Basket Weavers Get Market Abroad
24-05-09 Basket Weavers Get Market Abroad
BASKET WEAVERS in the Upper East region, most of whom are widows, housewives and disabled persons, can now afford to smile, as HAVILAK Ltd, a Bolgatanga based fair trade company, has promised to offer ready market for the baskets, once they meet international standards. With this arrangement, basket weavers in the region can also live dignified and fulfilling lives with proceeds from their baskets. Basket buyers on the international market, especially in Denmark, mostly prefer Upper East Baskets, popularly referred to as Bolga Baskets for reasons best known to them. On the local market, Upper East baskets still stand tall and yet the livelihoods of the people who make these baskets cannot be said to have improved. A standard shopping basket that meets both markets' requirements is sold on the local market at GH¢5 while on the international market the same basket goes for a fair trade price of not less than $50, which is indeed fair, considering the processes the baskets go through to get to the international market. In order to ensure that basket weaving really becomes lucrative and also guarantee that the baskets meet the required standard, HAVILAK Ltd, in partnership with its Danish partner, Global Trade, have organized a capacity building workshop for leaders of some selected Straw Weavers Associations to kick-start a year-long pilot project. Apart from improving on their weaving knowledge and skills, the weavers were also taught how to get the right price for their products to improve their livelihoods and support their families. Some environmental experts have suggested the use of straw baskets for shopping and storage to save the nation from the filth caused by polythene bags. Fortunately straw baskets are environmentally friendly, last longer, come in various sizes, affordable and can easily decompose when disposed off into the soil, as against polythene bags which have been proven not to be environmentally friendly. The Managing Director of HAVILAK Ltd, Francis Danso in an interview with CITY&BUSINESS GUIDE said the yearlong project dubbed, “Business to Business (B2B)” is aimed at improving the living conditions of the weavers through the production and sales of the baskets under fair trade conditions both in Ghana and on the International market. According to him, a total of 300 weavers will have their capacities built on periodic basis within the project period. Weavers under the project will also be receiving capacity building in Human Rights, personal and environmental hygiene as well as business management through fair trade workshops. The project which focuses mainly on weaving associations will ensure that the weavers in these associations work and maintain high standards which will enable them get very good revenue from their produce. By the end of the pilot project, more than 95 percent of baskets produced by these weavers for the Danish market are expected to be of high quality. The project manager of “Business to Business (B2B)”, under the global trade in Denmark, Ida Ljunggren disclosed that the demand for Bolga Basket in Denmark is great, and with this HAVILAK-GLOBAL TRADE project, the basket weaver will reap maximum benefit.
Bolgatanga, March 30, GNA- The government has demonstrated its commitment to develop the craft industry in the Upper East Region by constructing an ultra- modern crafts centre in Bolgatanga, estimated at 1.6 billion cedis. The provision of the centre would help reduce poverty among the people in Bolgatanga and its environs, the majority of whom owe their sustenance from the weaving of straw baskets and leather works. The Upper East Regional Minister Mr. Mahami Salifu said this, when he opened the third Bolgatanga Basket Weavers Fair (BOBAFAIR 2004) at Bolgatanga on Monday. Twenty-one groups and 40 individuals, who took home prizes, including T/Shirts, sound systems straw splitters and bicycles, attended the Award and Exhibition Fair. Mr. Salifu commended the initiators of the fair, saying it would give recognition to the local artisans, who contribute to the development of the country's export trade through the production of Bolga baskets. He appealed to the organizers to strive hard to give the fair a national and even international character. The Regional Minister charged the artisans to access credit facilities instituted by the government to enable them to expand their businesses in order to compete in the world market. Madam Mariam Mensah, Regional Director of the Export Promotion Council, thanked the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) and the Bongo District Assembly for sponsoring the fair.
Upper East Region
Location
Statistics
Regional Minister
Mr. Mark Owen Woyongo
Capital
Bolgatanga
Area
8,842 km²
Ranked 9th
Population
2000 Census
1984 Census Ranked 9th
920,089
772,744
Districts
8
ISO 3166-2
GH-UE
Upper East Region
The Upper East Region of Ghana is located in the northeastern corner of the country and bordered by Burkina Faso to the north and Togo to the east. The capital is Bolgatanga, sometimes shortened to Bolga. Other cities include Bawku and Navrongo. In area, the Upper East Region is 8842 square kilometers. In 2002, its population was 964,500.
The major ethnic groups are the Bimoba, Bissa, Buli, Frafra, Kantosi, Kasem, and Kusasi.
The geography is primarily savanna grassland. The climate is very dry.
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Economy and Tourism
The region's economy is based on agriculture, primarily cattle and cereals like millet, sorghum and rice. The region is also known for its handicrafts and a locally brewed beer known as Pito. The market at Bolga has a long history. The ancient trans-Saharan trade routes from Mali, which passed through Burkina Faso, was joined in Bolga by a second route, from northern Nigeria through Bawku, and continues down to Tamale and southern Ghana. At the Bolga market, visitors can buy straw hats, baskets, leather goods, metal goods, and traditional clothing. As in other parts of Ghana, colonialism and slave trade are part of the history of the Upper East Region. The area offers insight into this history through guided tours and visits to former slave camps. In Widnaba, a visitor can enter a hollow baobab tree in which potential slaves were held captive. In Paga Nania, 3 km west of Paga, is a slave transit camp and relics of the slave trade. From the 16th century when slaves became a dominant item of trade, Nania became the first stopover and auction market for slaves captured in Mossi and surrounding lands. The market was in a rocky area referred to as "Pinkworo" (Rocks of Fear). Still evident today is the rock outcrop that was used as an observation post by the raiders, water troughs formed in the rocks from which slaves drank, grinding stones and indents in the rocks, where slaves ground cereals for food. One unique site in the region are the Tongo Whistling Rocks. Located 6 miles (10 km.) from Bolgatanga, these granite rocks jut dramatically from the terrain. The rocks also make strange whistling sounds during November and December, when the harmattan wind blows off the Sahara through the Northern Region. The region also plays host to many festivals throughout the year. Most festivals are either to bring a good planting season or celebrate the harvest. Festivals include the Gologo Festival, celebrated in March by the Talensis of Tong-Zug just before the planting of grain, and the Fao Festival, held between November and March in the Page/Chiana and Kayoro Traditional Areas as a thanksgiving offering for good harvest.
[edit] Districts
Districts of Upper East Ghana
The Upper East Region of Ghana contains the following 8 districts:
• Bawku Municipal District
• Bawku West District
• Bolgatanga Municipal District
• Bongo District
• Builsa District
• Garu-Tempane District
• Kassena/Nankana District
• Talensi-Nabdam District
• GhanaDistricts.com
Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga
Location in Ghana
Coordinates: 10°47′N 0°51′W10.783°N 0.85°W
Country Ghana
Region
Upper East Region
District
Bolgatanga Municipal District
Bolgatanga, colloquially known as Bolga, is the capital of both the Bolgatanga Municipal District and the Upper East Region of Ghana, and has a population of about 50,000 (2000). Bolga is the major town between Tamale, 161 km (about 100 miles) to the south, and the border with Burkina Faso. The Upper East Region is bounded by the Republic of Burkina Faso, 32 km (about 20 miles) to the north of Bolga, the Upper West Region 65 km (40 miles) to the west at the Sisili River, and the Republic of Togo, about 100 km (about 60 miles) to the east of the city. Bolga lies in the Red Volta River Valley (which serves as a major migration route of elephants), with the White Volta River and the cliffs of the Gambaga Escarpment to the south of the city forming the southern boundary of the region. The Hon. David Apasera (PNC) is the Parliamentary Representative for the Bolgatanga Municipal District (as of 2006).
