Tag: Northern Ghana

The Celebration of Fire Festival:Prospects & Tourism Potentials for the Gbewaa Kingdoms(By Fuseini Yakubu)
Fuseini Yakubu

Introduction.

This article presents the celebration of Fire Festival in the three main Gbewaa Kingdoms in Northern Ghana. Fire Festival is an annual festival for the people of the Gbewaa Kingdoms. It’s celebrated on the 9^th day of the month of fire “Bugum Goli”. The lunar month of Fire Festival “Bugum Goli”, is the first month and beginning of a new year, just like January which is the first month of a new year.

The article will also discuss the prospects and tourism potentials for the celebration of Fire Festival, if it’s well packaged and marketed. In recent times, the way Fire Festival is being celebrated mostly by the youth, sends wrong signals to the people outside the three main Gbewaa Kingdoms. As such, people have negative perception about the celebration of the Fire Festival. This article is to educate readers on the significance of the Fire Festival.

The Genesis and Evolution of the Fire Festival.

The Fire Festival it is believed is the first Festival for the People of Dagbon (Modern Dagbon, Nanung & Mamprugu). The aboriginal Dagbamba are believed to be descendants of prophet Noah.

Fire Festival is a custom emanated from Noah’s time in commemoration of the day the Ark of Noah “rested on Mount Ararat and the people in the Ark came and made fires⁷”. Tamakloe also, considers the fire festival of the Dagbamba as a custom emanated from Noah’s time in commemoration of the day the Ark of Noah “rested on Mount Ararat and the people in the Ark came and made fires⁷”. Dagbamba tradition attributes the significance of the fire festival to Prophet Noah; they assign different reasons for the festival.

According to the tradition, when Prophet Noah was about to set out with his Ark, one of his sons got missing. A search for him was commenced. The search continued until night when the son was not yet found. Searching lights were lighted to look for him.

The significance of the Fire Festival therefore is to commemorate the search for Prophet Noah’s son. Whatever the reason, the tradition agrees that the Fire Festival relates to Prophet Noah and the Great Flood.

Furthermore, the lunar month for the Fire Festival “Bugum Goli” is the beginning of the year in the three sister Kingdoms: Dagbon, Mamprugu and Nanung.

The same month “Muharam” is the beginning of the year in Arabia. New Year resolutions are made during the festival and also pray to God for protection, guidance, and prosperity. As part of the celebration, they cut bits and pieces of cooked food and put the same short on dividing walls in their homes.

These pieces of cooked food are supposed to be food for their ancestors and deceased family members. They believed that the spirit of their ancestors visits them on this important day. As such, they have to serve them with food and meat. Every poor home in Dagbon will slaughter fowls for this important day.

The Dagomba, like the Arabs, have twelve lunar months in a year. Even though the names of their months differ, their year begins with the same month. They also end the year with the same month. The number of days in their months is equal. A month is either thirty or twenty-nine days.

The Celebration of Fire Festival.

Fire festival is celebrated on the 9^th day of the month “Bugum Goli”. Sacrifices are performed at individual homes in the evening. The meat is then used to prepare meals in the evening. Bunch of grasses are tied for the celebration.

The Overlords of Dagbon, Mamprugu and Nanung will by tradition, formally inform their chief Imams as he and his team of other Muslim clerics have an important role to play in the festival.

The festival is observed at night. The Overlords will light the fire to mark the beginning of the celebration. Until the Overlords light the fire before any other person could do so.

The Overlords and all participants will be in their War Regalia. They also exhibit their weapons and dancing to the tune of War drums and singing of War and other traditional songs. They walk from the east to the west where the remains of Grass bunches are thrown away and branches of herbs are cut by all participants.

Participants move with the branches of the herbs first to the chief’s palace for fortification. They will then continue to the Chief Imam’s house for same fortification.

It is believed that the participants are directly fortified as the spiritual concoction touches their bodies. The herbs are sent to the individual homes which they boiled and used to bath children and the weak who could not participate, to be fortified. The fortification is for protection against any calamities in the new year.

It’s important to note that before the advent of Islam, traditionalists used to prepare herbal concoctions for fortification of the auras or bioenergetic bodies of the celebrants against any evil or against the adverse effects of any impending calamity. With the advent of Islam in the Gbewaa Kingdoms, the Chief Imams have since assumed this role giving an Islamic touch to the preparation of spiritual concoction for the fortification.

On the 10^th day of the month “Bugum Goli” the Chief Imam and other clerics engage in private and employing Islamic methods of divination, are able to forecast, foretell or prophesy events that would unfold in the new year.

If some aspects of the forecast happen to do with any impending calamity that could negatively impact members of the community, they also prescribe what sacrifices are there to be made either by heads of the individual families, the Kings or their paramount chiefs in order to seek divine interventions so as to avert its societal impact.

Citizens in the Gbewaa Kingdoms are expected to adhere to the precautions and prescriptions associated with the esoteric induced forecasting made by the Chief Imam and his team of other Muslim clerics vested in the Islamic mystical sciences . This mark the end of the Fire Festival.

