“We are wholly committed to holding the feet of the NPP and the Akufo-Addo government to the fire of accountability,” the Minority Spokesperson Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini said.

The Sagnarigu Constituency Member of Parliament, Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini, Bolga Central constituency MP, Issac Adongo and a former Nanton MP, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, were speaking at a lecture organised by the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) of the NDC at the Tamale Technical University.

The Sagnarigu MP, Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini said the NDC was poised to hold the Akufo-Addo government accountable for their juicy campaign promises that won them power at the 2016 polls.

Alhaji Fusseini stressed that, “Government will see real fire and fury from the NDC in and outside of Parliament inasmuch as demonstrations and the Ghana-US Military Agreement are concerned. I am telling you something, we will make it costly for the NPP to carry forward the agreement.”

“The Executive would have executed the agreement before it was brought to Parliament. We brought it to the attention of the Speaker to no avail. So from day one we have been against it. It is an illegality. It is a walking contradiction and an affront to our constitution. They will tell you our NDC MPs approved this at the Committee level. It is blatant falsehood,” he fumed.

According to him, the NDC and their allies will not relax their resistance to the Ghana-US Army deal.

“The Akufo-Addo government is yet to see the very least of resistance against the Ghana-US Military Agreement from the Minority. We are very ready to spit fire over the controversial deal.”

He hinted of a nationwide protest by the Ghana First Patriotic Front and its allies against the deal.

“The Ghana First Patriotic Front demonstration was the first and smallest in a series of demonstrations that will rock this government. The selling of our sovereignty to the US is something we will hold President Akufo-Addo’s legs to the fire of accountability.”

“When ordinary people do not agree to something, no one can force them to it. The first demonstration by Ghana First Patriotic Front is first of many they are yet to see.”

A former MP for the Nanton constituency, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed challenged the government to account for the GHc 28.6 billion borrowed within one year.

“When the NDC was in government the current government led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo requested the NDC government to show them (NPP) prove of their borrowing. Now we are also asking them (NPP) to show us their bloated projects for us to see. They borrowed Ghc28.6 billion in one year and there is nothing to show. Nothing to show for it.”

“When prove was shown in roads, hospitals, schools, housing units among others in a “green book they (NPP) then turned around to question the cost by saying the projects costs were bloated. That’s how they are. NPP, you must know them.”

Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed insinuated that it will be politically suicidal to retain the Nana Akufo Addo government in power at the 2020 polls.

Economy

The MP for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo implored Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to save the economy from total collapse.

He described Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a “Clueless and incompetent” head of government’s economic management team.

“These people are not only clueless, they are wicked people. Clearly these people are a danger to the future of Ghana’s growing business community.”

Issac Adongo accused government of masterminding the selective collapse of indigenous banks such as the Unibank, Capital Bank and the UT Bank.

“The Bank of Ghana’s selective application of its rules is to favour the parochial interest of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta who is not in favour of some shareholders of adb pledging their shares to uniBank Ghana.”

“Mr. Ofori-Atta and the leadership of the Bank of Ghana are the ones destroying private sector businesses using the advantage of political power to further their financial interest. We will not allow uniBank to be collapsed on the altar of political expediency. I want to encourage those of you here with uniBank accounts to stay put. The bank will bounce back to Duffour and its rightful owners,” Issac Adongo allayed fears.

The Bolgatanga Central MP said Nana Akufo Addo’s government which is clamoring “Ghana beyond Aid” was engaged in reckless borrowing.

“It is only NPP who have borrowed Ghc28.6 billion in one year but remains dry as it is. My worry is that this government is creating rising debt and Ghana is suffering from high rising debt and we are worried this will create problems for this country.”

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post We’ll spit more fire over Ghana-US military deal – Minority appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The combination of rain and windstorm destroyed about 152 houses.

[contextly_sidebar id=”HNRM2qh4QlJgi8KoAEj0ILiyYedjYkAF”]The rains also ripped off the roofing of four basic schools and three churches in the area.

Speaking to Citi News, the  District Chief Executive of Zabzugu Ahmed Abukari Iddrisu, said the Assembly is finding it difficult to provide shelter for those affected.

“The magnitude of it can’t be described, we have about 152 houses brought down it was both rain and windstorm. Two areas that they could have actually sort shelter, have also been deeply involved, some of them are just lying outside, currently the weather is a bit warm, so they are not afraid to lay outside” he said.

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By: Farida Yusif/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post N/Region: Over 2,000 people displaced by rains appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, the action was undertaken by a backup troop of the Operation Vanguard task-force to bring to an end the  menace of illegal sand winning.

