AGRIC MINISTER VISITS WEST GONJA

BY ALHASSAN MESUNA, DAMONGO
The Minister for food and agriculture, Hon. Kwesi Awhoi has paid a working visit to Damongo the West Gonja District Capital in the Northern Region. The purpose of the visit according to the minister was to learn at first hand progress made so far in the implementation of the Expanded Crop Production Program being piloted in the district.

Briefing the minister and his team, Mr. Francis Nutouba, West Gonja District Director of Agriculture disclosed that the programme had cultivated 486 hactors of Maize, 472 hactors of rice and 96 hactors of soyabean. All this crops he said are doing well and appealed to government to make available on time combine harvesters, shelers and other equipment to reduce the problems associated with harvesting of crops.

The Minister in response promised to grant the request made by the Agric Director and further disclosed that plans are far advanced to find ready market for the produce of farmers. Promising that government will purchase all excess produce so as to encourage farmers to produce more in the coming crop season. Hon. Awhoi praised the Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, DCE for West Gonja District Assembly for providing the right type of leadership as far as the project is concern. He stated that testimonies from the beneficiary farmers and other officials in the district indicate that Hon. Adam is a good leader. He finally asured the DCE of his ministry's suport to ensure the success of the project.

The Minister and his entourage earlier paid a courtesy call on the overlord of Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbunwura Bawa Abudu Doshi (I). The Minister was accompanied by The Chief Director of Ministry of Food and Agric. Mr. J.K Boamah, Northern Regional Director of Agric. Mr. Adongo Sylvester, and other technical staff from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE ADDRESSES STUDENTS

By: Regina Atule, Damongo

The District Chief Executive of West Gonja District Hon. Adam Mutawakilu has stated that, he is working hard with the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Damongo Senior High School to provide a water tanker and water storage facilities for the students as part of measures to minimize the water crises in the school.

He said, students spend about 60% of their time in search of water and so if this provision is made, they will have enough time to study.

The DCE said this when he was addressing a large crowed of students at Damongo Senior High School as part of his routine visits to the educational institutions in the district.

He added that, education is key to success and the government is committed to providing resources needed to improve the educational system in the country.

He seized the opportunity to appeal to students to take their studies seriously, stressing that success cannot be achieved on a silver platter, but with hard work.

He however pointed out that many other schools in the country face similar challenges but most students from such schools come out with good results.

The headmaster of the school Mr. C. K. Nyaabu commended the DCE for his vision and efforts to make learning more easy and convenient for the students.

He stated that, the school has an average population of 1,600 students with staff strength of 51 out of which 40 staff are at post.

Mr. Nyaabu advised the students to uphold high moral standards and study hard. Other members presents included the executive members of the PTA and staff of the school.

SANITATION GUARDS UNDERGO TRAINING

By: Regina Atule, Damongo

Zoomlion Ghana Limited a waste management company in collaboration with Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Environment (MLGRD&E) has organized a three day training workshop for sanitation guards in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.
The objective of the program was to equip participants with knowledge and skills to enable them carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.
The workshop aim at;
 Introducing sanitary guards to the basis of sanitation inspection and solid waste management.
 Review sanitary guards roles and code of ethics to their work and
 The need to change people’s attitude towards clean environment.
The participants included sanitary guards from Bole Bamboi District, Sawla Tuna Kalba, Central Gonja District and West Gonja District.
Addressing the participants, the District Coordinating Director Mr. S Y Inusah commended Zoomlion and urged them to intensify their efforts.
He also appeal to the participants to consider the workshop very important and impact the skills and knowledge that they will acquired on other people and in performing their duties.