Socio-Economic and Spiritual Benefits of the Fire Festival.
- Participants or celebrants gets fortified at least for a year through the bathing of the spiritual/herbal concoction.
- Celebrants excise their bodies through drumming, dancing, and walking for some few kilometers.
- Celebrants are able to socialize with others and make new friends during the celebration.
- Youth gatherings, such as Jams and other traditional dances are also held after the celebration.
- Food vendors and other entrepreneurs such as butchers, provision shops, local poultry sellers among others record high sales during the festive season.
- Special prayers and sacrifices are also observed for protection and prevention of calamities/disaster that may strike
- the kingdoms.
In conclusion, the Fire Festival, if it is well packaged and promoted,as an annual cultural tourism event could attract tourists and possibly investments that could inure to the socio-economic development benefit of the Gbewaa Kingdoms.

Contact Fusheini Yakubu (Research-Oriented Historian),Tel: 0243418562/0202833838,Email: millysdec@gmail.com

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alhaj Abdulai (Bimbilla Lung-Naa), 2008, oral literature on the advent of Naa Gmantambu to Nanung.

Bagli Naa Mahama Wumbei Mahami, 2013, oral literature on the aboriginal Dagbamba.

Fusheini Yakubu, 2013, History of the Gbewaa States Part I New Edition published by GILLBT Printing Press, Tamale.

Fusheini Yakubu, 2022, History of the Gbewaa Kingdoms New Edition published by Workbook Press LLC USA.

Ibrahim Mahama 2004, History and Tradition of Dagbon, published by GILLBT Printing Press, Tamale.

Tamakloe, E. F. 1931 A Brief History of the Dagbamba People (Accra, Government Printer).
July 10, 2024
The Etymology of Dagbon’s Damba Festival

By: Mohammed A. Abu

The official endorsement of the rebranding of the 2023 edition of the age-old Damba by the Kingship of Dagbon,in Ghana’s Northern region for peace and development, marked a great turning point in history of the festival. A full programme line up heralded the event making it eventful than all previous ones.

Major side attractions like the first ever football match between historical playmates of the Savulgu and Kumbungu townships to compete for the Gbewaa Damba Trophy,horsemanship competition,Dagbon traditional menu cooking competition among others,indeed enriched the Dagbon Damba flavour.

For when did this most patronized festival in the entire Dagbon’ start,read on now

Background

Even though Damba is today the single largest annual traditional festival in Dagbon celebrated with pomp and pageantry amidst traditional drumming and dancing, it is also said to have Islamic historical antecedents. Thus, it is said to be a fusion of some aspects of Islam and Dagbon’s cultural drumming and dancing in a most harmonious manner.

The Wangara or Mende Clerics factor is said to have predated the Hausa clerics factor so far as the early presence of Muslims in Dagbon is concerned. The introduction of Islam to Dagbon some observers note, widened the cultural dimensions of the Kingdom.

In some written accounts mention is made about the earliest Mende clerics who had settled at Sabari, near Yendi in Dagbon around 1680 and traced their ancestry to Shaykh Sulayman Bagayugu of Timbuktu.

Some oral accounts say among the early day clerics of notable importance who were said to have played significant roles worthy of mention in Dagbon was the Mende cleric who had been elevated to the status of the Imam of the legendary mosque of Sabali (Yeri Na Yamusah Al Wagari. Then also, is the Hausa cleric, Mallam Mahama Zangina al Kashnawi who is also said to have settled at Kamshegu.

The early day emigrant clerics from various ethnic kingdoms and states across pre-colonial West Africa to Dagbon oral and written accounts say adopted tactful diplomacy with their rulers.

They are said to have kept the practice of Islam within their own circles and avoided an openly missionary approach that could draw them into loggerheads with Dagbon’s traditional religionists. They only hoped and prayed that one day someone from a royal setting would embrace Islam and make a strong pitch for Islam in Dagbon and it was to come to pass.

The Zanginan Age, the Golden Age of Islam in Dagbon

The conversion to Islam of one of Dagbon’s Princes by a Hausa cleric, Mallam Mahama Zangina al Kashnawi is said to have been a great turning point for Islam in Dagbon.

The Muslim convert Prince is also reported to have embarked upon trade missions to a number of ethnic states including Wangara land (today’s Mali/Northern Ivory Coast)) Hausa land (in today’s Northern Nigeria) among others.

His deep attachment to today’s Northern Nigeria city of Kano is said to have earned him among Dagbamba(Dagbombas) a nickname,” Mahmadu Kano” (Mohammed Kano) which later was to be an appellation for him corrupted for Dagbani (language of the Dagomba People) as “Mankaanu”.

Oral accounts have it that he scaled up his knowledge in Islam by also schooling in Hausa land before he was to later return to Dagbon to contest for Dagbon Kingship and became King.

He is said to have adopted the name of his Hausa cleric who had converted him to Islam, Mallam Mahama al Zangina (I am going to build in Hausa) from Kastina, Hausa Land in present day Nigeria. His skin name Na Zangina attracts the appellation,” Mankaanu” or better to be put,” Mahmadu Kano”.

