A recent security operation in Shiare, Oti Region, led to the arrest of fifty individuals suspected of being involved in the ongoing conflict in Nkwanta.
These individuals are set to undergo screening before facing legal proceedings.
DCOP Osman Abdul Razak, the National Security Coordinator, visited Nkwanta to evaluate the situation and engage with local leaders from both factions in the dispute. His visit is part of efforts to mediate and seek a resolution to the violence.
DCOP Alex Acquah, the Oti Regional Police Commander, reported that the renewed hostilities have resulted in six fatalities, ten injuries, and the destruction of twelve houses and a shop.
While in the region, DCOP Abdul Razak emphasized the importance of addressing the deep-rooted chieftaincy and land disputes that have fueled such violence, calling for stronger cooperation among security agencies to resolve these challenges.
Maj Gen Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, Chief of the Army Staff, praised the current collaboration between security forces, highlighting that such unity is essential for bringing stability and peace to the area.
These coordinated security efforts are crucial to alleviating tensions and promoting lasting peace in the region.
Three Indian Catholic priests stationed in Kpassa, within the Nkwanta-North District of the Oti Region, were attacked by a mob at a fuel station in Nkwanta last Wednesday.
The priests, Father Robinson Melkis, Father Frank Henry Jacob, and Father Martin George, have been serving in Ghana since 2005 as members of the Capuchin Friars.
During the assault, Father Jacob sustained serious injuries, including the loss of hearing in one ear, and has been referred to Yendi Hospital for further treatment. Parts of the attack were captured on video and have been widely shared online.
Two officials from the Nkwanta-South Municipal Assembly, Engineer Samuel Worlanyo Asugbey and the Municipal Town and Country Planning Officer, who were with the priests at the time, were also assaulted.
According to Monsignor Joseph Kofi Nsiah, Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan, the priests had hired a bulldozer from the Nkwanta-South Municipal Assembly to prepare land for a Formation House project in Chaiso.
After paying GH¢9,700, they were refueling the equipment at a fuel station when they were confronted by the mob, who accused them of trying to steal it.
The mob subjected them to a violent attack for nearly 30 minutes before officers from the Ghana Immigration Service arrived to rescue them. Despite their ordeal, the mob reported the priests to the police for allegedly attempting to steal the equipment.
The priests were detained, and the bulldozer was impounded, but they were later released on bail following intervention by Monsignor Nsiah.
The Nkwanta-South branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the attack and issued a public apology. In a statement signed by Constituency Secretary Prince Succeed Fiagadzi, the party expressed sorrow over the incident and described the actions of the youth involved as both unacceptable and regrettable.
They condemned the incident as unacceptable and extended their apologies for the harm, trauma, and distress caused to the priests.
“Your selfless dedication to serving humanity and preaching the message of love and compassion deserves utmost respect and gratitude”, they added.
Some ballot boxes in the Oti Region are being transported to the collation center on motorcycles, raising concerns over potential breaches of the Ghana Police Service’s security measures for the ongoing electoral process.
The development appears to contradict directives issued by the Police, which prohibit motorbikes within 100 metres of collation centers to prevent disruptions.
In a statement released earlier, the Police emphasized that all individuals entering collation centers would undergo screening, while unauthorized vehicles would not be permitted on the premises.
The measures, according to the Police, are consistent with standard protocols during Presidential and Parliamentary elections and are designed to ensure peace, security, and transparency as the collation of results proceeds.
Authorities have urged all stakeholders to comply fully with these arrangements to maintain order during the electoral process.
Former Attorney General, Martin Amidu, has expressed doubts about the proposed two-day emergency recall of Parliament suggested by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Amidu described the call as “insulting to the electorate” and unnecessary, considering the elections are just around the corner on December 7.
In a memorandum dated November 22, 2024, Afenyo-Markin requested the Speaker of Parliament to reconvene on November 28 and 29, 2024, to address urgent matters, a move that has drawn skepticism from Amidu.
The former Special Prosecutor did not hold back, criticizing the proposed recall as an attempt to “rush through and force important matters upon Ghanaians.”
He raised concerns about the feasibility of holding such a session, pointing out that many Members of Parliament (MPs) are focused on their election campaigns, which are crucial to their political futures.
Mr. Amidu questioned the rationale behind interrupting election campaigns, wondering what benefit could possibly come from disrupting the efforts of MPs who are actively campaigning, especially when those not in Parliament will continue their canvassing in the MPs’ absence.
“One wonders what useful purpose would be served to break those electioneering campaigns,” Mr Amidu argued.
He further criticized the memorandum, accusing it of being insincere in its call for unity. Referring to the Majority Leader’s plea to “rise above partisan considerations,” Mr. Amidu responded, stating that it was “insulting to the electorate” given the bitter and visible acrimony that characterized the 8th Parliament.
In his criticism, Mr. Amidu condemned both the timing and the intent behind the proposed recall, suggesting that it prioritizes the financial convenience of MPs rather than serving the broader national interest.
“Convening Parliament for two days only may be convenient for the finances of Members of Parliament; otherwise, I see no rational reason for wasting the public purse just a few days before the 2024 elections.”
Mr. Amidu, reflecting on broader governance concerns, expressed disappointment over the lack of attention given to urgent national crises, such as the Bawku conflict in October 2024.
“The purposive government mismanagement of the Bawku crisis killing and maiming hundreds of citizens… is not even an agenda item for the Majority Leader,” he observed.
Dr. Hilarious Gadze, the Medical Superintendent, revealed that the hospital has incurred nearly GH₵70,000 in fuel expenses to keep generators running amidst the ongoing power outages.
The situation has escalated to the point where hospital management has issued a stark warning: continued power failures could compel them to close essential facilities such as the mortuary.
This potential closure would have profound repercussions for the local community, as the hospital serves as a crucial lifeline for numerous residents.
Beyond financial strain, the power cuts have severely impacted the hospital’s ability to deliver high-quality medical care. Vital medical equipment remains inoperable, hindering their capacity to provide essential treatments.
Dr. Gadze emphasized the critical need for a reliable electricity supply to sustain the hospital’s healthcare services effectively.
As the crisis intensifies, he expressed concerns about the hospital’s future viability, highlighting the looming possibility of having to shut down vital services if the power situation does not improve.
In addition, Administrator Raphael Tumawu informed Adom News that the persistent power challenges have significantly affected the hospital’s financial stability.
Recent power outages have led to the malfunction of recently repaired air conditioners and critical sterilization equipment in the theatre, further complicating medical operations.
Mr. Tumawu urged NEDCO and other relevant authorities to swiftly intervene to safeguard the hospital’s financial health and ensure uninterrupted healthcare servicesfor patients in need.
In the course of the recently concluded 23-day Limited Voter Registration exercise nationwide, the Oti Region enrolled a total of 23,634 new voters onto the National Voters Register.
This number comprises 11,831 males and 11,803 females. However, there were 426 contested cases during the registration process, which concluded last Wednesday.
Mr. Nuhu Mahama, the Oti Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), shared these details in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
He mentioned that out of the total registrants, 6,458 individuals used Ghana Cards for registration, five utilized passports, while 17,171 relied on guarantors for their Voter ID Cards.
Mr. Mahama also highlighted that 51 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) successfully registered and received new voter cards during the registration period.
Mr. Felix Ade, the Regional Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), commended the EC for efficiently managing the registration process, despite initial challenges.
He praised the Commission’s efforts, which ultimately led to a successful outcome.
Mr. Gabriel Lemboel, the Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stressed the importance of the extension period in accommodating more registrants, ensuring inclusivity.
He stated that despite the initial hurdles faced by the Commission, they remained steadfast in achieving their objectives.
Seven months pregnantwoman Madam Mesuna Adiza, a resident in Oti Region is reportedly fighting for her life after her husband, attacked her with her cutlass.
This was revealed in a tweet by blogger @SIKAOFFICIAL1 on May 30,2024.
Reason behind his attack on her is yet to be revealed.
“In the Oti Region, Madam Mesuna Adiza, who is seven months pregnant, is fighting for her life after her husband attacked her with a cutlass in Banda. The motive behind the attack is yet to be determined” the tweet read.
