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UPPER WEST REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL STAFF DURBAR FOR FIRST QUARTER 2024

The Office of the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council has held its staff durbar for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024 at the RCC’s conference Hall on Thursday 3rd May 2024.
The durbar was organized to enable Staff of the Regional Coordinating Council interact with the new Upper West Regional Minister Hon Stephen Yakubu.
Hon Stephen Yakubu took over from Dr Hafiz Bin Salih who is also now the new Upper East Regional Minister.
The Staff durbar will help the Minister understand the welfare issues of staff and some challenges confronting them at work so as to proffer solutions to such challenges to enhance service delivery.
Addressing Staff of the RCC on Thursday morning, the Regional Minister Hon Stephen Yakubu pledged his unflinching support to all workers and encouraged them to give off their best so as to achieve the developmental agenda of the Region.
He noted that, as officials of the Regional Coordinating Council, bridging the gap between the North and the South could only be feasible if workers give off their maximum best at work and change their ways of doing things at work.
He commended staff of the RCC for their hard work towards the progress of the Office of the Regional Coordinating Council and that
he will continue from where his predecessor left and support staff to help drive towards the achievement of the RCC’S goals.
Hon. Stephen Yakubu encouraged staff to work hard to support the Government led by H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo deliver it’s mandated to the good people of Ghana.
He also promised to continually see to the welfare of all staff within the RCC to ensure that they have a conducive environment for working.
The Minister is expected to also meet with Heads of Departments in the Region and commence a tour of the Region to interact with the chiefs and people of the Upper West Region
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Upper West Regional Minister Meets With NPA

Upper West Regional Minister Calls for NPA to Establish Cylinder Manufacturing Company in Northern Ghana
The Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Stephen Yakubu, articulated a compelling vision for economic development in Ghana during a town hall event held on April 29, 2024, at the Upper West Regional Library in Wa.
Addressing participants at a Town Hall Meeting on Cylinder Recirculation Model, Hon. Stephen Yakubu urged the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to take proactive steps towards establishing a cylinder manufacturing company in Northern Ghana.
He emphasized the potential transformative impact such an initiative could have on the local economy, particularly in terms of job creation for the youth.
Hon. Yakubu underscored the pressing need for sustainable employment opportunities in Northern Ghana, highlighting the significant socio-economic challenges facing the area.
By advocating for the establishment of a cylinder manufacturing company, he sought to address this need while also promoting economic diversification and resilience.
Moreover, Hon. Yakubu positioned the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) as a pivotal component of the government’s strategy to promote environmental sustainability and public safety.
He lauded the CRM as a progressive policy aimed at encouraging the widespread adoption of LPG usage while mitigating the environmental impact of traditional energy sources.
By promoting clean energy alternatives, Hon. Yakubu asserted, the government could safeguard the environment for future generations and reduce the risk of gas-related accidents.
He therefore called upon the NPA to address community concerns and ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are taken into consideration.
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UW Regional Minister Addresses Workers On May Day

 

Amidst the vibrant celebrations of May Day, the Upper West Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, delivered speeches that resonated with workers across Ghana.

The address delivered on this auspicious occasion, shed light on the critical role of workers in national development and underscored the challenges they face.

Addressing vociferous workers at the Wa Jubilee Park in the Upper West Region, Hon. Stephen Yakubu emphasized the indispensable contributions of workers to the nation’s progress.

He praised their dedication and resilience, acknowledging them as the driving force behind Ghana’s economic growth.

The Minister assured workers of the government’s commitment to improving wages and conditions, urging peaceful dialogue in addressing labor issues.

He also highlighted the importance of unity and mutual respect, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the National Secretary of TUC, the regional secretary of TUC Brother Godwin Gariba echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the theme chosen by the TUC: “ELECTION 2024: THE ROLE OF WORKERS AND SOCIAL PARTNERS IN SECURING PEACEFUL ELECTIONS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.”

He stressed the need for all Ghanaians to work together to maintain peace during the electoral process.