The Historic Pact at Sabali Mosque

Both oral and written accounts talk about Na Zangina’s historic visit to Sabali shortly after ascending to the throne. At the legendary Sabali mosque thanksgiving and special prayers was made for Dagbon to witness a golden age.

Another important aspect of the trip was said to be a historic pledge he had made before a number of clerics assembled at Sabali for the prayers including his very own, Mallam Mahama Al Zangina, Al Kashnawi

Na Zangina from oral sources was said to have held a copy of the Holy Qur’an and pledged to make a strong pitch for Islam in Dagbon via making open Islamic missionary activities permissible in the Kingdom for the first time.

Na Zangina’s Administration’s Policy Framework for Islam in Dagbon (1648 – 1677)

Na Zangina during his reign is said to have kept to his word and even went beyond the expectations of the clerics. He is reported to have adopted a most favorable open door policy towards Islam. Under an open door policy, he is said to have gone the extra mile by sending emissaries to the surrounding neighboring ethnic Kingdom and states to invite known Islamic clerics of great repute there to consider relocating to Dagbon.

Notable among the emigrant clerics under Na Zangina’s open door policy were said to be Yidan Kambara, who migrated from Gonja Land. He was said to have been given oversight responsibility of preparing the corpse of a dead Yaa Na for burial. Another emigrant cleric was appointed “Walgu Na” or chief in charge of the preparation of the King’s spiritual fortification concoctions (‘rubutu in Hausa).

The Dagbon’s first Muslim King, oral accounts from current Moleyili sources say thought it worthy of detailing then Prince Andan Sigli to present day Burkina Faso to officially invite a very popular Mende cleric who was to be later known as Yidan Moli in Dagbon’s traditional governance landscape and the eventual principal architect of the Damba celebrated in Dagbon today.

Assigning of Islamic clerics to play certain specific roles deemed important in Dagbon’s traditional governance was first to be introduced by Na Zangina. It is however pertinent to note that Na Zangina, Dagbon’s first Muslim convert, King was the first to give an official touch to Islam in Dagbon as a ruler.

He wasn’t however, the first to introduce Islam to Dagbon for the first time in Kingdom’s history as some might have been made to believe. The presence of Islamic clerics in Dagbon according to both oral and some written accounts far predates the late 17^th to early 18^th Century reign of Na Zangina.

It is pertinent to also add that, Na Zangina even though was the first Muslim to have ascended to the Kingship throne of Dagbon but he was never Dagbon’s first king as some Arab historical sources tend to have misrepresented him in their writings. Na Zangina was the first 18^th King of Dagbon.

Yidan Mole’s entrance into Dagbon and the Birth of Damba

Even though it was Na Zangina who is said to have officially invited Yidan Moli to Dagbon he however unfortunately did not live to see the arrival of the highly respected cleric passed on before Yidan Mole could finally arrive in Dagbon during the reign of Na Binbegu.

Yidan Mole another Mende cleric elders say, was a relative of the Imam of Sabali, Yeri Na Ya Musah al Wangari. Yidan Moli who was an emigrant Islamic cleric residing in then Moshieland (today’s Burkina Faso). His long protracted delay in relocation to Dagbon, elders say, was due to a number of factors and, couldn’t be immediate as Na Zangina had wished for it. Elders say Yidan Mole upon his arrival he first put up with his cousin the Imam of Sabali and later relocated to Kamshegu.

Na Gariba-Yidan Moli Historic Engagement

Upon ascending the Dagbon Kingship Na Gariba I was said to have engaged Yidan Moli as his personal psychic consultant and which had paved the way for the birth of what is today celebrated as Damba

Yidan Moli is said to have been holding the annual Muslim Maulid Anabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birth day celebration) as an individual scholar initiative supported by his followers. He was said to have conceived the idea of giving Damba a Dagbon state level celebration and managed to convince the Na Gariba I to buy into it.

Na Gariba elders say, also had invited Yidan Moli to settle in Yendi but upon realizing the numerical strength of his following and the accommodation problem it could post to the host town, the King decided to grant him land elsewhere to establish his independent settlement and which is today known as Moliyili.

Yidan Mole Sells Damba to Na Gariba I(1700 – 1720)

The benefits of giving the Damba official state status Yidan Moli is said to have told the Na Gariba were that marking Prophet Muhammad’s birth day anniversary would attract Allah’s blessings for his Kingdom, it would serve as a medium for annual renewal of allegiance to him by his paramount chiefs that would also come with gifts, among others that would inure to Dagbon Kingdom’s well-being. Na Gariba, elders say after carefully thinking through the proposal finally embraced it.

The Damba Ecosystem

The word Damba is said to be derived from the Mende root words, “Don” (dance) and “Ba” (big),” Donba” or big dance but corrupted for Dagbani usages as “Damba”. Yidan Moli after getting the buy-in of Na Gariba of celebration of Damba at state level was also said to be very conscious about its sustainably. Thus he specially engineered Damba as a blend the Islamic Maulid a Nabi with Dagbon’s cultural performance and tradition.

