Maaltaaba Women Celebrates International Rural Women’s Day
The Maaltaaba Peasant Women Farmers’ Cooperative in the Talensi District of Ghana’s Upper East Region came alive with vibrant celebrations as they observed International Rural Women’s Day. Apexnewsgh reports Rural women from various communities gathered in Yamiriga for a float, proudly holding placards that highlighted their contributions and the challenges they face. Amidst the festivities, Miyella Lydia, the Executive Director of the cooperative, delivered a powerful speech, emphasizing the pivotal role rural women play in their families, communities, and nations. She expressed, “International Rural Women’s Day is a special opportunity to celebrate the dedication and perseverance of these extraordinary women.” During her speech, Lydia shed light on the challenges faced by rural women, such as limited resources and social barriers. She mentioned that according to data from the Statistical Service, 1.5 million rural women are engaged in vulnerable employment. Despite these obstacles, rural women are the backbone of food systems, economies, and societies, possessing invaluable knowledge and driving innovation. The theme of this year’s celebration, “Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All,” deeply resonated with the cooperative. Lydia stressed the importance of empowering rural women for food security, environmental sustainability, and equitable opportunities. Through their initiatives, the Maaltaaba Peasant Women Farmers’ Cooperative has witnessed rural women achieving success through collaboration, entrepreneurship, and leadership. However, Lydia highlighted the need for more advocacy for policies upholding rural women’s rights, providing education and training, and ensuring access to information and technology. Addressing the rural women, Lydia emphasized, “Your voices are significant, and your contributions are invaluable. Empowering you remains our top priority.” She also urged partners and stakeholders to join in solidarity and collective action toward a more just world for all. “International Rural Women’s Day is not merely a celebration; it is a call to action. Let us commit to empowering rural women, improving our communities, and building a brighter future for everyone.” The Yameriga Assembly member praised the rural women. He said, the cooperative, consisting of 1,250 women including widows, single mothers, and farmers with disabilities, has brought about significant positive changes through their farming activities. Their impact is felt not only within their own community but also in neighboring areas, where people visit to learn from their innovative initiatives. The cooperative has focused on establishing fruit trees and diverse crops, which not only support the women themselves but also serve as a model for others to follow. They have also been farming vegetables for both community consumption and personal use, showcasing their resourcefulness and dedication to sustainable agriculture. These women have not only improved their own productivity and household incomes but have also broken social barriers and achieved economic stability through training and advocacy. Their efforts have been widely praised, with the Yamriga Electoral Area Assembly Member commending their work and expressing gratitude to organizations like FFF, FAO, and Star-Ghana for their support. One of the most impressive aspects of their work is their creation of their own manure to fertilize their farms, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and self-sufficient farming practices. The Maaltaaba Cooperative serves as an inspiring example of how collective action and dedication can bring about tangible and positive change in rural communities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Contact: +233248250270/+233256336062 for your publications
NDC Youth Organizer Questions NPP’s Commitment to Free SHS
George Opare Addo, the National Youth Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), is making waves with his recent comments directed at the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). Apexnewsgh reports In a bold move, he questioned how many children of NPP members are enrolled in the Free Senior High School (FSHS) program, which is one of the flagship policies of the NPP. Opare Addo’s skepticism is rooted in the NPP’s track record of unfulfilled promises, particularly their pledges of One Million Dollars per constituency and One District One Factory. He emphasized the lack of tangible results from these promises, highlighting the contrast with the NDC’s approach to setting realistic and achievable goals under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama. Speaking passionately to nursing students, Opare Addo stressed the importance of their role as influential opinion leaders in their communities. He urged them to initiate positive change and emphasized the power of their voices in shaping the future of Ghana. As the NDC gears up for the December 7th general elections, Opare Addo’s message resonates strongly with the party’s focus on accessible education and responsible governance, setting the stage for a compelling campaign centered on education and economic development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
High Court Verdict: Bonbiga Not Recognized as Zaare Chief
A recent ruling by the Bolgatanga High Court has exposed Mr. Paul Asaana Agoo, known as Bonbiga, as a fraud and imposter claiming to be the Chief of Zaare. The court, presided over by Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah, dismissed Bonbiga’s case against Tindana Pelga Maltinga, the legitimate traditional authority in Zaare. The ruling stated that Bonbiga lacks capacity to bring action against Tindana Pelga Maltinga and declared all documents signed by him since 2010 as void. The court emphasized that there is currently no chief, regent, or caretaker of the Zaare skin, as none has been properly enskinned or appointed following the late chief’s passing. The public is warned to refrain from dealing with Bonbiga, as any transactions with him will be at their own risk. Tindana Pelga Maltinga remains the recognized traditional authority for land matters in Zaare. However, Apexnewsgh reached out to Mr. Paul Asaana Agoo, popularly known as Bonbiga, for his side of the story, he said the statement released by Tindana Pelga Maltinga’s office is a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image. Mr. Bonbiga explained that in their tradition, a chief’s death is not immediately announced, but when it is officially made public, it becomes official. He revealed that his father passed away in 2010, but the official announcement was made last December, and he was subsequently made caretaker chief in February 2024. However, Tindana Pelga Maltinga’s office took issue with this, sending a writ to dispute Bonbiga’s claim. He believes judge’s ruling, which declared him an imposter, was made without understanding the local customs and norms. “In 2002 with my father and my father gave power of attorney to be acting on his behalf” Mr. Bonbiga stressed “We’ve served them a writ to reappear in court today,” Bonbiga said, confident that the truth will come to light. