Posts in category: Press Releases

SPEECH BY DR. H. WEMAH CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT FORUM AT A DONATION OF GHC5,000 MADE BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF GHANAIANS ASSOCIATIONS (NEW YORK) AT THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE ON TUESDAY 13TH MAY 2008
 
MEMBERS OF THE NDF
FRIENDS OF NDF
REP. OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF GHANAINS ASSOCIATIONS (NEW YORK)
OUR MEDIA PARTNERS
 
It is with great joy that I welcome you to this afternoon’s event as the President of the Northern Development Forum (NDF). Let me also take this opportunity to thank the representative of the National Council of Ghanaians Associations in the New York- Nana Kofi Anane Amponsah, Asantefuohene in New York. You have shown that you are true patriots who love your country and all Ghanaians. To you Ghana is one indivisible entity and all Ghanaian are one people with a common destiny.
 
Looking at the situation in the North with particular reference to the current events in Bawku it will be unfortunate for the NDF not to say anything about the best way forward. Some people specialize in writing and saying very negative, offensive, derogatory and inflammatory things about the situation in Bawku and elsewhere in the north when they have no expertise in nor do they have an inkling of the true situation and the actual reasons thereof. These comments often go to aggravate the situation and do not do any good to the people affected nor to any true and nationalistic Ghanaian nor Ghana as a whole. Therefore, NDF appeals to all the factions concerned to bury the hatchet and give peace a chance. Apart from the Government there are organizations and individuals who are feverishly working towards bringing lasting peace to these troubled areas. In all these NDF will be a partner and always available to assist.
 
The Northern Development Forum was established by northern Ghanaians from all walks of life to be the genuine mouthpiece if the people. Subsequently, NDF has sought audience, counsel and endorsement by the various leaderships of the north including, the Vice President, Northern Ghanaian members of the Council of State, Honourable Members of Parliament from the three Northern regions, the respected traditional leadership through the various Regional Houses of Chiefs, among others.
 
A memo will shortly be sent to H.E. the President of the Republic, formally announcing this fact and raising matters of immediate concern. At this juncture we wish to acknowledge the high interest shown to the NDF by The President of the Republic of Ghana through his Chief Advisor. And also his personal interest in ensuring that the Northern Development Fund is set up.
 
The NDF is particularly pleased that the NCGA has recognized us and is addressing their well meaning donation and good wishes to the people of the north, through us.
 
This must also be in recognition of the fact that the NDF has kept faith with our people. We have visited the regions, donated and helped with foodstuff and other items and have kept an excellent record of the donations from ourselves (northern Ghanaians) and other well wishers.
 
In deed of all organizations, groupings and institutions that received funds and relief items on account of the disasters, it is only the NDF which can boast of a detailed, published account, which indicated clearly the sources of funds (all receipted for) and their application in reference to the problem.
 
The NDF therefore wishes to take advantage of this donation ceremony to appeal to all well wishers, international partner organizations, NGOs, MDAs that henceforth they should be confident to work with us if they do indeed sincerely want to achieve the desired results in their efforts towards helping the North.
 
Once again thank you for coming.
 
Dr. Hakeem Wemah
Chairman, NDF
 

SPEECH BY NANA KOFI AMPONSAH ASANTEFOHENE OF NEW YORK AT A PRESENTATION OF GHC 5000 TO VICTIMS OF THE NORTHERN FLOODS
 
Mr. Chairman
Distinguished Invited Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media
 
There comes a time in human life where others must show concern for the needs of their fellow human beings.
 
National disasters are not peculiar to only one community. These are common phenomena all over the world. We do recall the recent cyclone that hit Myanmar and claimed thousands of precious lives.
 
We are aware that our brothers and sisters in the Northern part of Ghana were also affected by floods last year which also resulted in deaths and displacing many others. Peoples livelihood was also seriously affected.
 
It is in this vein that the National Council of Ghanaian Association in New York have decided to contribute our widows mite to help alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters in the north.
 
“I Nana Kofi Amponsah, the Asantefohene of New York have the honour to present this amount of GH¢ 5000 on behalf of the Association to the Northern Relief Fund.
 
