Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Archives - Page 6 of 11

Sakoti Paramount Chief Condemns Lynching of Marginalized Groups

The Paramount Chief of the Sakoti Traditional Area in the Nabdam district of the Upper East Region, Naba Sigri Bewong, has strongly condemned the lynching of old men and women and people perceived to be from marginalized groups. This statement was made during his participation in a recent documentary titled “THE HORRORS OF WITCHCRAFT ACCUSATION,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexnewsGh. Naba Sigri Bewong, who has been serving as a paramount chief in the area for over 25 years, expressed his disappointment in the extreme act of lynching. He emphasized that while witchcraft does exist and belongs to the evil spirit according to their beliefs, he does not possess the ability to identify who is a witch and who is not. Therefore, he advised against taking the law into their own hands. In cases brought before him, the paramount chief mentioned that when a person confesses to being a witch, they are considered reformed and are urged to coexist peacefully within the community. He strongly opposed the act of lynching, stating that it is simply the act of killing another human being. He further stressed the importance of abiding by the law and called on the community to refrain from beating, lynching, or killing individuals. Naba Sigri Bewong also highlighted that the perception that women alone are witches is incorrect, as men are also believed to possess witchcraft abilities. According to his understanding, witches operate as a society, with their own leaders and members. He mentioned that they are believed to hold meetings on trees during the night and have the ability to transform themselves into animals or cause harm to others. The paramount chief urged his community to reject the act of lynching and to work towards peaceful coexistence, emphasizing the importance of respecting the law. The documentary was sponsored by MRG with support from MPEC. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062

Featured, Opinion

Bongo Paramount Chief Advocates for Sensitization to Combat Witchcraft Accusations

Following a recent documentary titled “THE HORRORS OF WITCHCRAFT ACCUSATION,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexnewsGh, the Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Baba Salifu Aleemyarum, expressed his concern over the inhumane and unlawful practice of accusing and lynching individuals, particularly old men and women, as witches and wizards. He emphasized the need for a sensitization exercise to educate the youth and chiefs in various communities about the consequences of such actions. Naba Baba Salifu Aleemyarum expressed sadness at hearing about instances where individuals are subject to lynching based on allegations of witchcraft. He highlighted the importance of not taking the law into one’s own hands, as judging one’s neighbor is against biblical teachings. He believed that this practice contributed to the calamities experienced within their jurisdictional areas, emphasizing the urgency of organizing sensitization initiatives that primarily target the emotionally-driven youth. The Paramount Chief lamented the erosion of traditional rights and powers of the chiefs in today’s society. He shared an example where individuals sought refuge in the chief’s palace but were still pursued and lynched. He asserted that such actions demonstrated a complete disregard for authority and disrespect. Consequently, he advocated for the recognition of the roles traditional rulers play and the implementation of policies that would empower them. Naba Baba Salifu Aleemyarum expressed doubts about the efficacy of sending people accused of witchcraft to court, noting that cases often linger for over a decade without resolution. He mentioned that the Lynching occurred following the insistence of those making accusations to conduct a trial by ordeal. The Paramount Chief firmly proclaimed that such practices were not allowed by law and refused to agree to them to prevent tensions that could lead to increased instances of lynching. Furthermore, he highlighted the belief that attributing deaths to witchcraft and taking matters into one’s own hands only resulted in assuming responsibility for the sins committed by the accused. He warned about the detrimental effects of such actions, which could lead to the destruction of families and communities. When asked about his belief in witchcraft, Naba Baba Salifu Aleemyarum acknowledged its existence, stating that the very term “witchcraft” would not exist if it did not. He cited the invention of the airplane as an example, claiming that the knowledge to fly was rooted in witchcraft. However, he distinguished between the use of witchcraft to develop and the harmful use that leads to destruction. To address this worrying situation, the paramount chief proposed the use of the media as a tool for sensitization. He suggested involving chiefs and other relevant actors in radio discussions to create awareness and promote understanding. He stressed that if actors did not confirm someone as a witch, there would be no basis for emotional reactions and subsequent lynchings. Naba Baba Salifu Aleemyarum futher emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach involving sensitization exercises, the recognition of traditional rulers, and the responsibility of religious bodies to combat witchcraft accusations and related violence in Ghanaian society. The documentary was sponsored by MRG with support from MPEC. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062

