I want the very thing my opponent wanted in 2012 – John Mahama
The former President and National Democratic Congress Flagbearer in the just ended 2020 general election John Dramani Mahama has said, he only wants the very thing his opponent wanted in 2012. According to Mr. Mahama, his address to the nation was to let Ghanaians know his decision to petition the Supreme Court on the outcome of the 2020 Presidential elections The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed its long-awaited petition to challenge the results of the December 7 elections. The petition was filed at 12 midday, the party said in a statement on Wednesday, December 30. It is on public records that the Presidential candidate for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) rejected the declaration by the Electoral Commission and since then, the party supporters across the country have registered their displeasure through some series of protest, whiles calling for the Electoral Commission to reverse the already made declaration the EC chairperson Madam Jean Mensa. Following the numerous calls by many Ghanaians to seek redress in court, Mr. Mahama is also praying the court to order a re-run of the elections as according to him, none of the two leading candidates crossed the 50% plus one vote mark. Mr. Mahama made the pronouncement while addressing Ghanaians through his Facebook handle on Wednesday, December 30, 2020. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
LIVESTREAMING: John Mahama addresses nation on election petition
John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress is addressing the nation on his decision to petition the Supreme Court on the outcome of the 2020 Presidential elections. Mahama, in a writ filed by his lawyers on December 30, 2020 is praying the apex court to annul the result of the presidential polls as announced by Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission on December 9, 2020. He is also praying the court to order a re-run of the elections as according to him, none of the two leading candidates crossed the 50% plus one vote mark. To Mahama, Jean Mensa committed an illegality by declaring Nana Akufo-Addo as winner of the election and want the court to reverse the decision. This evening, he is expected to provide update on the petition and the way forward for the party with regards to the elections. John Mahama will also touch on whether the party’s supporters should continue protesting on the streets now that the legal proceedings have been activated. Watch the livestreaming below Ghanaweb Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
2020 in review: Internet sensations of the year
Although the coronavirus pandemic took a toll on many people and disrupted the way of life of many in Ghana, some Ghanaians defied the odds and brought a glimmer of hope to millions across the country. For their reward, they become top internet trends for their sensational stories on various social media pages. Whether via hot photos on Instagram, viral videos on Facebook and Twitter, or topical discussions on YouTube, these Ghanaians, made their mark in different endeavours and proved the Ghanaian’s can-do spirit. GhanaWeb.com has compiled the following list of people whose activities grabbed the attention of the ever-bustling internet community. Hajia Bintu This all-round beautiful and voluptuous lady shot to fame after a video of her dancing trended for days on Twitter and other social media sites. She describes herself as a brands influencer, model and business person, but many of the conversations about her has centred on her impeccable body and humourous Tik Tok videos. Kelvin Odartey: Teenager who built a car In September this year, Kelvin Odartey, a teenager who had just completed his Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), shot to fame after a story of a car he had built went viral. He became an internet sensation when a video of the car, which he built with scraps, began trending on the internet. In the video, teachers, his colleague students and passersby looked impressed as they watched him operate his car and pick a few of his friends in school uniform. Elizabeth Yamoah: 57-year-old BECE graduate The story of a 57-year-old woman, Madam Elizabeth Yamoah, enthralled many in Ghana. Madam Yamoah enrolled at Odoben Presbyterian Junior High School (JHS) in 2017 and was among the candidates that sat for the 2020 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Madam Yamoah said she was determined to continue her education at the Senior High School(SHS) level and become a professional nurse in future. She said she was motivated by the introduction of free Senior High school (SHS) policy introduced by the government and her children to return to the classroom after decades of absence. Gakpetor: PRESEC Legon’s super-sub at the 2020 NSMQ Gakpetor Daniel Kekeli, a student of Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC) Legon, gained internet fame for his outstanding performance in the 2020 National Science and Maths Quiz competition. PRESEC beat Adisadel College and Opoku Ware School on October 8, 2020, to emerge as champions of the national quiz and this young chap – who usually came in as a substitute – played a key role in the attainment of that feat. His name trended again in November when someone leaked his final results for the 2020 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) online. Social media was inundated with his results slip which showed he had obtained A1 – the best mark – in all eight subjects. AY Poyoo: The GOAT AY Poyoo broke the internet this year with his hit song ‘GOAT’. His unique but somehow grotesque outfits also endeared him to netizens both in Ghana and across Africa. He describes himself as a full-time entertainer, a rapper, and an actor. Kumerica ‘Kumerica’ – the name and the movement – took social media by storm. It emerged and trended for weeks on Twitter out of a fantastical desire by some natives of the Ashanti Region to be known as Kumericans. As part of the sensation online, it was said that the entire Ashanti Region popularly known as Oseikrom should now be referred to as the United States of Kumerica, USK for short. The trend intensified when photos of Kumerica passport, currency and flag began trending online. Ghanaweb Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
