Thesavannaonline

The Chief of Army Staff affirms GAF’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace in Bawku.

According to Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, the Chief of the Army Staff for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), members of both the GAF and other security agencies are resolutely dedicated to reestablishing tranquillity and safety in Bawku, located in the Upper East Region.

He emphasised that the GAF and other agencies have been working towards resolving the crisis in Bawku, which has been ongoing between two opposing sides. This effort will continue to establish lasting peace for the people’s benefit.

While on an official visit to Bawku last Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Major General Gbetanu interacted with the media and discussed his interactions with chiefs and military personnel deployed to maintain law and order.

During his initial journey outside Accra since his appointment, the excursion allowed him to visit Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the Overlord of Kusaug, and his elders. It also provided a chance to evaluate the current security and operational state on-site.

During the visit, Major General Gbetanu, along with Brigadier General Frank Nartey Tei, General Officer Commanding Northern Command, and Lieutenant Colonel Kakra Sasu-Antwi, Commander Rear of the 11 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, stopped by an outpost in Kpalore. This particular outpost was where a military officer had tragically lost their life recently.

In light of recent events, he shared concern regarding the increasing severity of the ongoing conflict. This has resulted in numerous deaths, including those of security forces attempting to quell the violence. In his words, “The GAF condemns all the killings and the cowardly acts in no uncertain terms”.

He explained that the personnel were diligently enforcing the curfew, conducting patrols, safeguarding key facilities, and deterring any further clashes to address the ongoing hostilities and prevent further violence.

While acknowledging that violence is not the solution, he urged all parties involved in the conflict to put down their weapons and adopt peaceful methods of resolving their disputes for all benefit.

Major-General Gbetanu reassured that the GAF remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and properties and will continue working towards establishing a peaceful and secure environment.

The Army Chief warned those causing unrest in Bawku, stating that their actions would not be tolerated. Any violent acts against civilians or soldiers would be regarded as acts of terrorism and dealt with accordingly.

He emphasised that such actions would not be tolerated and the military would respond with full force and determination. He made it clear that there would be no refuge for those who resort to violence.

“I have directed the personnel to undertake deliberate and targeted searches to retrieve weapons in the possession of the people”.

The speaker urged Naba Azoka II to encourage the community, particularly the young adults, to calmly collaborate with security forces to restore Bawku’s former prestige.

Through the Pusiga Naba, Naba Tambiisi-baaluk-Kunwiak Ibrahim Aguuri I, Naba Azoka II expressed appreciation for Major General Gbetanu’s visit to engage with essential figures in the pursuit of peace in Bawku and its surrounding areas.

He expressed worry over the methods security personnel use when accompanying residents who are leaving town. He requested that this practice be conducted in a way that does not hinder other drivers from using the road.

The speaker expressed sorrow over the fact that certain individuals are harmed and even lose their lives during escort activities in the town. They also commended the security personnel for their role in promoting tranquillity and resolving conflicts in Bawku.

Major General Gbetanu responded by assuring him that the escort operation would be carefully reviewed and carried out in a manner that prioritised the safety of the people involved.

TTH Doctors have resumed emergency Services

The TTH doctors ended their strike after two days due to the involvement of Yaa Naa Abukari II, Overlord of Dagbon. A top-level group sent by the Yaa Naa and headed by Zangbalun Naa Dr. Yakubu II, Chief of the Zangbalun Traditional Area, met on Friday, April 25th, with the hospital’s management and representatives of DATTH.

According to Joy FM’s Northern Regional Correspondent Martina Bugri, emergency services have resumed at the northern sector’s referral facility following this meeting.

Despite their ongoing work stoppage, the doctors have not relented in their request for an apology from Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh before returning to their duties at the Outpatients Department and other hospital areas.

During the gathering, Zangbalun Naa Dr Yakubu II mentioned:

“As a neutral facilitator, I will convey your concerns to the minister and engage him to take the necessary steps to address your grievances. We implore you to consider the lives hanging in the balance. We urge you in the interim to find a way to ensure the continuity of emergency service. We’re willing to facilitate a meeting with your representatives and the minister to discuss the way forward.”

Dr. Salifu Alhassan Tiah, the hospital’s Director of Pharmacy, implored his colleagues to consider the traditional leader’s involvement on behalf of the hospital.

“I want to appeal to colleagues that, as we are here, if there is any difficulty with our subsistence here, the ultimate place we will go to is his royal Highness, and if he is here, we have nothing to do but to accord this delegation the highest of respect, so we plead that we should all do well to take to heart the word they have for us,” he appealed.

The doctors stopped working, citing a hostile working environment, a shortage of basic medical supplies, and what they perceived as disrespect to their dignity from senior government officials.

The TTH’s CEO, Dr Adam Atiku, was dismissed by the minister due to accusations of mismanagement and medical negligence resulting in a patient’s death. This led to the strike that ensued.

The purpose of the minister’s visit was to evaluate the facility’s present condition and gather direct information regarding the reported negligence that led to the death of a patient who was transferred to the hospital several weeks ago.

Bavug Salim, the deceased, was immediately taken to the red zone of the Emergency Ward when he arrived unconscious. However, there were reports that he was left unattended for several hours without any explanation, ultimately resulting in his passing.

