The arrests were made in Salaga, Damongo, Buipe and Bole as part of intensified policing efforts aimed at curbing crime and ensuring public safety during the festive period.

In a statement on the Ghana Police Service’s official Facebook page on December 26, the police said the suspects, made up of both men and women, were found with quantities of suspected narcotic drugs, including dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp.

According to the police, the operation forms part of broader preventive measures to clamp down on drug abuse and related criminal activities, especially during periods of increased public movement and social gatherings.

The suspects remain in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations, after which they are expected to be processed in accordance with the law.

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According to a police statement, the incident happened around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

The Bole Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Alex Adjeivie, was alerted to the violence and immediately deployed a 22-member team made up of two senior officers and personnel from the National Formed Police Unit to the scene.

When the team arrived, residents who had initially fled into the bush gradually returned and led officers through the community, where six bodies were discovered in separate locations.

Two survivors of the attack—80-year-old Sansah Sinkpe and 43-year-old Sansah Boonie—were quickly taken to the Bole District Hospital for treatment.

Police say investigations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and restore calm in the area.

Source: Adomonline

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Read the full statement below:

Communities that once bustled with life along the Sawla–Bole highway have been deserted.

On a journey through the area on Monday, villages such as Seiyiri and Nasoyiri near Sawla, and Bodi, Kakiase, Gbogdaa, and Doli on the way to Bole, appeared abandoned, their usual vibrancy replaced with silence and fear.

At Gbogdaa, an elderly woman with a walking stick was spotted alone, seemingly left behind in the rush to escape.

Many residents have sought safety at the Sawla Police Station, where a significant police presence is offering protection.

Security forces have stepped up operations, with all vehicles passing through the district subjected to thorough searches.

The violence that erupted on Sunday over a parcel of land at Gbiniyiri has resulted in the death of six people, while 18 others have sustained various degrees of injuries.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the MP revealed that the violence has spread beyond the town into the bushes, with people being attacked and killed on their farms.

According to him, armed groups riding motorbikes storm communities swiftly, making it difficult for the police to respond effectively, even when residents alert security services. He added that the poor road network in the area has further hampered security interventions.

“The town is practically a ghost town now. Many people have fled. As of Monday, about 400 people had taken refuge in my house. While some have managed to travel to the south, others keep arriving, so the numbers continue to fluctuate,” Mr. Chiwetey explained.

He commended faith-based organizations and community leaders for stepping in to provide relief, noting that the Church of Pentecost has been housing and feeding displaced residents at designated safe havens while security forces work to restore calm.

Mr. Chiwetey described the situation as dire and called for urgent action to protect lives and restore peace in the Savannah Region.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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In a statement, the Ghana Police Service said the visit aims to engage traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and community representatives in Sawla, Gbeniyiri, Giniri, and other affected areas to discuss measures for restoring calm.

The Service explained that the move is part of broader security efforts to strengthen its presence in the region and prevent further escalation.

“We urge all sides to remain calm and support the work of the security teams to achieve lasting peace,” the statement read.

The clashes, which erupted on Sunday, August 24, in Gbeniyiri following a land dispute, resulted in at least 10 deaths. Six others sustained injuries, with three reported to be in critical condition.

Reinforcement teams from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and other security agencies have since been deployed to stabilise the situation.

Source: AdomOnline

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The violence, believed to have been triggered by a protracted land dispute, has persisted despite the deployment of police and military personnel to the area.

On Sunday, August 24, five men were confirmed dead, with six others seriously injured during an exchange of gunfire.

Security forces have been working to restore calm, but eyewitnesses report that the clashes continue to escalate. According to reports, those injured are receiving medical treatment.

JoyNews correspondent Isaac Nongya, reporting on Joy Midday News, said the community has virtually been deserted, with terrified locals fleeing into nearby bushes for safety, while others have sought refuge at the local police station.

An eyewitness, Jimah Joseph, confirmed that gunshots could still be heard in parts of the community, underscoring the scale of the insecurity.

Meanwhile, the Savannah Regional Security Council is holding an emergency meeting to deliberate on the crisis and chart a path towards restoring peace.

Source: Albert Kuzor

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JoyNews sources at Gbenyiri and the Savannah Regional Police Command report that the gun battle stemmed from a long-standing land dispute between two rival factions.

The injured were rushed to the district hospital in Sawla for treatment.

JoyNews checks in Katalba and Gbenyiri communities revealed that the incident erupted Sunday night, forcing the chief of Gbenyiri to flee his palace and seek shelter at the Kalba chief’s palace.

According to a police source, when the chief of Gbenyiri was returning home the next day, his compatriot, the Kalba chief, asked his son to escort the Gbenyiri chief back to his community.

They were, however, attacked and killed by one of the factions in the land dispute after laying ambush.

A combined team of security personnel, including the Savannah Regional Police Commander DCOP, Awowolo, has been detailed by the Savannah REGSEC to both Kalba and Gbenyiri to protect lives and properties.

No arrests have yet been made.

Source: Isaac Nongya

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The operation, carried out on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, resulted in the seizure of eight excavators and the demolition of over 100 makeshift structures believed to be used as shelters and storage by illegal miners.

Addressing the media after the exercise, Mr. Be-Awurbe reaffirmed government’s uncompromising stance against illegal mining and warned that individuals found operating without valid licenses would be prosecuted.