A contingent of armed military personnel set fire to the equipment used for sand winning in the Dalun River, a tributary of the White Volta.

The action was allegedly taken by the military after several warnings to sand winners to stop their illegal activity close to the river yielded no results.

[contextly_sidebar id=”WpWBsb7EMFYRF9X0lR9iSzRzKoutVkM9″]Responding to a statement from the Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak on the incident which took place last week, Dominic Nitiwul said, the soldiers had to resort to such an action to deal with the recalcitrant illegal miners.

“Their aim was to arrest the illegal miners, illegal sand winners and prosecute them like they have been doing elsewhere, but each time the people run away and they even dug more. Even those who were legally given the license were asked to stop and they have, but in this case it was worse off because they did not even have any permit to go there.

“They were operating illegally. They did not have the permit. The Military went there for the fifth time and decided that they were sending a very strong signal to anyone who decides that they will take the law into their own hands,” he said on the floor of Parliament.

Minority to sue over burning of tipper trucks

The Minority caucus in Parliament had earlier stated that it will support a court action by the affected persons against the state.

The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, said the burning of the said tipper trucks was unlawful.

“The wicked burning of those 14 tipper trucks is excessive and extrajudicial and therefore legally unjustifiable and untenable, and we will pursue this matter to its utmost and logical conclusion. Nothing will stop us from asking for adequate compensation for the affected persons as due process was not respected and upheld,” he said.

“Rights have been disrespected and rights have been breached. The right to own property and the right to own a tipper truck for the purpose of livelihood has been undermined.”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

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According to the school, the decision was taken following a directive from the Executive Secretary for the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE). This was the explanation cited in a letter given to one of the affected students.

The letter signed by the Principal of the College, Erasmus Nario Multi, said the decision was taken during a meeting with principals of public colleges of education, “called at the instance of the Minister for Education [Matthew Opoku Prempeh].”

[contextly_sidebar id=”jXbU2XZxog6E7I3yITeN5UKqgZSzr7Sm”]The letter said “it was resolved that all unqualified students must be withdrawn from the colleges forthwith.”

“…We have been formally instructed to withdraw all unqualified students who do not meet the current minimum entry requirements into public colleges of education. It is in line with this directive that we the management of St Vincent College of Education, Yendi, are writing to formally inform you that your ward/student….whose submitted grades do not meet the current criterion of entry into a public college of education is withdrawn from the college forthwith,” the letter addressed to one of the affected students stated.

Per entry requirements of tertiary institutions in Ghana, applicants with West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results are supposed to among other things have good grades ranging from A1 to C6 in core (English, Mathematics and Science) and elective subjects.

According St Vincent College of Education, although they admitted students who had D7, the students were informed of the consequences they could face if they do not better their grades.

“It should be noted that on admission, your ward was formally informed by the Assistant college secretary Mr. Solomon Zakaria through direct telephone calls and orally upon arrival on campus, that if they are unable to redeem the unqualified grades on time (prior to the formal verification of admitted students), they will be withdrawn from the college,” the letter added.

The school further assured the affected students that “all items or services for which your ward might have paid, and yet have not been provided or supplied, would be refunded once the College reopens for the 2nd semester of the 2017-2018 academic year.”

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By: Godwin A. Allotey & Mohammed Aminu M Alabira/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post St. Vincent College of Education sacks over 70 students with poor grades appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

These comprised Yunyoo, Bimbila, Daboya/Mankarigu, Nalerigu/Gambaga and Karaga, which have been identified as political hotspots.

The first phase of the elections were held in 24 out of the 31 constituencies, and these included the four main Tamale Central, Tamale North, Tamale South and Sagnarigu.

The second phase scheduled for Sunday, February 25, 2018 will be held in Salaga South, Salaga North and Zabzugu constituencies.

The NPP Northern Regional Communications Director, Issahaque A. Latif, told Citi News that the elections would be conducted in a total of 2,676 polling stations.

He described the first phase as generally peaceful, and anticipates that the whole exercise will be devoid of upheavals.

Issahaque A. Latif called for a united and a formidable NPP after the constituency elections.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post NPP N/R elections: 5 constituencies isolated over security concerns appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Council is alarmed by some Muslim Clerics’ deliberate use of local radio stations to create tension in the area, hence the caution.

Chairman of the REGSEC, Salifu Saeed in a statement copied Citi News condemned a recent misunderstanding between two Sunni Muslim Sections, the Ambariya and Masjid Bayan in Tamale that nearly resulted in a deadly clash.

“REGSEC seeks to re-echo its caution to all radio stations to be diligent on the contents of whatever materials they put out to the general public so that passions will not be inflamed to create disturbances in the area.”