Pregnant woman attacked by her husband for unknown reasons
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) has issued a warning to residents of the Northern and Oti regions, cautioning them to brace for severe rainstorms in the upcoming weeks.
The advisory follows an incident in Accra where one person was injured and eight vehicles were damaged by uprooted trees during heavy rains accompanied by strong winds on Monday.
Felicity Ahafianyo, Chief Weather Forecaster at the Ghana Meteorological Agency, emphasized the importance of exercising caution to ensure safety during this period of intense rainfall.
She highlighted the likelihood of stronger wind storms across the country, particularly affecting the Northern, Oti, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West regions.
“For wind storms, we will still be expecting more and it may not be in the same area but every other part of the country so, we must prepare for it especially our brothers in the north, those in Oti region, Savannah, Upper East and Upper West. It is likely that the winds will be stronger than what we have experienced lately,” she said.
The warning comes in the wake of multiple incidents of trees falling during heavy rainfall in Accra. At the Landing Restaurant car park, a tree fell on a vehicle, causing injury to one person who received treatment at the Airport Clinic.
Along the Italian Embassy stretch, a falling tree endangered both a motorbike and a 4-wheel drive vehicle, leaving one individual critically injured.
In the Eastern Region, students of Okurase Presbyterian Basic School in the Upper West Akyem Municipality narrowly escaped disaster as rainstorms tore off the roofs of several classrooms during teaching hours. Affected classrooms included KG 1 and JHS 1, 2, and 3.
Authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant and stay informed about weather updates to safeguard their well-being.
John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, has reiterated his dedication to enhancing agriculture through enhanced services facilitated by mechanization centers in the Oti Region.
Mahama emphasized the multifaceted benefits of this initiative, highlighting its potential to spur job creation, elevate living standards, boost productivity, and enhance overall comfort and convenience for citizens.
Furthermore, Mahama affirmed the commitment of the prospective NDC government to substantial investments in agriculture and agro-processing once political power is reinstated.
Mahama addressed the crowd in Dambai, located in the Oti Region, on Monday as part of his two-day “Building the Ghana We Want Tour.”
During the meeting with the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, Mahama emphasized the establishment of agro-processing factories aimed at enhancing farmers’ yields and income levels while adding value to crops for export, thereby bolstering revenue generation.
Regarding the 24-hour economy policy, Mahama clarified that the intention behind his proposed initiative was to facilitate businesses in operating three shifts per day.
“My government will enact new laws to support businesses operating 24/7, including labour laws and tax incentives,” he said.
He highlighted plans to support companies with favorable tax policies, stimulus packages, and financial assistance tailored to specific industries, such as agro-processing and manufacturing.
Mahama stressed the importance of security, sanitation, and environmental protection as integral aspects of the 24-hour economy.
Advocating for a collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, Machator aims to change prisons into genuine centers of rehabilitation, emphasizing the need to address the inadequate conditions hindering the reformation of inmates.
Expressing concern over what he perceives as “human warehousing” rather than effective imprisonment, Machator pointed out the challenging circumstances that thwart inmates’ chances of meaningful rehabilitation.
He stressed the importance of altering the prevailing conditions that, he believes, contribute to the perception that society is against those incarcerated.
“I think we are rather practicing human warehousing than imprisonment which is supposed to help them reform because at the end of the day, the condition the person finds themselves in within the prison makes the person think society is against them,” Machator stated.
Highlighting a concerning aspect of the current system, Machator disclosed that the daily food budget for each inmate in Ghanaian prisons amounts to a mere GH₵1.80.
“This translates into 60 pesewas breakfast, 60 pesewas lunch and 60 pesewas supper. So you should know that every prison administrator in Ghana is a magician. From 2011 to 2024, an inmate is fed GH₵1.80 pesewas in a day. The GH₵1.80 pesewas should be looked at immediately,” he said.
He called for urgent scrutiny of this budget, emphasising the need for immediate attention to this critical issue that has persisted from 2011 to 2024.
In a bid to address overcrowding within prisons, Machator revealed plans to prioritise the construction of smaller, district-based prisons.
“We should prioritise building smaller prisons in the district, even if it’s a 100-capacity prison so we are not going to overburden other prison facilities.”
He proposed the creation of facilities with a capacity of around 100 inmates, aiming to alleviate the burden on existing prison facilities.
Machator underscored the significance of implementing reformative and rehabilitative procedures, asserting that providing inmates with the opportunity to learn valuable skills is essential.
Whether through vocational training or psycho-social programs led by religious leaders, he emphasised the need for a holistic approach to ensure individuals leave prison with the ability to lead law-abiding lives.
“If it’s a job the person is supposed to learn, the person will learn. If it’s a pastor or Imam taking him through psycho-social training to ensure that the person leaves a law-abiding life after imprisonment, the person will curtail to that. The person will listen to that.”
“So I will engage the Ministry of Interior and other governmental sectors that have something to do with the Ghana Prisons Service to ensure that whatever investment we need to do in the prison service, we do that.”
Concluding his statements, Machator pledged to engage with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant governmental sectors involved with the Ghana Prisons Service.
His goal is to secure necessary investments and support to bring about substantial improvements within the prison service, aligning with his vision for a more effective and humane correctional system.
In a disturbing incident, a tailor in Kadjebi, Oti Region, has been apprehended by the Kadjebi Police for forcibly shaving the private parts of Bright Abusah, a 19-year-old electrical apprentice.
Abusah recounted his ordeal to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), stating that on Sunday, January 21, around 8 pm, the accused invited him to his workshop at Kadjebi Cocoa Market.
Once there, he was locked up, questioned about having a girlfriend, and subjected to the viewing of explicit content on the tailor’s mobile phone.
Under threats of harm, Abusah complied with the accused’s orders to remove his trousers and underpants. The accused then used scissors and a disposable razor blade to forcefully shave Abusah’s genitals.
Following the shaving, the accused attempted to stimulate him further with ointment, which Abusah rejected.
Abusah managed to escape when the accused momentarily excused himself, allowing him to run to Menuso, a nearby farming community, and report the incident to his grandfather, Simon Tetteh Abusah.
His grandfather accompanied him to the Kadjebi Police station on Monday, January 22, where they filed a formal complaint, leading to the arrest of the accused.
The accused later told the Ghana News Agency that, “in life, certain things must happen to a man for him to learn some lessons.”
Another individual has lost their life due to a shooting incident in Nkwanta, situated in the Oti Region. The region has experienced heightened tensions in recent weeks, leading to the imposition of a curfew in the area.
A total of 12 individuals have lost their lives in the ongoing disturbances, presumed to be linked to land and chieftaincy issues.
In a renewed wave of hostilities, the latest clashes occurred mere days after the Chairman of the Municipal Security Council, Bright Lenwah, disclosed intentions to enhance security measures in response to what he described as a fresh twist in the conflict.
The dispute, according to reports, is spreading to neighbouring communities.
“About two months ago, there were some clashes between some ethnic groups in and around Nkwanta since then these issues keep reoccuring.
“Originally it was happening in the town but due to the heavy deployment of security, the situation has taken a new dimension. Now it is happening in nearby villages and communities,” he said.
A National Service Person has tragically lost their life after being fatally shot in Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation, raising concerns about the safety and security in the area.
Gowugade Denis, identified as the deceased in the tragic incident, was fatally shot while tending to his farm alongside his family, as reported. At present, no arrests have been made in connection with the crime, leaving the circumstances surrounding the shooting shrouded in uncertainty.
In an interview, the Municipal Chief Executive for Nkwanta South, Bright Lenwah described the incident as unfortunate.
“It is very disheartening to wake from time to time to hear of such incidents,” he added.
He said authorities were working diligently to restrategise and modify their tactics to prevent such incidents in the area.
In a related development, reports suggest that the agitated youth, who previously staged a protest at the office and residence of the District Chief Executive for Kadjebi, Wilson Agbanyo, over the death of two youngsters, have allegedly vandalized the COCOBOD office at Papase in the Oti Region.
The ECG meters supplying power to the facility, along with other lighting installations, have been vandalised.
