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In a significant gesture of solidarity and support, the leadership of the Ghana Blind Union in the Upper West Region recently paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq, to discuss critical issues affecting persons with visual impairments in the region.

During the meeting, the Union highlighted several pressing concerns, including the lack of educational resources at NJA College of Education, inadequate road infrastructure and learning materials at the Wa Methodist School for the Blind, and the need for improved mobility support for visually impaired students within the school premise.

Additionally, the Union raised the issue of vocational education upgrade, government engagement and visibility at the Wa Methodist School for the Blind, the proper utilization of the Disability Common Fund, and the importance of inclusive tertiary education and employment opportunities for persons with visual impairments.

In response to these challenges, the Honourable Minister welcomed the Union’s delegation and expressed his commitment to addressing the issues raised. He acknowledged the importance of collaboration and reiterated the government’s dedication to improving the lives of persons with disabilities in the region.

Specifically, the Minister assured proactive steps towards enhancing educational resources at NJA College of Education, resolving road infrastructure challenges at the Wa Methodist School for the Blind, and facilitating the construction of a modern Regional Disability Resource Centre to support persons with disabilities.

Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the government’s inclusion policy and pledged to advocate for the active participation of persons with visual impairments in government programmes and public sector employment opportunities. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to make the University for Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) more inclusive and supportive of visually impaired students.

Overall, the Minister’s reassurances and commitment to addressing the concerns of persons with visual impairments in the Upper West Region reflect a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities in the region.

The leadership of School for Life Ghana, an education-focused non-governmental organization, recently paid a courtesy call on the Honorable Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq. The meeting, held at the Minister’s office, was led by the Project Manager, Mr. Zulyaden Amadu, and the Advocacy and Policy Influencing Officer, Mr. Mohammed Mutaru Alhassan. The purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Minister on his appointment and to introduce him to the organization’s work in the region, particularly the Wa West District, where they have a project running.

During the meeting, the Project Manager highlighted the organization’s efforts to complement the government’s delivery of quality basic education in the region through the Citizens-Led Actions for Educational Accountability and Responsiveness (CLEAR) Project. This project aims to promote community involvement and participation in creating an enabling environment for quality education delivery in the district. As a result, many communities have become more engaged and have started providing local solutions to education challenges whiles demanding for accountability and transparency from duty bearers in their districts.

The Project Manager also called on Minister to consider reviving the Regional Education Performance Review session, which is a platform for the region to appraise and assess progress of education delivery against the performance set targets. He touched on ensuring that the Municipal/District Education Oversight Committees become more functional and effective, giving guidance to education delivery at the districts level.

The Minister expressed his appreciation for the visit and encouraged the organization to continue its efforts in building the capacities of the communities to be in the forefront of education development in their communities. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between NGOs, communities, and the government in improving education outcomes in the region. He therefore committed to ensure that the regional education performance review meeting comes alive works also working with the local assemblies to reactive the M/DEOCs.

In attendance at the meeting were representatives from the Citizens Networks, local advocacy groups mobilized by the organization. The National Convenor, Mr. Christopher Braimah, highlighted several challenges in the region, including inadequate school infrastructure, furniture deficits, irregular school feeding programs, drug abuse, and a lack of teaching and learning resources. He called on the Minister to address these issues and assured him of the Citizens Networks’ willingness to collaborate with the RCC to make positive changes.

The Minister and the School for Life Ghana leadership concluded the meeting on a positive note, expressing their commitment to working together to improve education outcomes in the region.

In a show of respect and tradition, Organised Labour in the Upper West Region recently paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq. The visit, which took place on Thursday, 3rd April, 2025, at the Minister’s office, aimed to welcome and congratulate him on his new role.

Led by the Regional Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Brother Godwin Gariba, the delegation conveyed their warm wishes to the Minister and officially informed him of the upcoming May Day Celebration. During the visit, the Minister expressed his gratitude for the gesture, emphasizing his commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue with Organised Labour and maintaining an open-door policy.

In his address, the Minister highlighted the government’s focus on improving agriculture and healthcare services in the region. He also reiterated the President’s dedication to completing ongoing projects, such as the Agenda 111 initiatives, rather than embarking on new ones. Additionally, he mentioned plans to enhance the export of Ghanaian health professionals to generate foreign exchange.

Addressing misconceptions about his absence from the final Ramadan Fast prayer, the Minister clarified that he was out of town during that period and urged individuals to seek clarification before jumping to conclusions. He also emphasized the government’s prioritization of road infrastructure, including the dualization of the Kumasi-Tachiman-Bole-Hamile road and the use of equipment to improve the Wa-Tumu-Bolgatanga route.

