Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has praised NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for defying all odds to campaign in the rain at Chereponi in the Northern Region.
Anyidoho beliefs that Dr Bawumia’s sense of energy and excitement expressed at Chereponi shapes the course of his campaign in a positive direction.
In a post spotted by The Independent Ghana (TIGpost), Mr Anyidoho wrote, “So, Bawumia has decided that he would continue to positively change the campaign narrative huh? He has sunk himself deeper into the grassroots campaign and is working even in the rain to win hearts and minds. This is DMB in Chereponi today. The adrenaline is pumping.”
Thousands of residents of Chereponi on Thursday, July 11, 2024, defied early morning rains to offer a mammoth reception for the Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bawumia immediately he got down from his campaign bus and walked through the rains on the main street to engage them.
The NPP Flagbearer upon his arrival was ambushed by thousands of residents in the rains, when he walked through as the excitement of the crowd grew, with more people, young and old, on foot, motorcycles, and tricycles emerging from all corners, chanting his name in support.
Dr Bawumia, has intensified the second phase of his nationwide campaign towards the 2024 General Elections with community engagements and a house-to-house in the North East Region.
Read post below:
So, Bawumia has decided that he would continue to positively change the campaign narrative huh? He has sunk himself deeper into the grassroots campaign and is working even in the rain to win hearts and minds. This is DMB in Chereponi today. The adrenaline is pumping lđź’Şđź’Şđź’Ş pic.twitter.com/NFsAMwAdyB
— Samuel Koku Anyidoho🇬🇠(@KokuAnyidoho) July 11, 2024
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, has highlighted his extensive execution of developmental projects in northern Ghana, particularly in Chereponi.
He questioned the track record of John Mahama during his presidency, particularly scrutinizing the projects initiated in the northern region. Bawumia emphasized that despite Mahama’s tenure as president, there were no substantial projects attributed to him in Chereponi.
In contrast, Bawumia emphasized his achievements as vice president, citing significant impacts made through various developmental initiatives. Addressing a gathering of chiefs and elders in Chereponi, he asserted that John Mahama lacks new offerings for the region.
“My main opponent in this election, former president John Dramani Mahama, was president before. I have not been president before. I am vice president, but John Mahama cannot point to one project in Chereponi.
“I can point to many projects as vice president in Chereponi and so if as vice president, I have been able to start many things in Chereponi, as president, I will be able to finish many things in Chereponi.”
A severe conflict erupted between the Ando and Nalori communities in the Chereponi district of the Northeast Region on Sunday afternoon over a piece of farmland.
Reports indicate that the entire Nalori community has been completely burned down, leaving residents homeless.
While no fatalities have been reported, one individual has sustained gunshot injuries.
Additionally, one person has been arrested in connection with the incident.
A farmer in Chereponi has been sentenced to five years in prison for making threats against the District Chief Executive (DCE) in the area.Â
The judgment was handed down following a legal process that unfolded at the Circuit Court in Yendi in the Northern Region, in accordance with Section 75 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960, Act 29.
As per the statements provided by the prosecutor, Detective Chief Inspector Nicodemus York, the defendant, a dweller of Kwame Nansoni in the Chereponi district, reportedly contacted the District Chief Executive (DCE), Nashiru Zuwera Muda, on phone on November 20, 2023. The accused allegedly issued threats, stating, “I will kill you if you dare enter Chereponi.”
The incident was reported to the Chereponi police, resulting in the identification and subsequent arrest of the suspect, aided by National Security officials.
In his caution statement, the accused confessed to the offense, ultimately resulting in his conviction to a five-year imprisonment term by Justice Francis Ayamwuni Asobayire.
A 45-year-old farmer, Abubakari Numburu, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Circuit Court for threatening to kill the District Chief Executive of Chereponi, Northern Region.
The incident occurred on November 20 when a resident of Kwame Nansoni, Abubakari Numburu, called the the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Nashiru Zuwera Muda, on the phone and told her “I will kill you if you dare enter Chereponi.”
The police, with the assistance of National Security, identified and apprehended the suspect after the DCE filed a complaint.