Sighting of the Damba Moon

The sighting of the crescent heralds the preparations towards the Damba festivities. Planning on when is most appropriate to be earmarked for the Damba festivities is based on broad based consultation among Yidan Moli and the Kingship and elders.

Somo or Mole Damba

A measure Yidan Moli is said to have adopted towards ensuring the long term sustainability of Damba was the institutionalization of his own edition of the Damba to be celebrated in his camp (Somo or Mole Damba) which could be said to the preceding minor Damba edition.

This entails the slaughtering of the Damba bull to symbolize the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.) and goes with special prayers for the Holy Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.)

A special side attraction is Yidan Moli himself doing the Damba dance himself and known as ‘SOMO’ or MOLI DAMBA. The King as a goodwill gesture provides Yidan Moli with some foodstuff, money and a bull for the event and his representative is therefore to participate in the ceremonies and merry making. Yidan Moli by tradition sends a fore arm of the slaughtered Damba to the King through his elders.

Na Damba

The Na or King’s Damba which is preceded by the Moli Damba or minor Damba is the major component of the annual Damba festival celebrated as the Kings edition of the event. The major paramount chiefs across the Dagbon Kingdom who serve the King also have their editions of the Damba

The Damba Rice

The rice to be used for the preparation of the Damba feast during the Na Damba form an important integral part of it. This is to the extent that, someone was to be charged with oversight responsibility of growing the rice and presenting to the king through his elders ahead of the Damba festivities

Kor Mori’s Role

The ‘Kori Mori” or the cultivator of grass an idiomatic expression of the rice crop He grows the Damba rice harvest it and sends it to the King in Yendi through his appropriate state elders assigned to receipt and formal presentation to the King.

Kaanshgu near Savulgu in Western Dagbon was where Kor Mori was granted to settle and engage in the cultivation, harvesting and sending of the Damba rice to Yendi as one of the key preparations towards the annual Damba festival.

Cleansing of the Uncooked Damba Rice (“Stones Picking”)

Cleaning of the cultivated rice is another integral function preceding the Na Damba edition. Here a blend of religion and tradition is at its best as clerics do their bit using their hands to ensure that impurities such as stones and chaff are removed from the rice. They pass it on to the traditionalists who uses a calabash to take a portion of the rice for their bit of the cleansing.

Elders intimate that the “Shinkaafa guga gahimbu” translated, “rice cleansing” is only symbolic and constitutes a key ritual preceding the Na Damba during which Yidan Moli and other clerics converge to say special prayers for the King and Dagbon as a Kingdom.

What is more they say, given present day mechanization of rice, the Damba meal rice wouldn’t have that much of stones requiring such a gathering to be able to remove them before it is used for cooking. If it were actually intended to remove stones and impurities from the rice, it would have since completely lost its relevance in this modern day era.

The Damba Sacrificial Cow Ritual

The Damba sacrificial cow is a second and most important symbolic ritual that precedes the Na Damba and intended to mark Prophet Muhammad’s(S.A.W.) birth and outdooring which goes with a sacrificial animal as per Islamic tradition best practice.

While the cow is tethered, Muslim clerics led by Yidan Moli offer special benedictions to the Prophet in circular motion. The doing of with doing three circuits while the sacrificial animal in this case, a bull is tethered to symbolize the sacrificial ram for outdooring the newly born as per Islamic prophetic tradition. His Royal Majesty, Ndan Yaa Naa is to demonstrate his vigour by dancing three times around the cow

It is interesting to note that in the Wala version of Damba, in Ghana’s Upper West Region, His Royal Highness, the Wa Na, is on his part required by tradition, to jump over the cow three times to assure his people that he is in good health to continue with his great task of leading them.

The Muslim clerics component of special prayers goes concurrently with the Dagbon cultural drumming component. The drumming isn’t just an ordinary drum beat but really a drum beat recitation of a verse of the Holy Qu’ ran chapter Al Yassin,” Wa ilaihi turja uun” in response to the prayers of the Muslim clerics.

Recitations of benediction in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.) is also recited by the Islamic cleric Yidan Mole, while the traditionalists including the King, repeat same after him. The office of Yidan Mole has been officially charged with oversight responsibility over the Islamic component of the Damba for the past

Kings Dance Performance

The doing of the Damba dance by the King himself component is brief as he emerges during dawn on the Damba day. The King’s Damba presents a most spectacular showcase of Dagbon’s cocktail of diversified cultural performances.

Damba of the Major Paramount Chiefs

Aside the Na Damba at the seat of Dagbon Kingship, we also have the Damba of the major Paramount Chiefs in both Eastern and Western Dagbon, namely the Mion, Karaga, Savulgu, Gulpke Na, Kumbung Na, Tolon Na, among others.

Belkulsi

The wrap up or saying goodbye to the annual Damba festival is termed as the “Belkulsi” which is observed across the kingdom. Visiting homes of elders who had supported in various ways to make the Na Damba a success is intended as a thank you gesture and sign of appreciation which also marks a close of the annual Damba event until another edition arrives again.

