His accomplice, 60-year-old Shani Iddrisu, who is unemployed, has however been granted bail.

[contextly_sidebar id=”4e131jdu7hdjuyq5HBjvJAbajrN41rhq”]Alhassan Mahamud was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit crime contrary to section 23 of the criminal offences Act 1960 (Act 29), and defilement of a female under age 16, contrary to section 101 of the criminal offences Act, 1960.

Alhassan Mahamud pleaded guilty on the two counts, and was convicted on his own plea, and was duly sentenced by the Yendi Circuit Court Judge, William Appiah Twumasi.

Narrating the incident to the court, the persecutor Sgt. Nichodamus Yorke, said the victim, aged, 12 years, and a  primary six pupil, sells cassava flour (konkonte) for her grandmother after school.

On 24th February 2018, the victim was on her usual route when she came across the accused at his work place.

The accused proposed love to the victim and promised to take her as his second wife.

He then lured her into his friend, Shani Iddrisu’s room and forcibly removed her pants and had sexual intercourse with her. He gave her GHS 2.00 subsequently.

Shani Iddrisu, who met them in the act, also showed interest, and went out and later came in to have his turn with the victim, after Alhassan Mahamud had sexually abused the victim.

An eyewitness later reported the case to the victim’s uncle who later questioned the victim, and she narrated her ordeal.

The victim’s uncle later reported the case to the police, and the accused persons were arrested.

A Police medical report form was issued to the victim for treatment. The accused persons admitted the offence in their caution statements.

Meanwhile, Shani Iddrisu later pleaded not guilty and is currently on bail on health grounds.

The judge, William Appiah Twumasi, ordered that he attends hospital and produce evidence.

Shani Iddrisu is to reappear on the 12 of April 2018.

–

Mohammed Aminu M Alabira/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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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.”

–

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

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A number of motorbikes were also seized during the operation.

The situation has cut power supply to several communities along the Mion-Yendi highway.

According to the Yendi Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Kwapong Patrick, his Command has launched a vigorous operation to clamp down on the activities of bush burners.

He described the intensity of bushfires especially during the harmattan season as a human security threat, hence the move to stop the practice.

He cautioned chiefs and opinion leaders in the area against interference in the exercise.

Chief Superintendent Kwapong Patrick advocated a stronger collaboration between his command and the Yendi and Mion district assemblies to fight the menace.

Apart from the burning of wooden electricity poles and people’s homes, large acres of farmlands have been destroyed by out-of-control bushfires over the years.

Several acres of rice plantations have been scorched, worsening the nation’s food challenges.

Those engaged in this nefarious activity consider it a cultural heritage, as they hunt for rats and other animals hiding in the bush.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/Citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Five arrested in Yendi after bushfires destroy electricity poles appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The demonstration formed part of a series of activities lined up by a group calling itself the Coalition of Eastern Corridor Youth to push the government to carve the Eastern Corridor out of the Northern Region.

The participants, clad in red and black T-shirts and armbands, came from all corners of the Eastern Corridor enclave.

They held placards with inscriptions such as, “We need the Eastern Corridor Region,” “Creation of new region cannot withdraw the powers of Yaa-Naa,” “Dagbon lands are safe: with eastern corridor region fear not,” “Government you can’t fail the youth,” and “Let the youth decide on their future.”

The Coalition’s leadership has vowed not to kowtow to pressure from any external forces to back down their request.

The Acting Yendi Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Kwapong Patrick deployed heavy security personnel to maintain law and order.

He commended the organizers for their utmost compliance with the police directives.

Chief Superintendent Kwapong Patrick reiterated the need for residents of area to remain law abiding.

Genesis

Since government declared its intention to create additional regions, some chiefs and the youth of the Eastern Corridor enclave have consistently reminded government of the need to prioritise the creation of the new region in the area.

It would be recalled that the chiefs and people of the Eastern Corridor enclave on November 23, 2017, raised alarm over the area’s exclusion from the sittings of the Commission of inquiry on the creation of new regions.