In his confession, Mr Numburu admitted to the offence, leading to a conviction of five years imprisonment by Judge H/H Justice Francis Ayamwuni Asobayire.
In a separate case, the same judge sentenced 33-year-old Alhassan Nurudeen to ten years imprisonment for defrauding by false pretence.
Mr Nurudeen, a scrap dealer in Yendi, reportedly defrauded Tahidu Iddrisu of over Sixteen thousand Ghana cedis in June 2023.
The complainant intended to buy a tipper truck, and Nurudeen, posing as someone with access to such trucks, convinced him to pay six thousand, five hundred cedis.
However, Nurudeen failed to deliver the truck, and the case was reported to the Yendi police.
Despite admitting to taking money, Nurudeen claimed the father, who could not be reached abroad, was responsible. The judge convicted him on his plea to ten years imprisonment.
A visibly angry protester, Halia, Mutawakil, frustrated about the state of roads in Chereponi situated in the North East Region has warned government not to make any attempt to count on their votes when its time for elections.
According to the young lady supposedly a teacher, several teachers turn away from the offer to teach in chereponi due to the poor state of their road.
She says if government does not consider to listen to their plight as Ghanaians, they they should not border to bring posters when its time for elections.
“I can boastfully say that because of the lack of teachers, that is why the students are recording poor grades. No teacher wants to risk their life and family and travel this far. Nurses, Doctors, it is left with only native doctors. The nurses and the teachers who are posted here don’t want to come. It is pathetic, we are begging you. Why? We are not asking for much. But I want to promise you, if you think we are not part of Ghanaians, we’ve taken notice, but don’t dare bring any electoral posters here” Madam Mutawakil angrily told the media.
The lack of motorable roads in the area has forced many farmers to illegally export soya beans and other grain-related products to neighbouring countries.
According to a spokesperson for the Anufor Students, Latif Alhassan, it is difficult for the pupils to learn in school blocks that have had their roofs ripped off by rainstorms.
He added that there are instances teachers refuse postings to the community and surrounding areas due to the bad state of the roads, among other security concerns.
“For some of the schools, before you even get to the street, you will cross a river. It’s a road but the way the rain has damaged it, you can’t cross, and when it rains, nobody can cross to those schools. They are within the Chereponi township and not in villages – you can’t even move from one house to another. They are all part of the challenges we are facing here.
“We have been raising them to the various stakeholders, trying our best to get solutions. If you look around all the four corners of Chereponi, we don’t have good roads. We have students in Chereponi who go to school in other districts and various communities but even the road from Chereponi to Yendi is not safe for children – armed robbers can attack them. Just yesterday, there was an attack on the road,” he told the media
'If you think we are not part of Ghanaians, we've taken notice, but don't dare bring any electoral posters here' – A visibly angry protester, frustrated about the state of roads in the area.#CitiNewsroompic.twitter.com/KZomGQt5Gc
A group calling itself Concerned community members of Jaabu community in Wanchiki in the Chereponi district in the North East Region is commending the police in Chereponi for arresting one of the suspects in the February chieftaincy dispute in the area that led to the killing of four persons.
It could be recalled that on February 23, 2023, there was a clash at Wanchiki community in the Chereponi district over chieftaincy dispute.
The chief of Wanchiki enskinned a chief for the Jaabu community which resulted in a dispute where four persons were killed.
“We wish to strongly commend the Chereponi District Police for the swift manner in which they handled the tip-off leading to the arrest of this killer and thief. We have confidence that enough evidence has been provided in this case and that the police shall use him as a primary source to aid investigations leading to the arrest and prosecution of the rest of the perpetrators. This would bring justice to the lost souls of Abdul-Samed and 3 others,” the group in a statement said.
The police intervened to restore peace in the area to carry on with investigations.
On April 18, 2023, the biological son of the chief of Wanchiki was arrested by the Chereponi police for alleged possession of the mobile phone of one of the deceased persons.
He was arrested in Chereponi when he offered the phone for sale. A tip-off was given to the Chereponi police leading to the arrest of the suspect.