Damba in Other States

Damba is not only celebrated by Dagbamba(Dagombas) alone but it is also celebrated among the others in the Mamprusis, Nanumbas, Wala (uses Domba rather than Damba) and Gonjas. Where and when did it start and what others did for its start with the other cultures requires some research and the Research Team of your favourite, Eco-Enviro News Africa, magazine

(An Eco-Enviro News Africa Blog Article)

References

1.A Note on the Early Spread of Islam in Dagomba by Ivor Wilks

2.Imams of Gonja the Kamaghate and the Transmission of Islam to the Volta Basin by Andreas Walter Massing

3.Muslims and Rulers during the Precolonial Period by Holger Weiss

4.AL-HAJJ SALIM SUWARI AND THE SUWARIANS: A SEARCH FOR SOURCES BY IVOR WILKS

5.Austen, Ralph, African Economic History, Internal Development and External Dependency, Currey/Heinemann, 1987

6.Lovejoy, Paul, Caravans of Kola: Hausa Kola Trade 1700-1900, OUP

7.A NOTE ON THE EARLY SPREAD OF ISLAM IN DAGOMBA by Ivory Wilk

8.Africa Remembered: Narratives of West Africans from the era of the Slave Trade Edited by Philip Curtin with Introductions annotations by Philip Curtin, G.I. Jones, et al.

October 19, 2023
Gbewaa Damba Trophy goes back to Yendi

By: Mohammed A. Abu

The highly patronized maiden friendly football match between age-long historical playmates, the people of Savulgu and Kumbungu in Western Dagbon ended on Saturday in a 1:1 draw at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Ghana’s Northern regional capital of Tamale.

Held under the auspices of His Royal Majesty, Ndan Yaa Na Abukari II, King of the Dagbon Kingdom, Northern region of Ghana, the event doubled as a fundraiser cum major side attraction within the context of a recent Royal Decree permitting the rebranding of the centuries long Damba Festival for peace and development.

In the absence of a winner the Damba trophy had to be returned by the Paramount Chief of the Pishigu Traditional Area, His Royal Highness, Dr. Alhassan Andani to His Royal Majesty, through the elders of His Royal Highness, the Kug Na for onwards delivery to His Royal Majesty, the King, as per Dagbon’s royal protocols best practice.
It is anticipated that the second edition of the match, come the next Damba festival, would that time round, get a winner to take the cup home.

Post-Match Savulgu-Kumbungu ‘Rivalry’

Amidst the draw score results, some people of Savulgu could be heard saying their mates from Kumbungu were “dam lucky”. Their team they contended, had wanted to teach their Kumbungu counterparts a bitter lesson they wouldn’t have forgotten in their lives but fortunately for them, by a stroke of luck on their part, the match was brought to an end, shortly after their equalizer and so they must thank their stars.

The Savulgu protagonists further contended that, the draw notwithstanding, their team had totally beaten their Kumbungu counterparts in terms of professionalism, ball possession and number of corners.

Their Kumbungu counterparts were heard to have come out with a sharp rebuttal and ridiculed the Savulgu claim of ball possession and number of corners an empty bluff. “If the expertise you are claiming and touting is true,why were you all that while, unable to score us multiple goals to win but could only manage with one miserable last minute goal as an equalizer for a draw?”,they quizzed.

The Savulgu and Kumbungu historical playmates are known for their never quenching thirst for ‘rivalry’ whenever they chance to meet be it online or in-person. They are indeed, the most interesting duo to behold in Dagbon.

Historical Antecedents

The historical playmate relations between the people of Savulgu and Kumbungu characterized by teasing and cracking of very funny jokes with each other,started about some one hundred and twenty seven years(127) years ago but still active up till today thanks to the unwaning commitment on the part of both parties.

Legend has it that a most unfortunate incident that occurred was to result in a bitter conflict between Kumbungu and one of its other neigbours, Zangbalun.The conflict is said to have developed into a spill over to Savulgu sadly resulting into an eventual showdown between the people of Kumbungu and Savulgu.

This most unpalatable development,is said to have prompted a most decisive action and intervention by then ruling King of Dagbon,Yaa Na Andani II(1858-1896) in order to restore peace in the Kingdom.

Courtesy the King’s affirmative action,the narrative has it that,peace and harmony was restored once again between the people of Kumbungu and Savulgu.

Both sides were therefore exhorted to ensure continuous peace building and to at all times, engender peaceful co-existence and never to give any chance again to the least strife let alone, the worst of it,armed conflict.

The Savulgu-Kumbungu historical playmates relationship some contend,could be cited as a case study in conflict prevention, resolution, management, and peacebuilding driven by commitment and passionate desire for lasting peace and its sustainability on the part of the parties to the conflict.

Giving a friendly football match competition touch to the relations some observers have also contended, is not only a meaningful value addition to it, but also, it adds a yet another interesting dimension to Ghana’s football sports landscape.