Featured, Opinion

Upper East Regional Chief Imam condemns witchcraft accusation and lynching, says is unislamic

According to a recent documentary dubbed “The Horrors of Witchcraft Accusation,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexnewsGh, the Upper East Regional Chief Imam Sheikh Umar Yussif Imam has raised concerns about the credibility of those engaged in witchcraft accusations that often result in lynching. Sheikh Umar Yussif emphasized that taking the law into one’s own hands is condemned in the Quran. According to the Sheikh, “Our Holy Prophet acknowledges the existence of witchcraft, but we must not resort to vigilante justice. We have institutions such as the police service, chiefs, and religious leaders to handle such matters. How can we accurately measure someone’s supposed witchcraft? It is impossible. The Quran strongly condemns individuals who take the law into their own hands and kill others over baseless accusations.” Sheikh Umar Yussif further emphasized that even if someone is accused of witchcraft, they should not be killed. Instead, they could be banished from the community or dealt with by the chief. He stated, “Continuing such measures is preferable to lynching any accused person.” The Chief Imam highlighted that no one has the right to take another person’s life, and those who engage in killings should themselves be punished accordingly. He noted that under Islamic teachings, if someone kills another person, they must be killed as well. Similarly, if someone removes another person’s eye, their own eye should be removed. Therefore, lynching individuals based on accusations is not only morally wrong but also punishable. Sheikh Umar Yussif believes that the government should play a vital role in ensuring the safety and welfare of the elderly in society. He referenced Western countries and the Arab world, where specific facilities are built for the aged, and the government provides them with a registration identity number for monitoring purposes. Additionally, the government allocates funds for their upkeep and ensures they are provided with meals three times a day. Consequently, Sheikh Umar Yussif suggested that if the government genuinely cares for the elderly, it should take a strong stance and announce severe consequences for those found guilty of lynching or killing the aged. This would serve as a deterrent and help protect vulnerable members of society. Meanwhile, the Upper East Regional Chief Imam Sheikh Umar Yussif Imam has expressed his concern over the credibility of witchcraft accusations leading to lynching. He has called for adherence to the Quran’s teachings, emphasizing the need to involve authorities and institutions in handling such matters. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of government intervention in safeguarding the elderly and suggested harsh penalties for those involved in acts of violence against them. Meanwhile, the documentary was sponsored by MRG with support from MPEC Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062

Featured, Opinion

Societal Norms Diluted, Leading to Increase in Witchcraft Accusations and Lynching—Prof. Millar

In a recent documentary titled “THE HORRORS OF WITCHCRAFT ACCUSATION”, produced Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexnewsGh, Prof. David Millar, President of the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS), shed light on the alarming rise of witchcraft accusations and lynching incidents in various communities. Millar attributed this trend to the weakening of societal norms. According to Prof. Millar, the dilution of societal norms can be attributed to the shrinking size of families and the weakening of family ties. Additionally, modern influences, such as changes in governance systems and perceptions of wellbeing, have played a role in altering the perception of poverty. These factors have collectively contributed to the increase in witchcraft accusations and subsequent instances of lynching. The astute Professor Millar further highlighted that accusations of witchcraft are typically targeted towards marginalized and vulnerable individuals. These individuals, often from poor and unknown families, become easy targets for labeling as witches. However, traditionally, being called a witch was considered a status symbol. Chiefs and elders in the northern communities of Ghana valued witches, as they were believed to possess the ability to predict calamities and serve as early warning systems for the community. Contrary to the traditional role of witches as spiritual protectors, the recent victims of lynching are individuals from families that do not have witches. Millar emphasized that these victims are not true witches, as their alleged witch status is a fabrication. The lynching incidents emerge from modern interferences that have distorted the understanding and appreciation of witchcraft in society. He further proposed that traditional structures and systems, such as chiefs, elders, and family heads, can protect accused witches in communities. Rather than relying on government or NGOs, he believes that involving the community itself is crucial for finding a solution to this pressing issue. Through community involvement, witchcraft accusations can be carefully evaluated, ensuring that innocent individuals are not unfairly targeted. To reinstate discipline and ensure fairness in the process of identifying witches, Prof. Millar suggested implementing a practice where the village chief and elders sip the concoction given to the alleged witch before it is administered. This approach would establish a sense of responsibility, preventing baseless accusations and promoting a more thorough examination of each case. However, Prof. Millar’s engagement with ApexnewsGh has unveiled the underlying causes of the surge in witchcraft accusations and the subsequent lynching incidents in Ghana. “By understanding the dilution of societal norms and implementing traditional protective structures, communities can work towards eradicating this dangerous and unjust practice”. Prof. Millar stressed The documentary was sponsored by MRG with support from MPEC Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062