The group therefore commends the police for the swift action taken and hopes that the arrest of the suspect will lead to the arrest of the other culprits.
The group is therefore demanding justice for the deceased and hopes that the police will do a good job by using him as a strong evidence.
Read below full statement from the concerned Jaabu community members in Wanchiki
23rd April, 2023 For Immediate Release CHIEF KILLER IN THE 23RD FEBRUARY 2023 SHOOTINGS AND KILLINGS IN WENCHIKI APPREHENDED BY CHEREPONI DISTRICT POLICE We the concerned members of the Jaabu Clan of Wenchiki wish to commend the Chereponi District Police for apprehending the “Chief Killer” in the event of armed men sporadic shootings in Wenchiki on 23rd February 2023 that led to the death of 4 men from the Jaabu section.
Background
It would be recalled that on 23rd February, 2023, one chief Buba of Wenchiki insisted to enskin a chief for Nyangbandi community against security advise with the intention of using his armed boys to unleash violence against anyone who attempts to stop him. This day actually turned terrific as he succeeded in rolling out his illminded plan against his neighbouring Jaabus of Wenchiki.
He (chief Buba) has since claimed responsibility of that atrocious crime and walking freely until very recently one of his sons was arrested in his attempt to sell out a mobile phone he made away from Abdul-Samed; one the deceased. Abdul-Samed, a vulganizer was chased from his shop and slain in cold blood by this chief Buba boys on 23rd February, 2023. Later in an audio recording he boasted to have tasked to unleash such barbaric act on a community he claims to be chief over. Beyond coincidence, the biological son of the man who is on tape to have masterminded these shootings and unwarranted killing of 4 innocent souls is the one selling a mobile phone he made away from one of those they killed.
Abubakari Awuffor Sulemana (affectionately called Sule); the killer and mobile phone thief was apprehended by the Chereponi District Police on Tuesday 18th April, 2023 in Chereponi town upon a tip off from families of the owner of the phone; Abdul-Samed (deceased). The Police advised the confidants to stay calm and eventually, the killer and thief brought himself into the trap where he was picked.
He has since been transferred to Yendi Divisional Police Command, pending trial at the Yendi Circuit court on 25th April, 2023. He would further aid police investigations to apprehend all others who directly or indirectly played any role in the shootings of 23rd February, 2023 which led to the killing of Abdul-Samed and 3 others from the Jaabu community of Wenchiki without any provocation.
Conclusion
We wish to strongly commend the Chereponi District Police for the swift manner in which they handled the tipoff leading to the arrest of this killer and thief. We have confidence that enough evidence has been provided in this case and that the police shall use him as a primary source to aid investigations leading to the arrest and prosecution of the rest of the perpetrators. This would bring justice to the lost souls of Abdul-Samed and 3 others to rest in peace and bring an end to the growing insecurity in Wenchiki and its environs by Chief Buba and his armed boys.
# WE NEED JUSTICE FOR ABDUL-SAMED AND 3 OTHERS. COVENERS
Seidu Yussif (Secretary, Jaabu Community in Wenchiki) Sulemana A.S Frinjei (Secretary, JANDA NEC) Yahaya Hasmiyu Bansah (PRO, JANDA NEC)
Communities in the Chereponi are at the brink of facing famine due to recent clashes in the area.
The North East Regional Minister,Yidana Zakari, expressed fear over this, indicating that the communities in the conflict ravaged district especially Sakou, are likely to run out of food, water and basic amenities.
The Regional Minister who toured the areas yesterday, described the situation as dire, sounding an alarm for aid.
He has appealed to government and philanthropists to intervene before it is too late.
“We went with NADMO officials, we have a few plastic buckets, some blankets and water for them. We know that is not enough, but that is just an interim measure. But going forward, we think that we’re to mobilise strongly and come back so that we’ll help alleviate the suffering that the people are going through.
“I can tell you for sure they don’t have food, all their foodstuff have been burnt. No cooking utensils, they have lost almost everything that have. So I want to use your medium to appeal to the Ghanaian people if they can come to our aid,” he said.
