The first phase of the 2011 Budget Statement campaign had ended successfully in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.
The seven days campaign was aimed at sensitisting the public on the 2011 Budget Statement and the Economic Policy of the government.
The campaign started on 12th December, 2010 and ended on Saturday 18th December, 2010.
The campaign covered about 60% of the communities in the district.
The crew had talks in all the communities without any film show.
Communities in three Area Council namely Damongo Town Council, Busunu Area Council and Larabanga Area Council were covered except five communities which were not accessible due to poor road network.
The five communities included Jinfrono, Murugu, Bawena, Kotito No. 1,2.
Besides, communities in Three Area Councils in the overseas namely Daboya, Mankarigu and Lingbinsi were not covered due to financial constraints.
Some of the challenges encountered included poor road network and limited financial resources.
Also, the large size of the district and its scattered nature of communities make it difficult to access them.
Reactions from most members of the general public especially those from the rural communities showed that, most people were happy with the programmes that were ongoing and those to be implemented in 2011.
most people could not hide their joy upon hearing that, the Fufulso Sawla Road will be constructed next year. However, they were not sure of government's commitmnet in constructing the road until they see the road constructed.
It is therefore recommended that government should be committed in constructing the Sawla Fufulso Road which has become a major barrier to the development of the district.
It is also important that the size of a district and its population be considered in the distribution of resources for publicity.
BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO
Thursday, December 23, 2010
STAKEHOLDER MEETING
the World Vision Area Development Programme in the West Gonja District organised a 3 day workshop for its development partners in Damongo, the district capital.
World Vision is a non governmental organisational that basically work in the interest of women and children.
The goal of the workshop was to bring together key stakeholders who play various roles towards the development of the district to exchange ideas.
The move was to enable the organisation coordinate all stakeholder actions of the various economic activities in the district that will feed into the work of their outfit.
Topics discussed included indentification Economic activities in the district, how they function and the impact on the Soci-Econnomic lives of the people, the challenges and the way forward.
In his opening remarks, the World Vision Area Development Programme Manager of West gonja Mr. Paul Azeka told participants that, a collaborative effort among stakeholders was key towares the development of the district. he added that partnership in development was very vital in achieving socio economic development. He therefore advised members to work together as team.
Members identified the follwoing as some of the economic activities on going in the district.
- Honey production
- Cassava production and processing
- Smock Weaving
- Shea Butter production
- Farming
The meeting was attended by representatives from Community Based Organization, the D/A, the Business Advisory Centre, Farmer Groups etc.
Present at the meeting were Janet Akob from World Vision South/Africa and Dominic Mitchell of Real consult Ghana.
BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO
World Vision is a non governmental organisational that basically work in the interest of women and children.
The goal of the workshop was to bring together key stakeholders who play various roles towards the development of the district to exchange ideas.
The move was to enable the organisation coordinate all stakeholder actions of the various economic activities in the district that will feed into the work of their outfit.
Topics discussed included indentification Economic activities in the district, how they function and the impact on the Soci-Econnomic lives of the people, the challenges and the way forward.
In his opening remarks, the World Vision Area Development Programme Manager of West gonja Mr. Paul Azeka told participants that, a collaborative effort among stakeholders was key towares the development of the district. he added that partnership in development was very vital in achieving socio economic development. He therefore advised members to work together as team.
Members identified the follwoing as some of the economic activities on going in the district.
- Honey production
- Cassava production and processing
- Smock Weaving
- Shea Butter production
- Farming
The meeting was attended by representatives from Community Based Organization, the D/A, the Business Advisory Centre, Farmer Groups etc.
Present at the meeting were Janet Akob from World Vision South/Africa and Dominic Mitchell of Real consult Ghana.
BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO
WOMEN URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN D/A ELECTIONS
The Former Presiding Member of the West Gonja District Assembly Mr. Mohammed Tohiru had disclosed his intention to rally behind all women who are aspiring for the forthcoming 2010 District Assembly Election.
This came to light when the District Assembly organised its fourth Assembly Session to disolve the old assembly.
The Former PM disclosed that the district was praised on several occasions for the number of women representation in political positions.