At a Durbar in Yendi, they decried the area’s exclusion from the list of regions under consideration.

The Convener of the durbar, Peter Amana, earlier in a Citi News interview, said they had made multiple requests for a new region ahead of the 2016 polls.

He emphasized that some of the chiefs in their speeches, had reminded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo during his two “Thank you” tours of the region.

Peter Amana insisted that their proposal had no tribal or political undertones.

The Dagbon Traditional Council on December 24, 2017,  unanimously kicked against any attempt to include any part of the area in the creation of the proposed Eastern Corridor region.

They arrived at a consensus on the matter at a meeting in Yendi chaired by the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani.

But a former Northern Regional Minister, Prince Imoro Andani, in a sharp rebuttal downplayed the Dagbon Traditional Council’s caution.

He told Citi News that the creation of the Eastern Corridor region was long overdue considering the vast nature of the Northern Region in terms of its land mass.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Youth group holds march in support of Eastern Corridor region appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The upcoming event is to buttress their incessant requests for an Eastern Corridor enclave to be carved out of the Northern Region.

[contextly_sidebar id=”nrPIakICvZmPwUpGu68QDY8Wcx78UQ0N”]The Acting Yendi Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Kwapong Patrick, told Citi News that his command was adequately prepared for the demonstration.

According to him, some routes have been mapped out for the participants and their full compliance was expected.

Chief Superintendent Kwapong Patrick also reiterated the need for residents of the area to remain law abiding.

It would be recalled that the chiefs and people of the Eastern Corridor enclave on November 23, 2017, raised alarm over the area’s exclusion from the sittings of the Commission of inquiry on the creation of new regions.

At a Durbar in Yendi, they decried the area’s exclusion from the list of regions under consideration.

The Convener of the durbar, Peter Amana, earlier in a Citi News interview, said they had made multiple requests for a new region ahead of the 2016 polls.

He emphasized that some of the chiefs in their speeches, had reminded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo during his two “Thank you” tours of the region.

Peter Amana insisted that their proposal had no tribal or political undertones.

The Dagbon Traditional Council on December 24, 2017,  unanimously kicked against any attempt to include any part of the area in the creation of the proposed Eastern Corridor region.

They arrived at a consensus on the matter at a meeting in Yendi chaired by the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani.

But a former Northern Regional Minister, Prince Imoro Andani, in a sharp rebuttal downplayed the Dagbon Traditional Council’s caution.

He told Citi News that the creation of the Eastern Corridor region was long overdue considering the vast nature of the Northern Region in terms of its land mass.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Yendi youth to hold march in support of Eastern Corridor region appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

About 10 bus-loads of youth, left Tamale for the protest in Yendi, which has been lauded by well-meaning Dagombas.

The Dagbon peace march, dubbed, “Diwumti” to wit we are tired, was organized by the Dagbon Malimi Zungo (DAMAZ) Network in collaboration with other major stakeholders in Dagbon.

Escorted by armed security personnel, the protesters held placards with inscriptions such as “Abudus and Andanis must unite,” “We need one Dagbon,”  “Dagbon is bigger than Abudus and Andanis” “We demand peace from our leaders now” and “Diwumti.”

Leadership of the Dagbon Malimi Zungo Network, and some of the participants from both sides of the chieftaincy divide in Dagbon in a Citi News interview, decried the setback in the implementation of the final phase of the road-map to peace in Dagbon by the three eminent chiefs’ Mediation Committee handling the Dagbon chieftaincy impasse.

They admonished the Asantehene led Mediation Committee to quicken its pace in bringing to finality the age-long chieftaincy dispute between the Abudu and Andani Royals in Dagbon.

They also reechoed the need for the Mediation Committee to ignore the machinations of “Chieftaincy contractors” in Dagbon, and ensure that the funerals of the late Yaa-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai1 IV, and that of the late Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II are performed in the old Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.

