Ngamegbulam Takes Anti-Drug Campaign to Zorkor Tarongo Primary School
In a determined effort to combat youth drug and alcohol abuse, Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, Editor-in-Chief of ApexNewsGH, has extended his advocacy to the Zorkor Tarongo Primary School in the Bongo District of Ghana’s Upper East Region. Mr. Ngamegbulam’s visit forms part of his broader mission to reach young people early and steer them away from the dangers of substance abuse. The award-winning journalist is no stranger to this cause. In 2025, he produced a powerful documentary titled “Swallowed by Drugs,” which highlighted the harsh realities and struggles faced by youths ensnared by addiction. Drawing from his research and experience, he addressed students, teachers, community leaders, and parents at Zorkor Tarongo Primary School, raising awareness about the escalating problem of drug and alcohol abuse among young people in the area. During the engagement, Mr. Ngamegbulam urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, emphasizing the rising trend of youth involvement in substance abuse within the Bongo District. He warned that early exposure to drugs such as tramadol, cannabis, Red Red, and other substances could derail the ambitions of children, jeopardizing their dreams of becoming doctors, nurses, journalists, or teachers. He appealed to students to look up to successful role models within their community, pointing out that these individuals achieved their positions through hard work and discipline, not through substance abuse. “If they had indulged in drugs or alcohol, they wouldn’t be where they are today,” he asserted. The sensitization event was well received by both the school authority and the community leadership. Naba Abelizire Ayeta II, the Chief of the area, expressed gratitude for Mr. Ngamegbulam’s initiative, describing the campaign as essential for every parent in Tarongo. Hon. Akelinyana Peter, Assemblyman for Tarongo/Atiabiise Electoral Area, also lauded Mr. Ngamegbulam as a dedicated youth ambassador who is using his media platform to change lives. He urged parents to heed his advice to guide their children towards responsible adulthood. The Headmistress of Zorkor Tarongo Primary School, Madam Azeko Mary Ngoomah, echoed these sentiments, noting the importance of regular educational outreach on drug and alcohol abuse, which she said is becoming increasingly prevalent in schools. Mr. Ngamegbulam’s visit underscores the urgent need for collective community action to protect the dreams and futures of young people from the devastating impact of substance abuse. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Zorkor Tarongo D/A KG and Primary School—A Legacy in Need of Revival
Once upon a time, in the heart of the Bongo District, stood Zorkor Tarongo D/A KG and Primary School, a proud institution established in 1956. As the oldest school in the district, it has long served as the foundation for many prominent personalities, not just within the region, but across all of Ghana. Over the decades, its classrooms have nurtured future leaders, respected professionals, and notable figures such as regional ministers, MPs, and District Chief Executives, all of whom once walked its humble corridors. Yet, despite this rich legacy, the school’s current state tells a different story. The passage of time has not been kind. Years of neglect have left the buildings dilapidated. The infrastructure is crumbling, and the proud walls that once echoed with the laughter and dreams of children now bear the scars of time and relentless rainstorms. Roofs have been torn away, and doors and windows that were once broken have only recently been replaced. Furniture is scarce, and the needs remain many. During an exclusive engagement with Apexnewsgh, Hon. Akelinyana Peter Akugre, the Tarongo/Atiabiise Electoral Area assembly member, voiced his deep concern. He expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the Bongo MP and the Naidvar Trust NGO, whose support has helped replace some doors and windows. “I am aware that many dignitaries passed through this school. Today, they are successful members of society, including the Upper East Regional Minister. I appeal to Hon. Donatus Akamugri, Professor Atintono, Awinsira Wilbert Nam-katoti, and other notable alumni, including a former DCE, to come to the aid of Zorkor Tarongo Primary School.” He continued, emphasizing that as the oldest school in the Bongo District, much has broken down and urgently needs replacement. “Rainstorms have damaged the roof, but with the help of our MP and Naidvar Trust, we have made some progress. Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI) also contributed by providing a borehole for the school. Still, the school remains neglected by the very people it once shaped.” Hon. Akugre made a heartfelt plea to former students, including Gaaga Akayeri Azitariga, Bongo’s first MP under the Fourth Republic, and many others. “Please, visit your old school and see its current condition. If you can help us renovate it, I would be deeply grateful. I know you will listen, as you always have.” And so, the story of Zorkor Tarongo D/A KG and Primary School continues, a legacy waiting to be revived, calling on its sons and daughters to breathe new life into its aging walls. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
“Anapoka and Anaba in the Path of the Trees” Launches at Zorkor Tarongo Primary School
A dream takes root as a new book, written by Cristiane Tavares and illustrated by the school’s own children, promises to nurture both young minds and the environment. Under the shade of hope and the watchful eyes of chiefs, assembly members, and proud community elders, a quiet revolution began at the Zorkor Tarongo Primary School. The occasion was the launch of a very special book: “Anapoka and Anaba in the Path of the Trees.” But this was no ordinary book launch. The author, Cristiane Tavares, had penned the tale, yet the true magic came from the children themselves, for it was their bright, imaginative illustrations that brought the story to life. The book follows two local children, Anapoka and Anaba, on a mission to heal their world by planting trees, one seedling at a time. As the crowd gathered, the Executive Director of Naidvar Trust, Augustine Akugre, rose to speak. His voice carried a quiet determination. “My vision,” he said, “is to see Zorkor Tarongo Primary become the best school in the entire Bongo District.” He then revealed something extraordinary: the book is being sold across the world, and every bit of profit flows back directly to the school. The headmistress, Madam Azeko Mary Ngoomah, could barely contain her joy. For six years, Naidvar Trust had stood by her school like a faithful friend. But today, the gratitude spilled over. “If not because of Naidvar Trust,” she declared, her voice thick with emotion, “we would never have had the opportunity to sit on these dual desks.” She gestured to the furniture around her, a simple gift that had changed their daily reality. The event drew a constellation of dignitaries: the revered chief of Zorkor Tarongo, Naba Abelizire Ayeta II; the Tarongo Assembly member, Hon. Akelinyana Peter Akugre; an old student, Nyaaba Awine Ibrahim; and countless community members who filled the grounds. As the sun climbed higher over the primary school, “Anapoka and Anaba in the Path of the Trees” was officially launched, not just as a book, but as a promise. A promise that with every page turned and every tree planted, a little school in Zorkor Tarongo would grow stronger, greener, and full of possibility. Source: Apexnewsgh.com