He added that the women demonstrated their competence and capabilities over the years which had made their performance outstanding and had contributed to the development of the district.
He lauded and advised them to actively take part in the forthcoming D/A level elections to enance the representation of women in the decision making process of the country.
He further urged all women to continue to work hard as they have done in the past year in contributing to eradicating poverty, enpowering themselves and improving the standard of living of their homes and nation.
Mr. Mohammed Tohiru noted that women constituted more than 50 percent of the country's population and there was the need to increase their representation at the various levels of decision making process to enable them make meaningful contribution to national development.
He said there could not be good governance if the country neglected its women who formed majority of the population. It is best to have women perspective in decision making he added.
He appealed to political parties to desist from turning the district level election into a platform for partisan politics.
BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO
This came to light when the District Assembly organised its fourth Assembly Session to disolve the old assembly.
The Former PM disclosed that the district was praised on several occasions for the number of women representation in political positions.
He added that the women demonstrated their competence and capabilities over the years which had made their performance outstanding and had contributed to the development of the district.
He lauded and advised them to actively take part in the forthcoming D/A level elections to enance the representation of women in the decision making process of the country.
He further urged all women to continue to work hard as they have done in the past year in contributing to eradicating poverty, enpowering themselves and improving the standard of living of their homes and nation.
Mr. Mohammed Tohiru noted that women constituted more than 50 percent of the country's population and there was the need to increase their representation at the various levels of decision making process to enable them make meaningful contribution to national development.
He said there could not be good governance if the country neglected its women who formed majority of the population. It is best to have women perspective in decision making he added.
He appealed to political parties to desist from turning the district level election into a platform for partisan politics.
BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO
WORLD AIDS DAY CELEBRATION
The West Gonja District of the Northern Region joined the rest of the World to celebrate this year's AIDS Day.
Speaking on the theme "Universal access and human rights: Action noow!!! The World Vision Area Development Programme Manager of West Gonja Mr. Paul Azeka noted that HIV virus is no respecter of persons regardless their age, gender, colour, or religious commitment.
The manager pointed out that the HIV virus is transmitted in several ways but the main mode of transmission was through risky sexual behaviours such as having multiple sexual partners and having unprotected sex.
According to Mr. Paul Azeka Statistics reveals that,
- In 2008, globally, about 2 million people died of AIDS, 33.4 million were living with HIV and 2.7 million people were newly infected with the virus.
- However, certain groups are at particular risk of HIV, including men who have sex with men (Homosexuals), injecting drug users, commercial sex workers, and in recent times those engaged in galamscy business.
_ The impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls has been particularly devastating.Women and girls now comprise 50 percent of those aged 15 and offer living with HIV.
_ The impact of HIV/AIDS on children and young people is a severe and growing problem. In 2008, 430.000 children under age 15 were infected.
With HIV and 280.000 died of AIDS.IN addition, about 15 million children have lost on or both parents due to the disease. Yet, majority of young people are not fully aware of HIV prevention methods.
He said as a child focused organization, World Vision has a vision of ensuring that every child attains fullness of life where they enjoy good health, are educated for life, feel protected and participating in the development process and above all, are morally and spiritually sound.
He added that their question to fight poverty, improve health and promote transformational development is greatly hampered by the issue of HIV and AIDS.
He stated the following as some of the issues of HIV and AIDS that hinders development;
- The disease dimishes a person's ability to support, work and provide for his/here family, the cost of treatment and health care to HIV/AIDS persons consumes households incomes
- It also deepens socio-economic and gender inequalities. Girls and women are more at risk of the infection and therefore have few options for providing for their families. Children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS due to risky behaviours or parental illness are less likely to receive education as they leave school to care for their sick relations or themselves.
- HIV and AIDS strains the human resources of communities - Hospitals, School, Social Services and other business. Various professionals have died out of the HIV/AS, the impact of which leads to low productivity and lowering living standards.
It is in the light of the above he said, that World Vision recognizes the significance of World AIDS Day which offers everybody an opportunity to reflect on the HIV and AIDS pandemic, its devastating effects and impact on the quality of life.
