Update of Avian influenza (AI) in Upper East Region

Information gathered from the Upper East Regional Veterinary Officer for personnel, Data and information Robert Bayuo, indicates that 15 communities have been infected with the Avian Influenza (AI) in the Upper East Region, as of yesterday the 17^th of February, 2022. A total of two thousand, 817 (2,817) birds have been destroyed according to the records from the Veterinary Directorate in the Region.

Speaking to our Correspondent in Bolgatanga Mr. Bayuo described Avian Influenza (AI) as a disease of viral etiology that ranges from a mild or even asymptomatic infection to an acute, fatal disease of chicken, turkey, guinea fowl, and other avian species, especially migratory waterfowl.

He disclosed that Ghana reported the current outbreak on the 7th July 2021 at a farm in Nungua in the Greater Accra region, the outbreak has since been reported in 11 regions of the country. The upper east region recorded its first outbreak on the 17th of January 2022 at Zaare in the Bolgatanga Municipality.

The virus has since been recorded in eight other locations in six districts. On the 25th of January 2022, Samples were received from Saboro in the Kassena Nankana East Municipal, Guborigo in the Talensi District, and Widnaba in the Bawku West District, and all tested Positive.

On 27th January 2022, a farmer brought samples from Soe in the Bolgatanga Municipality and it also tested positive, on the 28th of January 2022, samples brought in from Kaare in the Talensi District tested positive as well.

In other to ascertain the extent of the existence of the virus in the region, a team was deployed to other parts of the region to randomly sample among the avian population to determine the existence or otherwise of the virus in those locations.

The locations visited are as follows, Bolgatanga lives bird Market, Pelungu, Zeibilla, Zorko, Pomolga Sirigu, Navrongo, and Sandema live bird markets.  

Test results for the above locations were all positive except that of Sandema and Pomolga Sirigu live bird Markets. Mr. Robert Bayuo said the presence of the Avian Influenza Virus in Commercial, Local and Wild birds in the region poses a high risk of human involvement. 

Meanwhile, 3 communities in the Garu District confirmed positive but they are still following the protocols before the official communication. A Regional Public health Emergency Management Committee meeting with all stakeholders has been slated for Friday 18th February 2022 at 2pm with Upper East Regional Minister at the Regional Coordinating Council.

 

World Pulse Day Observed

      Pulse plant

In 2018, the UN General Assembly decided to use 10th February as World Pulses Day. World Pulse

Day.  The day is, observed internationally by the UNs Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)

 which aims to tackle world hunger and improve global nutrition and food security.

      Pulses  Seeds

Pulses are edible seeds of leguminous plants including beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils which are very rich in essential nutrients, gluten-free, are part of a healthy balanced diet and have also been shown to play a major role in preventing illness.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 80% of heart diseases, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, and more than a third of cancers could be prevented by eliminating risk factors such as unhealthy diets and promoting better eating habits of which pulses are essential components.

Pulses are also an important source of proteins and in most developing countries constitute the main source of proteins for most populations. 

       A Pediatrician resident Dr. Gillian Bogee

In an interview with our gbcuraradio.com Correspondent in Bolgatanga, a Paediatrician resident Dr. Gillian Bogee said  Pulses are packed with nutrients and have a high protein content, making them an ideal source of protein particularly in regions where meat and dairy are not physically or economically accessible. Pulses are also zero - cholesterol, high content of iron and zinc, rich in nutrients,  rich in minerals (zinc, potassium, magnesium, and iron), and B-vitamins, (niacin, thiamine, and folate).

She indicated that Pulses contain about twice the amount of protein found in whole grain cereals like wheat, rice, barley, and oats. They have a  low glycaemic index, low-fat content, and also a source of dietary fiber both soluble (which helps in decreasing blood cholesterol level and control of blood sugar) and insoluble (which helps with digestion).

     Various varieties of pulses seeds

 As a result, of these rich qualities Dr. Bogee added, they are recommended by health organizations for the management of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Pulses are an important versatile ingredient that has a long short life, meaning that they can be stored for months without losing their high nutritional value, providing increased food availability between harvests and for farmers. 

She stated that they are important crops because they can both be sold and consumed and help farmers maintain household food security and create economic stability. While pigeon peas and Bambara beans can be cultivated in very poor soil and semi-arid environments, crops residues from grains, legumes can also be used as animals’ fodder.

      Pulses farm

By inter-cropping with pulses, Dr. Bogee hinted increases farm biodiversity and creates a more diverse landscape for animals and insects. The nitrogen-fixing properties of pulses can improve soil fertility, which improves and extends the productivity of farmland not forgetting that pulses are also water efficient. Pulses have a smaller carbon footprint than many other crops making them one of the most environmentally sustainable food choices.

These are some of the reasons why pluses are a great option for better health and sustainability whether you are living in a low, middle, or high-income country.  They are a great option and the World Food Program (WFP) for instance, includes 60grams of pulses in its typical food basket.

