News
Chief declares zero tolerance for substance abuse , alcoholism in Zuanungu
The Paramount Chief of the Zuarungu Traditional Area, Naba Billia-Maaletinga Afegra III, has declared zero tolerance for drug abuse and alcoholism, describing the menace as an escalating crisis threatening the future of the youth in the area.
According to him, substance abuse among young people has assumed alarming proportions, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and society at large.
He said the situation demanded urgent action, stressing the need for traditional authorities to rise to the occasion by enforcing a total ban on drug use and excessive alcohol consumption in Zuarungu to save the youth from a menace that has already claimed many lives and rendered others “useless” in the community.
Naba Afegra III made these remarks at this year’s N’daakoya Festival, held on Saturday in Zuarungu, the capital of the Bolgatanga East District of the Upper East Region. The festival was celebrated on the theme: “Youth Mobilisation and Empowerment: The Total Resurrection of Zuarungu – A Cornerstone of Our Region’s History.”
The N’daakoya Festival, a significant cultural event in the life of the people of Zuarungu, is celebrated annually to thank God for a successful farming season and to seek His guidance for the year ahead.
The event attracted participants from all walks of life and featured colourful cultural performances that showcased the rich heritage of the people.
“Substance abuse among our youth is of grave concern to me. My aim is to bring this fight directly to our communities, schools, and homes,” Naba Afegra III stated.
“From today, I am declaring a zero-tolerance stance against substance abuse throughout our traditional area,” he added.
To enforce this policy, the chief announced that committees would be established and empowered to serve as vigilant watchdogs against drug abuse and alcoholism, ensuring that the youth focus on building meaningful and productive careers.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would help secure a prosperous Zuarungu that would contribute significantly to national development.
The Paramount Chief also used the occasion to commend the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for their continued commitment to youth development in the area.
“The library project and the astroturf field project are near completion. The government under President John Dramani Mahama has also performed creditably in ensuring the appreciation of our common currency, the cedi, against major trading currencies, particularly the United States dollar,” he noted.
He further appealed to landowners to willingly release land for the construction of a new market and car park, which, he said, would benefit residents, reflect the status of the area, and expose the district to the international community.
FROM FRANCIS DABRE DABANG, ZUARUNGU
The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for a suspect in connection with the disappearance of a 27 year old man at Oyibi.
In a press release dated April 14, 2026, the Police identified the suspect as Wisdom Tetteh and said he is being sought over the disappearance of Theophilus Ashitey Amarh.
According to the Police, the case was reported on April 7, 2026, after the victim failed to return home.
He had left the previous day with the intention of selling his Hyundai Elantra saloon car after being introduced to a prospective buyer by the suspect.
Investigations revealed that the victim was last seen at the suspect’s residence at Saasabi, where he had gone to meet the supposed buyer.
The Police noted that a follow up visit to the suspect’s residence on April 10 led to the discovery of suspected bloodstains in a room, raising concerns of possible foul play.
The scene has since been examined by the National Crime Scene Management Team with support from the Anti Armed Robbery Unit of the CID Headquarters.
The Police added that search efforts involving community members and local authorities have been carried out in the area, but the victim is yet to be found.
Further intelligence suggests that the suspect may have fled the country to neighbouring Togo.
The Police indicated that steps, including INTERPOL processes, have been initiated to track and arrest him.
The Command assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to arrest the suspect and uncover what happened.
It also urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect or the missing person to report to the nearest police station to assist investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
A team member of the Kwahu Business Forum and special aide to the Chief of staff, Benjamin Essuman has revealed that the team is working on developing the forum into a major platform to support business growth and policy dialogue in Ghana.
According to him, efforts are underway to transform the Kwahu Business Village into an International Conference Hub that will attract businesses and investors from across the world.
He made the remarks during an interview with ghanaiantimes.com.gh journalist, Jacob Aggrey in Accra.
He said the forum was designed to bring together regulators, policymakers, entrepreneurs and investors to share ideas and help shape policies that support business development.
According to him, the concept began in 2024 when John Dramani Mahama and his Chief of Staff conceived the idea during the Easter period in Kwahu, where many entrepreneurs gather annually.
He said the first edition created a platform for business people to engage leadership directly and present their concerns.
According to him, the success of the maiden event led to the decision to make it an annual forum.
He said the second edition in 2025 focused on improving access to finance by bringing banks and financial institutions to interact with businesses.
He said institutions such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank participated and engaged entrepreneurs on funding opportunities.
According to him, the forum has now gone beyond dialogue and has become a platform for partnerships, negotiations and investment deals.
He said some entrepreneurs who participated in previous editions have secured support from financial institutions, with their projects progressing steadily.
According to him, the presence of the President at the forum continues to boost confidence among businesses and deepen engagement.
He said the 2026 edition was larger than the previous ones and was held at the newly developed Kwahu Business Village.
According to him, traditional authorities in Kwahu donated about 150 acres of land to support the development of a permanent business conference centre.
He said the forum is attracting both local and international companies, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration.
According to him, the initiative also promotes tourism activities such as paragliding in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority.
He said the forum will continue to be held in Kwahu and is being positioned as Ghana’s version of the World Economic Forum.
Mr.Easuman further challenges such as overcrowding in previous editions have been addressed through the introduction of a digital registration system.
He said small scale businesses must take advantage of opportunities such as partnerships, mergers and government incentives to expand.
According to him, entrepreneurs should also collaborate with institutions like the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority to access international markets.
He said the long term vision includes developing the Kwahu Business Village into a world class facility capable of hosting global conferences, with possible plans to construct an airstrip.
According to him, the forum remains an important platform for businesses seeking growth, funding and expansion beyond Ghana.
Background
The Kwahu Business Forum was introduced in 2024 as an initiative to bring together business leaders and government officials during the Easter festivities in Kwahu.
It was conceived as a platform for dialogue but has since evolved into an annual event focused on promoting investment, networking and policy engagement to strengthen Ghana’s business environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