Dr. Baah commended the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, for his leadership in ensuring peace and security, highlighting the importance of his role in safeguarding democratic principles.

Dr. Baah also addressed the socio-economic challenges faced by workers, including the high cost of living, inflation, and unemployment. He called for collective action to protect workers’ rights and improve their living standards.

The Secretary General highlighted ongoing efforts to review labor laws and address pension concerns, urging the government to ratify international conventions and tackle issues such as dumsor (power outages) and violence at work.

As Ghana continues on its path of development, the voices of workers remain essential in shaping a brighter future for all citizens.

The May Day celebrations served as a powerful reminder of the invaluable contributions of workers to Ghana’s growth and development. Through their dedication and resilience, workers embody the spirit of solidarity and collective action, driving progress and prosperity across the nation.

Introducing Hon. Stephen Yakubu: The New Upper West Regional Minister

Honorable Stephen Yakubu, brings a wealth of experience to his new role as the Upper West Regional Minister. Formerly serving as the Upper East Regional Minister, his leadership has been reshuffled to the Upper West Region.

As a seasoned politician, Hon. Yakubu contested for the Binduri seat on the NPP ticket and was a member of the 5th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana. His dedication to public service is evident in his impressive electoral performance, securing 50.43% of all valid votes cast.

Born on May 25, 1966, in Gotisaliga-Binduri, Upper East Region, Hon. Yakubu holds a BSc in Planning from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a Postgraduate diploma in Information Systems from Thames Valley University Slough, UK.

Beyond his political endeavors, Hon. Yakubu is a devoted family man, married with two children. He is a practicing Christian, actively involved in the Adventist church community.

Profile of Hon. Stephen Yakubu
Hon. Stephen Yakubu is a Ghanaian politician and diplomat. He was Ghana’s Ambassador to Morocco and He was a member of Parliament for Binduri constituency in the Upper East Region of Ghana. He is currently the Upper West Regional Minister after serving as the Upper East Regional Minister from 2021 March to 2024 April.

Early life and education
Stephen Yakubu was born on May 25, 1966, at Gotisaliga-Binduri in the Upper East Region. He obtained a BSc in Planning from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a Postgraduate diploma in Information Systems from Thames Valley University Slough, UK.

Career
Yakubu is into Development Planning, Architecture, and Quantity Surveyors.

Political life
Hon Stephen Yakubu is a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He contested for the Binduri seat on the ticket of the NPP. He was a member of the 5th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana.

Personal life
He is self-employed and married with two children. He is a Christian and worships with an Adventist church.

Transition of Leadership in Upper West Region: Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih Hands Over to Hon. Stephen Yakubu

The Upper West Region recently experienced a notable shift in leadership as Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih handed over his role as Regional Minister to Hon. Stephen Yakubu. The transition, marked by a formal ceremony in Wa, signifies a pivotal moment in the region’s governance.

During the handover, Dr. Bin Salih expressed gratitude to the region’s residents for their support and outlined achievements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He stressed the importance of collaboration between his administration and the incoming one.

In his response, Hon. Yakubu recognized the challenges ahead and pledged unwavering dedication to advancing the region. He thanked Dr. Bin Salih for his service and leadership.

The event, attended by dignitaries and community leaders, highlighted the collective commitment to a seamless transition. As the new Regional Minister, Hon. Yakubu assumes the responsibility of sustaining progress and addressing the region’s needs.

Right to Information (RTI) Commission Members Pay Courtesy Call to the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council