During the visit, Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, a medical officer, attempted to explain the circumstances surrounding the death. However, the minister was unsatisfied with the explanation provided.

The minister was not pleased with the hospital’s overall state and use of resources, which resulted in the CEO’s dismissal.

Akandoh Appeals to TTH Doctors: I Meant No Disrespect, Let’s End the Strike

To defuse growing tensions, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has expressed regret over the events surrounding his unannounced visit to Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), emphasizing that he never intended to disrespect medical professionals during the encounter.

The visit, which took place on April 22, was reportedly triggered by the death of a patient, Bavug Salim, who allegedly passed away due to the absence of a functional ventilator in the hospital’s emergency unit.

A video of a heated exchange between Akandoh and Dr. Valentine Akwulpwa, the Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, quickly went viral, fueling widespread public debate and criticism.

In response to the incident, the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) announced an indefinite suspension of emergency and outpatient services. The group cited “unwarranted attacks” from the Health Minister and other officials, demanding unconditional apologies and immediate provision of essential medical equipment and supplies before any resumption of services.

However, in a press briefing held in Accra on Thursday, April 24, Akandoh recalled a personal experience to underscore his empathy and commitment to the health sector.

“It can happen to anyone. It happened to me. When I had an accident, the first place I was rushed to was Nyinahini District Hospital. I never thought I’d find myself there, but I did,” Akandoh shared, conveying his understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare workers.

Reaffirming his respect for the medical community, Akandoh stated, “And so, today, from where I sit, I will contribute my quota to the development of this sector. I have no intention to disrespect any medical doctor or health worker; that will be the last thing I will do. But let it be said that respect is reciprocal.”

The Minister also expressed his willingness to collaborate, adding, “I am ready to work with everyone in the sector.”

He directly appealed to the medical staff at TTH, saying, “My humble appeal to the medical doctors and health practitioners at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interests. Therefore, let us call off the strike and all regroup and strategize the way forward.”

Akandoh noted, “There are things we can address using our internally generated funds, so let’s tackle the issues as they are.”

Despite the Minister’s efforts to clarify his position, the fallout from the incident persists. Akandoh’s decision to dismiss TTH’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adam Atiku, has been widely criticized. The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has condemned the dismissal, calling it a violation of due process and an abuse of power, and has urged the Minister to offer an apology.

Samuel Azure attacked following the dismissal of a DCE candidate in Binduri.

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, tensions flared up in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region due to the President’s nominee for District Chief Executive (DCE) being dramatically rejected.

According to reports, Samuel Azure, the recently elected Presiding Member and Assemblyman for the Kaadi Electoral Area, was allegedly attacked shortly after the passing of a vote of no confidence against the nominee.

According to eyewitnesses, the supposed attack occurred immediately following the assembly’s apparent rejection of the President’s nominee. Although the reason for the attack has not been verified, it has sparked fears about escalating political strains in the area.

The identities of those responsible for the attack and the specific details of the incident are still unclear. Currently, local authorities have not released an official statement regarding the situation.

The Binduri District Assembly has not yet announced its action plan after the unsuccessful DCE nominee’s confirmation.

PURC cautions residents in the Upper East Region against engaging in power theft.

The PURC has sternly warned the general public in the Upper East Region against illegal electricity connections. They have emphasized that power theft is a punishable crime under the law.

According to Pious Abdullai Ikililu, the Regional Complaints Officer for the Upper East region, those who engage in such practices will be subject to legal consequences. He also warned that the PURC will not intervene for those arrested by NEDCo for illegal connections.

“During our public education activities, we educate people to desist from power theft—connecting illegally to the service, or having power that NEDCo is not aware of, doing meter bypasses—anything that enables you to use electricity without actually paying for it is a crime,” he said.

According to Mr. Abdullai’s remarks on Bolga FM, power theft has detrimental effects on Ghana’s energy supply and the electricity sector as a whole. This includes system losses and loss of revenue. As a solution, he urged individuals to use their electrical devices responsibly and pay for their usage accordingly.

“If you know that you cannot pay for the electricity and you’re using an air-conditioner, why go and buy one? Or if you have an electrical gadget and you know very well that when you use it, you won’t be able to pay the bill—why have it?” he questioned.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has recently disclosed that starting May 3, 2025, there will be an increase in water and electricity tariffs. This change involves a 14.75 percent hike in electricity rates and a 4.02 percent rise in water prices under the updated tariff system.

Similarly, while appearing on the show, Mohammed Adams Suleimana, the Public Relations Officer of PURC in the Upper East Region, defended the reasoning behind the recent price hike. He clarified that the adjustment is not a novel occurrence but a routine part of the commission’s quarterly assessment process.

Terabuuriyele International has contributed essential medical equipment to the Upper East Regional Hospital.

Terabuuriyele, a non-profit and non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Frafra culture, has provided vital medical equipment to the Upper East Regional Hospital to support healthcare services in the area.

The contribution, given on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, comprises 22 blood pressure monitors and 22 infrared thermometer guns intended to enhance the hospital’s ability to treat patients effectively.