He disclosed that several illegal miners, including some foreign nationals, fled the scene upon the arrival of security personnel, abandoning their equipment and other belongings.

The Regional Minister also noted that law enforcement is prioritising the identification and prosecution of the financiers behind these operations—particularly those deploying heavy-duty equipment and contributing to the pollution of key water bodies such as the Black and White Volta Rivers.

He further called on the Minerals Commission to expedite the allocation of legal concessions to organised mining groups. This, he explained, would help reduce illegal activities and promote responsible small-scale mining in the region.

Source: Rebecca Nantomah

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The visit forms part of efforts to strengthen relations with traditional leaders and the general public, with the President expected to discuss ongoing and future development projects.

A rally has been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at the forecourt of the Jakpa Palace in Damongo, where President Mahama is expected to deliver a message of gratitude, national unity, and a renewed commitment to inclusive development.

The tour will also serve as a platform to reaffirm support for the administration’s flagship initiatives, particularly the 24-hour economy, which the government considers central to job creation and economic transformation.

This visit follows earlier trips to the Volta Region on March 6, 2025, where the President assessed the impact of tidal waves on coastal communities such as Salakope and Agavedzi in the Ketu South Municipality.

President Mahama has also visited the Upper East, Northern, Central, and Western regions.

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This initiative aims to tackle the region’s pressing educational challenges and foster literacy and learning among local communities.

Speaking at the presentation and fundraising dinner, the Charter President, Lawuratu Musah-Saaka, revealed that the project was estimated to cost GH₵650,000.

She made an appeal to organizations, individuals, and fellow Rotarians to support this critical mission, which will play a pivotal role in driving community development.

Beyond education, she highlighted the club’s broader vision to address critical issues such as peacebuilding and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, community economic development, and environmental protection.

The keynote speaker, Alhaji Yusif Ibrahim, CEO of Dara Salam Group of Companies, lauded the club’s dedication to community development.

He urged members to remain steadfast in their commitment to integrity, service, and creating lasting change.

This transformational project, once completed, will significantly enhance literacy and educational opportunities in the East Gonja district, setting a strong foundation for sustainable development across the Savannah Region.

The Rotary E-Club of Savannah, Ghana has called on all stakeholders to join hands in turning this vision into reality.

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The exercise occurred on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the Savannah Regional Police Headquarters under tight security and the supervision of representatives from political parties.

The deployment included 1,475 BVDs and 353,390 ballot papers distributed across the constituencies as follows:

• Bole-Bamboi: 5,960
• Yapei-Kusawgu: 73,650
• North Gonja: 35,550
• Salaga North: 25,980
• Salaga South: 62,195
• Sawla-Tuna-Kalba: 55,010
• Damongo: 41,380

The Savannah Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, Johnson Akafia, along with seven district officers, oversaw the exercise, ensuring the numerical accuracy of the materials.

The deployment was accompanied by heavy security patrols and close monitoring by representatives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Dr. Niama Abdulai of the NDC and Saburu Kantama of the NPP expressed satisfaction with the process, commending the EC for its transparency and thoroughness.

The initiative aimed to empower the youth to actively support efforts to combat violent extremism and radicalization in the country.

This effort is part of a broader initiative to counter and prevent violent extremism in the region, which shares a boundary with the Sahel—a region known for terrorism and violent extremist activities.

Students from Bole Senior High School (SHS), Bole Nurses and Midwifery Training College, Savannah College of Education, and Daboya Day SHS were among the beneficiaries of this initiative.

The program was implemented with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and development partners, including the Norwegian Embassy, the Embassy of Denmark, Australian Aid, and the German Development Cooperation.

Reverend Father Lazarus Annyereh, Chairperson of the Savannah Regional Peace Council, led the facilitation team to visit the schools. He emphasized the need for youth to become active players in the fight against violence and the operations of violent extremist organizations.

He highlighted that unresolved conflicts, discrimination, marginalization of minority groups, and harsh economic conditions are critical push factors for radicalization.

Father Annyereh urged the youth to remain vigilant and not allow themselves or others in their communities to be radicalized. He advised them to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities while ensuring their personal safety.

He added that knowledge is crucial in the fight against extremism, making such initiatives essential.

Mr. Kennedy Atiibo Ayatah, Executive Secretary of the Savannah Regional Peace Council, likened peace to individual health to help students grasp its importance.

He explained: “The way ill-health affects an individual is the same way violence or the absence of peace affects society. No matter what one has achieved, without health, it means nothing because they cannot enjoy it.”

Mr. Ayatah further emphasized that the absence of peace disproportionately impacts the youth, who often bear the brunt of violence. “They are usually the ones who go out to fight, losing their lives or becoming maimed. Violence also jeopardizes the prospects of a better future, which belongs to the youth more than the aged,” he stated.

He underscored that the youth play a critical role in peacebuilding efforts and encouraged the formation of Peace Ambassadors’ Clubs (PACs) in schools. Through these clubs, the Peace Council aims to nurture a new generation of peace advocates to ensure sustainable peace for the country and the world.

School authorities at Bole SHS and Daboya Day SHS welcomed the idea of PACs and committed to appointing patrons to facilitate the formation of the clubs in their schools.