It is our hope that this money would be put into good use to help improve the lives of our affected brothers and sisters.
 
This is an expression of our concern for the deer people of our nation Ghana.
 
We pray that the Almighty God would spear our country any such unpleasant situations.

PRESS CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT FORUM (NDF) PRESENTED BY DR. HAKEEM WEMAH, CHAIRMAN OF THE NDF AT THE GHANA INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE, ACCRA
ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2007
 
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media,
Invited Guests,
Friends of the North and members of the NDF, Good Morning!
 
First of all let me thank you very much for honouring our invitation to this Press Conference.
 
Following the heavy floods that hit and devastated the three regions of northern Ghana, recently a group of people from the North got together in order to come up with measures to help the flood victims. A general meeting of people and friends of the north was therefore convened on September 30 this year. The turn out was far beyond expectation. Apart from the spontaneous and generous contributions we decided to come up with measures not only to help the flood victims in the short-term but also to draw up a comprehensive long-term plan and strategies for finding sustainable and lasting solutions to the distressed situation of our three regions.
 
Towards this goal the meeting unanimously endorsed the formation of the Northern Development Forum which was felt to have been long overdue. At this juncture I must explain that the NDF is a non-political and non-sectarian organisation.
 
During this maiden meeting of the Forum one hundred and fifty three million (C153 m) cedis was realised. Consequently, the Forum established a fund known as the Northern Relief Fund. Thus the Northern Development Forum did take a bold initiative by embarking on the raising of funds to support the relief programme, in order to complement the efforts of the government of Ghana, NGO’s, Corporate bodies and individuals.
 
The Fund is being managed by one person from each of the three northern regions. They are Mr. Adam Sulley for the Upper West Region; Mrs. Susana Mahama for the Upper East Region and Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, Northern Region. It is under the Chairmanship of Dr. Hakeem Wemah..
 
Ten members each from the Upper West and Upper East Regions and fifteen from the Northern Region are serving on the following committees:
 
a) Fund Raising and Finance
b) Reconstruction
c) Public Affairs & Publicity
d) Data Bank and Research
The Forum’s main concern was to contribute financially and materially to support the relief programme in the affected areas, in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, religious bodies, and development partners in an effort to complement the work of the Government of Ghana.
 
For details of the income and expenditure of the Fund I would kindly ask Mr. Adam Sulley, Chairman of the Finance and Fundraising Committee to handle that. But before he does that I would like to make special mention of the following: Togbe Afede, Alhaji Yussif Ibrahim,Mr. P.V Obeng, all the MP’s from the north, the Northern Education Trust Fund and the Northern Group at the African Development Bank in Tunisia for their contributions.
 
From a total amount of 168,471,000.00million cedis that was eventually realised, we were able to make some presentations in the three northern regions as follows:
 
Northern Region
 
The Northern Region’s presentation of 250 mini bags of maize and 18 cases of key soap was made on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 in Tamale. It was received by the Regional Minister together with NADMO official.
 
Upper East Region
 
For the Upper East Region the donation was made on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 through the Deputy Regional Minister, Coordinating Director and a NADMO official. The region was given 250 mini bags of maize and 13 cases of key soap.
 
Upper West Region
 
On Thursday, October 18, 2007 The Regional Minister, his Deputy and an official of NADMO received 100 maxi bags of maize and 14 cases of key soap on behalf of the flood victims.
 
Other individuals and organisations have made donations to the flood victims in the north, however that of this Forum was considered special, timely and commendable as it was from no other persons but from the sons and daughters of the three northern regions. In a very little way we have demonstrated to both the local and international donor community that we are very much involved in the welfare of our people.
 
One of the concerns of the Forum was to assess the effects of the floods in the three regions. Therefore, information about the impact of the floods on housing, agriculture, health, education and general infrastructure including the effect on the road network is being compiled by the Data Bank and Research Committee (DBRC). This would assist the Forum in ongoing deliberations, presentations and proposals to government and other agencies that the Forum may contact for assistance. It must be noted that in gathering this information we will also rely on various government agencies, district authorities and other non-governmental agencies including those of the United Nations.
 