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History of Bolgatanga
Historically Bolgatanga was situated at the southern terminus of the ancient Trans-Saharan trade route. The eastern route traveled through Northern Nigeria, converging with the Sahelian route from Mali via Burkina Faso, near Bolgatanga. Along the route, handicrafts -- especially straw baskets, hats and fans, as well as leather goods, metal jewellery and indigenous attires called “Fugu” -- were exchanged for kola nuts and salt. Samory Toure of the Wassoulou Empire, and the Songhai marauder Babatu from Niger, had drafted many Hausa-Fulani and Gurunsi mercenaries in the area to capture slaves from local villages in the Upper East region for their own financial profit. Both Toure and Babatu's capture is celebrated by the people of Bolgatanga with the annual Sandema festival. The Upper East Region, where Bolgatanga lies, is part of what used to be known as the Upper Region. Between 1902 and 1960 the Northern Territory was a British protectorate; it was separated into the Northern and Upper Region on July 1, 1960. The Upper Region was apportioned into Upper East and Upper West Region in 1983 during the PNDC rule.
Life in Bolgatanga
Traditional village (Sumbrungu) outside Bolgatanga, illustrating the brightly painted, thatched-roof huts unique to this region.
The major ethnic groups in Upper East fall under the broad categories of Mole-Dagbon (74.5%), Grusi (8.5%), Mandé-Busanga (6.2%) and Gurma (3.2%). Among the Mole-Dagbon, the major sub-groupings are the Namnam (30.5%), Kusasi (22.6%), Nankani- Gurense (9.2%) and Builsa (7.6%). The major languages of the region are Gurene (Frafra), Kasina, Nankani, Buile, Kusal, Mampruli and Bisa. [1]
Bolgatanga is the major city of the Gurene people (also called Gurunsi). When early Europeans arrived in Bolga, the villagers welcomed them warmly. They greeted the Europeans with the words Ya Farafara, words of lament in the native tongue. These Europeans, who could not understand nor speak Gurene decided to name the people of the region by the word "Frafra". Thus the people of Bolga became known as the Frafra people.
Today, Bolga is known as the crafts centre of northern Ghana, with a large central market. Apart from items found elsewhere in Ghana, the so-called "Bolga hats" are made and sold there. Bolgatanga and its surrounding villages also comprise the largest producers of leather works, straw baskets and smocks in the country. The artists sell their works at the Bolgatanga Market, which is open every third day. There is also a museum in the town which houses objects of historical importance of the region.
[edit] Major festivals in the region
The Sandema Festival, a war dance festival celebrated by the Builsa people, in December, marks the end of the slave trade in northern Ghana, and the capture of Samory Toure and Baba Ato (known in this region as Babatu). Both Toure and Ato had heavily ravaged the local area to capture and sell local people to the Trans-Saharan slave trade, in order to financially support the Wassoulou Empire further west in Mali and Guinea.
The Samapiid festival is a thanks-giving festival celebrated by the Kusaasi people in December.
The Golob festival is celebrated by the Talensi people of Tongo in March to mark the beginning of the sowing season.
During the months of August to December every year, the following festivals are celeberated:
Gingana (Drums) - a post-harvest dance by the Namoosi's resident at Tongo Central who are believed to have originally come from the Mamprussi traditional area in the present-day northern region of Ghana. The people who celebrate this festival are from the royal house for the Tongo-Raan (The Tongo Chief). The Da'aga festival is celebrted by the villages of Baare (the village of a former Educationist, E.K Daraan), Yameriga, Sheaga, Yaagzore, Biung, Gbeega, Kpatia, Kantia and other villages in the Talensi sub-district. The Talensi sub-district comprises villages that owe allegiance to the Tongo-Raana. The Yongo dance is usually performed at the Baare market by dancers from Baare itself and Yaagzooure. Transport is available at Bolga to ferry teaming crowds to Baare to witness the Yongo dance. About 4 cycles of the dancing and feasting ushers in another festival celebrated by Talensis called Bo'araam. Goats, sheep, guinea fowls are slaughtered for feasting. The villages that celebrate are Gbeogo, Wakii, Gorog, Shia, Tengzug and Gbezug. The Tenglebigre festival is celebrated by the people of Sekoti, Duusi, Gare, Gbane, Datoko, Kulpeliga, Shea-Tindongo, Kpale, Zoog and Nyogbare. Around the month of December is the Wamma dance in a festival celebrated by the people of Winkogo, Balungu (the home village of Adokuma Abagna-Khaldi) and Pusom-Namongo. It must be stated all these festivals are traditionally the preserve of the people of the Talensi- Nabdam district with a district headquarters at Tongo. The Tongo Catholic Mission has an array of Catholic Mission schools (Primary and JSS) aided by Government but managed by a Catholic appointed Area manager in Tongo.
Architecture and sights of Bolgatanga
Sumbrungu Painted Houses
One of the most distinctive features in the Upper East Region are the traditional villages that dot the landscape. These villages generally feature round thatched roof huts, painted with decorative motifs in striking colors. A beautiful example of traditional paintings is found in the village of Sumbrungu, eight kilometers from Bolgatanga on the way going to Paga.
House in Tonga Hills, near Bolgatanga
Tongo Hills and Tengzug shrine
The Tongo Hills and Tengzug Shrine are located in the village of Tengzug, 17 kilometers (about 10 miles) southeast of Bolgatanga. With its unique landscape, dominated by large granite land formations, the Tengzug area evolved as the sacred center of the Talensis people, an ethnic group in Northern Ghana. The Tengzug Shrine is located in the Tongo hills and is believed grant luck and prosperity to all those who visit it.
Naa gbewaa shrine at Pusiga
The “tomb” of Naa Bbewaa, the founder of the Mole-Dagbon tribes, is located in the town of Pusiga. Legend states that Naa Gbewaa never died but simply vanished during a heated battle. The shrine was thought to have been built in the 14th century in commemoration of Naa Gbewaa, and is today as a place of spiritual reverence.
Bolgatanga Library
The Bolgatanga library is a notable and unique design of award-winning American architect J. Max Bond Jr., who was influenced by Le Corbusier. Bond lived in Ghana for four years in the 1960s, escaping racism in the United States. The Bolgatanga library was his first major project while working for the national construction company. The design features perforated walls and an "umbrella" shaped roof, such that the structure remains cool and well ventilated.
