A peace club under the Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies (CECOTAPS) has been duly launched at the St. Anne’s senior High School (SAGISS) in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.
The purpose of the programme was to promote peace building through the female at the grassroots level.
Speaking on the theme; “The role of the traditional Ghanaian Woman in promoting peace in the family” Fr. Lazaurs Annyereh noted that, the role of the traditional Ghanaian woman in promoting peace in the family is certainly a big challenge. From a general perspective, he raised the following concerns:
“The African woman has never had it easy when it comes to assuming leadership roles or managerial roles in a traditionally male – dominated, patriarchal and hierarchal society”. “A woman is always considered a woman with little or no say in the midst of men”.
The traditional Ghanaian woman is no exception he stressed. He stated the following as some utterances he has come across made by male chauvinists:
• “Care to know who is a woman?”
• “When men are talking women should keep quite because they are equal to children in the midst of men”
• “Power belongs to men and not women”
Fr. Lazurs Annyereh lamented that, utterances of this nature cannot continue to prevail in our contemporary societies where conscious efforts are made to ensure the promotion of participatory decision making and burden roles of women (reproductive, productive and managerial) cannot be left in silence.
He said women can no longer be referred to as playing a passive role in the family, society and the nation as a whole, adding that their contribution to societal development and family peace has been shelved for far too long.
He stressed that, in all fairness, women should be recognized as playing a major role in community development.
He argued that, the traditional Ghanaian women (with special reference to Northern Ghana), has a lot more to offer not just in home management, but also in the promotion of peace in the family.
He noted that, today, the world is endangered by constant violent conflicts saying, Peace has become a fragile commodity as violence is in the increase, with women and children suffering most.
He pointed out that, the men are the ones who take up the arms and fight and some of them lose their lives rendering their wives widows and their children orphans to the mercy of society.
In addition he said, many women in times of war are abused sexually and others charged with the sole responsibility of being the bread winners for their wards.
He said notwithstanding the fact that more often than not women and children are the most vulnerable in times of violent conflict; women are sometimes the perpetrators of violence. He cited instances where women have challenged their husbands to go to the battle front through provocative utterances.
He urged all to come on deck to ensure a permanent protection of human security.
According to him unable to address issues that disturb human security could lead to the provocation of human insecurity.
He said the time has come when women can no longer be seen as passive actresses regarding the promotion of peace in their families and communities, adding that
Women’s collective efforts towards peace building will reduce the volume of occurrence of barbarity in our communities.
He pointed out that just as women are sometimes the perpetrators of violence, they are equally promoters of peace. Also, he said our family set up reveals that children are mostly with their mothers who can easily transfer their knowledge and experiences to them.
In addition, he said in our traditional homes, women play a major role in the promotion of peace among their children as the men are mostly not at home but off to work or to socialize with colleagues.
According to him, experiences from women in counties like Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leon, Cote d’ivoire and Senegal and various strategies employed by women in their efforts to manage and resolve conflicts as well as building peace gives a spark of hope as well as offers a clear demonstration that women’s presence in peace building processes make a difference.
Having them (women) enrolled in official peace building activities would be an added advantage regarding conflict prevention, resolution and transformation in our communities, homes and the youth milieu added.
He said, one of the strategies that can increase women participation in peace building is to empower them with the necessary skills. Catching them young in the schools would be an added advantage as they will make use of the skills in their school environment as leaders and peace lovers he added.
He observed that to fulfill the mission of educating young people and preparing them to function effectively in adult society, schools must first be safe places where each learner can feel physically and psychologically free from threats and danger.
He looked forward to see some of the students act as mediators in times of misunderstanding between students themselves as well as between students and staff and student leaders.
He also hoped to see the satellite peace centre of Damongo Women in peace building (WIP) offer the club members training in conflict prevention, management and mediation to enable you function properly.
BY: REGINA ATULE
Thursday, June 2, 2011
CAMFED HOLDS SENSITISATION PROGRAMME
Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) Ghana under the West Gonja District held a sensitization programme for its partner schools in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.
The programme was carried out by the District Education Committee Member under CAMFED. The DCE Members oversee the implementation of CAMFED programmes in the district to achieve its vision.
The objective of the programme was to sensitise and educate students on child rights. The subjects discussed included;
Roles of parents in educating the girl child
Roles of the teachers in educating the girl child
Role of the girl child in her education
BY: REGINA ATULE
The programme was carried out by the District Education Committee Member under CAMFED. The DCE Members oversee the implementation of CAMFED programmes in the district to achieve its vision.
The objective of the programme was to sensitise and educate students on child rights. The subjects discussed included;
Roles of parents in educating the girl child
Roles of the teachers in educating the girl child
Role of the girl child in her education
BY: REGINA ATULE
HIV/AIDS CAMPAIGN
A one week campaign aim at sensitizing the public on HIV/AIDS had ended successfully in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.
The campaign which was organized by ADRA was basically aimed at deepening education on the menace of HIV/ AIDS and to emphasize on the importance and the need for people to adopt preventive measures against the disease.