Ultimately, the Data Bank will contain information about all aspects of the Social, Political and Economic life of the three northern regions. The objective is to make available facts and figures about the northern part of Ghana, highlighting the social and economic potentials of the three regions, thereby helping to focus attention on the area for the purpose of soliciting development initiatives from interest groups including Government, Non-governmental Organizations, development partners and individuals.
 
We are not oblivious of the enormity of the task before us and we understand that for this exercise to be successful, a step by step approach must be adopted with the ultimate goal of establishing a comprehensive development plan for the northern Ghana.
 
Statistics from official sources indicate that 56 people died, about 300,000 internally displaced, 35,000 houses collapsed, and almost 60,000 farms have been destroyed. More than 500 kilometres of roads and a number of bridges have been affected. A large amount of agricultural produce and livestock has also been lost. The floods have affected drinking water supply and the health of the people in the three regions. These could be an understatement considering the vast amount of areas in the regions that are not readily accessible.
 
The rains were very erratic in the beginning of the farming season this year. Farmers who planted early lost most of their seeds and plants due to a long period of drought soon after planting. Those who managed to get seeds to replant following the second coming of the rains after a long spell of no rain were hit with floods which did destroy farm lands and food crops.
 
It means that there will be shortage of food in the coming months, particularly in the dry season as most farmers have harvest less than 20 per cent of what they planted this year. There will be severe famine particularly in the dry season if no meaningful measures are taken to mitigate it, immediately.
 
As life becomes more difficult as a result of the floods it is expected that many young boys and girls would join the exodus of migrants already crossing borders in search of new livelihoods. Many will move into overcrowded cities where there are hardly any jobs for them. The effect of all that on the entire country is anybody’s guess.
 
Even without the floods the northern part of Ghana was already in very poor state. The magnitude of the disaster coupled with the prevailing poverty levels are staring us in the face. We cannot play the ostrich. We have to do whatever within our means as a country to stand up to the challenge with the hope that with commitment, dedication and a sense of purpose and direction we will be able to make meaningful contributions to the development of the North.
 
We appreciate and commend the Government of Ghana for the support that has been given so far and especially the allocation of GHC 25 million cedis as seed money for the Northern Development Fund. We would like to believe however that this would be increased. As we are all aware the seed money would not make the desired impact in the light of the magnitude of the disaster and the overall developmental needs of the three regions. We therefore urge the Government to initiate a more comprehensive fund-raising effort through which those who can contribute to the Fund are invited to exhibit their further commitment .
 
The time has come for development needs of the North to be defined quickly and resources for long-term development investment freed-up as a matter of urgency. We are also calling for a meeting of key stakeholders to be convened by the Government to determine the priorities and develop the strategy for the development of the north. We hope that the words and spirit in the budget would be backed by action and that the Fund will be used judiciously.
 
It is our pleasant understanding that the Government of Ghana and our Development Partners are considering coming up with a comprehensive programme, a “Marshall plan”, for the reconstruction and development of the three northern regions in the realm of Housing, Industry, Agriculture, dams for dry season farming, Education, Health, Roads and Transport to mention but a few. We on our part are prepared to be involved in finding a more lasting solution for the general development of the three regions.
 
We would like to express our appreciation to the Government of Ghana, Development Partners, Diplomatic Missions, NGO’s, Religious Bodies, Traditional Rulers, the Private Business Sector and individuals who in one way or the other have come to the aid of the victims of the floods. As you are aware the flood victims would need support for a long time to come.
 
We will therefore appreciate contributions from individuals and or organisations; contributions may be sent to any of the following accounts that have been opened at the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB)
ADB House, Accra:
 
Cedi Account Number: 1161000002986
 
US Dollar Account: 1162000000348
 
All payments can be made at any ADB branch throughout the country
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, at this opportune stage when all well-meaning Ghanaians and development partners are focusing attention on the northern problem, it is imperative that all northern Ghanaians, NGO’s and organisations with interest in the north, be they of Northern origin themselves or not, speak with one voice on all issues affecting the three northern regions. The NDF hopes to provide that platform for achieving this objective.
 
