actively doing mining in the river.”

Miners operated directly in the Red Volta River and along its banks, and campsites, domestic activities, and underground mining caused significant tree loss in the reserve.
The regional minister said the illegal operations have damaged the environment of the Red Volta, which connects to the White Volta.

“Forest reserves are not places for anyone to trade any economic activity except for the purpose for which they were reserved. So, illegal mining is unacceptable. Any mining is not accepted,” said the Hon. Akamugri, emphasizing Ghana’s prohibition on mining in protected forests.

Gold has been recently uncovered in seven districts of the Upper East Region.

The Upper East Region has unearthed valuable mineral deposits, particularly gold, in various local communities.

Approximately seven of the 15 District Assemblies and Municipalities have uncovered gold minerals. The Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga revealed this information to reporters. This occurred at the proposed Bolgatanga airport location on Saturday, March 29.

According to the minister, the establishment of the Bolgatanga Airport will facilitate the convenient transportation of mineral products. It will enable miners and gold buyers to reach various regions in the country.

He urged stakeholders to support the region in setting up the airport.

“This region, all of a sudden, we have discovered minerals around. Out of the 15 municipal district assemblies, we have about seven of them that have this deposit. And if they are having this deposit, it means that there’s business to do. And then, when they do the mining, they will need faster means to be able to send their gold to the national level without being disturbed by armed robberies.”

“There’s a need for us to quicken things to improve upon things. Upper East is a gateway to Burkiana Faso and Togo. Our airport will be more lucrative.”

The Adigasa Foundation contributes to Navrongo schools.

The Adigasa Foundation is a philanthropic group. It is committed to helping disadvantaged communities. The foundation has generously contributed to four schools in the Pungu township of the Navrongo District.

On February 28, 2025, a donation was made. It was to support the students and teachers of Wusungu Primary and Junior High School. It also supported Nyangua Primary and Junior High School.

The foundation generously provided crucial educational resources to improve students’ learning environments. These resources included 40 yards of school uniforms, 400 school bags, and 400 erasers. Additionally, they provided 100 pencils, 2,880 sanitary pads, and 480 textbooks. There were also 300 exercise books, 200 sharpeners, and 150 pens. They also provided refreshments, including 20 bags of water and 20 crates of soft drinks. This support reached approximately 175 students and teachers.

During his speech at the event, Mr Carl Asagida, the Executive Director of the Adigasa Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s dedication. The focus is on addressing social inequality through sustainable development efforts.

Mr. Asagida emphasized the importance of education in building a progressive society. However, he acknowledged that many children in underserved communities cannot access even the most essential school supplies. He hoped this donation would alleviate their struggles. It could also ease the difficulties faced by their families. Additionally, he wished to motivate them to excel in their studies.

In addition, he emphasized the foundation’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of at-risk populations. The foundation employs various means. These include healthcare assistance, education initiatives, economic empowerment programs, and humanitarian relief efforts.

We believe every child deserves an equal chance at success, regardless of their background or economic status. Our journey to positively impact lives and shape a brighter future for the next generation has just begun. We are committed to expanding our aid to other communities in need,” he stated.

The beneficiaries, including teachers and Nyangua Junior High School students, were grateful for the generous donation. Madam Abigail Atanga, a teacher at the school, expressed her appreciation for this timely intervention.

According to her, providing essential learning materials can greatly improve the ease of teaching. It can also enhance learning for our students. Furthermore, it increases their motivation to continue their education.

Established in 2023, the Adigasa Foundation has led philanthropic endeavours to aid disadvantaged communities throughout Ghana. The foundation has implemented several projects focusing on healthcare, education, poverty reduction, and community enhancement.

Mr. Asagida emphasized that this current donation is just the beginning. The foundation remains committed to offering hope and equal opportunities to those in need. He urged others to support similar causes that can bring positive change and long-term growth to communities.

Introducing a program to empower prisoners and ex-convicts in Northern Ghana has been announced.

A program aimed at empowering prisoners and ex-convicts in northern Ghana has been initiated. Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region, hosts this program.

The primary goal of the “HOPE Project” is to combat recidivism. It aims to enhance mental well-being. The project empowers incarcerated individuals and ex-convicts by providing them with skill-building opportunities. It also helps them reintegrate into society.

The Centre for Social and Development Reform (CDS Reform) is implementing the plan, funded by Misereor, a German donor.

Summary

During the launch, HOPE Project Manager Emmanuel Mba Dome provided an overview of the project’s progress. He emphasized that the current third phase builds upon the achievements of the previous two phases.

According to him, the project’s third phase aims to decrease repeat offenses. It focuses on enhancing mental well-being and empowering former inmates. This is achieved by providing them with vocational training and assisting in their reintegration into society.

According to Mr Dome, the three-year project aims to offer complimentary legal assistance to 450 inmates and detainees. It also intends to educate 15 paralegal officers on aiding in the administration of justice within correctional facilities. At the same time, it plans to teach over 450 former convicts various vocational skills.

In addition, he mentioned that 1,200 inmates will receive assistance in reintegrating into society. Ex-offenders will also launch 600 new businesses.

Reforms to existing policies

David Yiridong Issaka spoke on behalf of the Executive of CDS Reform. Nervous Daguah, the organization’s Head of Programmes, emphasized the pressing need for policy responses. These policies should address high youth unemployment and drug abuse. These factors have been directly linked to the increase in crime rates within our country.

Issaka stated that the neglect of prisoners and ex-offenders in accessing social and economic opportunities is problematic. This neglect contradicts Ghana’s commitment to the principle of “leaving no one behind.”

In addition, he emphasized the insufficiency of the existing daily feeding allowance of GH¢1.80, which only covers GH¢0.60 per meal. He stressed that this is a pressing human rights concern. He urged the government to promptly reassess the amount. This is to guarantee food and nutrition stability for those incarcerated.

DDP Joseph Asabre, Northern Regional Commander of the Ghana Prison Service, commended the NGO and its partners for their intervention. He expressed gratitude for the positive impact it will have. It will provide hope, dignity, and sustainable opportunities to those who are vulnerable within the justice system.