Read their petition below:

THE CHAIRMAN

COMMITTEE OF EMINENT KINGS

MANHYIA PALACE

KUMASI

Your Majesty,

PETITION FOR THE IMMEDIATE RESOLUTION OF THE DAGBON CHIEFTAINCY CONFLICT

IN THE NAME OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD, We the Dagbon Youth, composed of sons and daughters from both chieftaincy gates, IN EXERCISE of our Sovereignty as a people under Article 1(1) of the 1992 Constitution, and in further exercise of our natural and inalienable right to demand the IMMEDIATE RESOLUTION OF DAGBON CHIEFTAINCY CONFLICT, do hereby sign onto this petition for and on behalf of our members and people of Dagbon.

As a crucial ingredient of our peaceful DEMONSTRATION dubbed “DI WUMTI” (“we are tired”), we wish to make a solemn appeal to Your Royal Highness, the Committee of Eminent Kings, the KAMPAKUYA NAA, the BOLINLANA, the KUGANAA, Dagbon elites, politicians and well-meaning sons and daughters of Dagbon, that we are tired of the age-long ABUDU-ANDANI impasse that has crippled us for years. Our heroic ‘kings’, from Tohazei, through NaaGbewa to NaaYakubuAndani II will never forgive us if we do not revolt against the disunity and disharmony, that has sent us so backward as a people. We sincerely believe the royals (NABIHI) should not hold usransom while the rest of Dagbon languish in abject poverty, joblessness, and underdevelopment.

There is no Dagbomba man or woman who has not tasted the demeaning effect of this ABUDU – ANDANI brouhaha. Be you wealthy or poor, educated or uneducated, man or woman, old or young, the Dagbon standstill has damaged our reputation enough, DI WUMTI.

It is sad that a lasting peace and total unity is still an elusive dream in Dagbon, in spite of our great lawyers, elites, politicians and the many fine brains that Dagbon can boast of. Peace and unity is still a faraway dream for Dagombas because we are still grappling with the question of who should be the King of “All Dagombas” and not just a faction of the Kingdom.

It is sad to say that Dagbon is a less strong and even a more vulnerable Kingdom in the face of continued disunity and in-fighting, and in recent years, has become the laughing stock in Ghana. History is a good teacher; but we (Dagombas), particularly the Nabihi, seem not to be good learners. As our history tells us, no tribe, kingdom, empire, or even the white people (colonialists) dared attack the Dagomba Kingdom when we were totally united.

We are sad to say that Dagbon is still the political football of Ghanaian politics, normally used by politicians to advance their selfish political ambitions and in the process ferment disunity, bitter hatred among our fold. We have seen the political suicide the entire Dagbon has been plunged into. Our politicians no more get political appointments they deserve. The few who even get appointments to sensitive positions do not climb higher, sometimes due to the fact that they do not have home backings because of our disharmony. We wish to register our collective displeasure at any politician who has used our factional fight to make their gains and fame in politics. If they cannot help in uniting us, they should not help in disuniting us.

We are sad to say that we are still called derogatory names such as: the “Primitive People,” the “Barbarians,” the “Bush People,” “Sheep,” “Difficult People” “Liars” and many more, to which we are totally defenseless. Our hope is that we can vindicate ourselves and prove to the world that we can change and become civilized, humble, peaceable, united people and put our past behind us.

We know that while the YANI Skin is degraded and relegated to the background, the chieftaincy contractors would wish to continue their bid. Enough of the back and forth. Enough of the lies and name calling. Enough of the quagmire. DI WUMTI.

We want a finality to this issue. We are calling the committee of the eminent Kings to immediately come out with the final program/roadmap for the performance of the funerals of the late Kings of Dagbon NAA MAHAMADU ABDULLAI IV and NA YAKUBU ANDANI II to pave way for the next YA NA to be enskined for us all to make progress.

The program/roadmap to peace should strictly be followed without fear or favour. We wish to state in clear unequivocal terms that the powers of the President, HIS EXCELLENCY NANA ADDO DANQUA AKUFFO ADDO, and the ASANTEHENE, the Chairman of the Committee of Eminent Kings, have been rendered almost useless by the two royal families who do not want the progress of Dagbon but their individual interests.