Featured

10 ways Africa could be made better by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen

Education: Improving the education system is crucial for the long-term development of Africa. This includes providing quality education to all children, reducing dropout rates, training teachers, and increasing access to educational resources. Infrastructure Development: Developing and improving infrastructure, such as transportation networks, energy sources, communication systems, and healthcare facilities, is necessary to promote economic growth and improve people’s quality of life. Poverty Alleviation: Tackling poverty is essential for sustainable development. Implementing effective poverty reduction strategies, such as social safety nets, microfinance programs, and skills training, can empower individuals and communities. Health Improvement: Addressing healthcare challenges, such as inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services, is crucial. Investing in healthcare infrastructure, disease prevention, and healthcare workforce training can significantly improve health outcomes. Sustainable Economic Development: Promoting economic growth through investment in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology can create job opportunities, reduce inequality, and foster innovation. Good Governance: Promoting accountable and transparent governance systems can help combat corruption, protect human rights, and ensure the fair distribution of resources. Strengthening institutions, promoting democracy, and enhancing the rule of law are essential for long-term development. Environmental Protection: Protecting Africa’s natural resources, promoting sustainable land use practices, and addressing climate change are vital for the continent’s future. Encouraging renewable energy sources, implementing environmental regulations, and promoting sustainable tourism can help preserve Africa’s biodiversity. Empowerment of Women and Girls: Ensuring gender equality and empowering women and girls can have a profound impact on Africa’s development. This includes promoting access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and decision-making roles. International Cooperation: Encouraging partnerships and cooperation between African nations and the international community is crucial. Supporting initiatives such as trade agreements, foreign investment, and development aid can contribute to Africa’s progress. Strengthening Peace and Security: Promoting peace, resolving conflicts, and strengthening security measures are essential for stability and development. This includes supporting peacebuilding initiatives, conflict resolution mechanisms, and investing in security forces and peacekeeping operations. Overall, addressing these various aspects requires the collaboration and efforts of governments, civil society organizations, private sector entities, and the international community to work together for a better Africa. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062

Opinion

WATCH: 2023 National May Day pictures you might like to keep for future reference

For those who attended the 2023 May Day celebration in the Upper East Region who in one way or the other participated or even received an award, please kindly check below for interesting pictures of you for the event. Please note, the pictures below are watermarked with our logo. But in any case, you found any interesting for yourself, especially those of you who took pictures with the president whiles receiving your award, please Kindly contact Apexnewsgh.com for the original on this number 0256336062. You may like to enlarge them for future reference. Kindly watch the pictures below:

Mining, Opinion

Talensi: DCE promises to revisit issues of unpaid compensation to families of 16 dead miners

The Talensi District Chief Executive (DCE) Thomas Duanab Wuni has promised to revisit issues surrounding the unpaid compensation to the families of 16 dead miners. Apexnewsgh.com report On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, some young youth numbering 16 from the Talensi community in the Upper East Region met their untimely death whereas others numbering over 15 went unconscious and was rushed to the hospital and after few days of going through a thorough medical treatment with the assistance of the Health workers at the Regional Hospital, Only a few recovered from the explosion. The majority of these lost lives were noted by friends, family, and community members as breadwinners, this simply means, these individuals carry their family responsibilities on their heads all alone, and they are the only source of happiness for their dependents. Is over 5 years down the lane since after the tragic incident occurred but, the question begging for answers is, what has been the situation for the families of these known breadwinners who regrettably lost their lives as a result of the negligence of a mining company and an individual according to the Mineral Commission Reports? Apexnewsgh.com investigation reveals, that no compensation has been awarded to any of the family members from both the company Shaanxi Mining Company now Earl International and Kwasi Bantama. Currently, as we published this article, we can confidently report that some parents of these dead victims have also died as a result of hardship and struggles of life and some of these dependents are still going through difficult conditions as at now. Sadly, it appears those whose negligence put these families in their current predicaments care less about their human rights and welfare. However, engaging the Talensi District Chief Executive Mr. Thomas Duanab Wuni on the said issue regarding the family’s compensation, he said in his handing over, he hasn’t chanced any issue regarding compensation of families of the 16 dead youths. He promised to revisit in January 2023. “I have been in this office for one year and two months and in my handing over notes, I haven’t chanced any issue regarding what you are telling me. So, is difficult for me to speak to that subject. But all the same, from January when we come back from the holidays, I will take a kin interest and I will revisit what you are telling me and I would make further enquiries to see what the issue is. I hear a lot of you the press guys talking about it but, we in the Assembly here, because it wasn’t included in my handing over note, I find it difficult speaking about it. Because as I took over, there was no indication that I had an issue to follow up. But, if that is the situation, is never too late. I can always go back and look at it. So, from January 2023, I will revisit it and see what the situation is and then, we will take it from there”. The DCE told Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stepehn of Apexnewsgh.com Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com