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He made the comments during the commencement of his tour of the region on Monday, October 14.

The President emphasised his administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable development across all regions of Ghana.

During his address, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the significant investments his government has made in various sectors, including education, health, and road infrastructure.

He noted that, these investments have been essential in addressing the developmental challenges faced by the Savannah Region.

The President underscored that his government has prioritised the needs of the region, making strides to improve the quality of life for its residents.

President Akufo-Addo pointed out that the Savannah Region has received its fair share of development under his leadership.

He cited various projects and initiatives that have been implemented to uplift the region, ensuring that its inhabitants benefit from national resources and opportunities.

The president’s remarks aimed to reassure the people of the region that their concerns have not gone unnoticed.

As part of his tour, the president engaged with local leaders and community members, encouraging dialogue on the challenges they face.

He urged the residents to continue supporting his government’s initiatives aimed at fostering growth and development in the region.

“I have discharged my duties well to the whole country and haven’t left out anyone. So I want to go back a little bit over the things that have been done in the Savannah Region by my government since I came, and I am saying that in education, health, road infrastructure, industrial development and agriculture and all of these sectors, there is every reason for Savannah region to be happy about the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” he stated.

The interaction aimed to strengthen the relationship between the government and the people, ensuring that their voices are heard in the decision-making process.

The President’s visit is part of a broader strategy to connect with constituents and gather feedback on his administration’s policies.

By highlighting the achievements in the Savannah Region, President Akufo-Addo seeks to reinforce his commitment to equitable development and encourage ongoing support for his government as it works to build a brighter future for all Ghanaians.

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Previously without access to electricity, residents relied on firewood, flashlights, and traditional oil lamps to light their homes.

This lack of reliable lighting severely impacted students’ ability to study after dark and stifled economic activities within the community.

Through its Renewable Energy for Communities Campaign, 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (350 GROC), an organization committed to promoting renewable energy across Ghana, has installed solar panels and bulbs in every house in the community.

A total of 65 solar panels and bulbs were distributed throughout Domangburi, and three solar streetlights were erected at the local school and market. The solar panels will help them lighten up their homes and charge their phones.

Speaking at the ceremony before the installations, Mumuni Alhassan, the chief of Domangburi, expressed deep gratitude for the initiative.

He emphasised the critical importance of lighting for daily activities and students’ education, noting that renewable energy offers a sustainable solution that can drive development and significantly improve the quality of life in communities like Domangburi.

Portia Adu Mensah, the national coordinator of 350 GROC, also addressed the gathering, passionately advocating for the continued promotion of renewable energy initiatives. She highlighted the pivotal role of women in these efforts, emphasizing their importance in advancing sustainable development.

Kongwura Adamu Seidu Jinkurige I, Paramount Chief of the Kong Traditional Area, said that over 50 other communities in his traditional area remain without electricity.

He called for interventions to power those communities as well.

The Domangburi project is part of 350 GROC’s Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition, a broader effort to bring clean, sustainable energy to underserved regions across Ghana.

Source: Myjoyonline

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This road connects the western part of Savannah to the eastern part and is known for its rosewood timber and shea-butter farming.

Following this, he visited the vibrant city of Damongo with the MP and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, to inspect the ongoing construction of 21km of Damongo town roads.

This project aims to address drainage challenges, improve accessibility, and boost trade. The beneficiary communities include the Canteen Area, Sabon Zongo Area, Bishop Area, Attributu Area, Budama Area, and the Central Business District.

In Mognori, the Bantama MP inspected a bridge over the Mole River, which is earmarked for dredging to prevent the perennial flooding that cuts off the North Gonja District during heavy downpours.

“The Ministry will collaborate with the Ghana Hydrological Authority to complete this task.

“I extend my gratitude to the good people of Savannah, led by their Regional Minister, Hon. Saeed Muhazu Jibril, for the warm reception and support during my official visit,” he added.

The incident occurred at Dakurpe, a farming community in the Bole district of the Savannah Region.

The elder brother had intended to shoot a bird on his farm but unfortunately, his younger brother, Yaw was in the line of fire, resulting in gunshot wounds to his stomach.

The father of the victim and suspect, Aba-irasug who narrated the unfortunate incident to Adom News said Yaw was rushed to the Bole district government hospital.

A complaint has also been lodged with the Bole police.

The suspect has been remanded into police custody while the victim is receiving treatment at the Bole district government hospital.

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Mr Sulemana said before politics there were Kagbenye (descendants of Ndewura Jakpa), hence partisan politics should not destroy the beautiful bond between them.

It would be recalled that on Sunday, February 25, 2024, there was a scuffle between NPP and NDC supporters at the final funeral rites of the late Queen mother of Busunu, Busunuwuriche Azara Seidu at Businu, a suburb of West Gonja in the Savannah Region where security personnel had to fire warning shots to defuse tensions and ensure law and order.

Some high-profile politicians from the two sides, like former President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema-Opare, the Member of Parliament of Damongo, Abu Jinapor, and the Savannah Regional Minister, Saeed Muhazu Jebril including some former government appointees were all in attendance at the funeral when the confusion broke out.