Reasons why Kwesi Appiah has distanced himself from the Asante Kotoko job revealed
Former Black Stars coach, James Kwasi Appiah has distanced himself from the Asante Kotoko vacant coaching role claiming “he is not ready” to take up the task. The Ghanaian giants are currently looking to replace Maxwell Konadu who was sacked as head coach of the club about a fortnight back. The Porcupine Warriors parted company with Konadu following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Accra Great Olympics in the Ghana Premier League. However, Appiah, who is a legend of the club has been linked with the vacant coaching job but a close source has told AshesGyamera.com that the former Black Stars trainer is not interested to take up the role. “There is no way Kwesi Appiah will become the next coach of Asante Kotoko because he is actually not interested at the moment,” the source said. “After his contract with Ghana expired, he decided to take time off football and leave the scene for a while because he has been through a lot.” “Currently, he is doing other businesses which are showing promises and it will be premature to halt all the plans and projections made to become the successor of Maxwell Konadu.” “Everything in this world is possible but this comeback is highly impossible. I believe Kotoko will look elsewhere,” the source added. Assistant coach Johnson Smith has since the dismissal of Maxwell Konadu taken over as the interim coach until a substantive one is hired. Ghana soccernet Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
Kofi Adda will always be my senior brother – Tangoba urges calm in NPP
Tangoba Abayage, the Upper East Regional Minister, has called on members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Navrongo Central Constituency to let peace and calm return to the party. The Regional Minister particularly called on members of two factions within the party, who have since the party’s defeat in the election engaged in a war of press conferences, to cease going further. Ms. Abayage is worried the party would have dim prospects in the future if members of the party continue to toe that lane. Speaking exclusively to GhanaWeb on Wednesday, worried Ms. Abayage described the press conferences as “not healthy” which could further plunge the party into more problems and deepen the woes of the elephant fraternity in the constituency. Ms. Abayage said the present time was for party members to hold sober reflections and help find ways to reconcile the cracks to return stronger for victory in the future. She said it was time for the party to heal from the defeat and no waste it attacking each other. Ms. Abayage stressed that she would not allow current happenings in the constituency to endanger her relationship with Mr. Adda who she called her brother. She revealed her enormous reverence for the incumbent MP and said nothing could come between them- not even the political bitterness that lingers in the constituency. She, therefore, asked supporters in both factions who might have been aggrieved by actions of the party leadership or individuals in the party, to be calm and not do anything that would further widen the cracks. “We aren’t helping issues at all with this forth and back in the media. This is the time to let peace reign, to respect each other’s opinion. The NPP is a strong party that suffered a defeat, yes, but we would definitely rise but we can’t rise in the midst of throwing missiles at each other. Hon. Joseph Kofi Adda is my brother who will always be. We are a brother and sister and I have so much respect for him as a senior. I don’t see why party supporters should be throwing missiles at each other the way they are doing. It must stop. So as a leader, I’m requesting everybody in the party to ceasefire. No accusations or counter-accusations. It’s a plead I’m making. “I also want to apologize to anybody that might have been hurt by anyone or as a result of this (the press conferences). We need peace, we need healing. We should allow that. What we are doing to ourselves is not healthy. “I also want to disassociate myself completely from any press conference that has been held either for me or against me. They are not healthy and must stop”. Press Conferences After the 2020 general election in which the NPP performed abysmally leading to the recapture of the Parliamentary seat by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a win for its Presidential candidate, camps affiliated to the incumbent Member of Parliament- Joseph Kofi Adda and the Upper East Regional Minister, Tangoba Abayage, have been at each other’s throats apportioning blame for the defeat of the party in the constituency. Whereas followers of Ms. Abayage pointed fingers at Kofi Adda accusing him of throwing support behind the NDC candidate and giving him huge financial benefits for his campaigns which caused her defeat, members of the party who support Kofi Adda have accused the constituency executives and Ms. Abayage of not involving the MP and his followers in campaign activities and other plans in the run-up to the election. So far, there have been about 3 pressers convened by the factions in a space of two weeks. Ghanaweb Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
These are the 9 lawyers assigned as spokespersons for NDC’s 2020 election petition