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Court Battle Looms Over Upper East Regional House of Chiefs Presidency
In the tranquil surroundings of the Upper East Region, tensions brewed within the esteemed chambers of the Regional House of Chiefs. The cause of this unrest? A fiercely contested election that took place on September 16, 2024. The incumbent, Pe Detundini Adiali Ayagitam III, paramount chief of Chiana, emerged victorious as the president. However, his win was swiftly met with opposition from the paramount chiefs of the Talensi and Builsa traditional areas. Their contention stemmed from the belief that Ayagitam’s reelection ran contrary to a 2001 agreement that had established a rotational system for electing the president. Seeking redress, the disgruntled chiefs brought their grievances to the Bolgatanga High Court, aiming to halt Ayagitam’s impending swearing-in. On the opposing front, Ayagitam and his supporters, among them Naaba Anonsona Abisa Anthony Atasige III and Naaga Naba Naaba Orlando Awuni, staunchly maintained that the election had been conducted fairly and in strict adherence to the Chieftaincy Act. In response to the legal challenge, Ayagitam’s camp categorically dismissed the claims as “procedurally and substantively flawed,” branding any efforts to impugn the election’s validity as “unwarranted and baseless.” The stage was set for a legal showdown as the court was scheduled to hear the case on October 17, 2024. The region held its breath, awaiting the resolution of this unprecedented clash within the venerable House of Chiefs. Below is the full statement Response to Legal Challenge Against the Election of Pe Detundini Adiali Ayagitam, President-Elect of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs We, the undersigned elected leaders of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, wish to address the ongoing legal suit filed by Tongrana Kugbilsong-Nanlebegtang, Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, and Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II, Paramount Chief of the Builsa Traditional Council, contesting the election of Pe Detundini Adiali Ayagitam, the Chiana Pio, as President-elect of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, and other elected positions within the House. We unequivocally reject the claims and legal arguments made by the plaintiffs, as they are both procedurally and substantively flawed. The election of Pe Detundini Adiali Ayagitam and all other elected officials on September 16, 2024, was conducted in full compliance with the Chieftaincy Act and the established rules and regulations of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs. Any attempt to challenge the validity of this election is both unwarranted and baseless. On the Rotational System The plaintiffs’ primary contention revolves around an informal rotational agreement that was suggested in 2001 by the Sakoti Naba and has since become irrelevant in the operations of the House. It is important to note that this so-called rotational system is not enshrined in the Chieftaincy Act, nor is it part of the standing orders of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs. The plaintiffs themselves participated in the election, supported candidates, and congratulated the victors. It is therefore disingenuous for them to now claim the election was improper when they fully engaged in the process without objection. Fairness of the Election Process We affirm that the election was conducted transparently, following the procedures mandated by law. All members of the Regional House of Chiefs had the opportunity to contest and vote, and the results reflect the democratic will of the majority. Tongrana and Sandema Nab’s participation, along with their subsequent acknowledgment of the victors, makes their current opposition appear as an afterthought born out of dissatisfaction with the results, not with the process itself. Legal Basis for the Election The Chieftaincy Act clearly stipulates the process for electing officers within the House of Chiefs. Nowhere within this legal framework is the informal rotational system recognized as binding. Therefore, the plaintiffs’ reliance on this outdated practice has no legal merit. Elections within the House have always been governed by democratic principles, and the recent call by some members to review the rotational system underscores the growing consensus that it no longer serves the best interests of the House. Conclusion We are confident that the court will recognize the legitimacy of the election and the baseless nature of this suit. We will defend the integrity of the electoral process and uphold the rule of law. Our leadership, as elected representatives of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, remains committed to serving the people of the region in accordance with the laws and traditions of the chieftaincy institution. We urge the plaintiffs to respect the will of the House and the democratic principles that guided this election. This legal action threatens to undermine the unity and progress of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, and we stand ready to meet any legal challenge to defend our mandate. …Signed:… Pe Detundini Adiali Ayagitam, Chiana Pio, President-Elect Naaba Anonsona Abisa Anthony Atasige III, Mirigu Naba, Vice President-Elect Naaga Naba, Naaba Orlando Awuni Navro-Pio, Pe Ayiakwo Balinia Adda Nangodi Nab, Naba Asaga I Source: Apexnewsgh.com