We wish to express our solidarity and also sympathise with people of other parts of Ghana and elsewhere in Africa who have been affected by floods.
 
May we take this opportunity to congratulate the media for the good coverage of the floods and your concern for the development of this country. We will continue to rely on your support in highlighting the concerns of the north and the development of our country as whole.
 
Thank you very much for your attendance and patience and May the
Almighty give us all that it takes in finding sustainable solutions to development of our dear country-Ghana
———————————————————————————————————–
Contacts
1. Dr. Hakeem Wemah, Chairman of NDF -0244327585
2. Mr. Adam U. Sulley, Chairman Finance and Fund
Raising Committee and Rep of Upper West Region – 0244311802
 
3. Mrs. Susanna Mahama, Rep. of Upper East Region -0244657083
 
4. Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, Rep. of the Northern Region -0244382173
 
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
Ex-Officio Members
1. Dr. Sulley Gariba 0244547241
 
2. Ben Assorow 0244274186
 

 
PRESS RELEASE ON THE BAWKU CRISIS:
 
FROM: NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT FORUM (NDF)
TO: ALL PEOPLE OF BAWKU THROUGH THE MEDIA
 
The Leadership of the Northern Development Forum (NDF) and all Ghanaians particularly from the three Northern Regions have observed and followed with deep sadness the violence and destruction that has engulfed the Bawku area since January 2008. The NDF extends its deep sympathy and condolences to all the families, communities, chiefs and leaders of Bawku, particularly, the victims of the violence. The NDF further sympathises and grieves with all the people of Bawku particularly the Kusasis and Mamprusis who have lost their homes and businesses as a result of the recurring violence and destruction.
While extending condolences, the NDF urgently calls for all hostilities and violence to end forthwith in the Bawku area. Kusasis and Mamprusis must find the moral courage and the spirit of tolerance to confront and overcome violence. Too many people have died in a conflict that can never be resolved through violence. Nowhere has violence solved any problem. The present level of hatred that is consuming the two communities in Bawku has led to revenge killings and deepened internecine violence that is unacceptable in a country where the respect for the rule of law is supreme. The NDF draws the attention of all the youths of Bawku that Ghanaian traditions and values respect the sanctity of life. More importantly, the two great religions that form the majority of our community of faith and believe in God, Christianity and Islam underscore the sacred value of human life. Every Kusasi or Mamprusi or for that matter any person from another ethnic group who is killed in Bawku through this conflict is a violation of our own values and the faith in which we seek salvation. The NDF urges that first and foremost, the killings and the burning of houses must stop and stop now.
While we ask for restraint from all especially the youths from both sides, Kusasis and Mamprusis, we remind all those active in this violence to reflect on the consequences of their actions. The re-escalation of violence from 31st December 2007 has now persisted with unprecedented levels of killings and burning of personal property with impunity. While the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (UE-RCC) and the Security Agencies are deploying all the necessary efforts to restore calm and order, the continued killings in Bawku and its surrounding areas make it impossible to build the minimum trust and confidence required to engage in peacebuilding efforts. We urge the Security Agencies to maintain their vigilance in the coordination of security and to sustain professionalism in the conduct of their duties in a polarised environment that has been exacerbated by families still grieving from the loss of their loved relatives.
The NDF recognises that ending the current violence is only an immediate response while engagement for durable peace must continue. The NDF therefore appreciates the personal involvement of the President of the Republic of Ghana by talking to both sides to stay calm while efforts are made to promote peace in the area. The return of calm however must provide opportunity for active engagement through dialogue with Kusasis and Mamprusis as well as other ethnic groups in the Bawku area to build peace within the framework and context of the laws of Ghana and the respect for fundamental human rights. We urge Government to spare no efforts in their primary duty and responsibility to protect all residents in the Bawku area.
We have followed as well and support the efforts of Civil Society Organisations and Religious Bodies to build peace under the Bawku Peace Initiative. Such efforts can only yield fruits when the violence ceases immediately. The NDF appeal for calm and cessation of violence and destruction also goes directly to all political and opinion leaders from the Bawku area resident in Accra and all the Regional Capitals and main towns in Ghana. You must stand up and speak against violence and appeal for peace and calm from your own people from whom you have earned respect and leadership. In this hour of need, your silence could be misinterpreted to endorse violence in Bawku. In your capacity as leaders, your voice to support peace is paramount.
Finally, in this humble appeal, NDF observes that the people of Bawku, Kusasis and Mamprusis have no choice but to reconcile and build a high capacity of tolerance in order to co-exist peacefully. Such co-existence is the only way to bring to all the people of Bawku, human development, peace and prosperity. The journey towards reconciliation must begin now. The courage and convictions of the leaders of Kusasis and Mamprusis from Bawku to build peace amongst themselves can start this journey. The obstacles during this journey of reconciliation will be overcome with the support of NDF and all Ghanaians but the courage and vision of Mamprusis and Kusasis fromBawku to start this journey is now.
 
