Alagumgube Endorses Mahama’s Proposed Toll System, Calls for Transparent Electronic Payment Infrastructure
Development Association Outlines Comprehensive Vision for Road Tolls, Energy Conservation, and Accountable Governance. In a bold intervention that has sparked conversation across Ghana’s policy circles, the developmental association Alagumgube has thrown its weight behind President John Dramani Mahama’s proposal to reintroduce road tolls, while simultaneously calling for a complete overhaul of how such collections would be managed to prevent the corruption that plagued previous systems. Gabriel Agambila, founder of Alagumgube Global, has articulated a detailed vision that combines infrastructure development with technological innovation and fiscal responsibility. Speaking on behalf of the association, Agambila emphasized that while toll collection should return, it must be implemented through modern electronic systems that leave no room for revenue leakage. A Modern Vision for Road Tolls “Alagumgube fully supports His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s thinking about reintroducing the toll system in this country,” Agambila declared. “This would go a long way in putting money back into the system to help maintain existing roads and construct new ones, which will further boost the road industry and create employment opportunities for Ghanaians.” The association’s endorsement comes at a crucial time when Ghana’s road infrastructure faces mounting maintenance challenges despite increased vehicle usage and road deterioration. Agambila noted that the previous removal of tolls, while popular with some segments of the public, has created funding gaps that leave roads in various states of disrepair across the country. However, Alagumgube’s support comes with significant caveats and recommendations designed to ensure that toll revenues serve their intended purpose rather than disappearing into private pockets as has happened with various revenue collection mechanisms in the past. The EZ-Pass Revolution At the heart of Alagumgube’s proposal is the implementation of an automated toll collection system similar to the EZ-Pass used in parts of the United States and similar electronic toll collection systems employed successfully around the world. “We are calling on the Minister for Roads and Transport and whoever is in charge of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to link all number plates to the credit or debit cards of vehicle owners,” Agambila explained. “This would allow funds to be directly deducted from those accounts automatically when vehicles pass through toll booths.” The proposed system would eliminate the need for physical cash transactions at toll points, significantly reducing opportunities for leakage and corruption while also improving traffic flow. Vehicles would pass through designated lanes equipped with cameras and sensors that read number plates and automatically process payments from linked accounts. Agambila stressed that this technological infrastructure must be fully operational before any toll collection begins. “If we don’t put this system in place first, we will, as usual, be putting money into the pockets of a few individuals to the detriment of the whole country. We have seen this pattern repeat itself too many times in Ghana’s history.” Accommodating International Traffic Recognizing that Ghana’s roads are used not only by locally registered vehicles but also by trucks and cars from neighboring countries, Alagumgube has proposed a practical solution for handling international traffic whose owners may not have Ghanaian bank accounts accessible to the electronic system. “We are asking that a single lane at each toll point be reserved for trucks and cars from foreign countries whose accounts might not be accessible to our system,” Agambila suggested. “This would allow for manual processing where necessary while maintaining the integrity of the electronic system for the majority of vehicles.” This accommodation demonstrates the association’s thoughtful approach to implementation challenges, acknowledging that a hybrid system may be necessary during transition periods and for specific categories of road users. Investing in Aviation Infrastructure Perhaps most notably, Alagumgube has proposed that a portion of toll revenues be directed toward specific aviation infrastructure projects, particularly in northern Ghana. The association is calling for designated funds from toll collections to be allocated to the maintenance of the Sunyani Airport and the completion of the Bolgatanga Airport. “The Bolgatanga Airport project was started by our association, and we have a vested interest in seeing it completed for the benefit of the Upper East Region and indeed all of Ghana,” Agambila stated. “Aviation infrastructure in the north has lagged behind for too long, and this represents an opportunity to address that imbalance using revenues generated from road users.” This proposal reflects Alagumgube’s broader developmental vision, which extends beyond road infrastructure to encompass comprehensive transportation networks that can stimulate economic activity across all regions of the country. Implementation Support In a gesture that underscores the association’s commitment to national development, Agambila announced that Alagumgube stands ready to assist the government in implementing these programs. “The doors of our association are open to helping implement these systems for the country. We have members with expertise in technology, infrastructure development, and public policy who are willing to contribute their time and knowledge to ensure that Ghana gets this right,” he said. This offer of technical assistance could prove valuable to government agencies that may lack the specialized knowledge required to implement sophisticated electronic toll collection systems. Addressing Energy Waste Among Appointees Beyond