Recounting a similar incident between supporters of NPP and NDC during the seventh-day funeral rites of the late Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Sulemana Bore Essa II at Damongo where he (Sulemana Iddrisu) single-handedly intervened and restored peace, he bemoaned such occurrences and appealed for calm and unity among both parties’ supporters.

“What do we gain as NPP and NDC supporters? Or is politics superior to Kagbenye; if not, let’s revisit the unity and peace of our forefathers. It’s shameful and very embarrassing for us to allow others to come in and cause the problems and disappear and our name is smeared with all the negative tags.”

Professor Kalamonia maintains, “We have seen how politics has divided and destroyed families in some other regions and we shouldn’t allow that to happen to us here because we are Kagbenye” he insisted.

He added that, as a party Chair, he believes in fairness and wouldn’t allow any bad blood in the name of politics.

He, however, warned the first National Vice Chairman of NDC, Sofo Azorka not to repeat the alleged transportation of vigilante boys known as ‘Hawks’ [Azorka’s Boys] in NDC party T-shirts to funeral grounds in the region to create chaos.

He commended the Savannah Regional Chairman of NDC, Seidu Imoro for distancing himself from the incident as a true son of the Kingdom who also believes in fairness.

In recounting the incident at Busunu, Mr Iddrisu Sulemana said, “Assuming you were seated before our team arrived, why were they chasing almost everybody away but allowed Azorka who came with a bus full of people from Tamale? The former president couldn’t say a word because his people embarrassed him. And what happened was a total embarrassment to us all”, Mr Sulemana Iddrisu lamented.

Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu further stated that the event which was allegedly turned into a political event by the NDC gave way to the display of such uncalled-for behaviour instead of praying for somebody’s, Mother, or sister’s departed soul.”

Mr Sulemana expressed dismay at seeing how his opponents continue to turn the funerals of high-profile sons and daughters in the region into political campaign platforms.

“As you can see, the NDC party’s colours were all over and their leaders were very comfortable watching and smiling. No. Let’s learn as people and protect our image as a family”, Prof Kalamonia appealed.

He also appealed to the leadership of both sides to put measures in place to curtail any future occurrences in the region.

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The inauguration ceremony, presided over by the Savannah Regional Minister, Saeed Muhazu Jibril, underscored the critical importance of the newly established facility in improving access to healthcare for residents of the region.

During his address at the ceremony, Minister Jibril spoke on the need for diligent maintenance of the new facility to ensure its effectiveness in serving the healthcare needs of the community.

He urged the management of NHIS to prioritize the upkeep of the infrastructure, adding that proper maintenance is essential for the facility to fulfill its intended purpose of providing quality healthcare services to the people of the region.

Acknowledging the support of the government, Minister Jibril expressed gratitude on behalf of the residents of the Savannah region for the various infrastructure projects that have been initiated in recent times.

He highlighted the significance of these developments in improving the overall well-being of the people and reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure to meet the needs of the populace.

The commissioning ceremony was graced by many including CEO of NHIS and Minister designate for Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye.

Dr. Okoe-Boye handed over a brand new vehicle and introduced the Experience Stand initiative aimed at addressing complaints and issues promptly within healthcare facilities.

In his remarks, Dr. Okoe-Boye assured residents of continued support from the NHIS in improving healthcare services and reducing the prevalence of the cash and carry system.

He commended the chief of Damongo and elders for their role in encouraging residents to register with the Health Insurance scheme, emphasizing the importance of universal healthcare coverage in promoting the well-being of the community.

Chief Dauda Mahama, the Savannah Regional Director of NHIS, expressed gratitude to the leadership of NHIS for the provision of the new facility.

Police sources in Daboya have verified the assault and arrest to myjoyonline.

On Monday, February 12, the community faced an assault, destroying numerous properties valued at thousands of Cedis.

According to reports from the Savannah Regional Security Council (SREGSEC) and local authorities in the District, the incident is purportedly a retaliation for last year’s assault, during which numerous properties were damaged, prompting residents to abandon the community.

The attack compelled the Gonja Chief and his supporters to once again vacate the community out of fear for their safety.

Until recently, Mempeasem was regarded as a diverse agricultural community home to Dagombas, Mamprusis, Gonjas, and Tamprumas.

However, this perception has shifted since the outbreak of chieftaincy and land boundary disputes between the Mamprusis and Gonjas.

The turmoil in Mempeasem began with the creation of the Savannah and North East Regions from the then Northern Region, involving disputes over land boundaries and ownership, as part of the government’s efforts to promote decentralized development in the region.

Meanwhile, both the Gonjas and Mamprusis have chosen to remain silent regarding the recent attacks in Mempeasem.

According to checks conducted by Myjoyonline at the Savannah Regional Police command, additional police personnel have been dispatched to the community to uphold law and order.

“Nothing was retrieved from the house but to me, if there’s life, there’s hope because my old Lady (Mother) was rescued from her room and she is worth more than any property. So, I thank Allah”, Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu indicated.

Mr Sulemana, who said this in an interview with Myjoyonline said he received a call from home that, his house had been burnt into ashes.

“The only thing I said was, I thank Almighty Allah for giving me that gift (House) because my mother was on admission and discharged on Saturday then, the fire occurred on Sunday. If it’s not the doing of Allah, who else could be”, he queried.

The house was gutted by fire around 4:35 pm on Sunday 11th February 2024 with several properties destroyed.

Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service in the Sagnarigu Municipality led by Station Officer Dauda Basit, said despite their prompt arrival at the scene, it was too late to save anything useful.

He, however, said the additional pumps from the fire station made it possible for them to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby houses and properties.

He said he suspects an electrical fault as the immediate cause but added that “the whole thing is still under investigation because the fire started from one room and spread to the rest.”

Personal valuables like land documents, certificates, motorcycles, flat-screen television sets, fridges, clothes, and foodstuff among others were burnt.

An eyewitness, Sulemana Sheriff, who was in his room when the fire started, spoke to Myjoyonline.

He said his little boy who was playing outside the house first spotted smoke coming out from the top of the roof of his mother’s room and drew their attention.

“I came out to go to town and saw the children sitting inside a tricycle and I ordered them out and left. But I returned shortly and was in my room watching television. And in less than 30 minutes, my wife rushed to tell me that our son said he saw smoke coming from her room.”

“So, I rushed outside and first removed the fuse from the meter but the moment we picked out our old lady (mother) to safety, the fire quickly started spreading to every part of the house, Sulemana Sheriff indicated.

Meanwhile, sympathisers from all walks of life, including politicians from the two major political parties and religious groups in Savannah and Northern Regions turned out in their numbers to console the NPP Regional Chairman and his family.

Patients lucky to have a bed assigned to them while on admission are those in critical conditions.

Healthcare givers have been compelled by the situation to resort to hourly discharge of in-patients due to inadequate beds.

Whereas some of the admitted patients wait for their turn on benches, others have no option but to receive treatment in plastic chairs.

The Daboya and Mankargu health centers all serve as referral centers within the North Gonja District.

Kwame Ebenezer, a nurse at the Daboya Health Centre lamented about the challenges patients and staff face.

“One of our main challenges is the bedding situation because you have cases you have to detain and take care of and the question is where does the patient sleep? We have to resort to a shift system,” he said.

Issahaku Ramatu, a patient was compelled to take her infusion in a plastic chair because she could not get a bed.

“I was told the beds were full and needed to wait for some time for them to discharge someone and I couldn’t wait so I opted to sit in this plastic chair. How can you be well in this situation?” she bemoaned.

Emmanuel Osei who has worked at the health facility for the past three years said the bed situation has become detrimental to healthcare delivery.

“Some patients at the Mankarigu Health Center receive treatment under trees. With an average daily admission of more than 15 patients for each of the facilities, the availability of beds for use by patients still remains a challenge. Our MP is a deputy Minister of Health and we don’t know his seriousness level on this issue,” a frustrated patient said.

But the Deputy Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for the area, Alhaji Asei Seini, described the situation as unfortunate but assured that beds would be deployed to the facility in a week’s time.

“I distributed some beds a few days ago and still have more at the central medical store in Accra but I think the challenge is the space to keep them. I will dispatch the other beds within a week to address the entire bedding situation. We are facing this challenge be sitting here is no hospital but with the springing up of the agenda 111 Hospital, we shall soon overcome these challenges,” he said.

Hospital beds play an important role in healthcare by assisting patients to obtain optimal comfort.

However, its absence has a detrimental impact on the health of patients.

Sustainable Development Goal three targets achieving universal health coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services and safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all by 2030.

But issues like no-bed syndrome derail the country’s health gains and further widen the gap towards achieving quality health goals.

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Khadijatu Bawuma, who lives with her 68-year-old paternal grandmother at Dakompilayiri, in an interview told Myjoyonline.com that she was compelled to temporarily leave school to raise money and buy enough sanitary pads to avoid staining her outfits – an incident that has occurred to her many times while in school.

“I don’t have anybody to help me financially. At first, it was my grandmother but now, she says she doesn’t have. So, she (grandmother) asks that I use a piece of cloth but I can’t wear it and go to school with it. Because from experience, it will disgrace me again.”

“So, anytime my flow is due, I stay away from school and now, I’m tired of doing that because friends are all aware and some even gave me names. But once I’m here on the farm with my grandmother, our focus is to get money to enable me to buy enough pads and fend for ourselves,” Khadihatu Bawumah said.

The grandmother, Felicia Bawumah claimed the teenager’s biological mother abandoned her at the age of four and walked out of her marriage.

She added that, Khadijatu’s father, after his wife’s action, also went down south, and has not returned after nine years.

“See how weak I am with this young one. What else can I do; I don’t have a husband. I’m a widow and my children are not here too. So, she is here with me on the farm because she started having her monthly flow and said she wouldn’t wear clothes. But me too I can’t afford the pads. And it’s always like this every month but this time around, she wouldn’t go back,” the grandmother indicated.

Khadijatu Bawumah was first spotted on a two-acre maize farmland by our news crew engaged in weeding.

Madam Felicia appealed to anyone that can be of help to come to her grandchild’s rescue.

“If we get help from anywhere for her, I’ll be very happy because I need her to be better than me tomorrow,” Felicia added.

Little Khadijatu Bawumah told MyJoyOnline about her dream of becoming a professional nurse or a teacher because she loves the two professions.

After hearing the plight of the teenager from our news team, a retired educationist who is also the chief of Dakompilayiri and Kunkuya, Eku-Ewilawura Amos Seidu visited the farm and donated an undisclosed amount of money to Khadijatu through her grandmother to get the pads.