October 7, 2023
About Construction of the Tamale-Yendi-Zabzugu-Tatale Highway

……As Eastern Corridor Road Stakeholders Meeting ends in Yendi

Mohammed A. Abu

A stakeholders meeting of the construction of the Tamale-Zabzugu-Tatale road project has successfully ended in Yendi, the seat of Dagbon Kingship in the Northern Region of the West African nation of Ghana.

A Ghana Ministry of Roads and Highways project-level grievance mechanism to address emerging grievances and complaints of dwellers of the affected communities in the project catchment area and a collective resolve by all parties with interest in the project, to keep their eyes on the project and report any observation, action or inaction deemed inappropriate, were the major outcomes of the event.

Lead Convener

With Concern Citizens of Yendi as lead convener, the meeting which was intended to deliberate on Project brief for LOT2, citizens’ expectations, emerging grievances and complaints, decisive actions on complaints among others, drew many participants representing stakeholder institutions and other various parties with a common interest in the project.

They included the Regional Highway Authority (GHA), representatives from GHA Head Office, Accra, representatives of the Ministry of Roads and Highway (MRH), a representative from the Royal Gbewaa Palace, the Sang-Lana, representative of the Mion-Regent, Savana Signatures, the Contractor (CJIC & CSCEC), among several others.

LOT2 Project Brief

The Ghana Highway Authority is the implementing Agency of the project scheduled for completion on 4 th August, 2028. Under the Transport Sector Improvement Project (TSIP), the project was awarded on a modern contract system known as the Output and Performance Based Road Contract (OPBRC).

The OPBRC contract system is underpinned by the “Tell me what you want but not how to do it” concept which unlike the traditional contract system where the contractor has to finish the entire construction works before payment, the OPBRC system recommends payment, if a maximum of 10km and a minimum of 5km work is completed.

The contractor is expected to use three (3) years for the construction works and a 4-year maintenance work implying that, portions that see an early completion will be under maintenance up to the seventh year of the contract duration.

The LOT2 stretch of the highway is a single carriageway un-asphalted road that will have roadside drains, 46 box and pipe culverts, 2 bridges, streetlights and sidewalks as well as stopping lanes and bus bays in the urbanized communities.

However, 2.6km of the road into Yendi from Tamale will experience a one-way couple upgrading. All fibre optic infrastructure installations from Tamale to Yendi and to Tatale border post will be installed.

Expectations of Citizens

Some socio-economic development interventions that come along the project are: the provision of eight basic schools, eight bole holes and one clinic to some communities alone the stretch.

These interventions according to the GHA, were arrived at through a need-based assessment conducted by a consultant in 2019, which was also reviewed in 2021 to reflect the priority needs of the people.

Nanton-Zuo in the Tamale Metropolis is one of the beneficiary communities of an 8-unit classroom block. Participants were happy about these ancillary project interventions but however questioned who and which communities the consultant consulted on the need-based assessment?

Open Forum Session

During an open forum session, the event lead Convener came out with a list of questions bordering on diverse issues while also offering other participants the opportunity to make their inputs.

The issues included need for quality work that will offer value for money, the Yendi township portions of the road be given to the Eastern Corridor Contractor (LOT1) be given first-class road status, the first two culverts before Yendi township be demolished and reconstructed, a paradigm shift from current manual based compacting of side slopes of the road to mechanized based work, the sharp curve near Zobogu which causes lots of accidents be corrected, among others.

The Dagbon Forum’s Tamale Chapter on its part asked why satellite markets were conspicuously missing in those ancillary projects meant for socio-economic intervention needs of the people while the 2^nd Vice President of its Yendi Chapter, asked for the number of speed ramps on the highway ton be reduced both in number and in height specifically for reasons of patients’ transportation.

Dagbon Forum Delegation

The Dagbon Forum(DF) delegation was represented led by its Yendi Chapter’s President, Alhaji Mohammed B. Ibrahim while its Tamale Chapter was also led by its President, Mr. Zakaria Adam. Also in attendance, was the 2nd Vice president of DF Yendi Chapter, Madam Kande.

Emerging Grievances & Complaints

The Ministry of Roads and Highways established a project-level Grievance Mechanism to receive, evaluate, and address project-related grievances targeted at communities affected by the project.

Mandate to Receive Complaints and Grievances

Savana Signatures, a non-governmental organization has been mandated by the Ghana Highway Authority to receive complaints and grievances.

Resources

Under the project-level grievance mechanism complaints can be channeled to the Ministry telephony, electronic communication, physically via grievances boxes, grievance officer complaint offices created in both Yendi and Mion for the public to send their complaints directly.

Toll-free number, 0800003333,website address: www.tsipmrhgh.com

E-mail:ym@tsipmrhgh.com.

Decisive Action on Complaints

Participants pleaded to all the Authorities connected with the project to act decisively on complaints brought before them.

Approval of major Proposal

The Yendi township roads given first-class status, the replacement of the two culverts before entry to Yendi, the Zobogu curve correction, the loose excess chippings on the road that fly and break vehicles windscreens, all received positive approval.

Issue of Compensation

Project Background

In June 2022, Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia cut the sod for the construction of a 167km Tamale-Yendi-Tatale road project in the Northern region as part of the Eastern corridor road project.