“Freedom of speech must be exercised in a manner that it does not hurt or injure others in any way, and radio stations must not allow materials that seek to create misunderstanding in the society,” Mr. Saeed emphasized.

According to him, the reactivated Operation Calm Lives Task-Force has intensified its patrols and would not spare anybody or group of persons perpetuating any acts of lawlessness.

“REGSEC cautions all residents in the metropolis against any acts that will seek to disturb the prevailing peace in the area. Any person or group of persons found to be engaged in any acts that will jeopardize the peace in the area will be dealt with in line with the law.

Salifu Saeed underscored the need for leadership of the feuding factions to promote peaceful coexistence.

“REGGSEC appeals to the leadership of the two groups and all other religious leaders in the region to continue to urge their congregants to appreciate the value of peace and not engage in any acts that can jeopardize the existing peace.”

“As religious leaders, REGSEC believes they hold the key to the achievement of total peace in the region. By their large following, religious leaders wield tremendous influence which can bring the people together to achieve peace, progress and development.”

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post REGSEC cautions Tamale radio stations over abuse of airwaves appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The ultra-modern health facility was funded by the her initiative, Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation and its partners.

In addition, the Foundation organized a free health screening exercise and catered for the needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS at the official inauguration ceremony.

Mrs. Rebecca Akufo whose major concern is the provision of quality healthcare for the destitute in society, reiterated the determination of her Foundation and its partners to reduce malaria and the infant mortality ratio across Ghana at the ceremony.

“Today we the Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation team and partners are fulfilling our main objective of reducing malaria and malnutrition in vulnerable population through improving access to preventive care and effective services across Ghana.”

She explained the HIV/AIDS screening exercise saying, “I am also equally pleased to bring HIV and health screening exercise services to your community today as part of actions to support Ghana’s chapter of the Organization of African Ladies against AIDS. As First Ladies of Africa we are committed to the elimination of HIV with emphasis on the prevention of mother to child transmission.”

“So far my office has been working beautifully with the Ghana AIDS Commission to achieve this goal. Our hope is that in a few years there would be zero transmission of HIV from mother to child,” she stated.

She underscored the need for Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to periodically get tested for HIV and receive counselling.

“Getting screened is the first step to avoid potential health risk in future. Please encourage friends, family and your community to receive counseling, know their HIV status and change their behaviour that put us all at risk of a condition that can be avoided.”

“I wish to encourage our youth to adopt healthy behaviours. You are the future of this nation. It is therefore imperative for the future of Ghana that you remain healthy by making the right choices.”

The First Lady added that she would continue to support national efforts to ensure a healthy and productive country.

The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed commended the First Lady for her humanitarian services.

“Health delivery services are very critical especially in the northern region and the construction of the CHPS compound demonstrates the First Lady’s mother for all character.”

According to him, the Northern Region lacked adequate health facilities and pleaded with the First Lady for more of such projects.

He assured the First Lady that the Nyanshegu CHPS compound would serve the purpose of its establishment.

“The regional administration will liaise with the assembly to ensure that the facility is put to good use and I will also admonish the various assemblies to emulate this kind gesture by using their internal resources to construct similar facilities in their respective areas.”

Salifu Saeed bemoaned the increasing ratio of maternal mortality in the area and called for a multifaceted approach to solve the problem.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post First Lady inaugurates CHPS compound at Nyanshegu appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

About 300 security personnel drawn from all the law enforcement agencies have been put together for the initiative.

The move is to augment the patrols of security  personnel in the wake of armed robbery attacks, political vigilantism, as well as chieftaincy and land disputes in the area.

The task-force, led by the Chairman of the Regional Security Council, Salifu Saeed, combed some streets in Tamale to alert the general public of their preparedness to deal with miscreants in the region.

The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed at the launch of the initiative, declared zero tolerance for indiscipline.

“This strong and smart turnout we are witnessing now should send the strongest indication to those nation wreckers that their days are numbered, and that we will not allow anyone or group of persons to foment trouble be it robbery, chieftaincy, religious or political confusion.”

“The security agencies will put all the necessary measures in place to deal with those who would like to fan trouble under any of those covers.”

He implored the general public to volunteer early information to the law enforcement agencies to enable them flush out trouble makers.

“The task ahead is a collaborative one. It requires cooperation and support from all of us gathered here to support the security agencies so that the needed results can be achieved.”

“We must give information on criminal elements even if they are our family members, tribes men/women, religious members or political members. If we shield these miscreants because they are related to us, they will end up destroying the society and making it ungovernable.”