The cause of the attack is unclear, but it is believed to be linked to recent protests and disturbances in the area related to the death of the two youngsters from Yadzo.
In response, military personnel have been deployed to the district to ensure law and order.
Violent clashes among residents in Nkwanta in the Oti Region has resulted in the death of some individuals and left a police officer severely wounded.
The source of this conflict stems from disputes among the Adele, Challa, and Akyode tribes concerning the venue for the execution of ritual ceremonies associated with their 2023 annual Yam Festival.
According to media reports, one Sergeant Asare Bediako sustained severe injuries and is currently responding to treatment at St Joseph hospital while 2 others lost their lives over the weekend.
“Among the seven individuals unable to avoid gunfire, three have lost their lives. A passing teacher was struck by a stray bullet, resulting in his demise. Additionally, a rasta man, summoned to assist his mother at the market, did not find her there but was instead assaulted and fatally beaten.”
The report further mentioned that the military has been dispatched to the region to alleviate tensions. Nonetheless, numerous residents have evacuated the community due to the perceived lack of safety in Nkwanta.
Health Director for Oti Region, Dr. Osei Kuffour Affreh, has voiced deep concern about the precarious state of healthcare services in the region, primarily due to a shortage of healthcare professionals.
He emphasized that the absence of doctors, physician assistants, midwives, as well as technical and support staff, along with various systemic challenges, are significant obstacles impeding healthcare delivery in Oti.
Dr. Affreh also pointed out the lack of regional medical storage facilities and insufficient residential accommodations for staff as additional factors impacting service provision.
These remarks were made during the 2023 mid-year performance review of the Oti Regional Health Directorate, held in Worawora, Biakoye District, under the theme: “Achieving Universal Health Coverage; The Role of the Health Worker.”
Dr. Affreh expressed heartfelt appreciation to healthcare partners, particularly the Korea Foundation for International Health Care (KOFIH), for their continuous support over the years. He highlighted KOFIH’s contributions, including funding for the construction of two Community-based and Health Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds, renovations, and various infrastructure projects that have enhanced healthcare services in the region.
Additionally, the region received a new Toyota Hilux vehicle and essential office equipment and supplies from the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO’s support extended to surveillance activities and various training programs conducted during the review period.
Dr. Affreh also acknowledged the invaluable assistance from other partners, including USAID Q4H, GAVI, World Vision, Marie Stopes, Impact Malaria, ANESVAD, and UNICEF.
Nana Okoforobour Baffour Kwame Asare II, the Paramount Chief of the Tapa Traditional Council, spoke with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and praised the commendable efforts of the Oti Regional Health Directorate. He, however, appealed to the Regional Coordinating Council and the government to provide necessary assistance to healthcare professionals grappling with the challenges they face.
A group of disgruntled residents residing in Adumadum and its neighboring areas have issued a warning of potential protests in the upcoming weeks.
Their grievance pertains to the dire state of the Dormabin-Adumadum road, located within the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region.
Benard Tafu, a prominent figure at Kunda junction, conveyed their intention to the Ghana News Agency. They have resolved to obstruct the primary route from Dormabin to Okanease, as well as all entry points leading to Asukawkaw, as a means to emphasize their demands.
Their appeal extends to the government and Municipal Authorities, urging them to promptly rehabilitate the road network. They underscored the significance of this initiative, citing its strategic location and its potential to bolster the constituency’s revenue generation.
Dennis Yaw Kumah, a community leader in Adumadum, expressed their frustration, explaining that numerous pleas made over the years to successive administrations, through the Krachi East Municipal Assembly, have yielded no meaningful results.
The dire condition of the road, they argue, has imposed severe economic hardships on the local populace.
Additionally, they highlighted a collapsed bridge at Kunda junction, which hinders access to healthcare facilities and local businesses for pregnant women and traders from their communities. Peter Tafu, the Assembly member for the Electoral Area, stressed that discussions within the Assembly have taken place during annual meetings.
However, they are now urging authorities to take immediate action to construct a new bridge and improve the condition of their feeder road.
Protesting against what they consider inadequate and subpar meals supplied by the administration, students from Jasikan College of Education in the Oti region have taken a stand.
The students have shown discontentment regarding the food quality, expressing various concerns that encompass issues from unhealthy options to insufficient side dishes.
As per the students who feel aggrieved, the institution has been providing them with plain porridge lacking sugar, milk, and bread for several months. They claim that this problem has persisted from the start of the academic year, leading to growing frustration among the student population.
Freeman Zokha, the President of the Student’s Representative Council (SRC), spoke to Accra-based Citi FM about their plight.
He revealed that the college administration had deducted GHC51 from the students’ monthly allowances to supplement the allocated feeding grants.
“Students are not happy with their breakfast; nothing is being added. We have been given white porridge without sugar, bread, or groundnut since the beginning of the year. The porridge is sometimes fermented. We protested on Tuesday morning against the poor foods we are being fed with. We are told feeding grants have not been paid, but we know it has been paid.
“The school management said they don’t take information from students when we made complaints to them. The protest was not only about the food, lights at the ladies’ dormitories had been disconnected. We are going through a lot,” citinewsroom.com quoted him to have said during the interview.
The students recently protested against the perceived neglect of their nutritional needs. The protest led to clashes between the students and law enforcement officers who were called in to manage the situation.
A new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has revealed that men in Ghana have paid more bribes to public officials than women in the period 2019-2020.
The report, titled “Corruption in Ghana, Peoples experiences and views”, is based on a nationwide survey of over 12,000 households and 2,400 businesses.
The report aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the extent, nature and impact of corruption in Ghana, as well as the public perception and attitude towards it.
The report found that male public officials were more likely to take or solicit bribes from men than from women.
More than 60 percent of all bribes taken or solicited by male public officials were from men, while less than 40 percent were from women.
By contrast, female public officials were equally likely to take or solicit bribes from both sexes.
The report also highlighted the issue of ‘sextortion’ or ‘body currency’, which refers to the demand for sexual favours as a form of corruption.
The report noted that this phenomenon disproportionately affects women, but it is difficult to measure due to its sensitive nature and under-reporting.
The report suggested that some victims may not even consider such demands as acts of corruption, but rather as a normal part of their interaction with public officials.
The report also ranked the regions of Ghana according to the prevalence of direct bribery requests by public officials.
The Oti Region topped the list with 98 percent of such cases, followed by the Upper East Region with 91 percent and the Greater Accra Region with 88 percent. The Western North Region recorded the lowest rate of direct bribery requests with 24.8 percent, followed by the Central Region with 26.5 percent and the Eastern Region with 28.7 percent.
The report is part of UNODC’s efforts to support Ghana in implementing the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which Ghana ratified in 2007.
The report provides recommendations for improving anti-corruption policies and practices, as well as enhancing public awareness and participation in the fight against corruption.
Oti Region has emerged as the region with the highest direct bribery request cases involving public officials in the country.
According to data from the United Nations, the region recorded 98% of such cases.
The Western North region on the other hand recorded the lowest cases, amounting to 24.8%.
Although the report said there is a substantial regional variation in the modality of how bribery is initiated, it also noted that when focused on direct requests by public officials in each of the 16 regions of Ghana, the data show that the share varies from as little as 24.8 per cent to as much as 91.8 percent.
“In other words, 9 out of 10 bribes in Oti are directly requested by a public official, while that is the case of just 2 out of 10 bribes in the Western North region. Such a large share of bribes being directly requested by public officials may suggest that acts of bribery do not come to the attention of the relevant authorities or that when they do, they are not investigated or there is no follow-up,” the report added.
According to the survey, about two thirds of bribes are paid before a service is rendered.
“Such a large share of bribes being paid in advance of a service is an indication that the payment of bribes to public officials is often expected in Ghana. It also further underlines the bargaining power of public officials, whose position of relative power enables them to solicit a payment in exchange for the promise of providing a public service that should have been rendered upon request and, on occasion, even free of charge,” the report added.
An unidentified man’s decapitated body has been discovered in a bush at Ntewusae, a farming community in the Krachi West Municipality of the Oti Region.
The naked body was found lying in a supine position, sparking rumors of ritual murder.