May Peace return to Bawku.
Signed: Dr. Hakeem Wemah, Chairman, NDF
NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT FORUM
 

Northern Development Forum Executive Meeting
AgroVet Offices, Kanda
6/05/08
 
Present
1. Dr Hakeem Wemah
2. Dr Adam Hafez Tahir
3. Al-hassan Adam
 
Invitee
1. Dr Sintim Tobiga (A.P.B.C)
 
Chair informed the meeting that “Africa Peace Building Club (A.P.B.C)” invited him to chair a meeting they are organising to discuss developmental issues pertaining to the north. But he felt it prudent to invite a representative of the group to NDF executive meeting to brief the executive on their purpose and intensions to enable NDF to arrive at an inform decision.
Dr. Sintim Tobiga patron of APBC briefed the meeting on their up coming meeting scheduled for 17th May 2008, at Teachers Hall, Accra. Theme for the meeting is “SHIFTING FROM THE PERSUASIVE METHOD OF ATTAINING PEACE TO THE CULTIVATION OF PEACE FROM THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL FOR ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT”. He further outlined the objectives of the meeting as follows:
1. To grow peace internally and extending it to external conditions or people
2. To get the traditional rulers and other interested parties to include the youth in search for sustainable peace in conflict areas
3. To harmonise the youth and the general public on the need to live in peace and harmony with people in and outside their families, communities and regions.
He further mentioned that there shall be presentations base on the objectives with other presentations focusing on the “Northern Development Fund” and a proposal for the three Northern Regions to endorse one political party. He explained that endorsing one political party would give the north a bargaining chip to negotiate for development. He sited the defunct Northern Peoples Party (NPP) led by Dombo and co as an example.
 
Comments from members:
NDF Chair briefed him of the activities NDF has undertaken so far and the aims and visions of NDF. Members were of the view that the focus of APBC was similar to that of NDF and it would be prudent for us to collaborate than to be seen as competitors. But members disagreed on the proposal for endorsing one political party for the three northern regions. NDF cautioned that if APBC should raise this issue at their meeting, it might result to people distancing themselves from them. And this would make it difficult to mobilise them in future.
 
The meeting agreed that NDF Chair would only chair the 17th May meeting on condition that APBC drop the proposal for endorsing one political party for the three northern regions.
Dr. Sintim Tobiga accepted the terms and promised to convey the message to his colleagues and get back to NDF.
 
The meeting also discussed the Bawku conflict and decided on the following action:
1. NDF issue a press release
2. Members should contribute to writing this release through the chair
3. Call a meeting with MPs to push them to intervene in the conflict
 
FYI:
• Sir Ben Assorow was not able to make it because he was involved in an accident on his way to the meeting
• Mr. Adam Sule was caught up in a Board meeting
• Dr. Sule Gariba was in Tamale and could not make it
 
Compiled by Al-hassan Adam
 

 
Ref. NDF/MPS/08/01 January 24, 2008
 
Members of Parliament from the three Northern Regions
Parliament House
Accra
 
Dear Honourable MPs,
 
Happy New Year, belated though!
 