Brother Alhaji Nuhu, the Dean of the Industrial Relations Officers (IROs), commended the Minister for his commitment to addressing the region’s challenges, particularly in the road sector. He expressed appreciation for the Minister’s proactive approach and offered prayers for his successful tenure.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the delegation presented two copies of TUC’s Workers’ Manifesto to the Minister as a token of goodwill. The gathering ended on a positive note, with the group capturing memorable moments through photographs.

The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and Organised Labour in advancing the welfare of workers and promoting development in the region. With a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, both parties affirmed their commitment to working together towards a more prosperous and inclusive Upper West Region.

The Upper West Regional Child Protection Committee convened its second quarterly meeting for 2025 in Wa with renewed urgency and commitment to intensify efforts toward the safety and well-being of children across the region. Chaired by the Chief Director of the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, Hajia Pognaa Fati Issaka Koray, the high-level engagement brought together key stakeholders determined to bolster child protection systems in the region.

In her compelling opening remarks, Hajia Pognaa underscored the collective responsibility required to combat child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. “The protection of our children is a shared responsibility,” she asserted. “It is not just the duty of the government but a moral and civic obligation for every member of society. We must unite against the structural threats that rob our children of their dignity and future.”

Ms. Matilda Chireh, the Regional Director of the Department of Children, reinforced the statutory mandate of the Committee and emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors. She stressed the need to build a strong culture of accountability and reporting, noting that every case of child rights violation demands urgent attention. “It is not enough to empathize; we must act decisively to protect our children,” she declared.

The meeting also provided a platform for stakeholders, including NGOs and civil society organizations, to share insights and interventions aligned with national and international frameworks for ending violence against children. These presentations offered a blend of data, lived experiences, and actionable recommendations aimed at closing the existing protection gaps.

In a powerful submission, child rights advocate Mr. Jaafar Pelpuo called for urgent reforms to harmful cultural practices that threaten child welfare. He challenged traditional authorities and community influencers to champion child-friendly cultural transformations. “Cultural evolution is not betrayal; it is the preservation of our humanity,” he stated. “Let us redefine our values to ensure every child can grow up in peace and dignity.”

The Committee issued a strong call to law enforcement and judicial authorities to step up prosecutions of perpetrators of child abuse. It emphasized that swift justice is not only a deterrent but also a measure of the region’s seriousness in enforcing child protection laws.

The energy and solidarity displayed during the meeting reaffirm the Upper West Region’s deep commitment to a future where all children are safe, empowered, and given every opportunity to thrive. The Regional Coordinating Council, in its coordinating and oversight role, pledges to provide strategic leadership that reinforces every aspect of child protection in the region.

As we move forward, the RCC calls on parents, teachers, traditional leaders, local assemblies, civil society, and all relevant institutions to recommit to this noble cause. Together, we can build a resilient, compassionate society where every child’s right to safety and protection is a non-negotiable standard.

On the 29th of March 2025, the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq, attended a Youth Parliamentary Sitting at the B. K. Adama Youth Resource Centre in the Upper West Region. The Minister expressed his gratitude for being part of such an important and educative program organized by the Youth Parliament.

During the meeting, Hon Charles Lwanga Puozuing formally introduced himself as the Regional Minister for the Upper West Region and pledged his support to the youth in the region. He highlighted his vision for youth empowerment and development in the Upper West Region and the importance of engaging young people in decision-making processes.

At the Sitting, discussions focused on the issue of drug and substance abuse among the youth in the region. A report presented by stakeholders from the Narcotic Control Commission highlighted the alarming rate of drug and substance abuse among young people. The Minister expressed concern about the potential consequences of this trend and encouraged the Youth Parliament to take action to address the issue.

Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing informed the Youth Parliament about a Taskforce that had formed to coordinate efforts to combat drug and substance abuse in the region. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work together to tackle this pressing issue and ensure the well-being of young people in the Upper West Region.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of enforcing laws against drug abuse and announced that strict measures would be taken, including arrests and prosecution for those found engaging in drug-related activities past a certain hour. He called on everyone to support these efforts to eliminate drug abuse in the region.

Overall, the Minister expressed his gratitude to the Youth Parliament for the opportunity to engage with them and encouraged them to continue their efforts in addressing the challenges facing young people in the Upper West Region. The meeting ended on a positive note, with mutual appreciation exchanged between the Minister and the youth representatives.

The Upper West Region, on the 20th of March 2025, played host to a delegation from the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFG) in a courtesy visit to the distinguished Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq. The purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Minister on his recent appointment and to convey their best wishes for his tenure.

Led by representatives from the GFG, the delegation was received warmly by Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq, who expressed his appreciation for the visit. The GFG members, in turn, assured the Minister of their unwavering support and readiness to collaborate with his office in various capacities to advance the welfare of Persons with Disabilities in the region.