The distressing find incited anger among community members, stakeholders, and the local Assemblyman, who promptly informed the Police.
The Assembly member of Ntewusae Electoral Area, Philip Donkor, confirmed the incident and reported it to the Kete-Krachi Divisional Police Headquarters.
The body has been transported to the morgue.
Residents expressed their sorrow and concern over the unusual killing, considering it a grim sign for the community. Following the discovery, many individuals contacted their loved ones to ensure their safety.
A Police source has verified the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has distributed 251 life jackets to educators stationed in various communities along the lake within the Oti Region.
This significant initiative aims to enhance the safety and well-being of teachers, equipping them with life-saving gear as they carry out their duties in proximity to the expansive body of water.
The initiative aims to enforce a vital safety precaution for teachers traveling to their schools across the lake on a daily basis.
General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Musah, in an interview emphasized that the allocation of life jackets would benefit teachers in approximately 36 community basic schools in the Krachi East and West districts of the region.
He stated, “it is crucial for teachers to wear life jackets during their daily trips across the lake to ensure their safety.”
This effort follows a previous distribution of life jackets in 2022, during which members expressed concerns about inadequate supplies.
Mr. Thomas Musah highlighted a recent incident in May where a teacher tragically drowned on the lake when the boat he was traveling on capsized while returning from school on Agamkope Island.
Teacher Prosper K Addo shared his near-death experience during a six-hour journey on the Volta Lake to an island community in the Krachi West District, recounting, “At the time, I wasn’t wearing a life jacket, meaning I would have needlessly lost my life.”
Ransford Appiah, Assistant Headteacher of Kudorkope D/A Primary School, also emphasized the risks teachers face while commuting across the lake from Dambai to Kudorkope on weekdays to fulfill their duty of providing quality education to deserving children.
Many teachers across the country endure similar ordeals, with some losing their lives due to the lack of protective gear.
To address the safety concerns of teachers commuting to riverine communities, GNAT has procured 251 life jackets, which will be distributed in the Krachi East and West Districts. GNAT National President, Rev Isaac Owusu, expressed his concern over the challenges faced by teachers in underserved communities, urging the government to take decisive action.
General Secretary Thomas Musah was alarmed to discover that “approximately half of the island communities in the Krachi East District lack schools,” questioning the government’s commitment to providing equal access to education.
The distribution of life jackets will extend to other high-risk areas where teachers work, including parts of the Ashanti, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions, aiming to protect teachers who cross water bodies like the Volta Lake daily to fulfill their teaching responsibilities.
In a proactive move to address the concerning frequency of teacher drownings in the Volta Lake, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has provided 251 life jackets to teachers stationed in communities along the lake in the Oti Region.
The initiative aims to enforce a vital safety precaution for teachers traveling to their schools across the lake on a daily basis.
General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Musah, in an interview with GhanaWeb, emphasized that the allocation of life jackets would benefit teachers in approximately 36 community basic schools in the Krachi East and West districts of the region.
He stated, “it is crucial for teachers to wear life jackets during their daily trips across the lake to ensure their safety.”
This effort follows a previous distribution of life jackets in 2022, during which members expressed concerns about inadequate supplies.
Mr. Thomas Musah highlighted a recent incident in May where a teacher tragically drowned on the lake when the boat he was traveling on capsized while returning from school on Agamkope Island.
Teacher Prosper K Addo shared his near-death experience during a six-hour journey on the Volta Lake to an island community in the Krachi West District, recounting, “At the time, I wasn’t wearing a life jacket, meaning I would have needlessly lost my life.”
Ransford Appiah, Assistant Headteacher of Kudorkope D/A Primary School, also emphasized the risks teachers face while commuting across the lake from Dambai to Kudorkope on weekdays to fulfill their duty of providing quality education to deserving children.
Many teachers across the country endure similar ordeals, with some losing their lives due to the lack of protective gear.
To address the safety concerns of teachers commuting to riverine communities, GNAT has procured 251 life jackets, which will be distributed in the Krachi East and West Districts. GNAT National President, Rev Isaac Owusu, expressed his concern over the challenges faced by teachers in underserved communities, urging the government to take decisive action.
General Secretary Thomas Musah was alarmed to discover that “approximately half of the island communities in the Krachi East District lack schools,” questioning the government’s commitment to providing equal access to education.
The distribution of life jackets will extend to other high-risk areas where teachers work, including parts of the Ashanti, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions, aiming to protect teachers who cross water bodies like the Volta Lake daily to fulfill their teaching responsibilities.
The Ghana Health Service’s (GHS) Kadjebi District Directorate will begin the Seasonal Malaria Chemo-prevention (SMC) exercise on Monday, June 26 through to Friday, June 30.
The exercise targeted 14,450 children between 3-59 months to be dosed during the period.
The SMC exercise aimed to reduce morbidity and mortality among children under five years in the district.
The District Director of Health Services, Mr Eric Nana Takyi, disclosed these to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.
He said “the registration target is 90 per cent and closing target 95 per cent “and that the exercise is in four rounds; round one in June, round two in July, round three in August and round four in September which are peak malaria transmission periods.
Nana Takyi said “there was much reduction in malaria mortality during the SMC period as compared to the non-SMC period in the previous year’s”.
“Morbidity among children under five reduced from 32 per cent in 2021 to 22 per cent in 2022” and “no death among the under-five in 2022 as compared to 2021 where one death was recorded”, he said.
The District Director of Health Services said SMC is a proven intervention to reduce malaria morbidity during rainfall and that the medication is not harmful and is free of charge.
He said every child needs to receive three doses for three continuous days to completion and thus, called on all parents and caregivers to make sure their wards benefit from the exercise.
Residents of five communities in theNkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region have voiced their intention to boycott any upcoming elections in the area should the road connecting Nkwanta to these communities is not repaired.
The communities are Keri, Odomi, Gekrong, Pawa and Kue.Some drivers and motor riders who ply the road told the Ghana News Agency that they had decided to park their vehicles to prevent wasting money unnecessarily on maintenance and servicing.
The Assembly member for the Keri South Electoral area, Mr Jonas Gbedenyo said he had written to the authorities about the poor road network, but nothing was done about it.He said farmers in the five communities were unable to bring their farm produce to the Municipal capital for sale.
“Last year somewhere in September, the bridge connectingKeriand Gekrong was damaged to the extent that all the visitors who came home to mark the annual yam festival in Keri could not return to their destinations on schedule.
“The people, however, took it upon themselves to fill that portion with stones and some gravel to make it possible for motorbikes to carry the visitors back to their destinations.
“This year due to the start of the rains, the road is moving from bad to worse,” he said.Mr Gbedenyo stated that if nothing was done about the road in the next one month, no car or motorcycle would be able to use the road and that could be disastrous for the inhabitants of these communities.
The Oti regional police command has began an inquiry into the untimely death of Richmond Mbelbicy, a 4-year-old boy, who passed on Monday, June 5 in Asante Akura, a community in the Oti Region, Krachi East district.
Mbelbicy ran into a speeding vehicle with registration number WR 3112-19, at Asante Akura near Kpelema.
The body of the deceased was taken to Worawora Government Hospital for autopsy.
Meanwhile, the Oti regional motor traffic and transport division of the Ghana Police Service has taken the case up and arrested the driver of the vehicle, Isaac Asante Wiafe.
Thebody of the deceased has been released for burial.
The headman of the community, Unikple Majoin, has appealed to the government to construct speed rumps, especially after Nantwi-Akura to Asante-Akura to protect pedestrians.
Community members who spoke to the media bemoaned over-speeding by drivers, saying the construction of speed rumps will address the problem.
The alleged murder of a 60-year-old woman has sent ripples of shock and fear among residents as the deceased was found without some parts of her body.
According to reports, the incident occurred between Apesokubi and Kaboso in the Biakoye district of the Oti region.
The woman is alleged to have left her home on Saturday to attend a funeral in Apesokubi but was not seen by her neighbours for two days.
She was later discovered with her tongue, breasts, and a private portion removed in a pit latrine near her compound.
Residents referred to her as Daa Yaa.