Paga crocodile ponds
Forty kilometers (about 25 miles) from Bolgatanga, along the Burkina Faso border, is Paga, home to the sacred crocodile ponds. These are purportedly the “friendliest” crocodiles in Ghana, and it is said that the souls of the royal family reside in them. The crocodiles roam freely throughout the ponds and it is unthinkable that anyone should harm them.
Culture and tourism Upper East in focus.
Introduction
The Upper East Region is located in the northeastern part of Ghana.
Boundaries. It is bounded in the north by the Republic of Burkina Faso, in the west by Upper West Region, in the south by the Northern Region and in the east by the Republic of Togo.
Area
It covers an area of 8,842 sq. km which constitutes about 3% of the land area of Ghana.
Population
The 2000 population census puts the population of the region at 920,089.
Topography and climate
The topography of the region is dominated by outcrops of inselbergs in uplands and drained by the Sisili, White and Red Volta Rivers. The upland soils are mostly derived from granite rocks. There are two seasons, the rainy season which starts from May to October and the harmattan season which begins from November to April. Economic activities. The economic activities are farming, fishing and livestock rearing. Food crops cultivated are rice, millet, sorghum, beans, tomatoes, onions and groundnuts. Three prominent manufacturing establishments, the Tomato Canning Factory at Pwalugu, Meat Processing Factory at Zuarungu and Rice Mill at Bolgatanga that formed the main industrial base of the region are now all defunct. There is a stone quarry at Pwalugu and a Granite and Marble Factory at Tongo. Smock weaving, leather works, blacksmithing, pottery, basketry, pito brewing, sheanut and groundnut oil extraction, are also carried out on a small scale.
Culture
Culture is projected through the medium of art, music and dance. Titles of chiefs differ from one traditional area to the other.
Electricity
Most of the towns have been provided with electricity. Tourist attractions in the upper east region. Some of the major Tourist Attractions are,tongo hills and tengzug shrine.
The Tongo Hills and Tengzug Shrine are located at Tengzug, 17 kms southeast of Bolgatanga, the regional capital of the Upper East Region. The Tengzug area has a unique landscape of outstanding natural beauty and cultural tradition which is dominated by dramatic granite land formations. The rocky terrain consists of wondrous formations of caves and rocks. These natural formations have over the centuries, evolved as the sacred epic centre of the Talensis, an ethnic group in Northern Ghana. Over many generations, the community has preserved their unique cultural environment. The Tengzug Shrine is rested in the beautiful hills and it is believed that the shrine has the power to grant luck and prosperity. Many Ghanaians and even foreigners make the journey to Tongo to make requests at the shrine. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the local architecture and other aspects of the Talensi culture. Road access and transportation is good, and the site is easily accessible by Taxi and Trotro service. Water supply is by hand-dug wells and solar energy provide light. With respect to accommodation and catering, visitors have the option of staying in a hotel in Bolgatanga, camp in the village or stay in homes of selected community members. For the adventurous, there is the option of sleeping on roof tops under the stars. It is one of the ecotourism sites in the region. Bolgatanga and its surrounding villages. This area comprises the largest producers of leather works, straw baskets and smocks. There is a concentration of craft shops in Bolgatanga where sale of these products take place- The villagers bring their baskets for sale in Bolgatanga on market days which take place every three days.
Traditional architectural styles and living patterns. The most distinctive cultural features in the Upper East Region are the layout and style of the traditional villages. The style of round huts with thatched conical or flat roofs, connected by walls to form compounds, are a unique type of architecture. Some of the traditional buildings are painted in striking design motifs. Associated with the traditional architectural style are the living patterns of the local people which include village activities, agricultural techniques, religious beliefs, rituals, customs and life styles, all of which are of interest to cultural tourists. Paga crocodile ponds and slave camp. Paga is located at the border between Ghana and Burkina Faso. It is 40 kms from Bolgatanga and 12 kms from Navrongo.
Paga is famous for its sacred crocodile ponds located in the town. It is a taboo for anyone to harm the crocodiles, as the souls of the royal family are said to reside in them. The animals move freely within the vicinity of the ponds and occasionally visit some of the homes.
There are two main ponds close to each other. The one on the highway to the border is called the Chiefs Pond and the other is the Zenga Pond. Crocodiles are enticed ashore with a live chicken by the guide. A visitor can have the unique opportunity of a close encounter with the friendly crocodiles. The Pinkworo slave camp at Nania and the Paga Pios palace are worth visiting.
Paga is easy to reach on the main road from Bolgatanga to the border with Burkina Faso. Water supply is through boreholes and pipe borne water. The town is connected to the national grid but there is no telecommunication service except for a few telecommunication centres.
Accommodation and catering facilities are in Navrongo and Bolgatanga. Home stay compounds are available for visitors to spend the night. Arrangements can be made at the Visitors centre.
Navrongo catholic cathedral. The Navrongo Cathedral was built by the White Fathers in 1906. It has mud walls and floor and a traditionally decorated interior. Large wooden beams placed on mud walls form the roof. The Navrongo church site is very large and contains a Grotto for meditation and accommodation facilities. A traditional compound near the cathedral has been built and decorated to be used as a museum. Navrongo is about 30 kms from Bolgatanga. Sirigu pottery and art Sirigu is the place to visit for anyone interested in pottery and local art. Sirigu is famous for its local wall decorations. Wall decorations are common in Northern Ghana, but have been perfected in Sirigu. The Sirigu Women’s Association for Pottery and Art (SWOPA) was started in 1997 to help preserve this art. Visitors to Sirigu can browse the wide selection of pottery, crafts and artwork in SWOPA Hall. Sirigu offers tours to surrounding homes to see the decorations at first hand, and tours of the village are also possible. The best way to experience Sirigu is through one of the “Be Part of the Art†workshops. Visitors can choose to learn how to make pottery, basketry, or wall designs. House and village tours are part of the workshop package and guests can stay in the recently completed SWOPA Guest House. The Guest House offers 3 double rooms with shared toilet and bath facility, and one self-contained room. A dining hall is soon to be added. Meals are on request and cold drinks are available. Though the village of Sirigu has no electricity the grounds of the SWOPA Compound have light which is provided through solar lanterns. Water is provided through the borehole well, and there is no communication service. Sirigu is located 36 km north of Bolgatanga, a drive of approximately 45 minutes. The first half of the trip is on the paved road to Navrongo, with the second half being made on a well-gravelled road.Red volta river valley. The Red Volta River Valley is a migration corridor for elephants, and hosts of other wildlife. Though glimpses of the shy elephants are rare, the valley is ideally located for bird watching. The valley is some 70 km in length and is bordered by the Ghana-Burkina Faso border to the North, and by the White Volta River and the cliffs of the Gambaga Escarpment to the south. Activities in the area include hiking, mountain climbing, biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and learning about the cultures of the Kusasis, Nabdam, Talensis, and Fulani tribes that inhabit the valley. The Red Volta River Valley is a relatively new site in terms of development, but has a great potential to attract tourists. The valley comprises of nine major villages. Two of the villages offer tourism experiences. These villages are Zongoyire and Widnaba. Zongoyire is located on the southern end of the valley. Water in Zongoyire and Widnaba is provided through borehole wells, and there is no electricity. Naa gbewaa shrine at pusiga. The shrine is located close to the Gbewaa Training College at Pusiga. The site of the shrine is significant for three main reasons:- to satisfy curiosity, as a spiritual spot and a source of paying homage to ancestors. Naa Gbewaa is the founder of the Mole-Dagbon tribes. The belief is that the shrine was closely linked to the popular Songhai Empire and has really been in existence since the l4th century. Legend has it that Naa Gbewaa never died but actually vanished at a spot at the shrine. According to history, Naa Gbewaa had three sons and a daughter. The daughter left home and ran off with a Moshie hunter whom she married later. Their children became the chiefs and kings of the Moshie Kingdom. The three sons later became kings of Mamprusi, Nan:umba and Dagbon kingdoms which up to now renew their bond with their ancestors through the Pusiga Naba. Accessibility from Bawku to Pusiga is -good and the site of the shrine is not very far from the centre ofPusiga town. A Receptive Centre is available for relaxation by visitors. There are hotels in Bawku for tourists and travellers. Pusiga is connected to the national grid and there are boreholes to supply water. Kulungugu bomb site Kulungugu lies northwest of Bawku. The road from Bawku to Kulungugu is dusty but motorable. On August 1st 1962, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana, made a stopover at Kulungugu after a visit to Upper Volta (now Burkina Paso), to meet with the then President, Maurice Yameogo. A reception was held in his honour near a local school. A school girl was presenting him with a bouquet of flowers when a bomb was thrown. The girl was killed and quite a number of people sustained severe injuries. Dr. Nkrumah himself was allegedly hit at the back of the head. A monument in memory of Dr. Nkrumah has been erected at the site
Major festivals in the region. Feok Festival: It is a War Dance Festival celebrated by the Builsas in December to give thanks to the gods for helping their ancestors to defeat the slave raiders.