Mr Zakari has also appealed to the Yaa Naa and other stakeholders to help resolve the conflict in the area.
“The first is the traditional angle. You know the Chereponi district, traditionally, is under the supervision of the Yaa Naa, the King of the Dagbon Kingdom. And so once it has to do with chieftaincy, if we have to find a lasting solution to that, we will need to refer that to our father to handle.
“Then the criminal aspect of what has happened is what we will allow the appropriate institutions of state to deal with.”
Meanwhile, Police at Chereponi have arrested 10 suspects following the communal clash at Wenchike last week.
The clash was said to have occurred as a result of a chieftaincy disagreement between 2 Chokosi factions in the community.
Four people were killed and over 25 houses were burnt in addition to motorbikes and other property.
ccording to the National Disaster Management Organization, over 600 people have been displaced by the violence. Schools remain closed as the community is deserted.
Speaking to JoyNews, the District Chief Executive, Hajia Zuweiratu Nashiru, said the 10 suspects had been remanded for two weeks to reappear in court.
The DCE assured that the suspects will be made to face the law if found guilty.
10 suspects have been arrested in connection with a recent communal clash at Wenchike, a town in Chereponi in the North East Region.
The clash was said to have occurred as a result of a chieftaincy disagreement between 2 Chokosi factions in the community.
Four people were killed and over 25 houses were burnt in addition to motorbikes and other property.
According to the National Disaster Management Organization, over 600 people have been displaced by the violence. Schools remain closed as the community is deserted.
Speaking to JoyNews, the District Chief Executive, Hajia Zuweiratu Nashiru, said the 10 suspects had been remanded for two weeks to reappear in court.
The DCE assured that the suspects will be made to face the law if found guilty.
In connection with a chieftaincy dispute that erupted in the Wanchiki community of the Chereponi district of North East Region on Thursday morning, has left two dead after gunshots were fired in the area.
Another person is said to be in critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound. Several houses and properties have also been destroyed in the area.
Citi News’ Northern regional correspondent Mohammed Alabirareported that there is heavy security presence in the area.
A security person is also reported to have sustained gunshots and is currently in the hospital.
Reports indicate that the chaos broke out after the Paramount Chief for Chereponi attempted to enskin a chief for a community in the Wanchiki area, but the chief of Wanchiki, Naa Abuba early Thursday morning enskinned a different person for the same community.
This sparked tension in the area resulting in gunshots.
He said the situation had affected their businesses as the water lever of the affected portion was still high.
“That particular portion always floods whenever it rains heavily” he added.
Alhaji Dawud added that the flood had washed away many foodstuffs as well as animals belonging to communities within that area.
He appealed to the government to fix the road immediately as they suffer any time it rained.
Assemblyman for Zogbeli electoral area Mr Sandabi Sandoo said he had received several calls on the incident and he had since made a report to the appropriate authorities.
Mr Sandoo however called on the government to come to their aid and find lasting solution to the flood problem in the district.
An attempt to reach out to the North East Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) proved futile as his phone was not reachable
Following this week’s severe downpours, a large gully has been left on the Wapuli-Yendi route in the Northern Region.
The disaster took place as the Bagre Dam in adjacent Burkina-Faso, which is operated by SONABEL Company Limited, started to spill water.
The spillage of the dam is expected to worsen the impact of flooding on the road and other parts of the community.
The Wapuli-Yendi road is the alternative road not only for the people of Saboba but Chereponi district too.
What this means is that two districts, Chereponi and Saboba have been cut off from the rest of the country.
Last week, the main Yendi-Saboba road was also damaged.
The situation has left many stranded in the area.
The Ministry of Roads and Highway has engaged contractors to urgently work on the Wapuli-Yendi.
This is according to the District Chief Executive for Saboba, George Bingrini.
The DCE, who visited the area assured that the road would be fixed soon.
“I had a discussion with the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and as of this morning, the arrangement has been done for a contractor to come and temporarily work on that side for the people to access the road,” Mr. Bingrini said.
Following clashes that left one person dead and two others hurt, a team of police and military personnel has been sent to the communities of Tibongo and Junjoon in the Chereponi District of the North East.
