News
Rotary Club inaugurates water project at Konkuo
Access to enough potable water has been a major challenge to the people of Konkuo community and its environs in the Jirapa Municipality of the Upper West Region.
Residents, especially women have to travel long distances in order to get a basin of water for the house. Whilst this problem affects mostly females whose responsibility it is to supply the home with water, some of the males have taken it upon themselves to assist the females in that regard.
Madam Perpetual narrated to The Spectator the struggle young girls in the community had to go through in order to get water for the house and indicated that it did not allow them enough time to do serious academic work or undertake economic activities like their male counterpart.
In this regard, the Rotary Club of Wa in partnership with the Rotary Club of Windsor in Canada has inaugurated a mechanised water project and water reservoir at a cost of $110,000 for Konkuo Community in the Jirapa Municipality.
The 60 cubic metre capacity concrete water reservoir would supply water to residents of the Konkuo community as well as Jirapa town and would be extended to neighbouring villages.
Addressing the media at Jirapa, Project Director of the Rotary Club of Wa, Mr Stephen Mwinkaara said that pipelines would be laid for the reservoir to ensure that it pumped water to neighbouring villages of Jirapa.
He stated that the essence of Rotary Club was to promote community development, adding that the club would need the support of its stakeholders to be able to achieve its goals and objectives.
Mr Mwinkaara indicated that, the Jirapa water expansion project was an agendum to extend potable water to majority of residents in the municipality, saying, the club was prepared to partner development oriented organisations to champion the agenda.
“Sustainability is a very critical component of our projects. We, therefore, appeal to the management of this facility to undertake timely repair and maintenance works to prolong the lifespan of the facility and also ensure that the community enjoys fully, the benefit of the project,” he said.
Inaugurating the water project, the Municipal Chief Executive, Ms Christine Bombanye-Amadu lauded the club for the project and its location and said it was going to improve the water system in the municipality.
“Konkuo is my hometown and growing up as a young girl in a community without water has been very problematic. Several boreholes have been drilled for this community but have been rendered defunct and residents, especially females are suffering.”
Ms Bombanye-Amadu intimated that the Municipal Assembly was able to provide a borehole for the community but it was unable to serve the growing number of inhabitants, some of whom still relied on other unhygienic sources for water and commended the club for the gesture.
From Lydia Fordjour and Rafia Abdul-Razak, Wa
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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