He reminded the audience to bear in mind of those who are living with HIV and AIDs. He added that they desrve support, love, compassion, respect and care as they are equally human beings created in the image of God.
He urged everyone to join PLHIV in their appeal to government to include anti-retroviral in the National Health Insurance Scheme to enhance accessibility of treatment.
He prompted all the audience particularly the children and they youth that they are the 'window of hope' for the District and mother Ghana tomorrow and the district cannot afford to lose them premature.
He advised them to abstain from all forms of risky sexual behaviours, be faithful to their studies and use their conscience wisely.
The celebration brought together heads of decentralised departments, school children, civil society groups, political party leaders and traditional authorities among others.
BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO
Speaking on the theme "Universal access and human rights: Action noow!!! The World Vision Area Development Programme Manager of West Gonja Mr. Paul Azeka noted that HIV virus is no respecter of persons regardless their age, gender, colour, or religious commitment.
The manager pointed out that the HIV virus is transmitted in several ways but the main mode of transmission was through risky sexual behaviours such as having multiple sexual partners and having unprotected sex.
According to Mr. Paul Azeka Statistics reveals that,
- In 2008, globally, about 2 million people died of AIDS, 33.4 million were living with HIV and 2.7 million people were newly infected with the virus.
- However, certain groups are at particular risk of HIV, including men who have sex with men (Homosexuals), injecting drug users, commercial sex workers, and in recent times those engaged in galamscy business.
_ The impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls has been particularly devastating.Women and girls now comprise 50 percent of those aged 15 and offer living with HIV.
_ The impact of HIV/AIDS on children and young people is a severe and growing problem. In 2008, 430.000 children under age 15 were infected.
With HIV and 280.000 died of AIDS.IN addition, about 15 million children have lost on or both parents due to the disease. Yet, majority of young people are not fully aware of HIV prevention methods.
He said as a child focused organization, World Vision has a vision of ensuring that every child attains fullness of life where they enjoy good health, are educated for life, feel protected and participating in the development process and above all, are morally and spiritually sound.
He added that their question to fight poverty, improve health and promote transformational development is greatly hampered by the issue of HIV and AIDS.
He stated the following as some of the issues of HIV and AIDS that hinders development;
- The disease dimishes a person's ability to support, work and provide for his/here family, the cost of treatment and health care to HIV/AIDS persons consumes households incomes
- It also deepens socio-economic and gender inequalities. Girls and women are more at risk of the infection and therefore have few options for providing for their families. Children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS due to risky behaviours or parental illness are less likely to receive education as they leave school to care for their sick relations or themselves.
- HIV and AIDS strains the human resources of communities - Hospitals, School, Social Services and other business. Various professionals have died out of the HIV/AS, the impact of which leads to low productivity and lowering living standards.
It is in the light of the above he said, that World Vision recognizes the significance of World AIDS Day which offers everybody an opportunity to reflect on the HIV and AIDS pandemic, its devastating effects and impact on the quality of life.
He reminded the audience to bear in mind of those who are living with HIV and AIDs. He added that they desrve support, love, compassion, respect and care as they are equally human beings created in the image of God.
He urged everyone to join PLHIV in their appeal to government to include anti-retroviral in the National Health Insurance Scheme to enhance accessibility of treatment.
He prompted all the audience particularly the children and they youth that they are the 'window of hope' for the District and mother Ghana tomorrow and the district cannot afford to lose them premature.
He advised them to abstain from all forms of risky sexual behaviours, be faithful to their studies and use their conscience wisely.
The celebration brought together heads of decentralised departments, school children, civil society groups, political party leaders and traditional authorities among others.
BY: REGINA ATULE, DAMONGO
FARMERS DAY CELEBRATED
The West Gonja District of the Northern Region joined the rest of the country to celebrate this year's Farmers Day.
Addressing Farmers on the occasion the DCE Hon. Adam Mutawakilu noted that Farming still remains the mainstay of the National Economy, adding that, it remains the most singular attractive and important sector that engages the attention of every government no matter its ideological or political persuasion or belief.
Speaking under the theme "Grow More Food". the DCE stated that Agriculture Sector contributes about 37.3% to the country's gross Domestic Product, 30% of its export earnings and employs over 60% of the country's workforce.