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has selected a crack team of nine legal practitioners to serve as spokespersons for its petition to challenge the results of the December 7 elections. The NDC filed the petition at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, December 30, on behalf of former president John Dramani Mahama by his lawyers. A statement issued by NDC’s General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, said the petition was filed after the party‘s audit of the 2020 Presidential results and extensive consultations with the National Executive Committee and Council of Elders of the party. “The under-listed personalities have been assigned as Spokespersons on the matter and may be contacted by the media after the Petitioner’s address to the nation and throughout the hearing of the matter: “1. Hon. Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong Esq. – Former Attorney General and Minister for Justice; 2. Hon. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine Esq.- MP for Bolgatanga East and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice; 3. Dr. Abdul Baasit Aziz Bamba Esq. – Member of NDC Legal Team; 4. Hon. Alex Segbefia Esq.- Director of International Relations, NDC; 5. Abraham Amaliba Esq. – Director Legal, NDC; 6. Sammy Gyamfi Esq.- National Communications Officer, NDC; 7. Kakra Essamuah Esq.- NDC Communications Director; 8. Joyce Bawa Mogtari Esq. – Special Aide and Spokesperson of HE John Dramani Mahama; 9. Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe Esq. – Member of NDC legal team.” Read the full statement below: 30th December 2020 The National Democratic Congress, wishes to inform the general public that at about 12 PM this afternoon, the leader and Presidential Candidate of the party, H.E John Dramani Mahama, caused his lawyers to file a Petition in the Supreme Court of Ghana to challenge the 2020 Presidential Election Results Declaration by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana. The Petition was filed pursuant to the party‘s audit of the 2020 Presidential results and extensive consultations with the National Executive Committee and Council of Elders of the party. The Petition details serious violations of the 1992 Constitution by the Electoral Commission and its Chairperson and Returning Officer for the Presidential Election, Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa in the conduct of their constitutional and legal responsibilities. It seeks among others, a declaration from the Supreme Court to the effect that, the purported declaration of the results of the 2020 Presidential Election on the 9th day of December 2020 is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever. H.E John Dramani Mahama shall be addressing the nation at 8PM today on the petition filed and other related matters. The under-listed personalities have been assigned as Spokespersons on the matter and may be contacted by the media after the Petitioner’s address to the nation and throughout the hearing of the matter: 1. Hon. Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong Esq. – Former Attorney General and Minister for Justice. 2. Hon. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine Esq.- MP for Bolgatanga East and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice. 3. Dr. Abdul Baasit Aziz Bamba Esq. – Member of NDC Legal Team 4. Hon. Alex Segbefia Esq.- Director of International Relations, NDC 5. Abraham Amaliba Esq. – Director Legal, NDC 6. Sammy Gyamfi Esq.- National Communications Officer, NDC 7. Kakra Essamuah Esq.- NDC Communications Director 8. Joyce Bawa Mogtari Esq. – Special Aide and Spokesperson of HE John Dramani Mahama 9. Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe Esq. – Member of NDC legal team Signed, Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia (General Secretary) Ghanaweb Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
UER: Bawku is of great interest to government – Veep
Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, says the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East Region is of great interest to government and commended residents for the peace in the area. “I wish to assure you that the government will not be derailed by any means of giving what is due to the good people of Bawku Traditional Area. You are going to witness a lot of infrastructural projects such as health and educational facilities, good roads, warehouses to make this traditional area assume its rightful place,” he said. The Vice President said this in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Frank Fuseini Adongo, the Upper East Deputy Regional Minister, at the 33rd annual Samanpiid festival of the chiefs and people of the Bawku Traditional Area. This year’s festival on the theme: “Mutual understanding, and co-existence; A key to enhancing peace for the development of Kusaug,” brought together citizens of the Kusaug area, including some Chiefs across the Region. Dr Bawumia said, “In the face of the communal disturbances that existed, the people of Bawku have demonstrated patriotism over the years through support for various governments and their programmes, and I salute you all.” He said it was gratifying to note that Bawku had returned to its normal state, and the people were going about their daily activities in peace and harmony. “This gives the government a great sigh of relief as it rolls out policies and programmes to bring smiles on the faces of our people.” He said, “Those who were born a little over four decades ago will attest to the fact that there was no town in the north that could surpass Bawku in terms of the ingenuity of the people, the type of brisk business and the ever-growing nature of the town.” Dr Bawumia noted that Bawku nearly became a shadow of itself, “Our children’s education was indeed nearly