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
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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
NGD Summit: Tackling systematic challenges requires changes that will transform generations—NDA Boss
The Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority (NDA) Mr. Sumaila Abdulai has said, tackling systematic challenges requires changes that will transform generations and NDA is in to travel that far. The CEO made this known at the launch of a 5-year medium-term development strategy on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Apexnewsgh.com report The Northern Development Authority (NDA) and the five Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) of 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 Mr. Sumaila, the challenges they are often confronted with ranges from a hostile geography to conflict. Meanwhile, he revealed that NDA has made progress in tackling some of these actions moving forward and it has institutionalized many of them by incorporating them into the strategy that they have developed. “For instance, the NDA, STAR Ghana Foundation, RCCs and other agencies to opened dialogue on improving educational performance and accountability in Northern Ghana” Also added that they have been able to facilitate high-level investment visits by investors from South Africa to Northern Ghana. The CEO also pointed out, that the Northern Development Authority (NDA) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC) have also engaged with a number of local businesses to understand the constraints of doing business in the North. “We believe, now is the time to look at the option that addressed the need of the current generation and those that will come”. Mr. Sumaila stressed However, the CEO ended the speech with a quote by Mother Theresa which says: “None ever do great things but we can all do small things with great love, and together we can do something wonderful. 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. However, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was a special guest of honor at the 2022 NGD Summit. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For Publication, please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: Apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Upper East Regional Airport: Johnson Ayine made more interesting and mindblowing revelations, about the delays…
It appears there are more hidden revelations regarding the delays bedeviling the success and reality of the construction of the controversial Upper East Regional Airport over the years. Apexnewsgh.com report According to a regional communication member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) Johnson Ayine, the current location for the construction of the regional airport was as a result of a political decision and that is why after clearing off the commercial trees, it was difficult for them to do the work. Mr. Ayine made the revelation during an engagement on Apexnews Ghana’s flagship developmental programme dubbed “SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST REGION” with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Making some references, Mr. Ayine said during Achampong’s time, his community Sherigu, Dachio, and some other places were identified as very suitable for the airport construction. He however insisted, it was a political decision to put the project where it is currently and that is why along the process, it was difficult for them to continue with the project. He further revealed, that during the CAN 2008 African Cup, Hon. Gloria Akufo was the Minister for Aviation under Kufour, she came here with a technical team and they wanted to work on the Sumbrungu airport so that some of the African countries will lodge in and use the airport to Tamale for the football. Mr. Ayine said, after going through, “the recommendation was that there was a rock underground and the place is also muddy”. He added; “Why the project is delaying, why we are not getting the project, is a political decision. The politician fears going to tell the people that it can’t work. Because the people will not forgive them. If they go and tell the people of Sumbrungu today that the place is not suitable, they will ask them why they came and destroyed their land and pulled commercial trees down. They have made investors to go there and bought lands. Is left for the politicians to tell them the truth, you mark it down today, the truth will come one day if God is only one God whether am alive or not”. He stressed “The way we are doing politics in this region is not helping us” “Do you think if NDC can go to Sumbrungu to tell the people of Sumbrungu that the place won’t be good for the airport? Do you think they will be able to win there again? The people are likely to come against them and because of what NDC did, the NPP too are not bold enough as we speak. That was why they were hunting Rockson Bukari because he was bold to tell them the truth and they were hunting him. Nobody will tell them the truth and the truth shall come”. He maintained Meanwhile, sharing a little idea of what was already planned should be in case the airport was located in Sherigu Community.“For our side, they were targeting the road. The plan was to cut a road to Pwalungu, so that when passengers are coming from the North East Region and Talensi area, they will not pass through Bolga and another road was cut to Kandiga, so that when they are coming from Navrongo and other places, they will pass through Kandiga without coming to Bolga and those that will be coming from Bawku enclave will pass through Bolga and come. Those were the plans” Johnson Ayine told Apexnewsgh.com Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For Publication, please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: Apexnewsgh@gmail.com