He said the recent introduction of the Youth in Agricultural Programme, otherwise known as the Block farming clearly demonstrates that, if Agriculture is given the necessary push, Ghana could be in the high income group in the next few years.
The DCE pointed out that, the people of West Gonja have been luckly to be part of the pilot programme and all beneficiaries will attest to fact that the programme was so successful that, it brough about memories of the past where Damongo was a major player in maize production in this counctry.
He revealed that, the district put into cultivation 20.026 acres of maize, 180 acres of rice and 155 acres of soyabeans.
He said it was the hope of the government that, these interventions would bring the people out of the poverty line and his expevtations from farmers is that they will be committed and honest in order to sustain the programme.
What government expect form farmers is also to be committed and honest so that together we can succeed.
He told memebrs that, Government was committed seriously to Agriculture Promotion and to lessen the burden of farmers and increase yield in agriculture production, Government have imported tractors and combine harvesters.
This he said is aim at encouraging mechanized farming in the country of which Damongo have also benefited.
He unveiled five intervention programmes in the District which government through the ministry of agriculture is implementing. These were Nerica rice dissemination Project, the Northern rural growth Project, Livestock development Project, Cashew Development Project and Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programe (RTIMP).
The DCE mentioned poor road network, lack of good storage facilities, the high farmer-extension officer ratio etc. as some of the challenges that make it difficult for some of the farmers to take advantage of the numerous interventions mentioned.
He informed the people that, Government have successfully sourced for funding to work on the Fufulso Junction-Damongo-Sawla Road.
He hoped that as we make headway on this major road, the Assembly will also pay attention to opening the interior part of the District.
He told the youth that agriculture was a lucrative venture hence they should involved themeselves actively so that Ghana can grow more food.
He fnally congratulated all Farmers for their immense contribution to the growth of our country's economy.
Addressing Farmers on the occasion the DCE Hon. Adam Mutawakilu noted that Farming still remains the mainstay of the National Economy, adding that, it remains the most singular attractive and important sector that engages the attention of every government no matter its ideological or political persuasion or belief.
Speaking under the theme "Grow More Food". the DCE stated that Agriculture Sector contributes about 37.3% to the country's gross Domestic Product, 30% of its export earnings and employs over 60% of the country's workforce.
He said the recent introduction of the Youth in Agricultural Programme, otherwise known as the Block farming clearly demonstrates that, if Agriculture is given the necessary push, Ghana could be in the high income group in the next few years.
The DCE pointed out that, the people of West Gonja have been luckly to be part of the pilot programme and all beneficiaries will attest to fact that the programme was so successful that, it brough about memories of the past where Damongo was a major player in maize production in this counctry.
He revealed that, the district put into cultivation 20.026 acres of maize, 180 acres of rice and 155 acres of soyabeans.
He said it was the hope of the government that, these interventions would bring the people out of the poverty line and his expevtations from farmers is that they will be committed and honest in order to sustain the programme.
What government expect form farmers is also to be committed and honest so that together we can succeed.
He told memebrs that, Government was committed seriously to Agriculture Promotion and to lessen the burden of farmers and increase yield in agriculture production, Government have imported tractors and combine harvesters.
This he said is aim at encouraging mechanized farming in the country of which Damongo have also benefited.
He unveiled five intervention programmes in the District which government through the ministry of agriculture is implementing. These were Nerica rice dissemination Project, the Northern rural growth Project, Livestock development Project, Cashew Development Project and Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programe (RTIMP).
The DCE mentioned poor road network, lack of good storage facilities, the high farmer-extension officer ratio etc. as some of the challenges that make it difficult for some of the farmers to take advantage of the numerous interventions mentioned.
He informed the people that, Government have successfully sourced for funding to work on the Fufulso Junction-Damongo-Sawla Road.
He hoped that as we make headway on this major road, the Assembly will also pay attention to opening the interior part of the District.
He told the youth that agriculture was a lucrative venture hence they should involved themeselves actively so that Ghana can grow more food.
He fnally congratulated all Farmers for their immense contribution to the growth of our country's economy.
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