Management of Jamiat Al-Hidaya Islamic Girls SHS Expresses Gratitude to UWR Minister for Fence Wall Project

In a gesture of gratitude, the management of Jamiat Al-Hidaya Islamic Girls Senior High School paid a courtesy call to the Upper West Regional Minister to express their appreciation for his instrumental role in securing the fence wall project for the school.

The purpose of the visit was to acknowledge the minister’s efforts and extend gratitude for his continues support to the school.

During the meeting, the Upper West Regional Minister expressed relief upon receiving positive feedback from the school management regarding the fence wall project.

The minister provided a detailed account of the initial steps taken to facilitate the awarding of the fence wall project.

He explained that the process began by commissioning a consultant to mark the site, a crucial task that received financial support from the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC).

Despite encountering a setback when seeking support from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND), as their focus was on constructing dormitories and classrooms for Senior High Schools due to the free SHS program, the minister remained undeterred.

He recounts how he sent his Public Relations Officer and Personal Assistant to the school to make some video documentary about the school which he reached out to the Turkish and Palestinian embassies, appealing for assistance through the video presentations.

Furthermore, the minister acknowledged the significance of the endorsement from the Wa Naa in his efforts to gain the attention of the President or Vice President on the project.

During a visit by the President to Wa, both the minister and the Wa Naa emphasized the urgent need for a fence wall at Jamiat Islamic Girls, underscoring the necessity for immediate action.

In response to their appeals, the President immediately directed the Zongo Development Fund to provide the necessary support for the construction of the fence wall, although the project was initially excluded from their annual budget.

Demonstrating his commitment to the cause, the minister ensured that the contract was awarded to a capable and competent contractor.

On his part, the Board Chairperson of Jamiat Al-Hidaya Islamic Girls SHS, Hajia Fusata Hamidu, emphasized the school’s dedication to delivering quality education to girls.

She expressed gratitude to the President, minister and the Wa Naa for their support in fulfilling the school’s request for a fence wall.

The Board chairperson highlighted the significance of providing a secure environment for the girls and acknowledged the positive impact the fence wall would have on their education.

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairman of the school took the opportunity to thank the minister for selecting a reputable contractor who demonstrated seriousness and commitment to the project and that work was progressing at a faster rate than expected.

Moreover, he took the chance to advocate for the installation of street lights, which would enhance the safety and security of the school community.

The courtesy call provided an avenue for the management of Jamiat Al-Hidaya Islamic Girls to express their heartfelt appreciation to the Upper West Regional Minister for his instrumental role in securing the fence wall project.

Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih reaffirmed his dedication to the educational sector and encouraged the school to approach him with any future concerns or requests.

With the continued support of the minister and other stakeholders, Jamiat Islamic Girls can thrive and provide a conducive environment for the education and empowerment of girls in the region.

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Upper West Regional Minister Rescues Accident Victim on Wa Insurance Road.

In a display of prompt and compassionate leadership, the Upper West Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, halted his convoy on the Wa Insurance Road to assist a young accident victim.

Little Fatawu Ibrahim, approximately four years old and hailing from Dondoli, a suburb of Wa, was struck by a motorbike while crossing the road on his way home from school.

The motorbike rider initially offered limited assistance, but the Minister and his entourage, returning from the commissioning of the Jirapa Traditional Council’s new edifice in Jirapa, arrived at the accident scene in the nick of time.

Dr Bin Salih immediately stopped his vehicle, personally rushing the injured child to the hospital for urgent medical attention. The Minister dedicated nearly an hour at the hospital, ensuring that the young boy received thorough medical care before continuing with his official duties.

Prior to leaving the hospital, Dr Bin Salih entrusted the care of the child to the Regional Director of Education, Abdul Razak Korah, who arrived later at the medical facility.

Eye-witnesses reported that, initially, individuals near the accident scene attempted to shield the motorbike rider when questioned by the Minister. Despite the initial denial, further inquiry led to the admission of guilt by the motorbike rider. Subsequently, the police were alerted, and the young man was apprehended and taken to the police station.

This morning, reports from the Regional Director of Education conveyed positive news, stating that the boy’s parents had been located and contacted. The child, now in stable condition, was discharged from the hospital earlier today.

Chairman of National Energy Transition Committee pays courtesy call on Upper West Regional Minister”

The Chairman for the National Energy Committee who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Karaga, Hon Mohammed Amin Adam paid a courtesy call on the Upper West Regional Minister to officially invite him to the National Energy transition forum in Wa.

He was accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Transport, Alhaji Hassan Tampuli and staff from the Ministry of Transport and Energy.

According to Hon Mohammed Amin Adam, the courtesy call was purposely to invite the Upper West Regional Minister to participate in the National Energy Transition Forum which is aimed at soliciting views of stakeholders to form  part of the transition process.

He said Ghana stands to suffer the consequences of energy transition and that there was the need to position the country to prevent the difficulties that comes with the energy transition.