During the meeting, critical challenges facing the disabled community were brought to the Minister’s attention. These challenges included the lack of office accommodation at the Ministry Block, difficulties in accessing the roads to the resource center, issues with electricity and water supply at the resource center, and limited inclusiveness in employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (P.W.D).

In response, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq, acknowledged the concerns raised and pledged to address them promptly. He requested the GFG members to document these challenges in writing for further action. The Minister assured the delegation of his commitment to securing a new land for the construction of a new resource center to enhance accessibility for P.W.D. He also promised to promote inclusivity of Persons with Disabilities in government employment opportunities.

Concluding the meeting, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing expressed his gratitude for the visit and reiterated his dedication to working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the Upper West Region to overcome the challenges facing the disabled community. The GFG delegation departed with optimism for a fruitful partnership with the Regional Minister to bring about positive change for P.W.D.

Date: 16th February 2025
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In response to the ongoing meningitis outbreak in the Upper West Region of Ghana,
the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin,
donated meningitis drugs worth GH¢300,000 to support the region’s healthcare
response. The donation, made on 16th February 2025 at the Regional Medical Stores,
was a crucial intervention to help curb the escalating health crisis.
2.0 RECEPTION OFDONATION
The Upper West Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Damien
Punguyire, received the donation and expressed profound gratitude for the timely
intervention. He provided an update on the outbreak, reporting:
 129suspected cases
 22confirmed cases
 16recorded deaths
 29critically ill patients
Dr. Punguyire emphasized the urgent need for support and detailed ongoing measures
such as public education campaigns, early reporting mechanisms, and preventive
strategies including avoiding overcrowding, wearing face masks, social distancing,
and seeking prompt medical attention.
3.0 SUPPORT FROMOTHERSTAKEHOLDERS
In addition to the Speaker’s donation, the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon.
Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq, acknowledged the generous support received from the
National Lottery Authority, amounting to GH¢100,000. He advocated for the
establishment of an emergency response fund to handle future health crises effectively.
Furthermore, Members of Parliament from the Upper West Region pledged a
collective donation of GH¢10,000 to bolster the health sector’s response efforts. Hon.
Bede Anwataazumo Ziedeng, representing the Parliamentary caucus, recalled a
similar outbreak in 1997 and stressed the importance of unity and collaborative efforts
in tackling health emergencies.
4.0 REMARKSBYTHESPEAKEROFPARLIAMENT
Right Honourable Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin expressed his satisfaction in
contributing to the critical healthcare initiative. He officially handed over the essential
meningitis drugs to the Regional Minister for onward distribution and emphasized the
importance of health advocacy, community education, and collective action in
preventing the further spread of the disease.
5.0DETAILSOFDONATEDMEDICALSUPPLIES
TheSpeaker’s donation included the followingessentialmedications andmedical
supplies:
 CeftriaxoneInjection
 ReceptionInjection
 Ringer’sLactateInjection
 SpinalNeedles
 NormalSaline
 Dexamethasone
TheUpperWestRegionalDirectorofHealth,Dr.Punguyire,assuredallstakeholders
that the donated drugswould be distributed efficiently andused solely for their
intendedpurposes

13^th February,2025

On the evening of February 12, 2025, a startling incident unfolded at the Wa Municipal Fire Station, as a Benz truck (GT 8045 C) inadvertently reversed into the premises, colliding with the fire tender (DPT No. FS 478) and causing damage to both the structure and the vehicle.

The impact resulted in damage to parts of the station’s structure and the fire tender’s front guard, as well as the tender’s rear lights. Thankfully, no casualties were reported, with officers from the Regional Headquarters and Municipal Fire Station managing to escape unharmed, having been gathered for a briefing ahead of a planned simulation exercise in the market.

Upon receiving a report from the Regional Fire Officer, ACFO II ISAAC FOFI OBOSU, the Chief Director of the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, Pognaa Fati Issaka koray, sprang into action on behalf of the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq.

Arriving at the scene swiftly, Chief Director Pognaa Fati Issaka koray was briefed on the incident by the officers, expressing gratitude that no injuries were sustained. Recognizing the urgency of ensuring safety and operational continuity at the municipal fire station, she promptly instructed the Municipal Coordinating Director to initiate processes assessing the affected areas.

The Municipal Coordinating Director assured Chief Director Pognaa Fati Issaka koray of swift action and provided plans for the construction of a new and improved structure for the fire station. This proactive response reflects the dedication and efficiency of the leadership in addressing critical situations promptly.

Furthermore, Chief Director Pognaa Fati Issaka koray indicated that the incident will be communicated to the Regional Minister.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of all parties involved, as eloquently detailed by Simon T. Faayi (P.R.O – UWRCC), highlight the commitment of our leaders and emergency respondents in safeguarding the community’s welfare. Let us join in appreciation for the swift response and effective coordination that ensured the safety of all personnel involved in this unfortunate accident.