The immediate past history teaches us that the powers of HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN EVANS ATTA MILLS, HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN AGYEIKUM KUFFUOR and HIS EXCELLENCY JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS, have been rendered less useful in using their will and commitment with the powers of the state to resolve the Abudu-Andani quagmire based on law and customary provisions of Dagbon. WE NEED JUSTICE, and it must be immediate, DI WUMTI.

In conclusion, we wish to state that if we do not see an end to this conflict, very soon, and we repeat, very soon, we will advise ourselves. We will soon allow stiffer pressure to bear on the royals, chiefs, the Committee of Eminent Kings, and the President of the republic of Ghana to resolve our age-long conflict. We will very soon embark on an exercise dubbedOCCUPY THE PALACES AND STREETS, so that no movements of the chiefs, and vehicles will be allowed since our progress as sons and daughters of Dagbon is stampeded by the chiefs and government by their actions and inactions. We would leave you with two quotes:

WHEN TWO ELEPHANTS FIGHT IT IS THE GRASS THAT SUFFERS.
WHEN TWO BROTHERS FIGHT TO DEATH, A STRANGER INHERITS THEIR PROPERTY.
Enough is enough. Enough of our slavery. Enough of the suffering. Enough of the Abudu-Andani fight over useless and trivial issues that have nothing other than stagnation and retrogression for Dagbon.

Dagbon needs Yaa-Naa now, Dagbon youth needs Yaa-Naa now.

Thank you.

The DAMAZ was officially launched on September 10, 2017, with the overall objective of uniting Dagombas towards building a prospective and industrious Dagbon Kingdom.

As the brainchild of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, the DAMAZ formed part of government’s agenda to permanently resolve the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute between the Abudu and Andani Royals.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Dagbon Youth march for peace in Yendi [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to Citi News sources, a known butcher in the town was allegedly murdered by a Fulani man, who had invited him over to purchase cattle.

[contextly_sidebar id=”dnGbintX3nqeZFZ4pYTKVlvV0qwwuUai”]This sparked reprisal attacks from the youth in the town, which claimed the lives of two Fulani herdsmen.

Abdul Aziz Azindow, a reporter with Yendi-based Gmantabu Radio, told Citi News that, “according to what they told us, when he went to the Fulani men, they took the money he was holding and butchered the guy to death.”

Abdul says when the case was reported to the police, the Divisional Commander asked that the deceased be taken away from where the incident happened.

The deceased was taken to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, following which the youth in the area went on a rampage, according to the reporter.

“Some youth also went on rampage in search of some of the Fulani people, and they found two Fulani men and also killed them.”

But in the meantime, police in the area are “taking control of the situation, and they have dispersed the youth and currently, they are taking care of that situation, ” Aziz Azindow added.

Fulani, farmers clash in Kwau East

The reported tensions in Yendi involving Fulani followed similar disputes that left eight persons dead in some parts of the Kwahu East District of the Eastern Region.

Over 100 people have been displaced in some parts of the District following separate reprisal attacks between Fulani herdsmen and some community members of Dwibease and Wheewhee communities.

This situation has led to hundreds of residents fleeing from the town to nearby villages to stay with family and friends for fear of being caught up in the attacks.

–

By: Duke Opoku Mensah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post 3 feared dead in Yendi after locals clash with Fulani herdsmen appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The durbar sponsored by UKaid, brought together traditional rulers, youth and women groups in Dagbon, to chart a new path towards liberating mentally ill people from bondage.

BasicNeeds-Ghana Board Chairman, Dr. Edward N. Gyader, called for an end to stigmatizing mentally ill people.

He implored traditional rulers to join forces with BasicNeeds-Ghana, to deconstruct socially constructed norms that cause disaffection to mentally ill people.

“Let’s stop violating the human rights of mentally ill people and accept their integration into the society.”