The chairman for the energy transition plan noted that the transition plan will prepare Ghana to drive the benefits and opportunities involved.

He added that the policy and strategy of the energy transition was to go around the country to solicit views and sensitize the people about the transition.

Hon Hassan Tampuli, the Member of Parliament for Gushiegu said the national energy plan is geared putting Ghana in readiness for what is eminent.

He added that the energy transition forum was meant to look at the possible areas that the country can take advantage of and to here the buy-in of the people.

In his part, Hon Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister thanked the delegation for coming to engage the people on the energy transition.

He was optimistic that the program will inure to the benefit of the people while pledging his support for the program.

Impact of Political Instability from Burkina Faso and Mali on Health Services in Upper West Region

Dr. Damien Punguyire, the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, has raised concerns over the adverse effects of political instability in Burkina Faso and Mali on the health sector in the region. During the opening of the 2023 annual regional health sector performance review meeting of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in Wa, he highlighted various challenges exacerbated by this situation.

Dr. Punguyire noted that the influx of immigrants, particularly in the Sissala East and Sissala West Districts, has strained health services. With approximately 8,507 immigrants, including 1,036 children under five years, seeking temporary settlement, the demand for healthcare, including vaccination, sanitation, and medical attention, has surged, stretching resources thin.

Addressing this pressing issue, Dr. Punguyire emphasized the urgent need to expand health infrastructure, enhance logistics supply, and improve transportation systems, especially in border districts, to bolster the region’s resilience against this ongoing threat.

He appealed to Municipal and District Chief Executives to prioritize the health sector in the implementation of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Ghana Social Cohesion (SOCO) project, recognizing the pivotal role it plays in fostering community well-being.

Furthermore, Dr. Punguyire highlighted the challenge of high staff turnover, with 134 departures compared to only 35 new staff postings within the year. He emphasized the importance of retaining medical professionals and called for expedited efforts to convert the Upper West Regional Hospital into a specialist training center, enabling doctors to specialize while serving the region.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Punguyire acknowledged strides made in improving health service delivery, including the provision of tricycle ambulances and essential medical equipment like ultrasound machines and oxygen concentrators. Looking ahead to 2024, he pledged to continue strengthening public health and clinical care interventions and enhancing monitoring and supervision in line with GHS’s mandate.

The meeting also received commendation from Mr. Peter Maala, representing the Regional Minister, for the impressive performance of the health sector in 2023. He highlighted the integration of health projects under the SOCO initiative and the establishment of a refugee reception center by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in the Sissala West District to streamline support services for displaced persons.

The Western Regional Health Directorate’s peer-reviewed assessment awarded the Upper West Region with a Regional Holistic Assessment score of 3.8, signaling an improvement from the previous year. The evaluation, conducted under the theme “Embracing the Networks of Practice Approach to improve health outcomes in the Upper West Region,” underscores the collective commitment to addressing challenges and enhancing healthcare delivery in the region.

Upper West Region Marks Independence Day with Emphasis on Democratic Values

Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, emphasized the significance of credible elections as the cornerstone of a robust democracy during the commemoration of Ghana’s 67th Independence Day in Lawra. Speaking under the theme “Our Democracy, Our Pride,” Dr. Salih underscored the pivotal role of the Electoral Commission (EC) in ensuring the integrity of electoral processes.

Acknowledging the government’s commitment to supporting the EC’s operations, Dr. Salih urged political parties to uphold the democratic ethos by refraining from treating elections as a “do-or-die affair.” He emphasized the symbiotic relationship between peace and development, stating that sustainable progress hinges on maintaining a peaceful political landscape.

While recognizing the challenges inherent in multi-party democracy, Dr. Salih commended Ghanaians for their steadfast dedication to democratic principles without succumbing to violent upheavals. He cautioned against rhetoric that incites confrontation or violence, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of peaceful coexistence.

Highlighting the region’s commitment to peace and democracy, Dr. Salih called on residents to play their part in ensuring harmony and stability, essential for the region’s development and the nation as a whole.

The Independence Day celebration featured a vibrant parade, with contingents comprising security personnel, schools, cadet groups, and various associations. Captain Kwesi Arthur Barnes of the 10th Mechanised Battalion led the parade, accompanied by the Customs Regimental Band from Accra and the 10th Mechanised Battalion Band.

The event also included a procession of armoured vehicles and military security dogs, adding to the spectacle of the occasion. School competitions added to the festivities, with Eremon Senior High Technical School, Pentecost Preparatory JHS, and Lawra E/A Primary School emerging as winners in their respective categories.

Additionally, deserving individuals, including Zoomlion Ghana workers, were recognized and rewarded for their contributions to the development of the Lawra Municipality, underscoring the importance of collective effort in nation-building.

The celebration, attended by dignitaries including the Paramount Chief of the Lawra Traditional Area and the Member of Parliament for the Constituency, served as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to democracy and unity as it commemorated its journey towards independence.

Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, Takes the Mic on Home Radio to Discuss Strategies for Quality Education in the Region

 

 

During the insightful radio session, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih delved into the key challenges facing the education sector in the Upper West Region. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between government bodies, educational institutions, and the local community to overcome these challenges and create a conducive learning environment. The Regional Minister emphasized the significance of community involvement in ensuring the success of educational initiatives. By fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration, the community becomes an active participant in the development and sustenance of quality education.

Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih also took the opportunity to encourage parents and guardians to play an active role in their children’s education. He stressed the importance of parental support in creating a conducive learning environment at home, which ultimately contributes to the overall success of educational endeavors.

The live discussion on Home Radio provided a valuable platform for Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih to engage with the community and share insights into the ongoing efforts to tackle the challenges facing quality education in the Upper West Region. As the Regional Minister continues to champion educational development, it is evident that a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders is crucial for the successful transformation of the education sector in the region.

Ministry of Local Government and World Bank SOCO Project Delegation Meets with Upper West Regional Minister

In a significant engagement, officials from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development (MLGDRD) and the World Bank SOCO Project paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, in his office. The purpose of the visit was to fulfill their mandate of monitoring ongoing projects in the region.

Led by Mr. George Aidoo from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, and Mr. Asnutosh Raina representing the World Bank, the delegation is currently in the region overseeing the progress of 122 ongoing subprojects across 11 districts benefiting from the Soco initiative.

During the visit, Mr. George Aidoo expressed gratitude to the Regional Minister for providing land for the project office building. He highlighted the significance of this gesture in contributing to the successful implementation of projects at both the community and district levels.

In response, the Regional Minister extended a warm welcome to the delegation, expressing optimism about the successful execution of the projects. He emphasized the importance of ensuring value for money, recognizing the rarity of such opportunities. The Regional Minister assured that the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and local assemblies would diligently fulfill monitoring responsibilities, placing confidence in the competence of the zonal coordinator and the entire project team.

As the visit concluded, both parties affirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts in fostering sustainable development and positive outcomes for the communities involved in the World Bank SOCO Projects in the Upper West Region. This meeting stands as a testament to the dedication of all stakeholders towards ensuring the success and impact of these vital projects in the region.

Ministry of Local Government and World Bank SOCO Project Delegation Meets with Upper West Regional Minister

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a significant engagement, officials from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development (MLGDRD) and the World Bank SOCO Project paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, in his office. The purpose of the visit was to fulfill their mandate of monitoring ongoing projects in the region.

Led by Mr. George Aidoo from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, and Mr. Asnutosh Raina representing the World Bank, the delegation is currently in the region overseeing the progress of 122 ongoing subprojects across 11 districts benefiting from the Soco initiative.

During the visit, Mr. George Aidoo expressed gratitude to the Regional Minister for providing land for the project office building. He highlighted the significance of this gesture in contributing to the successful implementation of projects at both the community and district levels.

In response, the Regional Minister extended a warm welcome to the delegation, expressing optimism about the successful execution of the projects. He emphasized the importance of ensuring value for money, recognizing the rarity of such opportunities. The Regional Minister assured that the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and local assemblies would diligently fulfill monitoring responsibilities, placing confidence in the competence of the zonal coordinator and the entire project team.

As the visit concluded, both parties affirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts in fostering sustainable development and positive outcomes for the communities involved in the World Bank SOCO Projects in the Upper West Region. This meeting stands as a testament to the dedication of all stakeholders towards ensuring the success and impact of these vital projects in the region.

 

Ministry of Local Government and World Bank SOCO Project Delegation Meets with Upper West Regional Minister

In a significant engagement, officials from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development (MLGDRD) and the World Bank SOCO Project paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, in his office. The purpose of the visit was to fulfill their mandate of monitoring ongoing projects in the region.

Led by Mr. George Aidoo from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, and Mr. Asnutosh Raina representing the World Bank, the delegation is currently in the region overseeing the progress of 122 ongoing subprojects across 11 districts benefiting from the Soco initiative.

During the visit, Mr. George Aidoo expressed gratitude to the Regional Minister for providing land for the project office building. He highlighted the significance of this gesture in contributing to the successful implementation of projects at both the community and district levels.

In response, the Regional Minister extended a warm welcome to the delegation, expressing optimism about the successful execution of the projects. He emphasized the importance of ensuring value for money, recognizing the rarity of such opportunities. The Regional Minister assured that the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and local assemblies would diligently fulfill monitoring responsibilities, placing confidence in the competence of the zonal coordinator and the entire project team.

As the visit concluded, both parties affirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts in fostering sustainable development and positive outcomes for the communities involved in the World Bank SOCO Projects in the Upper West Region. This meeting stands as a testament to the dedication of all stakeholders towards ensuring the success and impact of these vital projects in the region.