jeopardized as teachers and other workers preferred to work in other places aside Bawku.” He congratulated the people of the area, especially the Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee for their efforts so far at ensuring lasting peace, and urged them not to relent. Giving a brief history of Samanpiid, the Paramount Chief of the Bawku Traditional Area, Zug-Raan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, said the festival was established by their ancestors to celebrate successful farming seasons. “This was done originally at various Kusasi clans in Kusaug. There were lots of merry-making, including dancing and feasting as part of the ceremonies.” He said they had modernised the celebrations by making it more centralized. “This occasion is used to inform civil authorities or government of our development needs and priorities and we also plan to execute projects of our own.” The Paramount Chief advised the Chiefs and people of the area to continue to abide by the COVID-19 protocols. GNA Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
NDC finally files petition, Mahama to address nation at 8pm
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed its long-awaited petition to challenge results of the December 7 elections. The petition was filed at 12 midday, the party said in a statement on Wednesday, December 30. It was filed on behalf of former president John Dramani Mahama by his lawyers. The statement issued by NDC’s General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, said: “The Petition was filed pursuant to the party‘s audit of the 2020 Presidential results and extensive consultations with the National Executive Committee and Council of Elders of the party. “The Petition details serious violations of the 1992 Constitution by the Electoral Commission and its Chairperson and Returning Officer for the Presidential Election, Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa in the conduct of their constitutional and legal responsibilities. “It seeks among others, a declaration from the Supreme Court to the effect that, the purported declaration of the results of the 2020 Presidential Election on the 9th day of December 2020 is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.” Apropos the petition, John Dramani Mahama will be addressing the nation at 8:00pm. The NDC rejected results of the elections a day after it was declared by the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC). Mrs Mensa had announced incumbent Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as winner of the polls with 6,730,587 votes, representing 51.3 percent. At the press conference to express his dissent to the results declared, Mr Mahama described Mrs Mensa’s actions as an illegality, then announcing his intention to take the legal course, aside other action, to reverse the declaration. “On account of this, my party is confident that what has happened is a violation of the law. It is a violation of due process and, therefore, tantamount to an illegality. “It is also a violation of an understanding we hold dear in this country, an understanding that this is not dictatorship or a monarchy run by a single family for the benefit of a family. “Ghana belongs to the people of Ghana, all of the people of Ghana.” Supporters of the party, prior to the legal action, have staged numerous demonstrations across the nation to register their repugnance to the outcome of the elections. Below is the full statement; PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release 30th December, 2020 The National Democratic Congress, wishes to inform the general public that at about 12PM this afternoon, the leader and Presidential Candidate of the party, H.E John Dramani Mahama, caused his lawyers to file a Petition in the Supreme Court of Ghana to challenge the 2020 Presidential Election Results Declaration by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana. The Petition was filed pursuant to the party‘s audit of the 2020 Presidential results and extensive consultations with the National Executive Committee and Council of Elders of the party. The Petition details serious violations of the 1992 Constitution by the Electoral Commission and its Chairperson and Returning Officer for the Presidential Election, Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa in the conduct of their constitutional and legal responsibilities. It seeks among others, a declaration from the Supreme Court to the effect that, the purported declaration of the results of the 2020 Presidential Election on the 9th day of December 2020 is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever. H.E John Dramani Mahama shall be addressing the nation at 8PM today on the petition filed and other related matters. The under-listed personalities have been assigned as Spokespersons on the matter and may be contacted by the media after the Petitioner’s address to the nation and throughout the hearing of the matter: 1. Hon. Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong Esq. – Former Attorney General and Minister for Justice. 2. Hon. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine Esq.- MP for Bolgatanga East and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice. 3. Dr. Abdul Baasit Aziz Bamba Esq. – Member of NDC Legal Team 4. Hon. Alex Segbefia Esq.- Director of International Relations, NDC 5. Abraham Amaliba Esq. – Director Legal, NDC 6. Sammy Gyamfi Esq.- National Communications Officer, NDC 7. Kakra Essamuah Esq.- NDC Communications Director 8. Joyce Bawa Mogtari Esq. – Special Aide and Spokesperson of HE John Dramani Mahama 9. Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe Esq. – Member of NDC legal team Signed, Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia (General Secretary) 3 News Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.