transportation infrastructure, Alagumgube has raised serious concerns about what it describes as wasteful energy practices among government appointees. The association has called attention to behaviors that not only waste public resources but also demonstrate a disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary Ghanaians. “Our second concern is the waste of energy by appointees who have suddenly forgotten where they came from,” Agambila observed. “These appointees leave their vehicles running for hours while they are seated at programs, as if they descended from a cold climate where this would be necessary. Some of them even have their vehicles running continuously while they are comfortably seated in their air-conditioned offices.” The association has proposed a simple solution to this unnecessary fuel consumption: better communication between appointees and their drivers. “There should be no problem texting your driver five or ten minutes before you need to depart to start the vehicle,” Agambila suggested. “This simple practice would save thousands of cedis in
Alagumgube Founder Urges Ban on Suits in Parliament
In a move stirring both nostalgia and national pride, Mr. Gabriel Agambila, founder of the cultural advocacy group Alagumgube, has issued a heartfelt plea to President John Dramani Mahama and Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin: ban the wearing of suits during parliamentary sessions. Mr. Agambila’s appeal, delivered with passion and conviction, drew attention to the economic and cultural implications of the current parliamentary dress code. He argued that imported suits, often seen as symbols of status, do little to support Ghana’s local industries. “Every cedi spent on a suit is a cedi sent abroad,” he remarked, emphasizing that the cost of a single high-quality suit could provide a week’s worth of locally crafted smocks or Kentucky-style traditional outfits. He explained how these Ghanaian garments, not only more affordable but also rich in heritage, could be rotated throughout the week, benefiting local textile producers, tailors, and artisans. For Mr. Agambila, the shift from foreign suits to indigenous attire represents more than just a change in fashion; it’s a strategy to channel economic benefits directly back into Ghanaian communities and revitalize the nation’s textile and garment sector. But his vision extended well beyond the walls of Parliament. Mr. Agambila urged religious institutions to join the movement by declaring the last Sunday of each month as a “traditional fabric wear day,” encouraging worshippers across the country to don Ghanaian fabrics in a show of unity and cultural pride. He also encouraged both public and private institutions to mandate the wearing of local fabrics every Friday, seeing this as a powerful weekly boost for the industry and a meaningful show of support for the nation’s artisans. Education, too, featured in Mr. Agambila’s plan. He called on the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to craft policies requiring the use of traditional or locally made fabrics as part of school uniforms or on special days, helping to instill cultural appreciation from a young age. With his passionate advocacy, Mr. Agambila is not just questioning the dominance of Western attire in Ghana’s corridors of power; he is championing a movement that celebrates Ghanaian identity and seeks to empower local industries, one smock at a time. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
ALAGUMGUBE Inaugurates 6th Chapter in Suyani, Bono Region
The Association of ALAGUMGUBE has successfully inaugurated its 6th chapter in Suyani, Bono Region. Apexnewsgh reports The inauguration ceremony was attended by members from chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4, who rallied in large numbers to show their support for the newly created chapter. In his address, Mr. Moses Agbigne, the Bono East Chairman, urged the newly inaugurated chapter to stay focused on the main agenda of the association, which is the development of the region and country. He advised them not to be swayed by negative comments from outsiders, but instead to remain committed to their goals. Mr. Martin Abiriya, the Global Educationist of ALAGUMGUBE, also addressed the gathering, advising members to make a conscious effort to preserve their cultural heritage. He encouraged them to name their children in the Gurune language, to keep the culture alive beyond their generation. The founder of the association, Mr. Gabriel Agambila, provided an update on the airport and passport office, and expressed his gratitude to the host region for their hospitality towards the team from other chapters. He thanked the Bono Region for taking good care of the team, making their stay comfortable and enjoyable. The inauguration of the 6th chapter marks a significant milestone for ALAGUMGUBE, and the association is expected to continue its work in promoting development and cultural preservation in the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
UER Airport: Gabriel Agambila expresses disappointment about MPs inactiveness on Regional Airport Project