The police, together with a medical team from Worawora Hospital, arrived in the village and advised that she be buried due to the body’s decomposition.
An investigation is underway, and no suspects have been apprehended.
Residents are in shock and dread as a result of the occurrence.
They have subsequently requested that the Police investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Another boat disaster, this time in the Oti Region, has claimed the life of a pupil teacher.
The 29-year-old teacher with the Chinekope M/A Primary School in the Kete Krachi Municipality of the region is reported to have died after the boat he was traveling on capsized.
A report by 3news.com said that the teacher, Sampson Adu, has since been buried.
“Mr Adu has since been buried in his hometown in the Eastern Region,” the report said.
Only about 24 hours ago, it was reported that some pupils had died after the boat they were traveling on, in the Greater Accra Region, capsized.
The pupils from Faana, in the Weija Gbawe Municipality, were said to have been traveling to school at Kelee, also within the municipality.
As of the last time we reported on the accident, there had been nine reported deaths, with three survivors.
Two individuals have lost their lives after drowning in the Volta Lakein the Krachi West Municipality of the Oti Region.
The unfortunate incident occurred when the two deceased persons, Edu Sampson (a teacher in his 30s) and Afua Nyarkowaah (a woman in her 40s), and another male teacher were returning from Kete Krachito their island community, Chinekope.
Eye witnesses say the passengers had been left stranded at Kotokoli (an island community) because of a storm on the lake.
When the storm subsided, they decided to continue with their trip. When they got to Kotoku Gyane, an island community, there was another storm on the lake.
The the boat operator, also a fisherman, negotiated a curve to escape the storm, but he lost control and the boat capsized.
The boat operator and the other teacher escaped to safety, leaving Sampson and Nyarkowaah to drown.
Their bodies have been recovered and sent to the Krachi Government Hospital morgue for preservation.
Last year, residents of the Sene East District in Bono East Regionwere left in a state of mourning after eight children drowned in the Volta Lake.
The 8 children, unfortunately, met their demise on Tuesday, January 24, after the boat they were travelling with capsized.
They were among about 20 passengers moving from Atikagome to Wayokope.
The deceased comprise five males and three females, believed to be between the ages of 5 and 12.
The Sene East community members deposited the remains of the deceased at Atikagome.
A former president and flagbearer candidate for theNational Democratic Congress(NDC), John Dramani Mahama, will visit the Oti Region beginning on April 16 to meet with party members, officials, activists, and supporters.
During the visit, the flagbearer hopeful would engage with Branch, Constituency and Regional executives to enlighten them on his vision and plans for the nation.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) urged the nine constituencies’ chairmen to strictly adhere to the agreed programme schedule to ensure a successful event.
It said the leadership of the region, led by MrKwadwo Gyapong, had already engaged with the constituency chairmen to deliberate on the visit.
It said Mr Mahama would interact with some economic and social groups in Guan, Buem, Biakoye, Krachi East and Krachi West constituency on day one.
He is also expected to engage Krachi Nchumuru, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, and Akan constituency executives.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is continuing with his campaign tour.
He is to tour Oti Region from April 16 to interact with delegates, functionaries, activists, and supporters of the party.
During the visit, the flagbearer hopeful would engage with Branch, Constituency, and regional executives to enlighten them on his vision and plans for the nation.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) urged the nine constituencies’ chairmen to strictly adhere to the agreed programme schedule to ensure a successful event.
It said the leadership of the region, led by Kwadwo Gyapong, had already engaged with the constituency chairmen to deliberate on the visit.
It said John Mahama would interact with some economic and social groups in Guan, Buem, Biakoye, Krachi East, and Krachi West constituency on day one.
He is also expected to engage Krachi Nchumuru, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, and Akan constituency executives.
Eight prisoners have reportedly escaped from jail at Nkwanta South.
Police officers at the Nkwanta South Divisional Police Station of the Oti Region are under pressure after the incident.
Information gathered by Adom News suggests that, the incident occurred at about 10:30 pm on Tuesday when a female police officer on duty was about to lock the cells.
According to reports, the suspects forcibly pushed the gate on the officer and fled.
Police in Nkwanta South have confirmed the incident but have refused to give further details.
A 43-year-old woman, Amina Musa will spend 10 years in prison with hard labour for unlawful possession and sale of cannabis popularly known as ‘weed’.
She was sentenced by the Jasikan Circuit Court, presided over His Honour Alfred Kwabena Asiedu, in the Oti Region on Friday, March 31, 2023.
Amina Mush was also ordered by the Court to pay a fine of 10,000 penalty units or in default serve another 3 years imprisonment which will run concurrently.
The Police prosecutor, Detective Inspector Bright Nkansah told the Court that on February 2023, the Nkwanta police patrol team acted on intelligence and arrested the suspect.
According to him, she was arrested at Nkwanta for possessing 18 parcels of cannabis (weed).
He explained that the suspect, who was travelling from Hohoe to Yendi, allegedly posed as a pregnant woman by fastening the slabs of the dried leaves on her belly.
However, luck eluded Amina, who was dressed in ‘maternity’ gown, when the officers on duty became suspicious of her strange body language.
A search conducted on her by police Nkwanta led to the recovery of the slabs of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
Detective Inspector Bright Nkansah said the matter went on full trial after which she was convicted of the charge and sentenced accordingly.
Amina Mussah, pleaded guilty simplicita to unlawful possession of narcotic drugs and she was convicted on her own plea.
The suspected murder of the District Pastor of Narrow Gate Faith Ministries in charge of Bonakye on his farm by unidentified assailants has left residents of Bonakye, a suburb of the Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region, in a state of fear.
The deceased, Pastor Bless Denutsi, a 50-year-old man, was found lifeless on his farm a few meters away from the Bonakye town in a supine position with blood oozing from his nose and ears believing that he was hit by sticks by his assailants.
Emilia Denutsi, wife of the deceased narrating the sad news to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during a visit to the scene said, the husband left home to the farm early hours of Wednesday, March 15, but failed to return as he usually does.
She narrated she became alarmed after all efforts to reach him proved futile.
“Later in the evening I went and informed some leaders of our Church about the situation after I went to the farm but didn’t find him.”
The leaders of the Church together with some members of the community then went in search of him but found the Pastor dead.
A team of Police officers from the Nkwanta South Municipal Command led by Detective Lance Corporal Kumi Seidu, visited the crime scene this morning and conveyed the body to the Nkwanta South Municipal morgue awaiting autopsy.
Superintendent of Police, Lawson Lartey, Nkwanta South Municipal Police Commander said the Police suspected foul play, have begun investigations into the death of the Man of God, and assured that the culprits would be brought to book.
Residents of Bonakye, a suburb of the Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region have been thrown into a state of apprehension following the alleged murder of the District Pastor of Narrow Gate Faith Ministry in charge of Bonakye, on his farm by unknown assailants.
The deceased, Pastor Bless Denutsi, a 50-year-old man, was found lifeless on his farm a few meters away from the Bonakye town in a supine position with blood oozing from his nose and ears believing that he was hit by sticks by his assailants.
Mrs Emilia Denutsi, wife of the deceased narrating the sad news to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during a visit to the scene said, the husband left home to the farm early hours of Wednesday, March 15, but failed to return as he usually does.
She narrated she became alarmed after all efforts to reach him proved futile.
“Later in the evening I went and informed some leaders of our Church about the situation after I went to the farm but didn’t find him.”
The leaders of the Church together with some members of the community then went in search of him but found the Pastor dead.
A team of Police officers from the Nkwanta South Municipal Command led by Detective Lance Corporal Kumi Seidu, visited the crime scene this morning and conveyed the body to the Nkwanta South Municipal morgue awaiting autopsy.
Superintendent of Police, Mr Lawson Lartey, Nkwanta South Municipal Police Commander said the Police suspected a foul play, have began investigations into the death of the Man of God and assured that the culprits would be brought to book.
The Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery has extended the curfew hours for Alavanyo, Nkonyaand its surroundings in Oti Region until Sunday, February 26, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
The Ministry has expressed its appreciation to the chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth, and people of the area for their efforts in ensuring peace in the area and urged them to use the established mechanisms for the resolution of all their conflicts and disputes.
