News
School building collapses on pupils
A pupil of the Sumborun Basic School in the Sissala East Municipality suffered a head injury, after a log from their classroom shed fell on them, following the collapse of the building on the children.
Checks by the GNA revealed that the affected pupil, Zaachi Hanawu, a primary one pupil, had since been treated and discharged from the community clinic.
Mr Dangor File, the Assemblyman of the Sumboru electoral area, told the GNA that the school’s structure, which had been under construction by the Northern Development Authority (NDA) had stalled for the last four years.
He said the pupils, aged between six and eight, participated in the re-construction of the classroom sheds, to save them from the harsh weather conditions, because their parents refused to participate in the constant ritual of repairs whenever school resumed from vacation, claiming they were occupied with their farming activities.
Mr Dangor stated that unfortunately, while gathering tree branches and other leaves to cover the uncompleted structure, one of the logs fell on a pupil, injuring her on the head, whilst others sustained minor injuries.
Mr Fuseini Batong Yakubu, the Sisalla East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), confirmed that he had earlier sought NDA’s assistance to complete some abandoned projects in the area, which included the three-unit classroom block in Sumborun, which was yet to be roofed and stocked for the school.
He said the uncompleted projects dotted around the Municipality included a doctor’s bungalow and maternity ward at Welembelle, the Banu Police post, Lilixia Kindergarten block, the Dangi classroom block, a three-unit classroom block at Dolunbizon, the Bujan maternity ward, Kuroboi CHIPs compound and the Challu community centre. –GNA
The Minority in Parliament has strongly objected to any planned merger or partnership between the government and Telecel, describing the deal as “technically, operationally, and financially unconscionable.”
Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, raised the concern during a media briefing in Parliament.
He questioned why both the Minister of Communications and Telecel would publicly announce a merger and then suddenly go silent on the matter.
“We object to any deal with Telecel by way of merger, absorption, or acquisition. This is a scheme to dispose of a national asset to fill private pockets,” Mr. Nyindam stated.
He argued that Telecel has not demonstrated any special technical or operational expertise that staff and management of AT (formerly AirtelTigo) do not already possess.
According to him, Telecel had earlier promised to invest $500 million after acquiring Vodafone Ghana but failed to do so, a situation he fears could repeat itself if the government allows another deal.
Mr. Nyindam claimed that Telecel was already indebted to the tune of $400 million, adding that the company only seeks to benefit from AT’s over three million customers to expand its own base without making any real investment.
“The government must not surrender the capacity of a state-owned company to a private entity through majority ownership. There is no clear plan to protect the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of workers,” he stressed.
The Minority Caucus is therefore calling on the government to halt any discussions or agreements with Telecel regarding the proposed merger, insisting that the deal is not in the national interest.
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bryan Acheampong, has called for an emergency 90-day suspension of all forms of mining in Ghana to help restore polluted rivers and water bodies.
He made the call during his campaign tour, where he engaged party members and residents on issues of national concern, including security, the environment, and responsible mining.
Mr Acheampong explained that the temporary ban should take place during the rainy season to allow the environment to recover naturally while the nation rethinks its mining practices.
“Let’s clear our water bodies and engage on how we can go back to mining. I’m not talking about a state of emergency, but mining, regardless of where, should stop now for the next 90 days,” he said.
He warned that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, continues to poison food sources and destroy farmlands, posing a major threat to public health and food security.
“If our food systems are being poisoned and we just look on because we prefer to make money, our people will not be around in a very short time to address the situation,” he cautioned.
Mr Acheampong urged government, miners, and local leaders to use the proposed 90-day period to develop a sustainable framework for responsible mining that protects both livelihoods and the environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
