Hajia Fatahiya Abdul Aziz is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Savelugu in the Northern Region. She has expressed concerns about President John Dramani Mahama’s Free Sanitary Pads initiative.
While she commended the initiative’s good intentions, Hajia Fatahiya warned that poor execution could lead to “bitter disappointment.”
“Good intentions, without careful execution, often pave the way to bitter disappointment,” she remarked in an article.
The Savelugu MP, serving as the Deputy Ranking Member on the Gender, Children, and Social Welfare Committee of Parliament, proposed a more targeted approach. The approach starts with the five northern regions—Northern, Upper East, Upper West, North East, and Savannah. These regions are known for their high levels of poverty and underdevelopment. She also called for improvements in school hygiene facilities.
The NPP MP highlighted several challenges. These included funding gaps, geographic disparities, and inadequate infrastructure. They questioned whether the initiative was a genuine effort or a “political gimmick dressed in the cloth of compassion.”
Hajia Fatahiya recommended the local production of sanitary pads. She also suggested tax exemptions on hygienic products. Additionally, she proposed data-driven strategies to effectively target vulnerable girls.
She also proposed improving school infrastructure. She suggested establishing gender-friendly toilets. Additionally, she recommended allocating one per cent of VAT revenue to support menstrual health.
The MP urged President Mahama to ensure a well-detailed implementation plan. He should initiate pilot phases in the northern regions. Civil society organizations should be involved in the program’s rollout.
“Our girls deserve more than promises — they deserve dignity,” she concluded.
Alhaji Seidu Agongo is a well-known businessman and philanthropist. He has joined forces with a local initiative. Their aim is to provide vital food aid. The beneficiaries are the vulnerable residents of Adaboya-Kunkoe. This is located in the Bongo District, Upper East Region.
The generous donation comprised 35 bags of maize. It was distributed on Monday, April 28. This distribution benefited numerous women in the farming community.
Around 70 elderly individuals received the donation. This group includes widows, single mothers, and those unable to farm due to illness or disability.
The community largely relies on subsistence farming. It has been grappling with the effects of unpredictable rainfall in recent years. This has resulted in poor harvests and increasing food insecurity. This donation was intended to ease the growing food shortages.
Mrs. Janet Abugre, a native of Adaboya-Kunkoe, is the coordinator of the annual donation initiative. She shared with the media that Alhaji Agongo’s contribution allowed them to expand their outreach this year. This expansion enabled them to assist more families.
“What began as an effort to support around 20 individuals has now grown to reach approximately 70 beneficiaries, thanks to Alhaji Agongo’s generous contribution,” Mrs. Abugre stated.
The donation is typically made in June, aligning with the planting season in the Upper East Region. However, this year’s distribution occurred earlier. It provided timely relief to those struggling with food shortages due to inconsistent rainfall and dwindling harvests.
The recipients expressed immense gratitude for the donation. It was distributed at a neutral location. This ensured dignity and avoided stigma.
“We provide food rather than cash to ensure households have access to vital nutrition,” Mrs Abugre explained. She added that each bag of maize was shared among three beneficiaries to maximize its impact.
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Alhaji Agongo, an entrepreneur based in Accra, is known for his extensive philanthropic efforts across Ghana. He continues to demonstrate his commitment to uplifting marginalized communities through this partnership. He maintains a long-standing tradition of giving back to society. This has been noted by Mrs. Abugre.
While this year’s donation has provided significant relief, Mrs. Abugre emphasized that the community’s needs are still substantial, with many vulnerable individuals requiring continued assistance.
She hoped that more supporters, like Alhaji Agongo, would continue contributing to the initiative.
Residents of Kanvili Kpawumo in the Tamale North Constituency face the risk of isolation after recent heavy rains washed away the main road linking the community to Kalpohin and surrounding areas.
Though Tamale has recorded just two major rainfalls this week, residents fear the situation will worsen as the rainy season intensifies.
Heavy downpours in Tamale have exposed the fragility of infrastructure in the Kanvili Kpawumo area. A section of the main access road, constructed just two months ago, has been washed away, leaving residents worried about accessibility and safety.
The rains have also overwhelmed poorly constructed drainage systems, which locals describe as inadequate for managing stormwater.
According to the Ghana Meteorological Agency, this year’s rainy season is expected to begin earlier and bring more intense rainfall, deepening fears of flooding and isolation among residents.
One resident, who declined to be named, was seen relocating her belongings, citing the deteriorating road and the absence of alternative routes.
“When it rains, it gets worse than this actually. The children even swim. They have a diving competition here. It is that bad, and the rain takes away all the stuff, as you can tell that is why I am leaving,” she said.
Mothers in the area expressed deep concern about the safety of their children, particularly the dangers posed by open drains and fast-moving floodwaters.