The campaign started on 11th May, 2011 and ended on 15th May, 2011.
Video shows and discussion were used as communication strategies to convey the message to the people.
The campaign covered ten communities in the district.
However it is expected that more communities will be covered in the second face of the programme.
Reactions from parents indicated that the programme was very educative for them and their wards. Most of the youth also expressed their joy about some of the things they have been exposed to.
They urged stakeholders to come out with more of such programmes to increase their knowledge about the disease.
BY: REGINA ATULE
The campaign which was organized by ADRA was basically aimed at deepening education on the menace of HIV/ AIDS and to emphasize on the importance and the need for people to adopt preventive measures against the disease.
The campaign started on 11th May, 2011 and ended on 15th May, 2011.
Video shows and discussion were used as communication strategies to convey the message to the people.
The campaign covered ten communities in the district.
However it is expected that more communities will be covered in the second face of the programme.
Reactions from parents indicated that the programme was very educative for them and their wards. Most of the youth also expressed their joy about some of the things they have been exposed to.
They urged stakeholders to come out with more of such programmes to increase their knowledge about the disease.
BY: REGINA ATULE
CONSTITUTION WEEK CELEBRATION
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) organized a forum as part of activities marking the celebration of the 11th National Constitution week.
In his welcome address the District Director of NCCE Mr. Stanley Z. Mahama expressed his gratitude for the continuous support and encouragement of the public particularly religious bodies towards the celebration of the Constitution Week in Ghana since April, 2001.
Speaking on the theme “The State of Ghana’s Democracy, 2001,” Mr. Stanley Mahama disclosed that the Commission intends to take stock of the 19 years return to uninterrupted democratic practice to enable us access the challenges and successes to our democratic practice.
He said the Commission expects every citizen in all spheres of life to be up and doing to put in our utmost commitment in making Ghana a pleasant home.
He added that, the NCCE hopes that Ghanaians will continue to persevere, uphold and defend the 1992 Constitution as the fundamental law of the land at all times in order to sustain the sound foundation that has been laid for our democracy.
To achieve this objective he said, Ghanaians are being called upon to critically examine the prospects and deficits in our democratic development since 1992.
More importantly he added, the NCCE calls for a sober reflection upon pertinent issues on corruption of the Judiciary and Justice System, Our Political Party Organization and operations, the Process of Decentralization, the nature of our media and civil society.
He said, the NCCE also urges all to work hard towards sustaining the gains made while the gaps identified are also closed effectively.
He told members that as the NCCE pledges to the nation that it will continually endeavor to sustain within the society, awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities as a free people, to build upon the democratic gains made by the country, it urges Ghanaians to participate actively and effectively in governance to maintain the stability of the country as a good basis for national development.
BY: REGINA ATULE
In his welcome address the District Director of NCCE Mr. Stanley Z. Mahama expressed his gratitude for the continuous support and encouragement of the public particularly religious bodies towards the celebration of the Constitution Week in Ghana since April, 2001.
Speaking on the theme “The State of Ghana’s Democracy, 2001,” Mr. Stanley Mahama disclosed that the Commission intends to take stock of the 19 years return to uninterrupted democratic practice to enable us access the challenges and successes to our democratic practice.
He said the Commission expects every citizen in all spheres of life to be up and doing to put in our utmost commitment in making Ghana a pleasant home.
He added that, the NCCE hopes that Ghanaians will continue to persevere, uphold and defend the 1992 Constitution as the fundamental law of the land at all times in order to sustain the sound foundation that has been laid for our democracy.
To achieve this objective he said, Ghanaians are being called upon to critically examine the prospects and deficits in our democratic development since 1992.
More importantly he added, the NCCE calls for a sober reflection upon pertinent issues on corruption of the Judiciary and Justice System, Our Political Party Organization and operations, the Process of Decentralization, the nature of our media and civil society.
He said, the NCCE also urges all to work hard towards sustaining the gains made while the gaps identified are also closed effectively.
He told members that as the NCCE pledges to the nation that it will continually endeavor to sustain within the society, awareness of their civic rights and responsibilities as a free people, to build upon the democratic gains made by the country, it urges Ghanaians to participate actively and effectively in governance to maintain the stability of the country as a good basis for national development.
BY: REGINA ATULE
HIV/AIDS STAKEHOLDERS MEETING
The District AIDS Committee (DAC) and District Response Management Team (DRMT) held a meeting to review HIV/AIDS activities in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.
The meeting also seeks at assessing the progress and challenges confronting all stakeholders pursuing various efforts to reduce the spread of the disease.
In his welcome address the district HIV/AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation focal person Mr. Patrick Aparik noted that HIV/AIDS has become one of the global challenges that affect economic growth and called on stakeholders adopt measures to curb it.
He added that it is a manageable chronic disease and not a killer disease as perceived previously.
He said people with the disease can live their normal life like any other person and pregnant women can also give birth without transferring the virus to the child.