Business

Grass Charcoal: A Hidden Gold In The Open

By Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Grass, popularly known in the African circle as a nuisance grass because of its irrelevant, will soon become another raw gold, especially within the African continent. This is because nuisance grass has become a remedy for the increasing wood fuels which has a more negative impact on our society. According to government statistics, about 80 percent of households in Ghana depend directly on wood fuels (firewood, charcoal, and other biomass) for cooking. An investigation conducted by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh.com shows that citizens are moving to wood fuels products such as firewood and charcoal to be specific due to the continuous increase in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), meaning the lower class of citizens can no longer afford the purchase of LPG. Charcoal is very essential as far as our cooking activities are concerned but, should we continue to allow the felling of economic trees such as rosewood and shea trees for charcoal production? Especially, if not for anything else, these trees are noted for their contribution to the economy and benefits to citizens themselves. However, aside from the economic importance of these precious trees, in this era of climate change, the felling of these trees for the production of charcoal posed a massive threat to our environment as a people. Now the question is, what is the remedy? To me, the remedy is simply “Grass” which I described as a “Hidden Gold in the Open” a commodity that is accessible to all across the African continent. In Ghana, Professor David Millar, the President of Miller Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies in his own wisdom has come out with a new innovation that will address most issues ranging from bushfire burning, felling of economic trees, and creating of job opportunities for especially people in the rural area with grass as a commodity. If not for the intervention of the Ghanaian Professor, no one has thought or dreamed that nuisance grass in today’s world could be an essential commodity or source of livelihood for the ordinary African living in that rural community. Grass briquette Charcoal will surely be a replacement for wood fuels, especially as the information is gradually penetrating across, people will begin to appreciate the kind of opportunities the nuisance grass is bringing on board. When people realized that the stress of felling a tree for charcoal production is huge compared to the less stress used to produce grass charcoal, they will definitely shift their attention towards grass charcoal production. That is a fact, because no one enjoys suffering. I call on African leaders to embrace this wonderful grass-charcoal innovation by Prof. Millar which has come as a remedy for more employment opportunities for the unemployed, especially in our rural communities across the continent. The Grass-Charcoal innovation to me still remains a “Hidden Gold in the Open”. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com

Politics

NDA is executing 1,538 projects across the 5 northern regions–Dr. Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed that the Northern Development Authority (NDA) is executing One Thousand Five Hundred and Thirty-Eight projects (1,538) across the 5 northern regions. Apexnewsgh.com report The Vice President made the revelation when addressing a congregation at the launch of a 5-year medium-term development strategy during a two-day Northern Ghana Development Summit organized by the Northern Development Authority (NDA) and the five Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) of the Northern Ghana with support from development partners and the STAR Ghana Foundation are partnering for the 2022 Northern Ghana Development (NGD) summit with the Theme: “Agenda for Rapid Transformation and Job Creation in a secure and peaceful Northern Ghana. According to the Vice President, out of the total of One Thousand Five Hundred and Thirty-Eight projects (1,538) across the 5 northern regions, Seven Hundred and Ninety (790) of the projects have seen completion and they are all community driven. “They are not imposed from the top, but they are projects that the communities where these projects are being done have demonstrated a need for those and have requested these projects. So it’s more coming from the community and you can therefore see a legacy of the Northern Development Authority even as we speak”. He stated Stressing that, they didn’t engage in rearing Guinea fowls that are flying to Burkina Faso. “ If you ask us what we have done, we will tell you we have implemented Planting for Food and Job (PFJ), we have helped a lot of farmers, we have done One District One Factory, we have done One Village One Dam, and this was only for the five Northern regions, we have done water project in Upper East”. Dr. Bawumia pointed out Source: Apexnewsgh.com|Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com