“I have a daughter who is four years old. She going through and seeing all this is heartbreaking. There was a time the water almost took us away, this is the only place I have in Tamale. Imagine it rains like this and the road is like this, how do I get home?,” another resident lamented.
Several residents also reported losing livestock during previous storms.
Calls are growing for authorities to construct a more efficient drainage system, especially around the Gariba Lodge area, which channels runoff through the community.
As the rains persist, residents are urging swift intervention to prevent further destruction and ensure their community remains connected and safe.
A young man from Guli in the Wa municipality, Mohammed Abudi, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the defilement of a 13-year-old girl.
The sentence was handed down. Abudi pleaded guilty to the charge during his appearance before the Wa Circuit Court. His Lordship Jonathan Avoogo presided over the court on April 23, 2025.
According to a police statement, Abudi committed the crime on April 11, 2025. The Upper West Regional Command apprehended him on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
The Regional Command has also warned potential offenders to refrain from engaging in such criminal activities.
George Luguche, professionally known as G-Kliff, is making his mark in the Ghanaian music scene, specifically within the northern regions. He is a trailblazer of rap music in Northern Ghana. He has established a strong reputation for his skill. His live performances and lyrics are also well recognized. By incorporating traditional northern melodies with modern rap, G-Kliff has won over supporters in Ghana and internationally.
Origin of Career and Ascent to Stardom
His introduction to the music industry started in high school. His love for rap inspired him to participate in multiple rap contests. He emerged victorious in these contests. This early triumph propelled him to local fame and paved the way for his future endeavours in music. Being a member of the Kukuo Clan (K.K.C.), a renowned group credited with bringing rap to the northern region’s music scene, G-Kliff displayed his distinctive style, cementing his presence as a formidable figure in Ghana’s music world.
His abilities were further acknowledged. He was chosen as the inaugural musician to hold a performance at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium. This significant occasion solidified his position as one of the foremost figures in northern Ghanaian music.
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Partnerships and Achievements
Throughout his career, G-Kliff has collaborated with renowned Ghanaian artists, including Fancy Gadam, Maccasio, Trigmatic, and Quata. These partnerships have been crucial in expanding his impact and cementing his presence in the music scene. Due to these collaborations, his music has gained widespread recognition in the North. It is also known across the entire country. His music resonates with a diverse audience.
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New and Upcoming Projects
He has been consistently developing his music. He is exploring new styles. He incorporates elements of northern Ghanaian rhythms into his contemporary rap productions. Here are some examples of his latest releases:
“The song “So Bad” (2023) serves as a nod to the cultural influences of the North. It unites Fancy Gadam’s talents with a rap vibe. This creates a dynamic blend of musical genres for listeners to enjoy.”
Released in 2023, “Only You” showcases his distinct style of blending romantic elements with rap. Collaborating with Maccasio, the song delivers a gentle yet powerful impact.
“Man No Be God” (2024): A thought-provoking track with King Raph. It delves into the limitations of humanity. It also explores the strength of the divine. G-Kliff’s music demonstrates his talent for exploring more profound themes.
Never lose touch.
Connect with him on his various social media platforms. Use these services to stay updated on his newest music. Follow him for regular updates.
Stay connected with me on Twitter at @georgekliff.
G-Kliff’s rise in the music industry is a testament to the talent emerging from Northern Ghana. His impact has been undeniable. Starting from humble beginnings, he has become an iconic figure in northern rap, continually inspiring fans and upcoming artists. His star continues to ascend, and he is undoubtedly one to watch in the Ghanaian music scene.
Man No Be God By G-Kliff Ft King Raph is a thought-provoking track with King Raph. It delves into the limitations of humanity and the strength of the divine. G-Kliff’s music demonstrates his talent for exploring more profound themes.
Smock Rhythms – your weekly journey through the vibrant sounds of Northern Ghana.
Smock Rhythmsis your weekly journey through the vibrant sounds of Northern Ghana. Every weekend, we handpick a fresh selection of tracks from the heart of Northern Ghana. From traditional rhythms to modern beats, this playlist is designed to keep your weekend energised and full of life. Each track is carefully numbered and linked in our blog post to ensure smooth listening and avoid copyright issues. Vibe with the music, explore new genres, and let thesavanna weekend pulse be your go-to soundtrack for every weekend!
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Is this a list of New releases?
No. Smock Rhythms is not limited to new releases. It is a selection of some of the finest songs we hear from artists in the North of Ghana. Language and genre are not primary determiners. Our discretion is absolutely down to the quality of the sound, the song’s universal appeal, and the vocal performance. The listed songs are not based on a hierarchy.
Is this about the Northern Region?