Addakoya Festival: This is a Thanksgiving Festival for a good harvest which is celebrated between December and January by the people of Bolgatanga and the surrounding villages.
Samapiid Festival: A festival of Thanksgiving celebrated by the Kusasis in December.
Golob Festival: This festival is celebrated by the Talensis ofTongo in March to usher in the sowing season.
2-08-09 GNAT unhappy with government over pension scheme
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) says it is displeased with the government’s feet dragging in the implementation of the new pension scheme for its members. It said the delays in the implementation of the scheme were unjustified.
Describing the attitude of the government as irritating, GNAT said the delay is likely to affect the welfare of thousands of dedicated teachers who are due for retirement.
GNAT President Joseph Adjei told Newsmen the government’s handling of the issue was a bother to teachers who are suffering under the Social Security and National Insurance Trust pension scheme. He described the SSNIT pension scheme as poison “because the moment you are handed this paltry sum they call pension, it cannot take you home and the shock alone even kills you before you get home.” Mr Adjei urged the government to expedite action on the pension scheme to save retiree teachers the currently hustling.
GBC/JOY END
02-08-09 Vodafone mass lay-offs - Workers' union expresses worry
The Communications Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress has expressed displeasure at the decision of Vodafone to go public on details of a under-negotiations redundancy package being offered workers. The National Chairman of the union, David Korle Clottey, said the approach Vodafone has adopted could create problems for both parties. Mr Clottey’s comments follows Vodafone’s announcement Friday that some 950 workers of the company would be shown the door early December this year as part of a restructuring programme to improve services. Vodafone workers were earlier this year offered a voluntary retirement package under which workers would go home with three months’ salary per each year served with the company. About 900 took the option.
Although the compulsory redundancy programme also offers three months’ basic salary for each year served plus some other supporting services, the workers’ union said the company’s latest conduct was unacceptable. “A redundancy [comes] when the need be and for that reason we have taken care of; but again…if the need will be we’d have to convince ourselves what it is. We have a platform for dealing with issues that have to do with workers. And I think [that would] create a harmonious environment,” Mr Clottey told Joy News. He said management under the rules of engagement was required to confer with the representatives of the workers to agree on certain terms. Mr Clottey also raised issues with the company’s decision to accept voluntary retirement applications from the unionised staff. He said the unionised workers were not affected – as per an agreement reached with the company earlier this year - by the voluntary retirement package.
GBC/JOY END
02-08-09 Bongo Assembly saddled with smuggling
The Bongo District Assembly is saddled with the problem of smuggling of Faso, the District petroleum products and fertilizers to neighboring Burkina Chief Executive, Mr Clement Akugre Atia, has said. He said some people were taking undue advantage of the government’s subsidies on petroleum products and fertilizers, which were aimed at making life bearable for the ordinary people, to smuggle those items across the country's borders. As part of measures to curb the menace, he said, the assembly had formed a committee to work with the District Security Committee (DISEC) to smoke out those involved in the nefarious activity. He said the task force could only operate effectively if people volunteered useful information that could lead to some who had arrests and appealed to assembly members, chiefs and the public at large information to contact the security forces.Mr Atia was speaking during assembly held at the first ordinary meeting of the third session of the fifth Bongo in the Upper East Region. He appealed to all to assist in the fight against the smuggling of fertilizers which had been heavily subsidised by the government to enable farmers to produce more for the nation. He said the Balungu, Gorigo and Apaatanga dams which were damaged some time ago were being rehabilitated to boost dry season farming and livestock production. He said another big challenge which was making people shy away from farming was how to get market for their produce. To address that challenge, he said, new from the school feeding programme, since local farmers were going to benefit arrangements sought to create a market for local farmers. He said the government also intended to boost agriculture through the importation of tractors for sale to farmers at subsidised prices.Mr Atia said a number of factors continued to threaten the progress of educational delivery in the district, among which were inadequate school infrastructure, teacher deployment, indiscipline and motivation. He said the assembly would do its best to address those concerns, adding that education would continue to be one of priorities and that the assembly would continue to provide the needed its infrastructure, sponsorship for teacher trainees and other forms of support that would enhance educational development in the district.
04-08-09 RECEPTION FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL HELD.
The Commanding Officer of the Airborne Force Detachment at Bawku, Captain Frank Gyeibu Abrokwa; has commended military personnel who are on peace keeping mission in the Bawku township for being up and doing in their efforts towards bringing peace back to the Bawku township despite numerous challenges facing them. Captain Abrokwah, who was addressing military personnel during a reception held in recognition of military personnel efforts in making society a better place for civilians, also commended the inhabitants of Bawku for their cooperation. He however reminded the personnel that they are many challenges ahead of them and the onus lies on them as military personnel not to let the public and their superiors down. He said calm has return to the Bawku township and called the people to go about their daily duties because security measures such as the deploying of soldiers at vantage points are put in place to check any future occurrences of conflict. In an interview with Radio Ghana CPL Amoako Asiedu mentioned bad roads and shelter as some of the challenges confronting them.CPL Asiedu who called for a well constructed abode for military personnel said, their tents are mostly destroyed during rains. A trader who spoke to Radio Ghana Amadu Thairu commended the government for deploying military personnel to intervene in the conflict and added that ever since their presence in the Bawku township; they have been some peace which has helped them in doing their business.