Argentina Legalizes Abortion, a Milestone in a Conservative Region
BUENOS AIRES — Argentina on Wednesday became the largest nation in Latin America to legalize abortion, a landmark vote in a conservative region and a victory for a grass-roots movement that turned years of rallies into political power. The high-stakes vote in the Senate gripped the nation into the early morning, and the measure’s approval — by a wider-than-expected tally of 38 to 29, with one abstention — came after 12 hours of often dramatic debate, exposing the tensions between the long-dominant Roman Catholic Church, whose influence is waning, and a growing feminist movement. “I didn’t change my way of thinking about abortion,” said Lucila Crexell, a senator from the southern Neuquén Province who had kept her vote under wraps and abstained from a vote on the matter in 2018. “I changed my focus on how I think the issue should be approached. It isn’t about feminism or religion. Clandestine abortion is a silent figure that kills, harms and writes very sad stories.” As it unfolded, the Senate debate was closely followed by masses of both opponents and supporters of abortion rights, who camped out in the plaza around the neo-Classical Palace of Congress, chanting, cheering and praying as they tried to sway a handful of undecided senators to their respective camps. Argentina’s president, Alberto Fernández, has promised to sign the bill into law, making it legal for women to end pregnancies for any reason up to 14 weeks. After that, there will be exceptions allowed for rape and the woman’s health. The effects of the legalization vote are likely to ripple across Latin America, galvanizing reproductive-rights advocates elsewhere in the region and leaving them hopeful that other socially conservative nations could follow suit. Uruguay, Cuba and Guyana are the only other countries in Latin America to allow abortion on request. Argentina, like a number of other countries in the region, had previously permitted abortion in cases of rape or if the pregnancy posed a risk to a woman’s health; other Latin American countries have stricter limits or total prohibitions. “Legalizing abortion in Argentina is a gigantic victory that protects fundamental rights and will inspire change in Latin America,” said Tamara Taraciuk Broner, the Americas deputy director for Human Rights Watch. “It’s predictable, however, that this will also mobilize pro-life groups.” Supporters of the legislation cheered and hugged as soon as the vote total was announced, confirming that what they had been fighting for had become reality. “It’s one of those things that you anticipate for so long that when it finally happens you can’t believe it and don’t know what to do with yourself,” said María Blanco, 27. “I couldn’t stop crying.” Argentina’s legalization of abortion was a striking rebuke of Pope Francis, who injected himself into the bitter political debate in his homeland on the eve of the vote, praising a women’s group from impoverished neighborhoods for its activism against abortion. It was also a setback for the country’s fast-growing evangelical Protestant churches, which had joined forces with the Catholic Church in opposing the change. “I feel a profound sense of anguish that in this country that I love the right to life is not respected,” said Abigail Pereira, 27, who had been out in Buenos Aires protesting against legalization. “But I will keep on fighting.” The vote was a major legislative victory for Mr. Fernández, Argentina’s center-left president, who has made women’s rights central to his administration’s agenda. But primarily it was a win for Argentina’s grass-roots abortion-rights advocates, who have recently paved the way for other deep shifts in the country’s cultural and political landscape — including marriage equality, gender parity initiatives and transgender rights — and made Argentina a bellwether of changes that have gained broader traction in the region. Argentina’s lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, approved the bill earlier this month, by a vote of 131 to 117. It also passed a similar measure two years ago, only to have it fail in the Senate, 38 to 31; the president at the time, Mauricio Macri, said he was personally against legalization but vowed not to veto the bill if it made it through Congress. Mr. Fernández campaigned for the presidency on a platform that included abortion rights, gender equality, and gay and transgender rights, and he has followed through on those promises to a degree that has surprised even some of his supporters. Supporters of the abortion measure, including Senator Norma Durango, said legalizing abortion would simply bring the practice out of the shadows. Researchers say hundreds of thousands of underground abortions are performed in Argentina every year. Around 40,000 women were hospitalized for complications related to abortions in 2016, according to the latest available data from the Health Ministry, while at least 65 women died between 2016 and 2018 from complications, according to a report by Argentina’s Access to Safe Abortion Network. “I sit here today representing all the women who have died having clandestine abortions,” said Ms. Durango, who was the first lawmaker to speak during the debate that began Tuesday. “Abortion is a reality, and it has been taking place since time immemorial.” The effort to loosen Argentina’s abortion laws is decades old, but it got a boost from the feminist movement Ni Una Menos, which formed in 2015 to protest violence against women and has since been the driving force behind the abortion legalization campaign. The symbol of that effort in Argentina — green handkerchiefs — has caught on in several Latin American countries, including Mexico, where women sporting them have poured into the streets demanding greater support for their rights. “The green movement that started in Argentina has taken over the entire region,” said Paula Ávila-Guillen, executive director of the Women’s Equality Center. “Any activist from Mexico to Argentina is wearing the green handkerchief as a symbol for legalizing abortion.” Just hours before the Senate took up the measure on Tuesday afternoon, Pope Francis, who as pontiff has sought to distance himself from political debates in Argentina, issued a message that appeared directed to the handful of senators who had