Meanwhile, the government has reiterated that there is a ban on all persons in the two towns and their environs from carrying arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons, and any person found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted.
A former Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency in the Oti Region, Daniel Kosi Ashiamah, says the government’s Free SHS policy is a contributory factor in the current uprisings in the SHS.
The former lawmaker said this after 40 students at the Krobea Asante Technical and Vocational School in Effiduase Asokore, Sekeyere East District, Ashanti Region, were arrested for violence at the school.
Following a series of protests, the students vandalized schools and private properties and later cut power to the school, resulting in further disorder.
The school’s principal was also attacked by students who broke into his apartment and beat him up.
According to reports, the students’ anger stemmed from their predecessors’ poor performance on their final examinations.
Ebenezer Opoku, who is the Assembly Member for the area and also the Coordinator for Free SHS in the District, confirmed the incident, adding that the students wrecked a total of six cars, including four that belonged to the school and two that were owned privately by teachers.
Some eight students of the Chiana Senior High School in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region were also issued sack letters by the Ghana Education service for insulting President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The President had to step in for the decision of the GES to be changed.
Responding to the two scenarios on Atinka TV’s morning show “Ghana Nie” with host Ama Gyenfa Ofosu Darkwa, former NDC MP for Buem, Daniel Kosi Ashiamah, said the students’ behavior can be linked to the free SHS to some extent.
Government has a lot of consultations to make as far as this free SHS is concerned.
“If you look at all these scenarios, you need to ask yourself what percentage of the impact of the free SHS there will be.” This is why some of us are calling for the free SHS to be reviewed. GES and the government should find out the administrative aspect of this free SHS. “They need to find out how the teachers are monitoring and working with the students with these free SHS students, which is resulting in these disturbances,” the former lawmaker said.
The Jasikan Circuit Court has sentenced a 31-year-old chainsaw operator, Kingsley Tabitey, from Akaa, in the Jasikan Municipality of the Oti Region, to 10 years imprisonment for causing unlawful damage contrary to section 172 of the criminal code 1960 Act 29 of the Constitution.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and was convicted on his own plea.
Prosecuting, assistant superintendent of police Vincent Seth Kpodo told the court presided over by Mr. Alfred Kwabena Asiedu that on December 22 of last year, a form two student of Rev. Father Dogli Memorial Senior Technical School at Ayoma in the Jasikan Municipality, Godsway Agboli, and a part-time commercial rider lived in the same community at a different location.
ASP Kpodo said the convict hired Godsway Agboli to drop him off at Tapa Amanya with his unregistered motorbike to visit his wife.
After bargaining on the agreed-upon fare of 30 Ghana cedis, the convict, while on his way to Tapa Amanya, decided to use a different route, which is also accessible to other road users and links to Tapa Amanya township. He said while Godsway Agboli was about to negotiate a curve on the section of the road, the convict Kingsley Tabitey ordered him to stop to enable him to urinate, which he did. The convict, after urinating, while continuing the journey, drew a kitchen knife and attempted to slash Godsway Agboli’s throat.
ASP Kpodo added that Godsway Agboli, who was struggling for breath, lost control of the steering and, in the process, veered off the road and entered the nearside bush, resulting in a collision.
He said the convict managed to wake up, snatched the motorbike from the assailant, and sped off.
Kingsley pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Lieutenant Colonel Edward Sarpong Appiah, Commanding Officer of the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho, has assured the people of the Volta and Oti Regions of their readiness to ensure peace and security in the regions.
He said his outfit, in collaboration with other security services, would continue to conduct internal security operations to disrupt criminal activities that threatened the peace and security in the regions.
Lt. Col. Appiah was speaking at West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) organised by the Regiment to reflect on activities of the past year and thanked God for His protection, grace and mercy for successful year.
He commended the personnel of the Regiment for their unflinching support, vigilance and high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties and keeping the region peaceful.
The Commanding Officer charged the officers and soldiers to avoid complacency in any form, continue to be disciplined, professional and effective in the discharge of their duties.
Lt. Col. Appiah commended the media and the Regional Coordinating Council for the continuous support and was optimistic that the Regiment would continue to enjoy such support from all for effective discharge of its mandate.
Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, commended personnel of the Regiment for their sterling performance in executing their mandate in maintaining and improving the relative peace and stability in the region.
The Minister said the Volta Regional Coordinating Council was ready and would continue to support the 66 Artillery Regiment in the discharge of its mandate to the fullest.
He called for intensive intelligence gathering and collaboration among all the Security Agencies in the region to suppress any threats that might be posed by elements that might try to destabilise the current peace and security.
Dr. Letsa assured the people of the Volta Region that the Government was committed to keeping all the citizens safe and called for support for the Government and the security services to maintain the peace of the country.
The Minister said the Regiment demonstrated to be the torchbearer of any forward match in fighting the threats of potential secessionist attacks and that of terrorists in the country and the region.
He said the swift response of the 66 Artillery Regiment in the wake of the activities of the secessionist group was highly commendable.
Reverend Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfia, Board Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), has commended the people of Volta and Oti Regions for their effective collaboration and frank conversations during the Council’s last year dialogue exercise.
The Council, between July and August last year, embarked on a series of dialogue in the Volta and Oti Regions to discuss claims of discrimination against people in the two regions and to promote national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
The exercise, held in 18 communities, documented the origin, nature and most noticeable or important things that informed the claim of discrimination and its implications for national unity.
Reverend Dr Adu Gyamfia, speaking at the opening of a two-day conference to discuss the report generated from last year’s dialogue, described the exercise as educative, informative and resourceful to the NPC and all relevant stakeholders in championing the peace not only for the generation but for generations to come.
The Board Chairman said the struggle for peace was a collective responsibility of all citizens, urging all to continue to promote the values of respect for each other, good neighbourliness, tolerance for divergent views and peaceful coexistence.
He said Ghana embraced diversity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence since independence and it was in its furtherance that the constitution obliged the state to promote the integration of the people of the country and prohibited discrimination and prejudices on the grounds of place of origin, circumstances of birth, ethnic origin, gender or religion, creed or other beliefs.
Reverend Adu Gyamfia said the objectives of the conference was to promote peace and encourage peaceful coexistence between different ethnic groups, create a platform for participants to discuss and dialogue for mutual understanding.
It was also to encourage participants to seek dialogue as the first option to solving any conflict and the importance of love and tolerance in the building up of human societies.
The Board Chairman said the NPC’s doors were opened for discussions and they would be glad to constantly engage the populace to secure the peace and security of the country.
He said, ”we cannot as humans embark upon any meaningful development or enjoy the fruits thereof, in the absence of peace,” and entreated the citizens to cherish the prevailing peace and endeavour to sustain it.
Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, said the country’s international recognition as an oasis of peace in an otherwise violent regional neighbourhood continued to grow despite the fast-approaching imminent threat of violence from terrorists and violent extremist groups.
He said though the dynamics of the present violence in the West African sub-region might be different from those of the 1990s, they were still linked to the perception of identity-based discrimination and marginalisation in one way or another.
“Claims of marginalization in many of our troubled neighbouring countries have been allowed to escalate into violence because those who feel marginalised and discriminated against were not allowed to tell their stories and experiences, let alone to have such claims documented and addressed.”
“I am, therefore, excited to note that during my tenure as the Volta Regional Minister, a State institution has managed to conduct the first-ever structured appreciative inquiry into the issues underpinning this long-held perception of discrimination and marginalisation in a bid to make recommendations for Government to address.”
Most Revered Emmanuel Fianu, Leader of the Dialogues underscored the need for each and everyone to work unceasingly for peace in all areas “where we live if we want to have a cohesive nation.”
He noted that the Council undertook the safe and structured dialogue in line with its mandate of facilitating the development of mechanisms for cooperation among all relevant stakeholders in peace building in the country.
On Wednesday, November 23, 2022, while responding to inquiries from members of the public on behalf of Sector Minister Samuel A. Jinapor, the Deputy Minister delivered the aforementioned statement.