Oseinewsroom/ghana
BASKET WEAVERS in the Upper East region, most of whom are widows, housewives and disabled persons, can now afford to smile, as HAVILAK Ltd, a Bolgatanga based fair trade company, has promised to offer ready market for the baskets, once they meet international standards. With this arrangement, basket weavers in the region can also live dignified and fulfilling lives with proceeds from their baskets. Basket buyers on the international market, especially in Denmark, mostly prefer Upper East Baskets, popularly referred to as Bolga Baskets for reasons best known to them. On the local market, Upper East baskets still stand tall and yet the livelihoods of the people who make these baskets cannot be said to have improved. A standard shopping basket that meets both markets' requirements is sold on the local market at GH¢5 while on the international market the same basket goes for a fair trade price of not less than $50, which is indeed fair, considering the processes the baskets go through to get to the international market. In order to ensure that basket weaving really becomes lucrative and also guarantee that the baskets meet the required standard, HAVILAK Ltd, in partnership with its Danish partner, Global Trade, have organized a capacity building workshop for leaders of some selected Straw Weavers Associations to kick-start a year-long pilot project. Apart from improving on their weaving knowledge and skills, the weavers were also taught how to get the right price for their products to improve their livelihoods and support their families. Some environmental experts have suggested the use of straw baskets for shopping and storage to save the nation from the filth caused by polythene bags. Fortunately straw baskets are environmentally friendly, last longer, come in various sizes, affordable and can easily decompose when disposed off into the soil, as against polythene bags which have been proven not to be environmentally friendly. The Managing Director of HAVILAK Ltd, Francis Danso in an interview with CITY&BUSINESS GUIDE said the yearlong project dubbed, “Business to Business (B2B)” is aimed at improving the living conditions of the weavers through the production and sales of the baskets under fair trade conditions both in Ghana and on the International market. According to him, a total of 300 weavers will have their capacities built on periodic basis within the project period. Weavers under the project will also be receiving capacity building in Human Rights, personal and environmental hygiene as well as business management through fair trade workshops. The project which focuses mainly on weaving associations will ensure that the weavers in these associations work and maintain high standards which will enable them get very good revenue from their produce. By the end of the pilot project, more than 95 percent of baskets produced by these weavers for the Danish market are expected to be of high quality. The project manager of “Business to Business (B2B)”, under the global trade in Denmark, Ida Ljunggren disclosed that the demand for Bolga Basket in Denmark is great, and with this HAVILAK-GLOBAL TRADE project, the basket weaver will reap maximum benefit.
Bolgatanga, March 30, GNA- The government has demonstrated its commitment to develop the craft industry in the Upper East Region by constructing an ultra- modern crafts centre in Bolgatanga, estimated at 1.6 billion cedis. The provision of the centre would help reduce poverty among the people in Bolgatanga and its environs, the majority of whom owe their sustenance from the weaving of straw baskets and leather works. The Upper East Regional Minister Mr. Mahami Salifu said this, when he opened the third Bolgatanga Basket Weavers Fair (BOBAFAIR 2004) at Bolgatanga on Monday. Twenty-one groups and 40 individuals, who took home prizes, including T/Shirts, sound systems straw splitters and bicycles, attended the Award and Exhibition Fair. Mr. Salifu commended the initiators of the fair, saying it would give recognition to the local artisans, who contribute to the development of the country's export trade through the production of Bolga baskets. He appealed to the organizers to strive hard to give the fair a national and even international character. The Regional Minister charged the artisans to access credit facilities instituted by the government to enable them to expand their businesses in order to compete in the world market. Madam Mariam Mensah, Regional Director of the Export Promotion Council, thanked the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) and the Bongo District Assembly for sponsoring the fair.
Upper East Region
Location
Statistics
Regional Minister
Mr. Mark Owen Woyongo
Capital
Bolgatanga
Area
8,842 km²
Ranked 9th
Population
2000 Census
1984 Census Ranked 9th
920,089
772,744
Districts
8
ISO 3166-2
GH-UE
Upper East Region
The Upper East Region of Ghana is located in the northeastern corner of the country and bordered by Burkina Faso to the north and Togo to the east. The capital is Bolgatanga, sometimes shortened to Bolga. Other cities include Bawku and Navrongo. In area, the Upper East Region is 8842 square kilometers. In 2002, its population was 964,500.
The major ethnic groups are the Bimoba, Bissa, Buli, Frafra, Kantosi, Kasem, and Kusasi.
The geography is primarily savanna grassland. The climate is very dry.
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Economy and Tourism
The region's economy is based on agriculture, primarily cattle and cereals like millet, sorghum and rice. The region is also known for its handicrafts and a locally brewed beer known as Pito. The market at Bolga has a long history. The ancient trans-Saharan trade routes from Mali, which passed through Burkina Faso, was joined in Bolga by a second route, from northern Nigeria through Bawku, and continues down to Tamale and southern Ghana. At the Bolga market, visitors can buy straw hats, baskets, leather goods, metal goods, and traditional clothing. As in other parts of Ghana, colonialism and slave trade are part of the history of the Upper East Region. The area offers insight into this history through guided tours and visits to former slave camps. In Widnaba, a visitor can enter a hollow baobab tree in which potential slaves were held captive. In Paga Nania, 3 km west of Paga, is a slave transit camp and relics of the slave trade. From the 16th century when slaves became a dominant item of trade, Nania became the first stopover and auction market for slaves captured in Mossi and surrounding lands. The market was in a rocky area referred to as "Pinkworo" (Rocks of Fear). Still evident today is the rock outcrop that was used as an observation post by the raiders, water troughs formed in the rocks from which slaves drank, grinding stones and indents in the rocks, where slaves ground cereals for food. One unique site in the region are the Tongo Whistling Rocks. Located 6 miles (10 km.) from Bolgatanga, these granite rocks jut dramatically from the terrain. The rocks also make strange whistling sounds during November and December, when the harmattan wind blows off the Sahara through the Northern Region. The region also plays host to many festivals throughout the year. Most festivals are either to bring a good planting season or celebrate the harvest. Festivals include the Gologo Festival, celebrated in March by the Talensis of Tong-Zug just before the planting of grain, and the Fao Festival, held between November and March in the Page/Chiana and Kayoro Traditional Areas as a thanksgiving offering for good harvest.
[edit] Districts
Districts of Upper East Ghana
The Upper East Region of Ghana contains the following 8 districts:
• Bawku Municipal District
• Bawku West District
• Bolgatanga Municipal District
• Bongo District
• Builsa District
• Garu-Tempane District
• Kassena/Nankana District
• Talensi-Nabdam District
• GhanaDistricts.com
Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga
Location in Ghana
Coordinates: 10°47′N 0°51′W10.783°N 0.85°W
Country Ghana
Region
Upper East Region
District
Bolgatanga Municipal District
Bolgatanga, colloquially known as Bolga, is the capital of both the Bolgatanga Municipal District and the Upper East Region of Ghana, and has a population of about 50,000 (2000). Bolga is the major town between Tamale, 161 km (about 100 miles) to the south, and the border with Burkina Faso. The Upper East Region is bounded by the Republic of Burkina Faso, 32 km (about 20 miles) to the north of Bolga, the Upper West Region 65 km (40 miles) to the west at the Sisili River, and the Republic of Togo, about 100 km (about 60 miles) to the east of the city. Bolga lies in the Red Volta River Valley (which serves as a major migration route of elephants), with the White Volta River and the cliffs of the Gambaga Escarpment to the south of the city forming the southern boundary of the region. The Hon. David Apasera (PNC) is the Parliamentary Representative for the Bolgatanga Municipal District (as of 2006).