UER: Paramount chief of Bawku appeals for a new region
The Paramount Chief of the Bawku Traditional Area, Zug-Raan, Asigri Abugrago Azorka II, has called on the government to consider carving a new region out of the Upper East Region for the Bawku area. This move the Bawku Naba believes would help accelerate the development of the area. Addressing the 33RD Annual Samanpiid Festival of the Chiefs and people of Kusaug at Bawku, the Bawku Naba commended the government for creating new regions as it will ultimately help to bring development to the doorstep of those in the newly created regions The Bawku Traditional Area has six administrative districts. This, includes, Pusiga, Bawku West, Tempane, Garu and Binduri Districts, and Bawku Municipal. The Paramount Chief of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Zugraan Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka, appealed to the government through the Ministry of Regional Reorganization and Development and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to make the Bawku Traditional Area a region on its own and also create a new district out of the Bawku West District. The move according to the Paramount Chief, will go a long way to bring the needed development to the area. The Paramount Chief of the Traditional Area who made the appeal through his spokesperson, Mr. Patrick Adakrugu, charged qualified applicants from the area to enroll and study the kusaal language at the University of Education, Winneba. He called on the people in the area to desist from farming closer to the banks of the White Volta to avoid the high level of destruction caused by the torrential rains in October this year coupled with the spillage of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso. It was revealed that the measures put in place to end the long-standing chieftaincy dispute in Bawku is in its final stages of officially declaring the protracted ethnic conflict as over through a proposed ceremony to “bury the okro stick.” When that is done, it would be a “taboo for anyone to prevent or obstruct anybody from going about their normal business in the Bawku Traditional area including returning to abandoned farmlands.” The chiefs and the people of the Bawku Traditional Area climaxed their 33rd annual Samanpiid Festival with a durbar with a call on residents in the area to help sustain the prevailing peace in the area. The Samanpiid is an annual festival celebrated by the Kusasis in the Kusaug Traditional Area to show appreciation to God for a bumper harvest. It was first celebrated in 1987 and this year’s festival was on the theme: “Mutual Understanding and co-existence: A key to enhancing peace for the development of Kusaug”. Past and present Members of Parliament, Lecturers, chiefs queen mothers were among the distinguished guests who graced the occasion. The Paramount Chief of the Bawku Traditional Area, Zugraan Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka, expressed appreciation to the people for the prevailing peace in the area and urged them to work hard to sustain it for accelerated development. He commended the government, the various security agencies, Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee, and other stakeholders for jealously safeguarding the peace they are currently enjoying. He described the chieftaincy institution as noble, hence the need for his divisional chiefs not to engage themselves in active politics. He appealed to the people in the area to stop practicing outmoded cultural practices such as early marriages, widowhood rites, female genital mutilation among others. Zugraan Naba Abugrago Asigri Azoka commended the government for implementing pro-poor policies aimed at reducing poverty among the people in the area. This, according to him, included Free SHS, Planting for Food and Jobs, One-Village-one-dam, NABCO, One-District-One-Warehouse among others. He appealed to the government to complete the ongoing developmental projects in the area. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Frank Fuseini Adongo, said the theme for the celebration is apt because it challenges them to dialogue, co-exist, and unite which are the moral fabrics of their culture as the building block to the development of the area. The Deputy Regional Minister said Bawku is back to normal status as the people are going about their educational, economic, and social activities in peace and harmony. He, therefore, entreated the people to be patient, since the government was making efforts at addressing their development challenges. He observed that the main challenge facing the north was poverty, underpinned by the lack of infrastructure and human resource, and explained that it was for that reason that the government had rolled out various interventions, including the free senior high school policy in 2017, to bridge the development gap between the north and the south. Other speakers charged sons and daughters in the area to support Bawku Naba Educational Endowment fund to help meet the deserving needs of their brilliant but needy students in the area. Residents were also charged to continue to adhere to the novel coronavirus safety protocols. The 33rd Samanpiid Festival, which showcased the rich cultural heritage of the chiefs and people of the traditional area, was characterized by traditional dancing, music, colorful costume, and speeches. Audio attached below: BAWKU NABA VOICE Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Contributor: Prosper Adankai Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.