Let us all join in the call to celebrate this year's International Day of Pulses, and also celebrate all the great things pulses do to make the world a happier and healthier place. Remember that pulses are meant to keep your pulse correct. Happy pulses day.

20th Anniversary of Christ Frontier Mission International CFMI

The Christ Frontiers Mission International (CFMI) has launched its 20^th Anniversary in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital. 

This year’s anniversary was under the theme “Manifesting of the Glory of God in our season of growth”. The Regional launch was to herald the national one scheduled to take place in April to celebrate this year’s Easter.

The launch began with a route match from St John’s Park through the principal streets of Bolgatanga Township and ended at Yikene, one of their branches. In an interview with our Correspondent, Emmanuel Akayeti in Bolgatanga, the Regional overseer of CFMI Apostle Moses Atiiga said the church’s mission is to carry the gospel to the less privileged, the vulnerable in society, the conflict-prone areas, and to those hungry for the word that the gospel has not yet reach them.

    The Upper East Regional Overseer of  CFMIApostle Moses Atiiga 

He indicated that the church started on the 18^th of February 2001 in the Upper West Region and got to the Upper East in 2002 with four branches in Bawku and in the Bolga area. By the grace of God, he added the church can now boost 19 branches across the Upper East Region with 16 pastors.

Apostle Atiiga stated that with the support of their donor partners Germany, they are sponsoring 9 orphans in schools food, and shelter, they sunk 13 boreholes as part of the church cooperate social responsibility in their operational areas, means of transport for some pastors to get to hard to reach areas as well as the provision of schools and bullocks for smallholder farming to help increase food production for families.

      The Bolgatanga District pastor of CFMI Apostle Hilliah Albright

The Bolgatanga District pastor of CFMI Apostle Hilliah Albright stated that from a humble beginning, the church is now prominently visible and strongly operational in the Upper West Region, the Upper East Region, Northern and the Greater Accra Region as well as the neighboring countries such as Burking Faso and Niger.

He however explained the social role of the church in developing the well-being of the people in the communities they operate is an integral component of their ministry and that the vision of the church is the continuous propagation of the word of God to the far ends of the world

UER: 12 Young People Trained in Mobile App Development-DANSYN ISO

DANSYN Innovations Social Organization (DANSYN ISO), a Non-Profit ICT hub has organized a 6 weeks training dubbed “Bolgatanga Start-up Summit” in mobile application development for 12 young people in the Upper East Region. It was organized by Dansyn ISO in partnership with Ghana Tech Lab and supported by MasterCard Foundation Young Africa Works, Ministry of Communications, and the World Bank.

Trainner of the Bolgatanga Start-Up Summit Louise Marie Atoluko Ayariga

Speaking in an interview with our Correspondent Emmanuel Akayeti in Bolgatanga, the Training Officer, a Computer Engineer and a fellow of the African Union Digital Information Field Louis Marie Atoluko Ayariga stated that, the penetration of mobile application is on the ascendency and mobile phones abound with a lot of Job opportunities for mobile App developers, yet such skills are low in this part of our world, adding that there is the need to equip the youth with such skill for them to be self-employed, create jobs and to also be relevant in solving societal problems in terms of ICT. 

Mr. Atoluko said they had earlier on in September last year trained 20 young ladies on mobile application development for 3 weeks and the just ended one was 6 weeks and participants were given skills on mobile app development.

A cross section of participants at the Bolgatanga summit

He added that the ideas generated after the pitching by the trainees, if well carried out, will in the end help solve the problems of our society.

He stated that they will be taken through business development training which some of them could make a business out of mobile applications while others too will go into an
internship to get a feel of work before they are they then move into society.

 

The NEPP TEK Group that pitched first at the Bolga Start -up Summit

Nancy Avam Afelik who studied accounting in school took part in the training, her group came first in the pitching with the prototype app M-Ward a mobile application that will help parents and teachers monitor their wards out in school.

With this, Ms. Afelik said the app will enable parents to monitor their ward as they are in school, what they are learning, assignments and attendance. Their group code name NEPP TEK intends to do more research into the area to ensure that the app becomes more viable in the future.

UER: A Fight against Bushfire a Collective Efforts- GASIP

     Maize on the farm not yet harvested

The Ghana Agricultural Sector Investment Programme (GASIP) has urged Ghanaians, especially people of the Savanna belt, to make bushfire fighting a collective responsibility.

This came to light during an exclusive interview with the Climate Change Adaptation Manager GASIP, Dr. Edmund Kyei Akoto-Danso, by our gbcuraradio.com Correspondent in Bolgatanga in the wake of the harmattan season.

Dr. Akoto-Danso said, GASIP pride in Conservation Agriculture, which seeks to promote maintenance of a permanent soil cover, minimum soil disturbance, and diversification of plant species adding that our fight against bush fires is paramount on daily basis.

It is in line with this he said,  GASIP is calling all partners, especially you, to do the little one can, through Community-Based Groups Sensitization Schools, Churches, Mosques, Market ground, and radio sensitization, leading farmers and volunteers to create fire belts around their farmlands, formation of volunteer guards, to help in the crusade against bush fires.