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History of Bolgatanga
Historically Bolgatanga was situated at the southern terminus of the ancient Trans-Saharan trade route. The eastern route traveled through Northern Nigeria, converging with the Sahelian route from Mali via Burkina Faso, near Bolgatanga. Along the route, handicrafts -- especially straw baskets, hats and fans, as well as leather goods, metal jewellery and indigenous attires called “Fugu” -- were exchanged for kola nuts and salt. Samory Toure of the Wassoulou Empire, and the Songhai marauder Babatu from Niger, had drafted many Hausa-Fulani and Gurunsi mercenaries in the area to capture slaves from local villages in the Upper East region for their own financial profit. Both Toure and Babatu's capture is celebrated by the people of Bolgatanga with the annual Sandema festival. The Upper East Region, where Bolgatanga lies, is part of what used to be known as the Upper Region. Between 1902 and 1960 the Northern Territory was a British protectorate; it was separated into the Northern and Upper Region on July 1, 1960. The Upper Region was apportioned into Upper East and Upper West Region in 1983 during the PNDC rule.
Life in Bolgatanga
Traditional village (Sumbrungu) outside Bolgatanga, illustrating the brightly painted, thatched-roof huts unique to this region.
The major ethnic groups in Upper East fall under the broad categories of Mole-Dagbon (74.5%), Grusi (8.5%), Mandé-Busanga (6.2%) and Gurma (3.2%). Among the Mole-Dagbon, the major sub-groupings are the Namnam (30.5%), Kusasi (22.6%), Nankani- Gurense (9.2%) and Builsa (7.6%). The major languages of the region are Gurene (Frafra), Kasina, Nankani, Buile, Kusal, Mampruli and Bisa. [1]
Bolgatanga is the major city of the Gurene people (also called Gurunsi). When early Europeans arrived in Bolga, the villagers welcomed them warmly. They greeted the Europeans with the words Ya Farafara, words of lament in the native tongue. These Europeans, who could not understand nor speak Gurene decided to name the people of the region by the word "Frafra". Thus the people of Bolga became known as the Frafra people.
Today, Bolga is known as the crafts centre of northern Ghana, with a large central market. Apart from items found elsewhere in Ghana, the so-called "Bolga hats" are made and sold there. Bolgatanga and its surrounding villages also comprise the largest producers of leather works, straw baskets and smocks in the country. The artists sell their works at the Bolgatanga Market, which is open every third day. There is also a museum in the town which houses objects of historical importance of the region.
[edit] Major festivals in the region
The Sandema Festival, a war dance festival celebrated by the Builsa people, in December, marks the end of the slave trade in northern Ghana, and the capture of Samory Toure and Baba Ato (known in this region as Babatu). Both Toure and Ato had heavily ravaged the local area to capture and sell local people to the Trans-Saharan slave trade, in order to financially support the Wassoulou Empire further west in Mali and Guinea.
The Samapiid festival is a thanks-giving festival celebrated by the Kusaasi people in December.
The Golob festival is celebrated by the Talensi people of Tongo in March to mark the beginning of the sowing season.
During the months of August to December every year, the following festivals are celeberated:
Gingana (Drums) - a post-harvest dance by the Namoosi's resident at Tongo Central who are believed to have originally come from the Mamprussi traditional area in the present-day northern region of Ghana. The people who celebrate this festival are from the royal house for the Tongo-Raan (The Tongo Chief). The Da'aga festival is celebrted by the villages of Baare (the village of a former Educationist, E.K Daraan), Yameriga, Sheaga, Yaagzore, Biung, Gbeega, Kpatia, Kantia and other villages in the Talensi sub-district. The Talensi sub-district comprises villages that owe allegiance to the Tongo-Raana. The Yongo dance is usually performed at the Baare market by dancers from Baare itself and Yaagzooure. Transport is available at Bolga to ferry teaming crowds to Baare to witness the Yongo dance. About 4 cycles of the dancing and feasting ushers in another festival celebrated by Talensis called Bo'araam. Goats, sheep, guinea fowls are slaughtered for feasting. The villages that celebrate are Gbeogo, Wakii, Gorog, Shia, Tengzug and Gbezug. The Tenglebigre festival is celebrated by the people of Sekoti, Duusi, Gare, Gbane, Datoko, Kulpeliga, Shea-Tindongo, Kpale, Zoog and Nyogbare. Around the month of December is the Wamma dance in a festival celebrated by the people of Winkogo, Balungu (the home village of Adokuma Abagna-Khaldi) and Pusom-Namongo. It must be stated all these festivals are traditionally the preserve of the people of the Talensi- Nabdam district with a district headquarters at Tongo. The Tongo Catholic Mission has an array of Catholic Mission schools (Primary and JSS) aided by Government but managed by a Catholic appointed Area manager in Tongo.
Architecture and sights of Bolgatanga
Sumbrungu Painted Houses
One of the most distinctive features in the Upper East Region are the traditional villages that dot the landscape. These villages generally feature round thatched roof huts, painted with decorative motifs in striking colors. A beautiful example of traditional paintings is found in the village of Sumbrungu, eight kilometers from Bolgatanga on the way going to Paga.
House in Tonga Hills, near Bolgatanga
Tongo Hills and Tengzug shrine
The Tongo Hills and Tengzug Shrine are located in the village of Tengzug, 17 kilometers (about 10 miles) southeast of Bolgatanga. With its unique landscape, dominated by large granite land formations, the Tengzug area evolved as the sacred center of the Talensis people, an ethnic group in Northern Ghana. The Tengzug Shrine is located in the Tongo hills and is believed grant luck and prosperity to all those who visit it.
Naa gbewaa shrine at Pusiga
The “tomb” of Naa Bbewaa, the founder of the Mole-Dagbon tribes, is located in the town of Pusiga. Legend states that Naa Gbewaa never died but simply vanished during a heated battle. The shrine was thought to have been built in the 14th century in commemoration of Naa Gbewaa, and is today as a place of spiritual reverence.
Bolgatanga Library
The Bolgatanga library is a notable and unique design of award-winning American architect J. Max Bond Jr., who was influenced by Le Corbusier. Bond lived in Ghana for four years in the 1960s, escaping racism in the United States. The Bolgatanga library was his first major project while working for the national construction company. The design features perforated walls and an "umbrella" shaped roof, such that the structure remains cool and well ventilated.
Paga crocodile ponds
Forty kilometers (about 25 miles) from Bolgatanga, along the Burkina Faso border, is Paga, home to the sacred crocodile ponds. These are purportedly the “friendliest” crocodiles in Ghana, and it is said that the souls of the royal family reside in them. The crocodiles roam freely throughout the ponds and it is unthinkable that anyone should harm them.