Salifu Saeed asked all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the Northern Region to support the  task-force with the needed logistics.

“Our region needs peace now, and we must all strive to achieve that goal. Day in day out our security agencies continue to be stretched out beyond their capacity. Chieftaincy issues in Bimbilla, Kafaba, Kalampor, Damongo, Kpatinga, Jantong and quite recently ethnic problems in Daboya traditional area.”

The Northern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Patrick Adusei Sarpong, assured residents of the region of improved security.

According to him, the ‘Operation Calm Life’ initiative will deplore all its arsenals to clamp down on the activities of criminals in the area.

Commander of the 6BN, Kamina Barracks, Lt. Colonel John Yaw Kwarteng, advised the task-force members to be extra vigilante.

He said anybody caught neglecting the  task-force’s core mandate would not be spared.

The Gulkpegu Chief, Alhaji Abdulai Alhassan, commended government for the initiative, and renewed the traditional authorities’ commitment to promote peace and unity in the region.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post ‘Operation Calm Life’ launched in Northern Region to fight crime appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The school has also not been able to raise the standard of teaching and learning over a number of years, which has left up to about 80 percent of second and third-year students unable to properly read and write.

Chief Mohammed Zakaria, the headmaster of the school, told Citi News the school’s “main challenge is the furniture. We need at least 500 pieces of furniture to be able to accommodate the students. We write our exams in turns because of inadequate furniture. Students are overcrowded in the classrooms because there is not enough furniture for them to sit on during lessons.”

According to him, “70 to 80 percent of the students, that is in form 2 and 3, cannot properly read and write, and this has affected the performance of the school for several years now. We are doing our best to help the situation, we have organized extra classes for them to at least learn to read and I think this, in the long run, will help improve the performance.”

A visit to the school by Citi News, revealed that the school lacks adequate accommodation for students and teachers, as well as limited classroom space leading to overcrowding.

There are over 80 students in one class making it difficult for teachers to attend to students’ individual needs.

Wulensi SHS established in 1991, has a current student population of about 1,200, and a staff strength of about 30.

The Assistant Headmaster of the school in charge of academics, Kwame Rockson Ntewiah, outlined some of these problems to Citi News.

“Two classes are combined into one, we have over seventy to eighty students in one classroom. This obviously is not the best for learning. Teachers cannot attend to all students, marking of assignments is difficult.  Teachers’ accommodation is more serious, stores have been converted into houses for teachers. You cannot say this situation is fair. We need more classrooms and decent accommodation for teachers.”

Uncompleted projects

There are also a number of uncompleted projects that have been abandoned in the school including an ICT lab started during the Kufour administration, and a boys dormitory block.

The school also has only one pickup truck wich was donated by the parent-teacher association (PTA).

Stores and other offices have been converted to house teachers, and there is also no staff common room for teachers.

Thus, they have had to make do with meeting under a mango tree that serves as a staff common room.

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By: Mohammed Aminu M Alabira/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Wulensi SHS students struggling with literacy, poor infrastructure appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The beneficiary communities are Tinsung and Warivi in the Mion district, and also Kunkong and Nkwanta in the Yendi municipality.

Additional 22 CHPS compounds funded by the USAID are at various stages of completion.

The initiative forms part of the United States government’s agenda to promote primary health care in deprived communities.

The US Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson, inaugurated the projects at a colourful ceremony in the Mion district.

“This is part of the 26 CHPS compounds we will be delivering this year, and it underscores our commitment to community health.”

“We believe that these CHPS compounds and bringing health care to communities are very important for maternal and child health and so that is our focus,” Ambassador Jackson earlier told Citi News.

He said the strategy to deliver community level health service remained a key health system reform for Ghana’s health sector.

“The CHPS approach brings health services closer to your households, and allows you to make the most productive use of your time. You will no longer have to travel long distances to seek healthcare. Pregnant women in your communities will no longer have to take long, bumpy rides on a motor-king (tricycle) to the district hospital.”

The Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang Manu, commended the US government for its humanitarian services to the citizens of Ghana.

He gave the assurance that the CHPS compounds would be sustained and that health personnel would be well catered for.

The Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed, thanked the USAID for its unflinching support in diverse ways to the people of the area.

He particularly mentioned the health sector which he admitted that government alone could not solve its myriad challenges.

Salifu Saeed urged the chiefs and residents of the beneficiary communities to safeguard the compounds.

He further pleaded with them to motivate health personnel posted to their communities to diligently discharge their duties.

He commended the Mion District Assembly for donating a motorbike to one of the CHPS compounds.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post USAID inaugurates four CHPS compounds in N/R appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.