The Commission members of the Right to Information (RTI) Bill paid a courtesy visit to the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council. Their visit aimed to strengthen ties and discuss their upcoming public lecture within the region. The RTI team, on a mission to engage with the public and educate them about the importance of their work, used the opportunity to brief the Regional Chief Director of the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council Mr. Peter Maala on their activities. The Executive Secretary for the right to information Commission, Yaw Sarpong Boateng gave a brief background of the Right to Information (RTI) law and outlined some of the successes the Commission has achieved and the challenges it is facing in the implementation of the law. He appealed to the Regional Coordinating Council for the allocation of dedicated office space for their commission. This request reflects their determination to have a physical presence in the region, making it easier for citizens to access information and engage with the commission. This step underlines the commitment of the RTI board to establish strong working relationships with local authorities. Speaking on behalf of the Upper West Regional Minister, the Chief Director of Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Peter Maala, assured the delegation of the fullest support and cooperation of the RCC in all the activities of the Commission in the region. He therefore indicated the readiness of the RCC in participating fully in the public lecture to be held on Thursday 9th 2023. The RTI Commission’s visit to the Upper West Region is in line with a scheduled program set to take place at Jahan Training College on Thursday. This program promises to shed light on the RTI bill’s activities and its significance in promoting transparency and accountability. The visit further exemplifies their dedication to creating awareness and fostering partnerships at the regional level. The collaboration between the RTI commission and local authorities holds the potential to empower citizens with the information they need to actively participate in governance.

Building Dreams: Daffiama SHS’s Journey Towards Educational Excellence

Introduction: Nestled in the heart of the Daffiama Bussie Issah district of the Upper West Region lies Daffiama Senior High School, a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless students seeking to realize their academic aspirations.

Despite its rich history and notable academic achievements, Daffiama SHS faces significant challenges in its quest to provide quality education to its students. Headmaster Dambie Osbert Salifu paints a vivid picture of the school’s struggles, from incomplete infrastructure projects to disciplinary issues plaguing the institution.

Undeterred by these obstacles, Mr. Osbert and his team are determined to overcome adversity and create an environment conducive to learning. Their impassioned plea for support from government and other stakeholders underscores their unwavering commitment to the students’ welfare and academic success.

Amidst these challenges, Daffiama SHS continues to shine academically, achieving commendable results in the WASSCE examinations. The recent milestone of recording its highest aggregate score since its establishment serves as a testament to the school’s dedication to excellence.

As Daffiama SHS embarks on its journey towards educational excellence, the support of stakeholders is indispensable. With collaborative efforts and unwavering determination, the school aims to not only overcome its challenges but also pave the way for a brighter future for its students, where dreams are nurtured and aspirations realized.

Upper West Region’s Health Sector Review Reveals Concerning Trends and Promising Progress

The Upper West Region’s health landscape has experienced both challenges and successes, as highlighted in the 2023 annual regional health sector performance review meeting held in Wa. Dr. Damien Punguyire, the Regional Director of Health Service, delivered notable insights during the event.

In a concerning revelation, Dr. Punguyire reported a rise in maternal deaths, with 19 recorded in 2023 compared to 16 in the previous year. Additionally, the proportion of deliveries supervised by qualified health workers saw a slight decline from 73% to 71% over the same period.

Despite these challenges, there were notable improvements in certain health indicators. Dr. Punguyire mentioned a decrease in institutional neonatal mortality from 6 to 5 per 1000 live births and a reduction in stillbirth rates from 11 to 7 per 1000 births between 2022 and 2023.

Anemia among pregnant women, however, remained a persistent issue, increasing from 39.8% to 44.2% in 2023. On a more positive note, the proportion of Out-Patient Department (OPD) cases attributable to malaria decreased from 29.4% to 27.5%, with significant reductions in malaria admissions and deaths.

Dr. Punguyire emphasized the importance of addressing weaknesses in the sub-district health system, proposing the development of networks of practice among health facilities to enhance service delivery and upgrade health centers to Model Health Centers.

Speaking on behalf of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Mr. Eric Boateng Frimpong underscored the significance of Primary Health Care (PHC) in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He highlighted the GHS’s achievements in reducing stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates over the past five years, indicating a positive trajectory in healthcare outcomes.

The event, chaired by Professor Juventus Ziem, provided a platform for stakeholders in the health sector to evaluate progress and strategize for improved service delivery to the population.

As the region navigates through challenges and celebrates successes, the commitment to building a resilient health system remains paramount in achieving equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all residents.

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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.

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.