The Tatale-Yendi-Tamale Road Project is fully funded by a US$150 million World Bank facility which was approved on June 6, 2017, under the Transport Sector Improvement Project (TSIP).

The project is expected to be completed in two years, but under the terms of the contract, the contractors will be undertaking maintenance works for five more years, unlike previous contracts where contractors are obliged to do one year of maintenance. This will bring the total project time to seven years.

The project has been divided into what is called LOT1 and LOT2. The LOT1 stretches from Tatale-Zabzugu to Yendi highway (61.98km) whiles LOT2 is the stretch from Yendi to Tamale highway (106.02km). The Yendi stakeholders’ engagement meeting was for deliberations on LOT2.

September 18, 2023
Tamale Court Drug Trial Related Youth-Police Violence Blues

Rising trade in narcotic drugs and it’s abuse in the Tamale metropolis in Gnana’s Northern region has since been a matter of grievous concern to the traditional authorities (chiefs) and all well-meaning people of the region.

Amidst complaints of lack of satisfactory action on the part of the Narcotic Control authorities and Northern Regional Police command to stem the tide, a local volunteers Drug Task Force has since been formed to carry out affirmative action against the worrisome drug abuse menace.

The Tamale drug abuse menace has since attracted local and international media headlines albeit,for the wrong reason. DW TV is on record to have done a documentary on the Tamale substance abuse situation and this has further increased public concerns about the need to combat the problem.

On-going trial by the Tamale Circuit Court of a suspected drug dealer against who a local Task Force against drugs in Tamale had taken legal action, tends to be another major move on their part in the crusade against substance abuse. The alleged open boasting by the suspect that he was going to use monetary influence to thwart any police or court action against him,hasn’t been taken lightly at all.

Against this background,some youth in Tamale who had cause to believe that,from the look of things during the recent Court sitting,the suspect was most likely to be granted bail,were said to have started getting agitated .This is said to have lead to a call for Police reinforcement resulting sadly,into three reported injuries.

For more details, read below the full Press Release of Dagbon Patriots for Development(DPFD)

Ladies and Gentlemen of the media
The Leadership of Dagbon Patriots Calls on The President, Inspector General of Police, and
Regional Minister to Ensure Citizens’ Safety during Protests

The Leadership of Dagbon Patriots for Development is deeply concerned about the recent
events surrounding the protests against the bail of an alleged drug lord in our community. We
urge the President, the Inspector General of Police, and the Regional Minister to take
immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens exercising their democratic
right to peaceful protest.

It is our firm belief that peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of any thriving democracy.
Citizens have the right to voice their concerns and demand justice without fear of violence or
harm.

The recent firing of shots into the crowd that led to several of our people been injured
during the protests in Tamale has heightened tensions and threatens to undermine the trust
between citizens and security forces.

We, call upon the President, the Inspector General of Police, Nanima, Regional Minister who
is the Chairman of REGSEC and all duty bearers to come on board to:

Order Restraint: We implore the security services to exercise maximum restraint when
dealing with protests and demonstrations. The use of live ammunition against peaceful
protesters is not only unjust but also escalates tensions and poses a significant risk to human
lives.

Open Dialogue: We urge the authorities to open a constructive dialogue with the citizens to
address their concerns and grievances. Engaging in meaningful conversations can help
prevent further escalation and pave the way for a peaceful resolution.

Accountability: Those responsible for firing shots into the crowd must be held accountable
for their actions. This will send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and
will help restore faith in the justice system.

Community-Police Relations: Strengthen community-police relations through transparency,
accountability, and community engagement. Building trust between citizens and law
enforcement is essential for maintaining peace and harmony.

Public Safety: Ensure the safety and security of all citizens participating in protests. The
primary responsibility of the security forces is to protect the people, and this should be done
without resorting to violence.

Stolen motor bikes: We also demand that the officers of the police service who stole the
three motorcycles should be exposed and prosecuted according to the laws of the country.

Transfer: As a matter of urgency and for us to succeed in the fight of this drug menace, we
are demanding that, the Regional Commander, the Judge and the Crime Officer to be
transferred out of Tamale for their bias nature of handling the drug issues in the Tamale
Metropolis.

We are calling upon the youth of Tamale to remain calm as we seek to fight and defend
Tamale against all manners of injustices.

As the future of our nation, we, the Leadership of Dagbon Patriots for Development in the
Tamale Metropolis, believe in the power of unity and peaceful coexistence.

We stand together to call for a peaceful resolution to the current situation and for the protection of the
democratic rights of all citizens.