In response to a question on the efforts the ministry is taking to operationalize the mining of minerals found in the area, Mr. Owusu-Bio stated that the government is still in the exploratory stage of the mining value chain for iron ore.
“Currently, the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), the statutory body responsible for the promotion and development of an integrated iron and steel industry in the country, is undertaking mineral resource estimation at one of the seven blocks in the Gyamurume and Wawaso areas,” he said.
In addition to iron ore, he alluded that the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) is carrying out geological investigations into limestone deposits to define and quantify their economic potential for exploitation.
He assured the House that before any serious mining activities begin in the Region, the Ministry will ensure that all the necessary measures are put in place to forestall any illegalities that will negatively impact the environment as seen elsewhere.
“Government has implemented several policies and programmes aimed at coming to grips with this canker. We declared river bodies as red zones for mining, banned reconnaissance, prospecting and/or exploration in Forest Reserves, launched Operation Halt II to rid river bodies and forest reserves of illegal mining activities, introduced speed boats and river guards to patrol and protect our river bodies, banned the manufacture, sale and/or use of the floating platform, popularly referred to as changfan, enhanced the punishment regime for persons involved in illegal mining, revamped Community Mining Schemes and developed an Operational Manual to regulate their operations.”
Answering a question about the disposal of government lands, he reiterated that as has been the case in all governments under the Fourth Republic, the government has disposed of some landed properties since 2017.
He was, however, quick to add that as to the number of transactions, the beneficiaries, and the value of those transactions, he will rely wholly on previous answers given on 3 February, 7 June, and 28 June 2022, as captured in the Hansard for those days.
He also made it clear that when the Lands Commission, which is the repository of this information, finishes compiling the records, including those relating to previous years already requested by the house, he will furnish parliament with that information.
On the question of why the government issued an Executive Instrument (E.I. 144) to declassify 40% of Achimota Forest Reserve and how lands in the reserve area were already demarcated and sold out to individuals, the deputy minister gave a historic background to the matter and stressed that the Achimota Forest is an integral part of the government’s plan for the protection of Ghana’s forest cover and the country’s agenda for aggressive afforestation and reforestation, adding that the government of President Akufo-Addo remains fully committed to its protection and proper management.
He, therefore, gave an assurance to the House that Government will act on any improper acquisition of public lands, regardless of how it was procured, whether now or in the past, and the Achimota Forest Lands will not be an exception.
Mr Owusu-Bio stressed emphatically that Public lands are not for sale and for that matter the Akufo-Addo government has not sold lands to any institutions, groups of people or private individuals.
Speaking to the question of quantity and whereabouts of the confiscated rosewood which is said to have been donated to the National Cathedral, he said as announced on 30th July 2022 by the sector Minister that all Rosewood confiscated will be donated towards the construction of the National Cathedral, “since this date, twelve point five (12.5) containers, containing an estimated wood volume of Two Hundred and Fifty cubic metres (250m3) of Rosewood, have been confiscated and donated to the National Cathedral Project and this includes the five containers impounded on 17th June 2021 at Tema Port.
He implored the house that for security reasons, all rosewood donated to the National Cathedral Project is stored at the Forestry Commission Depot in Achimota, stating that as and when the Project requires wood, they will make use of the confiscated wood.
The Deputy Minister assured the House, and the good people of Ghana, that “our management of the natural resources of our country, including Rosewood, will continue to be anchored on the highest standards of transparency, integrity and candour for the benefit of the Ghanaian people, the owners of these resources”.
Some 14 suspects have been arrested by a joint police-military team in connection with the killing of the Borae Ahenfie Chief, Nana Meebo, and two others in the Krachi Nchumuru District in the Oti Region.
The arrested persons are currently in police custody at Kete Krachi, the capital of the Krachi West Municipality.
They were expected to appear before a court yesterday.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Nkrumah Kwasi Ogyile, who is the Chairman of the District Security Committee (DISEC), confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
According to report, he said, the three were shot dead by unknown assailants whilst they worked on the contentious land on Saturday.
He said the late chief had a misunderstanding with some factions in the community over a piece of land; a case he won at the Krachi West District Court.
Mr Ogyile noted that the late chief later presented the judgement from the court to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Charles Dormaban, the Oti Regional Police Commander, where the factions were advised to stick to the court order.
The Police Administration has also deployed more personnel to the area to beef up security.
He stated that a District Security Committee meeting had been held to, among others, discuss how to prevent possible counterattacks.
“The police are patrolling the district and they are pursuing the rest of the criminals who committed this act on Nana and his subjects.
The security authorities are putting in place additional measures to ensure that those who have fled from the community to neighbouring communities, we will share intelligence with the neighbouring communities to enable them to pick them up and make them face the law,” he added.
According to the DCE, the three persons who litigated the land to the Chief were on the run and were being pursued by the police.
Some 14 suspects have been arrested by a joint police-military team in connection with the killing of the Borae Ahenfie Chief, Nana Meebo, and two others in the Krachi Nchumuru District in the Oti Region.
The 14 persons are currently in police custody at Kete Krachi, the capital of the Krachi West Municipality.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Nkrumah Kwasi Ogyile, who is also the Chairman of the District Security Committee (DISEC), confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
He added that the assailants ambushed and shot the chief and the two to death.
He said the late chief had a misunderstanding with some factions in the community over a piece of land; a case he won at the Krachi West District Court.
Mr Ogyile noted that the late chief later presented the judgement from the court to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Charles Dormaban, the Oti Regional Police Commander, where the factions were advised to stick to the court order.
Chief of Borae Ahenfie, Nana Meebo and two persons have been allegedly shot dead by unknown assailants at Borae Ahenfie, a farming Community, in the Krachi Nchumuru District of the Oti Region.
Some 14 people have been arrested in connection with the shooting incident and are assisting the Police in their investigations.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Nkrumah Kwasi Ogyile, who is also the Chairman of the District Security Committee (DISEC), confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and said the assailants ambushed and shot the chief and the two to death.
He said the late chief had a misunderstanding with some factions in the community over a piece of land; a case he won at the Krachi West District Court.
Mr Ogyile noted that the late chief later presented the judgement from the court to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Charles Dormaban, the Oti Regional Police Commander, where the factions were advised to stick to the court order.
The Chairman of the DISEC said that the late chief and two of his subjects were working on the said land, when the trio were allegedly attacked by the assailants.
He said the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue of the Krachi West District hospital for preservation.
According to him, security had been beefed up and calm restored.
A Member of the 8th Council of State representing the Oti Region, Richard K. Atikpo, is pushing for an ‘Operation Feed Yourself’ agenda in the Oti Region.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Jasikan Municipal Assembly on Wednesday 16th November, 2022 at the Assembly forecourt. The Assembly was inaugurated as a result of coming into force of a Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2437, which elevated the Assembly’s status from a District to a Municipal.
In his observation as the Chairman of the occasion, he bemoaned the need to revisit the ‘Operation Feed Yourself’ initiative by having backyard gardens to produce the basic foodstuffs we need at home. He added that, that’s the only way to ensure food security in the area.
He also appealed to the Assembly to partner and support the locals to venture into agriculture.
He thanked the chiefs and the people for the peace and unity that the District continue to enjoy.
The Jasikan and the Kete-Krachi Districts were part of the Districts that were elevated into Municipality status on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Oti Region.
Also, in attendance were the Oti Regional Minister, MP for Buem Constituency, the MDCEs in Oti Region, Heads of Departments, Chiefs, the Clergy, Assembly Members, students and all stakeholders in the District.
The second runner-up for Ghana’s Most Beautiful 2022, Glory AikoAdade has been enstooled at Development warrior in Oti Region.
The young veterinary doctor represented the Oti Region and won some awards while in the GMB house. AikoAdade who is passionate about fighting rabies gave the winner, Tung-Teiya Dunhamani a tough competition during the finale.
Some of her supporters were left disappointed when she didn’t win and shared tears at the event grounds.
Glory Efua Aiko Adade posted the video on her Instagram captioned;
It’s humbling to share that royalty has been perpetually conferred on me to officially position me as an agent of change, an emblem of positive influence, and a development ambassador for my people.