Culture and tourism Upper East in focus.
Introduction
The Upper East Region is located in the northeastern part of Ghana.
Boundaries. It is bounded in the north by the Republic of Burkina Faso, in the west by Upper West Region, in the south by the Northern Region and in the east by the Republic of Togo.
Area
It covers an area of 8,842 sq. km which constitutes about 3% of the land area of Ghana.
Population
The 2000 population census puts the population of the region at 920,089.
Topography and climate
The topography of the region is dominated by outcrops of inselbergs in uplands and drained by the Sisili, White and Red Volta Rivers. The upland soils are mostly derived from granite rocks. There are two seasons, the rainy season which starts from May to October and the harmattan season which begins from November to April. Economic activities. The economic activities are farming, fishing and livestock rearing. Food crops cultivated are rice, millet, sorghum, beans, tomatoes, onions and groundnuts. Three prominent manufacturing establishments, the Tomato Canning Factory at Pwalugu, Meat Processing Factory at Zuarungu and Rice Mill at Bolgatanga that formed the main industrial base of the region are now all defunct. There is a stone quarry at Pwalugu and a Granite and Marble Factory at Tongo. Smock weaving, leather works, blacksmithing, pottery, basketry, pito brewing, sheanut and groundnut oil extraction, are also carried out on a small scale.
Culture
Culture is projected through the medium of art, music and dance. Titles of chiefs differ from one traditional area to the other.
Electricity
Most of the towns have been provided with electricity. Tourist attractions in the upper east region. Some of the major Tourist Attractions are,tongo hills and tengzug shrine.
The Tongo Hills and Tengzug Shrine are located at Tengzug, 17 kms southeast of Bolgatanga, the regional capital of the Upper East Region. The Tengzug area has a unique landscape of outstanding natural beauty and cultural tradition which is dominated by dramatic granite land formations. The rocky terrain consists of wondrous formations of caves and rocks. These natural formations have over the centuries, evolved as the sacred epic centre of the Talensis, an ethnic group in Northern Ghana. Over many generations, the community has preserved their unique cultural environment. The Tengzug Shrine is rested in the beautiful hills and it is believed that the shrine has the power to grant luck and prosperity. Many Ghanaians and even foreigners make the journey to Tongo to make requests at the shrine. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the local architecture and other aspects of the Talensi culture. Road access and transportation is good, and the site is easily accessible by Taxi and Trotro service. Water supply is by hand-dug wells and solar energy provide light. With respect to accommodation and catering, visitors have the option of staying in a hotel in Bolgatanga, camp in the village or stay in homes of selected community members. For the adventurous, there is the option of sleeping on roof tops under the stars. It is one of the ecotourism sites in the region. Bolgatanga and its surrounding villages. This area comprises the largest producers of leather works, straw baskets and smocks. There is a concentration of craft shops in Bolgatanga where sale of these products take place- The villagers bring their baskets for sale in Bolgatanga on market days which take place every three days.
Traditional architectural styles and living patterns. The most distinctive cultural features in the Upper East Region are the layout and style of the traditional villages. The style of round huts with thatched conical or flat roofs, connected by walls to form compounds, are a unique type of architecture. Some of the traditional buildings are painted in striking design motifs. Associated with the traditional architectural style are the living patterns of the local people which include village activities, agricultural techniques, religious beliefs, rituals, customs and life styles, all of which are of interest to cultural tourists. Paga crocodile ponds and slave camp. Paga is located at the border between Ghana and Burkina Faso. It is 40 kms from Bolgatanga and 12 kms from Navrongo.
Paga is famous for its sacred crocodile ponds located in the town. It is a taboo for anyone to harm the crocodiles, as the souls of the royal family are said to reside in them. The animals move freely within the vicinity of the ponds and occasionally visit some of the homes.
There are two main ponds close to each other. The one on the highway to the border is called the Chiefs Pond and the other is the Zenga Pond. Crocodiles are enticed ashore with a live chicken by the guide. A visitor can have the unique opportunity of a close encounter with the friendly crocodiles. The Pinkworo slave camp at Nania and the Paga Pios palace are worth visiting.
Paga is easy to reach on the main road from Bolgatanga to the border with Burkina Faso. Water supply is through boreholes and pipe borne water. The town is connected to the national grid but there is no telecommunication service except for a few telecommunication centres.
Accommodation and catering facilities are in Navrongo and Bolgatanga. Home stay compounds are available for visitors to spend the night. Arrangements can be made at the Visitors centre.
Navrongo catholic cathedral. The Navrongo Cathedral was built by the White Fathers in 1906. It has mud walls and floor and a traditionally decorated interior. Large wooden beams placed on mud walls form the roof. The Navrongo church site is very large and contains a Grotto for meditation and accommodation facilities. A traditional compound near the cathedral has been built and decorated to be used as a museum. Navrongo is about 30 kms from Bolgatanga. Sirigu pottery and art Sirigu is the place to visit for anyone interested in pottery and local art. Sirigu is famous for its local wall decorations. Wall decorations are common in Northern Ghana, but have been perfected in Sirigu. The Sirigu Women’s Association for Pottery and Art (SWOPA) was started in 1997 to help preserve this art. Visitors to Sirigu can browse the wide selection of pottery, crafts and artwork in SWOPA Hall. Sirigu offers tours to surrounding homes to see the decorations at first hand, and tours of the village are also possible. The best way to experience Sirigu is through one of the “Be Part of the Art†workshops. Visitors can choose to learn how to make pottery, basketry, or wall designs. House and village tours are part of the workshop package and guests can stay in the recently completed SWOPA Guest House. The Guest House offers 3 double rooms with shared toilet and bath facility, and one self-contained room. A dining hall is soon to be added. Meals are on request and cold drinks are available. Though the village of Sirigu has no electricity the grounds of the SWOPA Compound have light which is provided through solar lanterns. Water is provided through the borehole well, and there is no communication service. Sirigu is located 36 km north of Bolgatanga, a drive of approximately 45 minutes. The first half of the trip is on the paved road to Navrongo, with the second half being made on a well-gravelled road.Red volta river valley. The Red Volta River Valley is a migration corridor for elephants, and hosts of other wildlife. Though glimpses of the shy elephants are rare, the valley is ideally located for bird watching. The valley is some 70 km in length and is bordered by the Ghana-Burkina Faso border to the North, and by the White Volta River and the cliffs of the Gambaga Escarpment to the south. Activities in the area include hiking, mountain climbing, biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and learning about the cultures of the Kusasis, Nabdam, Talensis, and Fulani tribes that inhabit the valley. The Red Volta River Valley is a relatively new site in terms of development, but has a great potential to attract tourists. The valley comprises of nine major villages. Two of the villages offer tourism experiences. These villages are Zongoyire and Widnaba. Zongoyire is located on the southern end of the valley. Water in Zongoyire and Widnaba is provided through borehole wells, and there is no electricity. Naa gbewaa shrine at pusiga. The shrine is located close to the Gbewaa Training College at Pusiga. The site of the shrine is significant for three main reasons:- to satisfy curiosity, as a spiritual spot and a source of paying homage to ancestors. Naa Gbewaa is the founder of the Mole-Dagbon tribes. The belief is that the shrine was closely linked to the popular Songhai Empire and has really been in existence since the l4th century. Legend has it that Naa Gbewaa never died but actually vanished at a spot at the shrine. According to history, Naa Gbewaa had three sons and a daughter. The daughter left home and ran off with a Moshie hunter whom she married later. Their children became the chiefs and kings of the Moshie Kingdom. The three sons later became kings of Mamprusi, Nan:umba and Dagbon kingdoms which up to now renew their bond with their ancestors through the Pusiga Naba. Accessibility from Bawku to Pusiga is -good and the site of the shrine is not very far from the centre ofPusiga town. A Receptive Centre is available for relaxation by visitors. There are hotels in Bawku for tourists and travellers. Pusiga is connected to the national grid and there are boreholes to supply water. Kulungugu bomb site Kulungugu lies northwest of Bawku. The road from Bawku to Kulungugu is dusty but motorable. On August 1st 1962, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana, made a stopover at Kulungugu after a visit to Upper Volta (now Burkina Paso), to meet with the then President, Maurice Yameogo. A reception was held in his honour near a local school. A school girl was presenting him with a bouquet of flowers when a bomb was thrown. The girl was killed and quite a number of people sustained severe injuries. Dr. Nkrumah himself was allegedly hit at the back of the head. A monument in memory of Dr. Nkrumah has been erected at the site
Major festivals in the region. Feok Festival: It is a War Dance Festival celebrated by the Builsas in December to give thanks to the gods for helping their ancestors to defeat the slave raiders.