Politics

NGD Summit: Dr. Bawumia launches a 5-year medium-term development strategy

Ghana’s Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says the development of Northern Ghana is very important to protect Ghana against the terrorist threat that we are seeing coming from the Sahel and therefore the Medium Term Development Strategy that was launched, assumes an even greater amount of importance for them, and for their development partners and for everybody. Dr. Bawumia spoke at the launch of the Northern Ghana Development Summit (NGDS) a 5-year medium-term development strategy on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Apexnewsgh.com report According to the Vice President he has had the benefit of reading the medium-term development strategy, after participating in some of the consultations culminating into the strategy. The sixth strategic objectives outlined in the medium-term development strategy are well thought through and integrated in a way that holds the promise of rewriting the development narrative of Northern Ghana. Addressing congregations, Dr. Bawumia said he need not to repeat the development story of the Northern Ghana that has been told several times to multiple audiences. “In this life, I am happy that a new medium-term development strategy is a product of extensive consultations with several stakeholders group including at the furthest frontiers. This is very essential in capturing the voices of people and groups who will remain critical subjects in the quest to tackle inequality and poverty”. He stressed “These people and groups have lived it, seen it, and feel it on a daily basis. I am aware that the strategy focus sits on five plus one thematic areas that are interconnected, aligned, and focuses on promoting socioeconomic growth and climate change, adaptation whilst unlocking the potential of the area by building synergies of actors and building the resilience of our people to create wealth and restore our environment. And these the increase in household incomes by 20% through sustainable agricultural production systems to accelerate human development in Northern Ghana through access to quality social services”. “To promote the private sector, actions capable of delivering broad-based inclusive economic growth in Northern Ghana. To sustain livelihoods by promoting capacity development across local communities on land, governance, biodiversity, conservation, and climate justice. And enhance peace and social cohesion in the northern Savanna Ecological zone and to create a professional transparent thriving and accountable institution that delivers on its mandate” He said. The Vice President pointed out, that he is reliably informed that the first five objectives of the medium-term development strategy are guided by the government’s medium-term development framework 2022 to 2025 vision, and that is to create an optimistic self-confident, and prosperous nation through the creative exploitation of our human and natural resources and operating within a democratic open and fair society in which mutual trust and economic opportunities exist for all. However, he was confident that within the next few years, the Northern Development Authority shall continue to the realization of the national vision and the global commitment that the country has signed on to. “More specifically your contribution shall be measured by that number of percentage of people or households you are able to move from poverty and to transform the lives of our people”. The 2022 Northern Development Summit which was organized at the University for Development Studies in Tamale saw stakeholders ranging from NGOs, CSOs, Foreign partners, Institutions, and individuals to assess, discuss and recommend actions to accelerate the progress of development in Northern Ghana. Meanwhile, The Northern Development Authority (NDA) and the five Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) of the Northern Ghana with support from development partners and the STAR Ghana Foundation are partnering for the 2022 Northern Ghana Development (NGD) summit with the Theme: “Agenda for Rapid Transformation and Job Creation in a secure and peaceful Northern Ghana Source: Apexnewsgh.com|Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com

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Sakoti Paramount Chief Condemns Lynching of Marginalized Groups

Bongo Paramount Chief Advocates for Sensitization to Combat Witchcraft Accusations

Upper East Regional Chief Imam condemns witchcraft accusation and lynching, says is unislamic

Societal Norms Diluted, Leading to Increase in Witchcraft Accusations and Lynching—Prof. Millar

10 ways Africa could be made better by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen

WATCH: 2023 National May Day pictures you might like to keep for future reference

Talensi: DCE promises to revisit issues of unpaid compensation to families of 16 dead miners

Grass Charcoal: A Hidden Gold In The Open

NDA is executing 1,538 projects across the 5 northern regions–Dr. Bawumia

NGD Summit: Dr. Bawumia launches a 5-year medium-term development strategy

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