Dr. Akoto-Danso stated that it is key that everyone must first understand the major causes of bush fires, before talking about curbing or managing them.

He indicated that the actions or inactions of some groups of people such as herdsmen, farmers, hunters, and children are some of the major causes of bush fires. Dr. Akoto-Danso added that what he has gathered throughout his operational areas in the northern part of Ghana is that, travelling through Kintampo to Page from November upwards is often engulfed with fire not only by the roadside but even in the hinterland.

It is therefore imperative he said that all and sundry must contribute their quota so that together we can help fight against bush fires and conserve our land for green Agriculture and for posterity.

UER: Tax Defaulters to apply for Waivers- GRA

   The Manager of the Bolgatanga Taxpayer Service Centre (BTSC) Bismark Shaibu Mahama

The Manager of the Bolgatanga Taxpayer Service Centre (TSC) of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Bismark Shaibu Mahama, has urged tax defaulters to apply for waivers as the 2022 budget has offered a window of opportunity to redeem their indebtedness.

This came to light in an exclusive interview with our Correspondent Emmanuel Akayeti in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Region. Mr. Mahama disclosed that the Penalty and Interest Wavier Act, 2021 (Act 1065) referred to in this act as the “Principal enchantment”, is amended in section one by the substitution for subsection 1 of 1 where a person on or before 30^th June 2022, pay tax arrears to the Ghana Revenue Authority, files outstanding returns in respect of the previous year up to December 2020, the Commissioner-General shall not recover assessed penalty and interest of the tax arrears paid in respect of the relevant period.

Mr. Mahama indicated that the budget this year has rather given taxpayers relief in terms of their individual taxes or the income they earn from their individual businesses or as employees of organizations. He said the marginal relief threshold for all individuals has been increased from GHC 319 a month to GHC 365.

What this means Mr. Mahama explained further that as a registered member, whatever income earned either from employment or from business, after SSNIT deduction of 5.5 percent, there is a relief of up to GHC 365 that will not be taxed on the remaining amount. He added that this element of the relief used to be GHC 319 but has now been raised to GHC 365 a difference of about GHC 46 disposable income to the individual who earns less.

Regarding the waiver of penalty and interest, he said the period has also been extended from last 30^th September 2021, now one can apply for the waiver up to 30^th June 2022, this year.

Mr. Mahama stated that for all defaulters of incomes tax law up to the period 31^st December 2020, the law has also given them a window of opportunity to file their applications for waiver up to June 2022.

He admonished tax defaulters especially in the Upper East Region to take advantage adding that, they should try to redeem themselves by filing their returns within the set period and pay what is due or make sufficient arrangements to file their returns and GRA will waiver the penalties and interest for you.

UER: Private Sector participation in Maternal and New Born Health in Rural Areas -Dr Bogee

Dr. Gillian Bogee

The Executive Director of the Ayire Clinic and a Senior Paediatric resident, Dr. Gillian Bogee says the private sector plays a key role in delivering sexual and reproductive health services. 

This was disclosed in an interview with our Correspondent Emmanuel Akayeti on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Ayire Clinic in Bongo-Soe.

Dr. Bogee indicated that the role of the private sector in improving maternal and newborn health in achieving the Universal Health Coverage and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) goal 3 cannot be overemphasized. She indicated that the private sector contributes immensely to improving sexual and reproductive health services of the nations through the provision of family planning services for women of reproductive ages.

In line with this, Dr. Bogee indicated that there has been considerable progress in lowering the maternal mortality rate in Ghana over the past 25 years. However, there is still much progress left to make: the country still experiences an alarming rate of 308 deaths per 100,000 (2017), whereas the global rate stands at 211 deaths per 100,000. According to Ghana Health Service, a total number of 875 maternal deaths in 2018 and 838 in 2019. 

       Ayire Clinic

This figure further decreased to 776 in 2020 despite the increase in total deliveries while institutional maternal mortality ratio reduced from 117 in 2019 to 106 in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and all its associated impact. She added that Neonatal Mortality Rate is 25 per 1000 live births making up 68% of infant mortality and 48% of under-five mortality. Antenatal clinic attendance (at least 4 visits) is 89% with a skilled attendance at birth being 79%.

A board member from the United States of America, Jeffrey Scott Witty said the facility is a hospital complex that will solve the problem of highly trained professionals refusing to postings to the five northern Regions. When completed he stated, it will feature medical school and training programs, giving the opportunities and education for the local communities, bringing home Ghanaians professionals abroad.

 Another Executive Director of the Ayire Clinic also resident in the US expressed joy and readiness to support the facility to deliver health care services to the rural communities.  She said, “I’m also contributing my quota towards helping to improving quality health care and providing wellbeing for all at all ages, in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3”.  

She is steering the facility towards achieving its vision in the coming year she said, and she is certain, that the facility will go a long way to help save lives and improve the livelihood of the people in the community as well.