During the presentation, Mr. Simon Ayariga, National Chairman of Terabuuriyele, stated that the association’s donation is part of their humanitarian initiatives to support national development, specifically in healthcare.

“This donation reflects our commitment to supporting our communities through tangible action. We believe quality healthcare is a basic right, and we are proud to contribute to its delivery.”

On behalf of the hospital, Madam Justina Ayoribila, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, expressed her sincere appreciation for receiving the items. She also mentioned how the equipment will significantly improve their service delivery.

“We are grateful for this timely support. These items will go a long way in helping us provide better and more efficient care to our patients.”

Accompanying Chief Bombiga Asana Agoo at the ceremony were the Chief of Zaare and Acting Bolgatanga Municipal Chairman of Terabuuriyele. During the event, he expressed worry about the slow deterioration of Gurune culture and shared that the association intends to create a cultural museum.

Our cultural identity means everything to us. Our focus is on establishing a museum that will preserve and exhibit the thriving heritage of the Gurune people for generations to come.

The contribution serves as a reminder of Terabuuriyele’s dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage and fostering community progress.

The FDA provides training on good manufacturing practices to sachet water producers in Bolgatanga.

The FDA’s Upper East Regional Office hosted an annual training workshop for sachet water producers in the region. The objective was to inform them about GMPs, promoting the production of superior and secure sachet water for customers.

According to Abel Ndego, Acting Regional Head of the FDA in the Upper East Region, proper adherence to GMPs is vital for ensuring the quality and safety of sachet water. As water is essential for life, it remains a top priority for the FDA to uphold these standards and hold producers accountable in their facilities.

He said, “In this case, for sachet water, we are looking basically at quality and safety. So we have gathered here today to be able to share ideas on best practices, and what is recommended by the provisions of guidelines and international standards. This would help equip our sachet water producers to be able to ensure that the water they produce is of the highest standard and quality.”

According to him, this will ensure that the water sold to consumers adheres to quality and safety regulations. The training is centered on instructing and reinforcing proper methods to produce sachet water in the area.

During the training, we discussed several important topics, such as effective hygiene and sanitation protocols for production sites, appropriate methods for treating and purifying water, proper packaging and labeling standards, regulatory compliance, and the monitoring processes of the FDA.

Thomas Anthony Baba Piameng, Chairman of the Sachet Water Producers Association in the Upper East Region, lauded the FDA for their training and stressed the importance of adhering to safety protocols among members.

Farmers in Pusu-Namongo are calling for prioritizing the desilting of dams.

Members of the Pusu-Namongo community in the Talensi District, located in the Upper East Region, have requested that the government immediately remove silt from local dams. This is necessary to sustain farming throughout the year, as water sources in the region have been affected by increasingly severe impacts of climate change.

Addressing the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Setor Dumelo, during his visit, local farmers stressed the pressing requirement of government assistance. Tii Godfred, Secretary of the Pusu-Namongo Water Users Association, highlighted that numerous farmers have been compelled to leave their dry-season farms due to inadequate water levels in the remaining dams. This has significantly impacted crops like tomatoes and onions, which were in the crucial fruition stage.

“In this jurisdiction, climate has changed drastically. The weather has shifted, and the rainfall pattern has shifted. The challenge that we face as farmers is that many of the dams are silted. Just recently, some farmers couldn’t finish harvesting all their produce and had to abandon their farms just because the level of water had reduced in such a way that in certain places if they open the water, it couldn’t reach there. So, in that case, they had to stop, and because of that, some people have run at a loss,” he recalled.

In representing the farmers, Mr. Tii appealed for assistance acquiring necessary farm supplies and access to tractor services to improve their agricultural endeavors. Similarly, Musah Sadat, a fellow farmer, reiterated the need for prompt action from the government to construct the much-awaited Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam and revive the abandoned Pwalugu Tomato Factory. Such efforts would significantly enhance the region’s farming productivity and processing capabilities.

Deputy Minister John Setor Dumelo reassured the farmers that the government is dedicated to revamping current dams and building new ones to support year-round farming.

“In the NDC manifesto, we said we were going to build Farmer Service Centers, and it is something that we are going to do. I have all the power to probably say that Talensi will get their own. The Farmer Service Centers will have tractors, seeds, combine harvesters, and everything needed to be a good farmer. With respect to irrigation, we’ve launched a program called ‘Irrigation for Wealth’ and we are irrigating over 10,000 hectares of land but also, we are making sure that we rehabilitate existing irrigation schemes and this community will be no exception,” he added.

In addition, he announced joint efforts between the government and private companies to set up processing facilities across the country to tackle the ongoing problem of post-harvest losses.

As part of his ongoing tour of the Upper East Region, the minister visited to evaluate the issues affecting farmers and determine where urgent action is required. Local Member of Parliament for Talensi, Daniel Dung Mahama, also highlighted a pressing concern: the need to desilt around 16 decades-old dams to secure enough water for dry season cultivation. He emphasized his commitment to seeing these dams rehabilitated.

The MP expressed hope that implementing the ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti” policy, which aims to assist 55,000 households nationwide, would generate employment opportunities for the residents of Talensi.