On Wednesday, August 24, 2022, disputes between the two communities are said to have erupted over a claimant’s ownership of a plot of farmland.
Houses were burned as a result of the conflict.
Communal conflicts in the district are delaying the area’s development, according to Chereponi’s District Chief Executive, Hajia Zuweiratu Mada Nashiru, who was speaking to Citi News.
“Change is a difficult thing for people. There is a bit of improvement. It is just that we are not getting it in the way I was expecting to get them to quickly appreciate that we need to be engaging more than fighting.”
The incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the Cheriponi constituency, Mr Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite has been axed from Parliament by the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Chereponi, Mr Tahidu Abdul Razak.
Mr Jabanyite who was seeking a third four-year term, got only 12,859 votes while his closest contender Mr Razak swept 19,800 votes.
The People’s National Convention (PNC) parliamentary candidate also managed with only 154 votes in the keenly-contested election.
A total of 33,946 votes were cast with 1,133 rejected ballots.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s visit to Chereponi on Saturday was heralded with a heavy downpour, but enthusiastic constituents defied the rains to welcome him.
The Vice President who is on a working visit of the northern parts of the country, visited Chereponi on Saturday on the third day of his tour.
As the Vice President’s entourage arrived, news of his arrival spread through town and scores of people defied the heavy rains and trooped out to welcome him.
Before the Vice President and his entourage proceeded to the venue for his interactions, he paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of Chereponi Traditional Area, Nyanyame Kofi Malaba VIII.
The Paramount Chief commended Dr. Bawumia for his frequent visits to the area since becoming Vice President, as well as President Akufo-Addo for his flagship programmes, which he said are benefitting the poor.
The Paramount Chief was particularly grateful to the government for the Free SHS policy, as well as the One Village One Dam initiative, which he said have brought relief to farmers.
He also expressed appreciation to the government for bringing development to Chereponi, citing the water system in the area and the rehabilitation of roads in the area.
Dr. Bawumia who addressed identifiable groups inside a church auditorium but scores of people spontaneously trooped to the ground to catch a glimpse of him.
Dr. Bawumia said President Akufo-Addo has proven to be a leader who is for inclusive development through policies such as Free SHS, One Village One Dam, Planting for Food and Jobs, among others.
The Vice President urged them to reject former President Mahama’s lure for a second chance because his track record of cancelling pro-poor programmes such as teacher and nursing trainee allowances as well as Arabic instructors allowance, is an indication that he cannot be trusted with the good policies initiated by President Akufo-Addo.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that Nana Akufo-Addo as a development leader, has brought development to Chereponi in just three-and-half years and listed a number of projects in various towns within the constituency.
He urged them to vote massively for President Akufo-Addo in December to continue with his good works.
As the Vice President’s entourage set out to exit the town after the programme, scores of enthusiastic people on motorbikes and on foot, sang and escorted him.
The Paramount Chief of Chereponi Traditional Area, Nanyame Kofi Malba VIII, has lauded Government for its targeted, pro-poor policies which are transforming the lives of many, especially rural dwellers.
Welcoming Vice President Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia, who is on a working visit to all five northern regions, to his palace on Saturday, 5th September 2020, Nanyame Malba expressed deep appreciation for these initiatives, which continue to touch lives every day.
“Your Excellency, we wish to thank you and your government for all the good works you are doing to transform Ghana.
“The several pro-poor policies and programmes by your government like the One Village One Dam, One District One Factory, Free SHS, Planting for Food and Jobs, expansion of the LEAP programme, NABCO, the expansion of electricity to many rural communities amongst others are highly laudable.”
The Chereponi chief was particularly happy with the One Village One Dam policy, which had extended the farming season and provided essential water for livestock, thus eliminating the yearly ritual of near starvation and famine.
The Chereponi Chief continued:
“I also commend your government for the intervention in providing Chereponi with a town water system. Indeed, we all acknowledge the significance of providing just a dug out as a source of water for humanity, how much more providing the entirety of this town with potable drinking water.”