“She needs to get back to school. At least, she can buy sanitary pads that might last for two months or so.
I’ll also try and visit you anytime I come to the community, but use the money very well,” he said.

As part of the intervention, the retired educationist also donated a beehive cage and enrolled Khadija and her grandmother in bee-keeping training, alongside 60 other women to help them establish a business and increase their income.

MyJoyOnline checks in that enclave showed that many young girls live under similar conditions and are forced to drop out of school and forced into early marriages.

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She beat 999 other pupils in the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation assessment test by scoring 92 out of 100.

Mohammed Rahima is part of the 1,000 girls from Upper Primary and JHS in the seven districts of the Savannah region to participate in the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation Girls in ICT program which climaxed at Damongo in the Savannah Regional Capital on May 9.

Rahima, on behalf of her colleagues, thanked the Ministry for the initiative and described the girls in ICT program as life changing experience for them as some of them never touched a computer in their lives until the arrival of the Girls In ICT programme.

The girls program forms part of strategies to ensure that Ghana achieves the sustainable development goals in Ghana’s ICT for accelerated development policy of bridging the gender digital divide which is being implemented through Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC) and supported by MTN, KACE, GIZ,ATC and KODRIS Africa.

Hon Ursula Owusu-Ekuful in a speech to climax the Girls in ICT programme at Damongo said she is optimistic that the programme will live it’s Mark in the hearts and minds of the people of the Savannah Region.

She added that, she was extremely happy with the interest that the Savannah region showed in Girls in ICT day by seeing girls as beneficiary of people they are grooming to handover the batton for them to drive the development of the country because they’re building a digital Ghana which needs it’s own people to manage the infrastructure and services that they’re putting in place.

Out of the 1,000 trained girls, 100 of them who best performed in the training were awarded with certificates for participating in the program coupled with brand new laptops with the best third, Second and First girls grabbing GH2,000.00, GH2,500.00 and Gh3,000.00 respectively.

Meanwhile, the Savannah Regional Minister, Saeed Muhazudeen Jibril, in his address, thanked the Ministry for including girls as part of calls for action to empower women and girls to achieve their goals and aspirations in ICT.

He added that as one of the newly created regions, the Savannah Region has huge natural resources but has a lot of challenges, especially in education and other economic developments which requires that there is an innovative way to fix the challenges and ICT is the most important key to these challenges.

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Evan who doubles as a chop bar operator reportedly stole the money from his boss.

The suspect is currently in police custody for further investigation.

The boss who confirmed the incident to Adom News said Evans stole GHS6,000 from him.

He added that, he bought a piece of land for GHS 4000.00 and the remaining GHS 2,000 was left for his other needs.

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Meanwhile, the Police CID, Alhaji said the suspect will be arraigned before a court in Bole on Tuesday.

This forms part of the government’s rearing for food and jobs initiative.

The District Chief Executive for Central Gonja, Salia Kamara, disclosed this at the 38th Farmers’ Day celebration at Kusuwgu on Friday.

Mr Kamara also announced the district has received 700 metric tonnes of open-pollinated varieties of maize seeds which were distributed to 53 farmers as well as 400 metric tonnes of soya beans seeds distributed to 18 farmers.

He added that through the planting for Export and rural development the assembly has received 40,000 cashew seedlings and distributed 272 to interested and committed farmers with 20,000 shea plants currently awaiting distribution.

Mr Kamara has, therefore, urged residents in Central Gonja to be mindful of daily activities to avoid fire disasters in the district and also help campaign against bushfires.

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Meanwhile, the Central Gonja District Agric Director, Mumuni Imoro Mohammed, in his address, congratulated all gallant farmers and urged them to adopt best practices always.

He also appealed for more agriculture staff in the district for efficient work.

The district Best farmer, Issahaku Inusah, age 58, from Kusawgu, speaking in Gonja, appealed to the youth and women in Central Gonja to engage in farming.

He said many think farming is for illiterates alone but unfortunately not.

He, therefore, thanked the agric officers for the award.

The Secretary in a Facebook post said the incident occurred on Saturday, April 23, 2022.

Mr Be-Awurbe and his team were said to be returning from a handing over ceremony of the Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN) at the Damongo Nurses’ Training College when the incident occurred.

The police stationed at Jankuraa shot and killed one of the robbers with the help of some residents at Fufulso Junction.

His accomplices are however on the run and the police is on a manhunt for them.

A pump-action gun was retrieved from the deceased yet to be identified.

The beneficiary districts include Bole, Sawla and West Gonja, all in the West Gonja Municipality.

The donation was made during a health screening exercise during which residents were also dewormed.

The leader of the US army, Dr Gabriel Steel, speaking to Adom News, said they chose the area because health facilities lack these basic medical supplies.

He also added that very soon it will be farming season and farmers who are bitten by snakes will need the vaccines to save their lives.

Dr Steel thanked the Savannah regional armour regiment 155 for their support in accommodating them and leading the team to various communities.

The Bole District Health Director, who also doubles as the queen mother of Wasipe Hajia Fuseina Sulemana, expressed appreciation to the team for their gesture.

She said the drugs donated to Bole District Hospital will save many lives, hence the donation was a step in the right direction.