For media inquiries, please contact:
MUDASIR AHMED HAFIZ
(0541640200)
(On behalf of Dagbon Patriots for Development)
Cc:
Over Lord of Dagbon
Chief of Gukpegu,
Chief of Dakpema
Chief of Lamashegu
Chief of Choggu
Members of Parliament (Tamale South, North and Central)
All constituency chairpersons of Tamale Metropolis
All Media houses

PHOTO(Credit Ghanaweb)

September 3, 2023
Combating Liver Cancer in Northern Region

Liver Cancer Foundation-Dagbon Forum Join Hands

…………As Free Liver Screening Program ends in Yendi & Tamale

Report: Mohammed A. Abu

A two-day free liver cancer screening cum medical check-ups program, a collaboration between the Liver Cancer Foundation and Dagbon Forum(DF) recently ended most successfully at Yendi and Tamale in Dagbon, Northern region of Ghana.

The oversubscribed Eastern Dagbon edition of the program was held at the Royal Gbewaa Palace, Yendi, on the 26^th July 2023 under the auspices of His Royal Majesty, Yaa Na Mahama Abukari Ii, King of Dagbon with the kind able support of Hon Umar Farouk Alu Mahama, Member of Parliament for Yendi Constituency.

The Western Dagbon edition on its part, was held on the 27^th July 27, 2023 in Tamale at the Palace of His Royal Highness, Na Yeb Gulkpe Na Alhaj Alhassan Abdulai Paramount Chief of the Gulkpegu Traditional Area with the kind support of the Hon Murtalla Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central Constituency, Northern regon.

Speaking in a post event exclusive interview with your favourite, Eco-Enviro News Africa, Sakoya Na(Chief) Sintaro Mahama who also doubles as DF’s President, noted with great satisfaction the astounding success of the program.

Chief Sakoya also disclosed that, the initial targeted total of 2000 people from Yendi and Tamale programs had been inundating and thus, setting the tone for the next step, that is, opening of a permanent Liver Cancer screening centre and Liver clinics in the Northern Region as envisaged by the Liver Cancer Foundation in the event that, the program gets the desired patronage.

He noted with great appreciation the logistics support kindly extended to the program by the two Members of Parliament in Eastern and Western Dagbon, the passion of the executives of the Yendi and Tamale Chapters of Dagbon Forum, the high patronage by students and people from all walks of life in Eastern and Western Dagbon which culminated into the success of the program.

Chief Sakoya also appreciated members of the medical team and staff drawn from the Yendi Municipal and Tamale Teaching Hospitals to ably support the President of the Liver Cancer Foundation, Dr. Offei,a leading pancreatic cancer specialist in the country and his team from Accra to ensure the success of the program.

He also intimated that DF and Dagbon cannot thank the Liver Cancer Foundation and its President enough for his kind heartedness and selfless spirit in moving the medical needs of the people from Accra to their very door steps in the Northern region of Ghana.

The Liver Cancer Foundation is a Ghanaian Nonprofit Organization that was registered in Accra under the auspices of the Registrar General with aim of reducing the number of people living with and dying from liver cancer in Ghana. making treatment accessible and affordable for patients living with liver cancer in Ghana. creating awareness by educating the Ghanaian public on liver cancer. and to support research into liver cancer that would lead to improved treatment modalities for patients living with liver cancer.

Earlier during a pre-program interview with Sagani TV, in Tamale,,Chief Sakoya underscored the importance of health to human existence and said it was the core of human life minus which the chief cannot rule, the farmer cannot farm, the trader and others cannot perform their functions of relevance to the socio-economic well-being and progress of society.

Chief Sakoya also emphasized the need for preventive medicine rather than waiting to be overcome by an ailment at which point curative medicine is then seriously sought at exorbitant cost and which sometimes sadly becomes too late despite all the expenses incurred

He therefore advised people of Dagbon cultivate the habit of doing of medical check-up at least once a year to enable the earlier uncovering of otherwise hidden ailments so they could be treated before the undesirable occurs.

Hepatitis B and C Check-ups Chief Sakoya noted, ought to be given great attention in the Northern region and people he adviced, must not feel shy to do so as disease knows no age limit.

The two ailments, he said could be treated if detected earlier enough but if not could degenerates into cancerous stage with dire health consequences.

He also advised the youth to eschew drug addiction as that has long term damage effect on their health and well-being. He advised them to invest productively in themselves during their youthful ages for a better future rather than engage in drug addiction which will only damage them and eventually render them as social liabilities.

To this end, Chief Sakoya had appealed to all and sundry both the sick and healthy to take advantage of the charitable act of the Liver Cancer Foundation that is coming to the Northern region with a team of eighty-five(85) medical specialists. They are not coming for only the sick, he said, but the healthy as wall, who stand to benefit from test of Hepatitis B and C, Blood Pressure(BP), test,Ultra Scan among others, at no cost.

“In Ghana viral hepatitis is a major health concern for health authorities. Hepatitis B is hyper endemic with an estimated prevalence in the population of 9.1 percent. Hepatitis C also poses high burden with an estimated prevalence of 3.3 percent.

“Hepatitis disproportionately affects the people of Northern Ghana. Here poverty and inequitable access to quality healthcare services means people are more vulnerable to infections than in other parts of the country”. (Ref: WHO feature article published on 28 July 29, 2023).

According to WHO, Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver with causes including viruses and other infections, alcohol and certain drugs. It leads to a range of health problems some of which can be fatal.

July 30, 2023