Chairman of the Upper East Airport Development Committee, Gabriel Agambila, an illustrious prominent personality based in the United States and hailing from the Upper East Region, has expressed his disappointment in the Upper East Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding their handling of the long-standing airport issue that has plagued the region for over 30 years. Agambila personally financed a large durbar of chiefs at the proposed airport site in Anateem Sumbrungu, located in the Bolgtanga Municipality of the Upper East Region. He could not hide his frustration with the current state of affairs surrounding the construction of the regional airport. He holds the MPs accountable for not giving the airport matter the attention it deserves as the region’s representatives in Parliament. Agambila recounted a missed opportunity where he brought a foreign investor to the region, only for them to ultimately choose to establish their business in Accra. This lost chance could have provided much-needed employment for the youth and residents of the region. The gathering of chiefs at the airport site was described as a significant event, marking the first of its kind since the airport project began in the 1970s. It attracted chiefs, Tindaamas, and other concerned residents of the region. The Upper East Regional airport has faced obstacles for over three decades, with politicians from both the NDC and NPP parties utilizing it for political purposes. Despite President Akufo-Addo and his party making promises during the 2016 campaign to prioritize the completion of the Upper East Regional Airport if elected, the situation has remained unchanged and stagnant. Nevertheless, Agambila remains hopeful that the construction of the Upper East airport will be successful, and he believes that the MPs will be the ones to benefit the most from its completion. He urges them to take the matter seriously and prioritize the airport project. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Massive Durbar of Chiefs Staged by U.S.-Based Son of Upper East’s Gabriel Agambila at UER Airport Site
Chairman of the Upper East Airport Development Committee Gabriel Agambila, a U.S.-based son of the Upper East Region, has organized a durbar of chiefs and residents at the proposed airport site in Anateem Sumbrungu, in the Bolgtanga Municipality of the Upper East Region. The Upper East Regional airport has faced challenges for over 30 years, with politicians from the NDC and NPP parties using it for political purposes. Despite promises made by President Akufo-Addo and his party during the 2016 campaign of making he completes the Upper East Regional Airport, the situation surrounding the airport still remains unchanged and stagnant. The Paramount Chief of the Sakoti Traditional Area, Naba Sigri Bewong, on behalf the chiefs, Tindaamas and well-meaning residents of the region reminded President Nana Akuffo Addo of his promise to build the airport during the durbar of Chiefs. “We would like to remind President Nana Akuffo Addo of his promise to complete the airport if elected into power, as he stated during his visit to the Sumbrungu Chiefs Palace and the One-Village-One-Dam project launch in Bongo. As his second term is coming to an end, we kindly appeal to him to honor his promise and allocate resources to continue and complete the construction of the airport”. The Chief emphasized the frustration and despair felt by the people of the Upper East Region, as it is the only region without a functional airport. The Chiefs expressed their disappointment in successive governments’ lack of political and financial commitment to the project, and urged the President to honor his promise and allocate resources for its construction. They also called for a revisit of the technical assessments and the development of partnerships with private investors. The Chiefs highlighted the need for an airport to attract investment and drive development in the region, particularly due to the discovery of valuable resources. They commended the efforts of the Upper East Regional Minister and called on all individuals to support the cause. The durbar of chiefs at the airport site was described the largest since the project began in the 1970s and 80s. The Upper East Regional Minister expressed his determination to see the construction of an airport in the region. He reaveled that his efforts has brought investors from France, Morocco, and China. He emphasized the unity of the people and called for their support in bringing an airport to the Upper East Region. “Am very glad that now, I will not be fighting for the airport alone, I will be fighting it with all these people behind me and am very pleased. Now, I know that the chiefs and the people of Upper East are all behind me, I know that both NPP, NDC, CPP and those who don’t even belong to any party are behind me. So, let us fight together, let us bring airport to Upper East because we also deserve to also drive for few kilometers to come here and also take a plane to Accra or anywhere else”. The Minister said Gabriel Agambila, Chairman of the Airport Development Committee, expressed his disappointment with politicians who have consistently used the promise of an airport in the Upper East Region as a means to gain votes during elections. He shared the story of a foreign investor he had brought to the region, who ultimately decided to establish his business in Accra instead. This missed opportunity would have provided much-needed employment for the youth and residents of the region. It must again be noted that, government identified and compulsorily acquired 7051.44 acres or 2,8853.72 hacters of this land for the development of an airport for the region in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s after the proximity of Paga airstrip to Ghana’s boarder with Burkina Faso made it diplomatically and security-wise unsuitable for military and civil aviation purposes. When this land was identified, the Chiefs and Tindaama of this community in the spirit of development and patriotic nationalism, willingly released the land for the project and relocated at their cost. Farmlands and other economic trees such trees such as Shea nuts trees were destroyed to pave way for the projects and hence rendered many farmers and women economically inactive since their source of livelihoods were dependent on farmlands and economic trees. Madam Caroline Kurugu, Secretary to the committee, the Bongo chief, regional chief Imam, and other dignitaries from the region were also present at the event. VIEW SOME PICTURES OF THE EVENT BELOW: Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Terabuuriyele Diaspora Re-iterate Calls For Upper East Airport To Be…….