Addakoya Festival: This is a Thanksgiving Festival for a good harvest which is celebrated between December and January by the people of Bolgatanga and the surrounding villages.
Samapiid Festival: A festival of Thanksgiving celebrated by the Kusasis in December.
Golob Festival: This festival is celebrated by the Talensis ofTongo in March to usher in the sowing season.
2-08-09 GNAT unhappy with government over pension scheme
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) says it is displeased with the government’s feet dragging in the implementation of the new pension scheme for its members. It said the delays in the implementation of the scheme were unjustified.
Describing the attitude of the government as irritating, GNAT said the delay is likely to affect the welfare of thousands of dedicated teachers who are due for retirement.
GNAT President Joseph Adjei told Newsmen the government’s handling of the issue was a bother to teachers who are suffering under the Social Security and National Insurance Trust pension scheme. He described the SSNIT pension scheme as poison “because the moment you are handed this paltry sum they call pension, it cannot take you home and the shock alone even kills you before you get home.” Mr Adjei urged the government to expedite action on the pension scheme to save retiree teachers the currently hustling.
GBC/JOY END
02-08-09 Vodafone mass lay-offs - Workers' union expresses worry
The Communications Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress has expressed displeasure at the decision of Vodafone to go public on details of a under-negotiations redundancy package being offered workers. The National Chairman of the union, David Korle Clottey, said the approach Vodafone has adopted could create problems for both parties. Mr Clottey’s comments follows Vodafone’s announcement Friday that some 950 workers of the company would be shown the door early December this year as part of a restructuring programme to improve services. Vodafone workers were earlier this year offered a voluntary retirement package under which workers would go home with three months’ salary per each year served with the company. About 900 took the option.
Although the compulsory redundancy programme also offers three months’ basic salary for each year served plus some other supporting services, the workers’ union said the company’s latest conduct was unacceptable. “A redundancy [comes] when the need be and for that reason we have taken care of; but again…if the need will be we’d have to convince ourselves what it is. We have a platform for dealing with issues that have to do with workers. And I think [that would] create a harmonious environment,” Mr Clottey told Joy News. He said management under the rules of engagement was required to confer with the representatives of the workers to agree on certain terms. Mr Clottey also raised issues with the company’s decision to accept voluntary retirement applications from the unionised staff. He said the unionised workers were not affected – as per an agreement reached with the company earlier this year - by the voluntary retirement package.
GBC/JOY END
02-08-09 Bongo Assembly saddled with smuggling
The Bongo District Assembly is saddled with the problem of smuggling of Faso, the District petroleum products and fertilizers to neighboring Burkina Chief Executive, Mr Clement Akugre Atia, has said. He said some people were taking undue advantage of the government’s subsidies on petroleum products and fertilizers, which were aimed at making life bearable for the ordinary people, to smuggle those items across the country's borders. As part of measures to curb the menace, he said, the assembly had formed a committee to work with the District Security Committee (DISEC) to smoke out those involved in the nefarious activity. He said the task force could only operate effectively if people volunteered useful information that could lead to some who had arrests and appealed to assembly members, chiefs and the public at large information to contact the security forces.Mr Atia was speaking during assembly held at the first ordinary meeting of the third session of the fifth Bongo in the Upper East Region. He appealed to all to assist in the fight against the smuggling of fertilizers which had been heavily subsidised by the government to enable farmers to produce more for the nation. He said the Balungu, Gorigo and Apaatanga dams which were damaged some time ago were being rehabilitated to boost dry season farming and livestock production. He said another big challenge which was making people shy away from farming was how to get market for their produce. To address that challenge, he said, new from the school feeding programme, since local farmers were going to benefit arrangements sought to create a market for local farmers. He said the government also intended to boost agriculture through the importation of tractors for sale to farmers at subsidised prices.Mr Atia said a number of factors continued to threaten the progress of educational delivery in the district, among which were inadequate school infrastructure, teacher deployment, indiscipline and motivation. He said the assembly would do its best to address those concerns, adding that education would continue to be one of priorities and that the assembly would continue to provide the needed its infrastructure, sponsorship for teacher trainees and other forms of support that would enhance educational development in the district.
04-08-09 RECEPTION FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL HELD.
The Commanding Officer of the Airborne Force Detachment at Bawku, Captain Frank Gyeibu Abrokwa; has commended military personnel who are on peace keeping mission in the Bawku township for being up and doing in their efforts towards bringing peace back to the Bawku township despite numerous challenges facing them. Captain Abrokwah, who was addressing military personnel during a reception held in recognition of military personnel efforts in making society a better place for civilians, also commended the inhabitants of Bawku for their cooperation. He however reminded the personnel that they are many challenges ahead of them and the onus lies on them as military personnel not to let the public and their superiors down. He said calm has return to the Bawku township and called the people to go about their daily duties because security measures such as the deploying of soldiers at vantage points are put in place to check any future occurrences of conflict. In an interview with Radio Ghana CPL Amoako Asiedu mentioned bad roads and shelter as some of the challenges confronting them.CPL Asiedu who called for a well constructed abode for military personnel said, their tents are mostly destroyed during rains. A trader who spoke to Radio Ghana Amadu Thairu commended the government for deploying military personnel to intervene in the conflict and added that ever since their presence in the Bawku township; they have been some peace which has helped them in doing their business.
Oseinewsroom/ghana
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