From this point forward, I will be identified with royalty as “Katɔisɛ Ɔkpãrogo Bonyi Iwola Aiko I” which means “The Development Warrior, Queen Sapient Aiko I”.✨✨
I deem it a greater call to responsibility. God bless you all for the support and grit to keep this vision going.
Many of her supporters have commented on the video.
queenteiya_gmb22
Congratulations bestie ❤️❤️❤️❤️. a plot of land for me
ceciliaakotoampaw
We are proud of you Queen Aiko indeed the glory of Oti is here ampaa
kenyensorita
Waaaaoooo congrat queen ❤️❤️❤️
vivygrey2
You deserve it queen Aikocongratulations
godwin.otu.3348
Congratulations to you #double queen
arhbynarhlebene
Queen already @aikoadade
evangelina.patience
Congratulations Queen Aiko well deserved ❤️
dianesikabrown
Woooow a beautiful queen and more congratulations dear..live long and rule for long
nhits_sleekfashion
Congratulations dear,we are so proud of you.
uncle_manuel1
Congratulations my indefatigable Aiko❤️…A Queen and more
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, on Monday, October 31, 2022, resumed his regional working tour to the Western, Western North, Central, Volta, and Oti Regions.
The second leg of the working tour comes on the heels of similar successful ones undertaken early this year to other regions in the country.
The visit will largely afford the Minister the chance to interact with farmers, input dealers, directors amongst others.
His first port of call was the Western North Region where Dr. Afriyie Akoto allayed the fears of poultry farmers, stressing that the government was poised to combat the bird flu outbreaks.
According to him, the disease affected farmers in regions including Western, Western North, Central, Volta and Oti Regions.
He disclosed that a total of 280 farms have so far been affected by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) with 997,743 birds destroyed.
He also stated that the government had paid some GHS15,630,913.33 as compensation to affected poultry farmers.
To control the disease, Dr. Afriyie Akoto said the government had approved an amount of GHS43,984,017.70 out of which twenty million Ghana cedis had already been released.
He further noted that approval has also been given to recruit one thousand one hundred (1,100) veterinary officers, stating that out of the 1,100, 550 have been recruited and posted.
He said the remaining 550 were yet to be recruited and posted within a period of two years.
In this vein, the Minister advised farmers against accepting birds or eggs from other farms onto their farms.
He also admonished the poultry farmers to ensure thorough washing with soap and water immediately after handling birds, urging them to confine their birds from other birds.
He called on the farmers to regularly wash poultry equipment and bury or burn dead birds and keep waste away from the farmhouse.
For his part, the Director of the Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Patrick Abakeh, cautioned that compensations for bird flu-infested farms will not be paid to farmers who fail to register with the VSD.
He, therefore, called on the farmers to register their farms with the VSD. This, he explained, will give the authorities the knowledge on the number of farmers and quantity of birds affected.
Additionally, he asked the farmers to acquire certification from the VSD to qualify them for compensation following the bird flu outbreaks.
From Western North, the Minister will continue his tour of the Western Region, Central, Oti and Volta.
Mr Isaiah Kudjoe Dordoe has been elected as the Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Nkwanta North of the Oti region.
Mr Dordoe, who polled 538 votes, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he would not relent in his efforts in putting the party together in the Constituency ahead of the 2024 election.
He strongly appealed to the newly elected executives to remain united and focus on the greater task ahead of them.
Other elected executives are Mr Yagban Olu, Vice Chairman, Mr Samuel Kofi Kilifingh, Secretary and Mr Thomas Dawuni Ntakpayor, Deputy Secretary.
Mr Geyam Kwame was voted as the Organizer, Mr Ndombe Kolon, Deputy Organizer, Madam Sara Aja Gbande, Women Organizer and Madam Udatu Abdul Karim as Deputy Women Organizer.
The position of Youth Organizer went to Mr Joshua Kunjin while Mr Wayo Bajimpoan got the nod as Deputy Youth Organizer.
Other Youth Organizer went Mr Abdulai Hamza, the Treasurer elect is Mr Tahiru Yakubu and Mr Edward Niliyung Belabame as Deputy Treasurer.
Mr David Nalibey Umborkan was elected as Communication Officer, Mr Gideon Bilinyi as Deputy Communication Officer and Mr Abubakar Alhassan as Zongo Caucus Coordinator.
The other eight executive members are Mr David Nponpir, Mr Rashid Yussif Zakari, Mr Adams Ali Champua, Mr Silas Tinanyun, Madam Beatrice Mensah, Mr Osman Abubakar, Mr Azizu Maifetorm and Mr Tibornyan Yajabrum.
The Environmental Health and Sanitation Office of the Krachi East Assembly of the Oti Region has marked this year’s Global Hand Washing Day with residents of Tamanja in the Municipality.
The programme, organised in collaboration with Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), was to increase awareness of the importance of hand washing with soap under running water.
The United Nations set aside October 15, annually, to observe the Day as part of efforts to attain clean hand washing as a daily habit.
This year’s theme: “Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene,” calls on society to work together to scale up the vision for universal access and practice of hand hygiene.
Mr Richard Kofi Hadzi, the Municipal Director, CWSA, said the consumption of unsafe drinking water and inadequate sanitary conditions contributed to diseases and increased the rate of typhoid fever in the communities.
He, therefore, urged the community members to boil their water before drinking to prevent typhoid fever and diarrhoea.
Madam Sybil Marie Boison, the Oti Regional Environmental Health Officer, urged the residents to continue to observe good hygiene and sanitation, including regular hand washing.
She said frequent hand washing was one of the key protocols prescribed by experts in the fight against typhoid fever.
She again said good hygiene promotes good health and asked the citizens to wash their hands with soap after using the toilet and before handling food.
Madam Boison encouraged all and sundry to make washing hands with soap under running water a regular habit, given the significant part, it played in preventing diseases.
Obor Tamanja Uje, the Traditional Overlord of the area, expressed appreciation to the environmental health officers and the CWSA for the sensitisation on the health benefits of handwashing.
Northern Region representative Teiya Ayisha Dahamani has won the crown, cash and car of 2022 Ghana’s Most Beautiful competition. She was followed closely by Aiko from Oti Region, who took second place, with Central Region’s Asiedua coming in third place.
Teiya took home Ghc10,000 cash, one year’s supply of GTP fabric, Ghc20,000 medical insurance and spa treatment, a new techno phone, all-expense paid international trip and hampers from sponsors.
Aiko Adade coming in at second place for the Oti region received a Ghc8,000 cash prize, six months’ supply of GTP fabric, Ghc15,000 worth of medical insurance and spa treatment, all-expense paid trip and souvenirs from Airtel-Tigo.
Eastern Region’s Amoani took fourth place with a Ghc5,000 cash prize, one month’s supply of fabrics from GTP, and one month’s supply of data on Airtel-Tigo mifi and hampers from sponsors.
Xornam from the Volta Region came in fifth place taking home 3,000 cash price and hampers from sponsors.
Iron ore has been discovered in five districts of the Oti Region.
This was announced by the Regional Minister, Joshua G. Makubuduring a press engagement on Sunday, October 9, 2022.
The iron has been found in the Guan, Biakoye, Jasikan, Kadjebi and Krachi East districts.
“Currently we are at a stage the technical people will call it mineral resource estimation to get the actual tonnage available on the land before mining can start,” the Minister disclosed.
“I want to advise people in Accra to start looking for land in the Oti Region because what is going to take Ghana from our current state to a very industrialized nation has been found in the Oti Region and that is the iron ore”.
There is already collaboration between the Ghana Integrated Iron Ore Development and the Geological Service Department for further arrangements on the discovery pending the mining of the natural resource.
The Minister added that, private investors have also begun committing funds towards the commercialization of the mineral.
“If you want to establish a steel company, don’t be focusing too much on Tema. Come to the Oti Region”, he stressed.
The Ghana Geological Survey Authority led the discovery of large quantities of Iron ore deposits. The Iron ore is 55.22 weight percent and of a higher grade.
Oti Regional Minister, Joshua G. Makubu said the government is determined to provide value to the raw commodity and would ensure that the full value chain is retained in the region and country at large.