The president of the Savannah Regional Queen mother’s Association, Kansawurche Ajara Veronica Abubakari, who also appreciated the team, appealed for more support.

The two Chiefs are; Wasipewura Anyame Kabasagya II and Soo Naba Nantogmah Seidu of Wasipe Traditional Area and Janga Traditional Area respectively.

The ban, which took effect on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, also affects the warriors and Sub-chiefs from the two Palaces.

The Savannah Regional Minister, Saeed Muhazu Jebreel, who made the disclosure during an exclusive interview with JoyNews‘ Isaac Nongya at Damongo warned that the two Security Councils will not hesitate to arrest the two Paramount Chiefs and deal with them if they continue to create problems at Lukula irrespective of their tribes or origins.

Mr Jebreel stressed that the two security bodies have the mandate to ensure law and order.

“Let me sound this warning to those two chiefs that there is a tendency for them to be arrested if they continue giving us problems in those communities, whether Gonja Chief or Mamprusis Chief. We will make sure we recommend to National Security to pick them up and give peace to the people”, he warned.

According to Mr Jebreel, the two Paramount Chiefs should respect their Kings and allow them to take a decision on Lukula.

“If Wasipewura respect Yagbomwura (King of Gonjas) and Soo Naba in Janga traditional area respects Nayiri (King of Mamprugu), there will not be any problems because the decision the two REGSECs took was that, the two Chiefs should stay off till such a time that the two Regional Houses of Chiefs work for peace to return so that those the Land belongs to, then, the Chiefs of that area will enskin a Chief to take care,” he stated.

“But what the man (Soo Naba Nantogmah Seidu) said is actually making people in my region angry. So, I want to plead with all Gonjas to take everything lightly as we REGSECs are on top of issues.

“We will not allow, whether Gonja or Mamprusi Chief who is there to claim ownership of the place. As long as the two REGSECs are concerned, we are not going to allow anybody to bring disturbances there. We will make sure that anybody who goes in there we will flush him out with the security apparatus on the ground”, the Regional Minister said.

Lukula is a cosmopolitan farming community located in the North Gonja district of the Savannah Region. It has for over a decade, been the center of violent attacks and counter-attacks from the two Paramouncies over ownership and who to rule the town as Chief.

The Regional Minister indicated that a Fact-finding Committee has been set up to probe the matter and enable the Savannah and North East Regional Houses of Chiefs to take a decision on Lukula.

He added, “we are not concentrating on these Sub-chiefs who are there trying to claim ownership of the Land but Nayiri and Yagbomwura to solve the problem.

According to Mr Saeed Muhazu, “if we didn’t move the Gonja warriors from Lukula three days ago, and yesterday and warriors from Soo Naba went, you would have imagined what would happen. Lives would have been lost.”

He said the two Security Councils are on red alert with intelligence on the ground to make sure that every disturbance that will come to Lukula is nipped in the bud.

The infection was announced as an outbreak by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on October 29, 2021.

Some 18 others are also on admission at some health facilities and are being treated for the virus.

A statement from the GHS indicates that a team of experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Centre for Disease Control was dispatched to the region to investigate the outbreak and enforce control measures.

Following their engagement with stakeholders in the affected areas and thorough assessment, a decision has been taken to dispatch 50,300 doses of Yellow Fever vaccines from GHS headquarters to some selected districts for inoculation.

An update, signed by Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, explained that over 43,615 persons in the Savannah Region have been vaccinated as part of the intervention.

The GHS Director-General further added that his outfit will “continue with efforts aimed at improving outcomes for persons who are unfortunately affected while continuing with the vaccination drive to improve the immunity of the population against Yellow Fever.”

Below is the full statement:

This brings to 14 the number of persons — comprising a male adult and 13 children — who are suspected to have died of the disease so far.

Twenty-two persons, who contracted the disease, are currently on admission at the West Gonja Municipal Hospital in Damongo, while 17 others have been treated and discharged from the same facility.

The Savannah Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Chrysantus Kubio, told the Daily Graphic that all the cases were recorded in the West Gonja Municipality and the North Gonja District.

He said the new cases were recorded after the regional health directorate intensified its surveillance in the various communities, adding that most of the initial deaths were due to the delay in reporting to the health facilities.

Dr Kubio indicated that the directorate had dispatched medical personnel to the affected communities to vaccinate and screen the residents.

“There is no cause for alarm because we are doing everything possible to contain the situation,” he assured.

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He advised the residents to report early to the health facilities for medical checkups when they detected any signs and symptoms of the disease.

Outbreak

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) recently issued an alert over the outbreak of suspected yellow fever in the Savannah Region, with eight persons having died of the suspected disease.

A statement signed by the Director-General of GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said the deceased persons were nomads in the West and North Gonja districts who had never been vaccinated against yellow fever.

“Avoid mosquito bites by wearing clothing that covers all parts of the body, and report to the nearest health facility if you have a fever and especially when you have yellowish discoloration of your eyes,” the statement advised.

Madam Saratu died in the early hours of Friday, November 12, 2021, with the cause not immediately known.

The Regional Secretary, Haruna Iddrisu, who confirmed the incident, said it occurred at the West Hospital in Tamale.

She is expected to be buried today in accordance with Islamic customs.

Following the news of her demise, social media has been inundated with tributes in her honour.