No. thesavannaonline acknowledges the battle with appreciating the varied regions and ethnicities of Northern Ghana. However, the North of Ghana refers to the three traditional regions of the Upper East, Upper West, and Upper East Region. This implies that we now cover the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, North East, and Savanna regions.
Which artists or regions are a priority?
We do not prioritise any region or set of artists. We curate based on what we can access or see online across multiple platforms. However, we invite artists and their management to share links with us whenever they have some releases. It is not a guarantee that we will feature it on a particular list. However, it adds to the rich database we would be cutting. At 1 point or the other, we may feature some of the songs.
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What do we seek to achieve?
We seek to augment the selection process of Deejays and show hosts for their playlists. We also believe music lovers can add songs to their own playlists through these weekly updates. It becomes a win-win for fans and artists.
When does Smock Rhythms begin?
Our first list goes out on May 9, 2025. It will consist of a blog post and an audiovisual representation of the selections.
We anticipate that this initiative will be embraced, and once again, www.thesavannaonline.com will highlight the music from Northern Ghana. thesavanna jam of the week will also make a return to radio soon.
The atmosphere at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Tamale Campus was electric with excitement, pride, and celebration on Saturday, April 26, 2025, as thousands gathered at the University’s Multipurpose Auditorium for the highly anticipated April 2025 Graduation Ceremony.
With brilliant sunshine bathing the sprawling campus, the venue was adorned with UDS colors, flowing banners, and flower arrangements that set the stage for a truly memorable occasion. Families, friends, and members of the academic community filled the auditorium to capacity, cheering and waving in celebration as the graduands, clad in flowing academic gowns, beamed with joy and anticipation.
The ceremony was graced by a distinguished array of dignitaries, including the newly appointed Chairman of the University Governing Council, Ambassador Abdulai Salifu; Her Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela, Managing Director of Eswatini Bank and wife of His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini of the Zulu Nation in South Africa; the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, Professor Augustine Ocloo; members of the UDS Governing Council; Professor Albert Luguterah, Vice-Chancellor of the C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences; former principal officers of UDS; and other eminent guests.
Addressing the University community for the very first time in his capacity as Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Abdulai Salifu commended the outgoing Council for their tremendous work and assured the gathering that the new Governing Council would work diligently to uphold and even elevate the standards set by their predecessors.
In a moment of deep emotion and gratitude, Dr. Emmanuel Djaban, the valedictorian, delivered a stirring speech on behalf of his fellow graduands. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to lecturers, administrators, and supervisors for their unwavering support, guidance, and dedication, which culminated in the successes celebrated on this proud day.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, in a reflective and inspiring address, emphasized the theme of perseverance and transformation. He congratulated the 2,630 graduands, who included 372 postgraduates and 2,258 undergraduates, with the postgraduate cohort boasting 26 PhD recipients. He highlighted with particular pride the landmark achievement at the Bachelor’s level, where, for the first time, female graduands (55.1%) outnumbered their male counterparts—a significant step towards gender parity in higher education.
Professor Al-Hassan lauded the University’s remarkable progress, noting strategic milestones such as a new partnership with Beijing Foreign Studies University in China, the successful delivery of the 7th Africa Leadership Lecture Series by Her Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela, Infrastructure development projects, including the near-completed Nursing and Midwifery Block, two 300-seater auditoriums, and a modern Dissection and Laboratory Complex, the official opening of the Campus Model Pharmacy on the Tamale Campus, UDS’ advancement to 3rd place nationally and 35th in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 2024 Times Higher Education Rankings. He also highlighted groundbreaking achievements in women’s technical education, student leadership initiatives that prioritized student welfare, and the remarkable national appointments of UDS faculty members, all testifying to UDS’s reputation as a powerhouse of national development.
The high point of the event was the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Majesty Queen Nozizwe Pearl Mulela, and citation presented to her read in part that “In 2022, you shattered a six-decade ceiling to become the first woman appointed Managing Director of Eswatini Bank, an historic ascent that reflects your trailblazing spirit and unyielding resolve.
In short address, the queen thanked the university for the honour. The President of the Alumni Association, Prof. Terry Ansah presented gift items on behalf of the alumni association to signify that she is now a member.
Individual students and groups that excelled during their deployment on the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP) as well as student leaders who showed exceptional leadership skills were honoured with citations and various amounts of money.
There was collective celebration as the names of the graduands were called, and degrees were conferred amidst resounding applause, ululations, and heartfelt embraces.
As the sun set over the Tamale skyline, leaving a golden hue across the campus, it was clear that the April 2025 Graduation Ceremony was not just an academic ritual, it was a powerful statement of UDS’ enduring legacy and a radiant beacon for the future of Ghana and Africa.