He urged members not to relent on their efforts to encouraged people to know their status.
BY: REGINA ATULE
The meeting also seeks at assessing the progress and challenges confronting all stakeholders pursuing various efforts to reduce the spread of the disease.
In his welcome address the district HIV/AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation focal person Mr. Patrick Aparik noted that HIV/AIDS has become one of the global challenges that affect economic growth and called on stakeholders adopt measures to curb it.
He added that it is a manageable chronic disease and not a killer disease as perceived previously.
He said people with the disease can live their normal life like any other person and pregnant women can also give birth without transferring the virus to the child.
He urged members not to relent on their efforts to encouraged people to know their status.
BY: REGINA ATULE
ROBBERS ATTACK PASSENGERS
Five Robbers suspected to the Fulanis currently on the run, robbed passengers traveling on the Damongo Fufulso road in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region.
The robbers blocked the road between Kojokura and Janipe at about 5:30 Pm on Monday May 16 and robbed passengers of their monies and personal belongings.
In a short interview with one of the victims, it was revealed that the robbers were armed with AK 47 assault Raffles.
Narrating the story the victim said, a mini Tata Bus with registration number NR 2421 C which was carrying about 36 passengers was ordered to stop. He said prior to the action four of the robbers were walking along the road closely to the bus holding some branches of leaves whilst one of them was ahead of the bus.
Upon approaching a sharp curve on the road he said, the one ahead quickly run to the middle of the road and started shooting on air. Immediately the other four also started shooting.
The driver Musah Abubakari managed to stop and the robbers instructed all passengers on board to lie down he added.
The robbers then seized their monies and mobile phones he said.
After the rubbery they instructed passengers to onboard the bus and bolted away before the police mobile team which had received information about the robbery attack could reach the scene.
He said, the driver continued the journey to Damongo after the robbers run away.
BY: REGINA ATULE
The robbers blocked the road between Kojokura and Janipe at about 5:30 Pm on Monday May 16 and robbed passengers of their monies and personal belongings.
In a short interview with one of the victims, it was revealed that the robbers were armed with AK 47 assault Raffles.
Narrating the story the victim said, a mini Tata Bus with registration number NR 2421 C which was carrying about 36 passengers was ordered to stop. He said prior to the action four of the robbers were walking along the road closely to the bus holding some branches of leaves whilst one of them was ahead of the bus.
Upon approaching a sharp curve on the road he said, the one ahead quickly run to the middle of the road and started shooting on air. Immediately the other four also started shooting.
The driver Musah Abubakari managed to stop and the robbers instructed all passengers on board to lie down he added.
The robbers then seized their monies and mobile phones he said.
After the rubbery they instructed passengers to onboard the bus and bolted away before the police mobile team which had received information about the robbery attack could reach the scene.
He said, the driver continued the journey to Damongo after the robbers run away.
BY: REGINA ATULE
UNDP/ AFRICA 2000 SUPPORTS FARMERS
Guinea fowl and crop farmers of the Sustainable Rural Livelihood Project (SRLP) under the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) supported by Africa 2000 Network have taken delivery of 5 incubators valued at 3000 Ghana Cedis and two donkeys and donkey carts in the west Gonja district of The Northern Region.
The Sustainable Rural Livelihood Project (SRLP) was initiated in the year 2006 with the aim of supporting and improving the livelihood of the poor through the promotion of Crop and Animal Production to help develop them.
Five communities made up of ten members each received the incubators whilst two groups made up of 35 members received the donkeys and donkey carts.
The intervention is aimed at boosting guinea fowl production and easing the transportation of farm products from the farms to homes.
In a handing over ceremony, the district chief executive hon. Adam Mutawakilu noted that, the District Assembly appreciates the support of the UNDP and wish they will continue with their support.
On his part the District team leader Mr. Sumani Iddrisu urged beneficiaries to make maximum utilization of the equipment. He advised them to use it for its intended purpose and keep regular maintenance for the benefit of others.
The projects under taken include; Guinea fowl rearing, Groundnut processing, Dry season gardening and small ruminant rearing.
BY: REGINA ATULE
The Sustainable Rural Livelihood Project (SRLP) was initiated in the year 2006 with the aim of supporting and improving the livelihood of the poor through the promotion of Crop and Animal Production to help develop them.
Five communities made up of ten members each received the incubators whilst two groups made up of 35 members received the donkeys and donkey carts.
The intervention is aimed at boosting guinea fowl production and easing the transportation of farm products from the farms to homes.
In a handing over ceremony, the district chief executive hon. Adam Mutawakilu noted that, the District Assembly appreciates the support of the UNDP and wish they will continue with their support.
On his part the District team leader Mr. Sumani Iddrisu urged beneficiaries to make maximum utilization of the equipment. He advised them to use it for its intended purpose and keep regular maintenance for the benefit of others.
The projects under taken include; Guinea fowl rearing, Groundnut processing, Dry season gardening and small ruminant rearing.
BY: REGINA ATULE
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