Reports indicate this was after the mother, Rebecca Banuda Yibilena, objected to his decision to travel at midnight.

Some residents, who spoke to Adom News, narrated the deceased was with her son who is epileptic at a prayer camp in Nabel near Gindabuo.

However, he woke up on Monday night and insisted on going back home but the mother resisted as it was a long journey to embark on foot.

She managed to persuade him to stay till the next day but he felt unconscious in the process and woke up the next day acting very violent.

He later turned his anger on his mother who he chased till she fell on the ground and smashed her head with three stones.

The suspect, however, fled after committing the crime.

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The Sawla District Police Commander, ASP De-Graft Adjei, who confirmed the incident, stated investigations are still ongoing to unravel what might have pushed him to act the way he did.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Sawla District Hospital with a manhunt launched to apprehend the suspect.

Mr Azumah, popularly known as “Chuu” reportedly died in the early hours of Thursday, February 4, 2021, at the Buipe Holistic Hospital after a short illness.

He has been a long-standing member of the NDC, rising through the ranks to his current position.

The Savannah Regional Communication Officer of the party, Malik Basintale, announced his demise in a statement as he extended the party’s condolence to the family.

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“The Regional Chairman, executive body and entire NDC fraternity condoles with the family as we join in showing our last respect to our brother and comrade,” parts of the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Regional Committee has directed that all party flags fly at half-mast until the final funeral rites are performed.

The chairperson of the Commission, Ms Josephine Nkrumah, in an interview at the regional office, said it is high time stigmatisation and witchcraft accusations are stopped.

She explained old age makes women behave funny, but that does not mean they are witches.

She made reference to the Kafaba case where a 90-year-old woman was lynched in public.

Three elderly women are also still battling for their lives after they were attacked by a mob at Sumpini.

The chairperson added that the Commission is worried similar instances are bound to happen in Ghana if platforms are not provided for victims to air their displeasure.

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Ms Nkrumah, educating the masses, advised the finger-pointers to desist from such acts as everyone is not too far away from old age.

She also appealed to those who do that to stop taking the law into their own hands.

The young man works at Salaga but lives in Tamale in the Northern region.

Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Kumah Aboagye, who disclosed this at a press conference in Accra, said the patient is responding to treatment.

He noted that, 12 people, who came into contact with the man, have been identified through enhanced contact tracing.

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The Savannah region is the 14th region out of the country’s 16 regions to record a case of the deadly Coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s case count has risen to 6,904 with 2,097 recoveries.

The woman who was killed in cold blood by her 60-year-old husband, Yikatey Somatey accused her of infidelity, reason for his action.

The incident, which occurred in Gando around Nyanyema a suburb of Tuna, has been confirmed by the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Divisional Police Command.

In a telephone interview with Joy News, the Sawla Divisional Police Commander, Degraft Armah Adjei revealed that a former assembly man of Tuna, Francis Vudie, who doubles as an uncle of the deceased, lodged a complaint and accused Yikatey Somatey of murdering his senior wife in the bush.

He said police quickly proceeded with the complainant to the scene and found the lifeless body of the deceased amidst multiple cuts on her head and right eye.

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He said a postmodern was later conducted at the Sawla hospital where the report cited severe head injury secondary to trauma to occipital of the laceration close to the right eye as the causes of death.

He said the body has since been handed over to the family for burial while the suspect is in custody assisting with investigations.

According to the driver’s mate, they were traveling to Accra and upon reaching Grupe just some few kilometers from the bush where they went and loaded the charcoal, the gear and brakes failed and the driver lost control.

Despite the severity of the accident, there was no death recorded except for restriction in the movement of cars.

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The Kia is spoilt in the middle of the road with the charcoal causing traffic as passengers traveling to Damongo and Tamale cannot have access to drive pass.

Some passengers were seen helping to carry sacks of charcoal to pave way for vehicles to pass.

The incident is said to have happened on the Damongo hospital road when Malik’s motor with registration number M-17-NR 1889 collided with 16-year-old Lansa Suhuyini’s Honda Ace motorbike.

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According to the Damongo Police, the duo sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the Damongo government hospital only for Malik to be pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhie, Lansa Suhuyini who is currently in serious condition has been referred to Tamale Teaching hospital.

Nonetheless, per the traditions of Islam, the body of Malik has been released to the family who proceeded with his burial.

The pupils will be vacating today, Thursday, December 19, ahead of the festive holidays despite failure to write first term examination.

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A visit to some schools by Adom News confirmed that pupils in public schools were preparing towards vacation while those in private schools were found writing exam.

Pupils in five public schools, Damongo Presby Primary, Damongo Jakpa, Jafo Primary School, Sawla D/A and St Augustine Primary School did not partake in the examination, while New Life Primary School, Saako Primary and Pentecost Primary Schools, all private, were said to have written exam.

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In an interview with Adom News, headteacher of Jafo Primary School, Mr Alex Karmetey, explained that the development was informed by a directive from the Tamale Education Regional office during a meeting held on the new curriculum.

A key reform under the new standard based curriculum that took effect in September 2019 is that pupils in Basic 1, 2, 3 and Junior High School (JHS) 1 will not write end of term exam, except for pupils in Basic 4, 6 and JHS 2 who will write a standardised test.