The Overlord of Chereponi also expressed deep appreciation to government for the peace Chereponi now enjoys, as well as the successful effort to create the North East Region, which has led to massive improvements in infrastructure.
“More dear to the heart and wellbeing of the people of Chereponi is the peace and harmony we enjoy now. The Chiefs and people of Chereponi are grateful to your government for the interventions made to restore the peace in Chereponi for development,” Nanyame Malba VIII stated.
Vice President Bawumia assured the chiefs and people of even more initiatives to accelerate the development of the north especially and the country as a whole, and urged the voters to give President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo another four years to do more for the people of Ghana.
Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s visit to Chereponi on Saturday was heralded with a heavy downpour, but enthusiastic constituents defied the heavy rains to welcome the vice president.
The Vice President, who is currently on a working visit of the northern part of the country, visited Chereponi on Saturday on the third day of his tour.
Despite the Vice President’s visit not meant for a large congregation due to coronavirus safety measures, Chereponi eagerly waited for the arrival of Bawumia, and not even the heavy rains could stop them.
As the Vice President’s entourage arrived, news of his arrival spread through town and scores of people defied the heavy rains and trooped out to welcome him.
Before the Vice President and his entourage proceeded to the venue for his interactions, he paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of Chereponi Traditional Area, Nyanyame Kofi Malaba VIII.
The Paramount Chief commended Dr Bawumia for his frequent visits to the area since becoming Vice President, as well as President Akufo-Addo for his flagship programmes, which he said are benefitting the poor.
The Paramount Chief was particularly grateful to the government for the Free SHS policy, as well as the One Village One Dam initiative, which he said has brought relief to farmers.
He also expressed appreciation to the government for bringing development to Chereponi, citing the water system in the area and the rehabilitation of roads in the area.
Dr Bawumia addressed identifiable groups inside a church auditorium but scores of people spontaneously trooped to the ground to catch a glimpse of him.
Speaking, Dr Bawumia said President Akufo-Addo has proven to be a leader who is for inclusive development through policies such as Free SHS, One Village One Dam, Planting For Food and Jobs, among others.
The Vice President urged them to reject former President Mahama’s lure for a second chance because his track record of cancelling pro-poor programmes such as teacher and nursing trainee allowances, Arabic instructors allowance, and others, is an indication that he cannot be trusted with the good policies initiated by President Akufo-Addo.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that Nana Akufo-Addo as a development leader has brought development to Chereponi in just three and a half years and listed several projects in various towns within the constituency.
He urged them to vote massively for President Akufo-Addo in December to continue with his good works.
As the Vice President’s entourage set out to exit the town after the program, scores of enthusiastic people on motorbikes and on foot, sang and escorted him until he left the town.
Assemblyman for Tegenga in the Chereponi District of the North East Region is appealing on teachers who fled the community during the recent communal clashes to return.
This is because schools in about 17 communities in the district have remained close a year after clashes led to the loss of lives and properties which included education infrastructure.
The future of many children in the community lies in limbo as Ghana Education Service Directorate in the Northern Region ordered headteachers not to reopen schools until calm is restored to ensure the safety of the students and staff.
“We have about four communities including Tegenga and then we have a total number of about three hundred children who are attending school in this community but because of the conflict, all the teachers have left. So, all these children currently do not go to school. What are they going to do in future as Ghanaian children. Their life is now in danger because there is no teacher or classroom for them to stay and learn,” the assemblyman said.
He further appealed for a classroom block and more teachers in Tegenga as there is only one teacher in the community.
He said “we are appealing to the government and the President to give us a classroom block as well teachers. I learnt that the only teacher here is a NABCO trainee who is managing these children. How can he manage them? How can he teach all of them? So, we are appealing to government”.
A renewed land dispute between the Konkombas and Anufors over a three-acre land at Naduni, a farming community in the Chereponi district in 2018, led to clashes where four persons died and several others were injured.
Even though soldiers were deployed to the area and a curfew imposed on the, residents defied the curfew and burnt tyres in the open resulting in a serious tension which made some health and education workers appeal for evacuation for fear of reprisal.