The Northern Regional Health Medical Coordinator, Mumuni Fuseini, educated the participants on the causes and effects of common mental disorders.

He said mentally ill people deserved total support from family and community members, and decried the absence of a Mental Health Hospital in the Northern Region where the canker is prevalent.

Mumuni Fuseini therefore underscored the need for government to build a Mental Health Hospital there. A public education officer from the Commission on Human rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), condemned the wanton chaining of mentally ill people without recourse to the legal framework.

The CHRAJ investigator, Inusah Iddrisu, said mentally ill people especially children, have the right to inheritance.

Mumuni Fuseini condemned the abuse of drugs lately adopted by majority of the youth as a lifestyle. He decried the increase in pregnancy of mentally ill women in the region, and served notice that anybody caught in that immorality would not be spared.

He advocated constant collaboration between traditional rulers and the various district assemblies to promote the rights of mentally ill people in their localities.

Some of the participants underscored the need for parents, chiefs and the Clergy, to discipline youth who are promoting drug addiction.

They further cautioned the youth against profane dressing which they said promotes sexual immorality.

They also reminded the various district assemblies of the need to release two percent of the Common Fund allocated for the upkeep of mentally ill people.

The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Sa-eed, said government was committed to partner with relevant bodies to promote the welfare of mentally ill people.

He praised BasicNeeds-Ghana and its allies for the tremendous efforts made towards promoting the rights of mentally ill people.

Salifu Sa-eed admonished NGOs and the various assemblies, to closely monitor prayer camps where mentally ill people are camped to ensure that their rights are not violated.

He assured the mentally ill people that government will ensure the release of their share of the District Assemblies Common Fund for their upkeep.

Chairman of the occasion, chief of Kasuliyili, Alhaji Yakubu Andani, added his voice to calls on the various assemblies to promptly release funds meant for mentally ill people.

He emphasized the importance of sponsoring mentally ill children to acquire higher academic laurels. Kasulilana Yakubu Andani condemned the inhumane treatment of mentally ill people and called for attitudinal change.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Mental health durbar held in Yendi appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

This is to enable him to convince the company to employ some aggrieved New Patriotic Party (NPP) youth in the area who are protesting their joblessness following the assumption of office of the NPP government.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Kbjg28cR45yORlKdz6Uh72UQlbKlNWpF”]Citi News gathered that the youth on Monday seized equipment belonging to the contractor, Andre Quadrez Construction Company demanding that they are employed.

They vowed not to allow the contractor continue work on the road until they have been employed.

The NPP constituency executives convened an emergency meeting with the contractor due to the impasse in an attempt to resolve it.

The Regional Minister, however, said it was necessary for the company to be closed until the matter was resolved.

Addressing the agitated youth, he said he will ensure that they do not suffer since they worked tirelessly for the NPP to win power.

“Please be patient. I know you are aggrieved. It was due to your hardwork and sleepless nights that the NPP came to power and we are not going to let you suffer. We said you are going to give you jobs and we are going to do that for you.”

He assured the youth that he will ensure that the company employs all of them.

“I’ve have come to meet with the contractors, and we have scheduled Wednesday for a final meeting. I have also asked the security to ensure that the yard is locked. They should make sure that they do not open it. So be patient, they will definitely employ all of you.”

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post “We’ll not let you suffer”- Minister assures NPP youth appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He polled 31 out of 43 votes cast, and was subsequently inducted into office by the Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed.

The assembly members in a second round voting elected Ibrahim Zolge as the Presiding Member. Alhaji Ahmed Abubakari Yussif thanked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo for the honour.

He promised to team up with the assembly members to develop the municipality.

The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed, reaffirmed President Akufo Addo’s pledge to engage all the failed MMDCE aspirants in the region.

“It was the wish of the President to appoint all applicants because their CVs showed that they were qualified,but since the position can only be occupied by one person at a time, the President has promised to find you high positions.”

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Yendi MCE nominee confirmed appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.