The leadership of Terabuuriyele, An Upper East Development Oriented Organization Diaspora branch has renewed its call for the construction of the long-awaited Upper East airport project. In a press statement signed by the Terabuuriyele USA Chapter Chairman Gabriel Agambila Akakire captured by Apexnewsgh.com, they are appealing to the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to maintain the construction of the long-awaited airport project in Bolgatanga, the capital of the region as originally planned. According to the group, as members of TERABUURIYELE in the Diaspora although who cares for the development of their people, they have observed that most of the airports in and out of the country are mostly located in the capital cities. Stressing, this is the reason why it is important the project remains in Bolgatanga to serve not only Upper East but North East Region as well since its capital and other towns are closer to Bolgatanga. Terabuuriyele Diaspora they do not understand the motive and reason why the former Aviation Minister Hon Kofi Adda was doing everything possible to move the airport project back to Paga which they know for a fact that it was abandoned due to some technical reasons. However, they have appealed to the President to consider their request for the benefit of the region as they wish to see action this year as far as the airport project is concerned. Below is the full statement: TERABUURIYELE DIASPORA RE-ITERATE CALLS FOR UPPER EAST AIRPORT TO BE MAINTAINED IN BOLGA AND ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION WORK START. The leadership of Terabuuriyele, a Development Oriented Organization in the Diaspora has re-iterated its call for the construction of the long-awaited Upper East airport project to start this year, 2021. The Organization has also appealed to the President to maintain the project in Bolgatanga, the capital of the region as originally planned. As members of TERABUURIYELE in the Diaspora although we have observed that most of the airports in the country and outside are mostly in the capital cities, this is the reason why it is important the project remains in Bolgatanga to serve not only Upper East but North East as well since its capital and other towns are closer to Bolgatanga. We are also aware that the President has directed that some experts should take a look at a suitable place for the airport project in the region. The aviation experts according to earlier reports, had indicated that the current site that is Bolga, has actually met the requirements for the fact that it has enough airspace for landing aircraft and runway at 10 nautical miles or 18km. The experts, also reported that the Paga airstrip does not meet the requirements because aircraft will have to overfly through Burkinabe airspace when taking off or landing in Ghana and thus not suitable for such a project. From our own assessment of the current site, Anateem, a community between Bolgatanga and Navrongo, is about 10 minutes’ drive from Bolga to the airport, while passengers from Navrongo will use like 8 minutes, thus making Navrongo even closer to the airport than Bolga. With all this information available, we do not know why the former Aviation Minister Hon Kofi Adda was doing everything possible to move the airport project back to Paga which we know for a fact that it was abandoned due to these technical reasons. We Terabuuriyele Diaspora will want to reiterate our appeal to the President to do us the honor this time around and let us see real construction works actually going on the site this year as he the President has promised us. We really want to see action this year as far as the airport project is concerned. We want to see the contract being awarded and a contractor moves to the site this year. At this juncture, let me thank all those who have and continue to support our effort in ensuring that, Bolga the capital town of the Upper East Region gets its airport. Our special thanks goes to our great Chiefs, opinion leaders, and the good people of the region. May God bless our Homeland Ghana; may God bless the Upper East Region. May God bless TERABUURIYELE Ghana and Diaspora. Thank you! Happy New Year! Signed. Gabriel Agambila Akakire Chairman Terabuuriyele USA. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093.