I wish on behalf of the Northern Development Forum and in my own name to express our sincere appreciation and thanks for your having taken time off your busy schedule to have received us at parliament House on Thursday, November 8, 2007.
 
We cannot be thankful enough for the very good counsel that you gave us and indeed, for assuring us of your support. It is our hope that the Almighty will grant all of us what it takes in contributing to the common good of the three Northern Regions in particular and Ghana as a whole.
 
Please find attached a report on the meeting that we had with you. Also attached are some documents pertaining to the activities of the NDF for your perusal.
 
Relying on your advice and support.
 
With prayerful best wishes, I remain,
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Dr. Hakeem Wemah
Chairman, NDF

 
 
NDF/NRHC/08/01 January 28, 2008
 
The Registrar
Northern Regional House of Chiefs
Tamale
 
Dear Sir,
 
REQUEST FOR A COURTESY CALL ON MEMBERS OF THE NORTHERN REGIONAL HOUSE OF CHIEFS
 
Happy New Year, belated though!
 
First a word of introduction: Following the heavy floods that hit the three regions of the northern part of Ghana last year and the havoc caused in their wake a group of like- minded people reflected on the situation and saw the need to come up with measures to help the flood victims in the short-term and to draw up a more comprehensive long-term and sustainable development plan for the three northern regions.
 
In pursuance of this objective a Forum know as the Northern Development Forum (NDF) has been formed. The executive officers of the Forum are Mr. Adam Sulley for the Upper West Region; Mrs. Susana Mahama for the Upper East Region and Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, Northern Region. It is under the Chairmanship of Dr. Hakeem Wemah.
 
There are ten members each from the Upper West and Upper East Regions and fifteen from the Northern Region serving on the following committees: Fund Raising and Finance; Reconstruction; Public Affairs and Data Bank and Research.
 
With this brief introduction we will appreciate it, very much if you would kindly make it possible for the Executive members of the Forum to pay a courtesy call on the members of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs. As our tradition al rulers we deem it necessary to brief them on our activities and also seek their support and advice.
 
We have already had such courtesy calls on the Vice- President of Ghana, His Excellency Alui Mahama; the Council of State members from our three northern regions and the Caucus of Northern Members of Parliament.
 
With prayerful best wishes, I remain,
Yours sincerely,
 
Dr. Hakeem Wemah, Chairman, NDF
 

Draft Agenda for the NDF Executive Committee meeting to beheld at
Dr. Wemah’s Office, Accra on Tuesday, February 10, 2009
 
 
 
 
Opening Prayer
 
Welcome by the Chairman of NDF
 
Matters Arising from the meeting for January 15, 2009
 
 
Congratulatory Letters
 
Courtesy Calls
 
 
Draft Programme of Activities for the Year-2009
 
Memo to the President of Ghana on NDF
 
 
News Business
 
-Meeting with Dr. S. Gariba
 
-Agenda for the General Meeting of the NDF on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009
 
 
Any other matters
 
Chairman’s closing remarks
 
Closing Prayer
 

Major issues discussed at the NDF Executive Committee meeting held at Dr. Wemah’s Residence, Accra on Saturday January 17, 2009.
 
Present
 
1. Dr. Hakeem Wemah, – Chairman of NDF
 
2 Mr. Adam Sulley, -Chairman, Finance and Fund- Raising Committee and Rep of Upper West Region
 
3 Mrs. Susanna Mahama, -Rep. of Upper East Region
 
4. Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, -Rep. of the Northern Region
 
5. Mr. Bennet Mahama -Head of Publicity Committee
 
6. Mr. Lucas Chigabatia -Member of Data Base Committee
 
7. Ben Assorow
 
 
 
Opening and Welcome
 
The meeting started at 10.30 am with a prayer by Mr. Mahama.
 
Dr. Wemah welcomed members to the meeting and wished all a happy New Year. He stressed the need for NDF to redouble her efforts in contributing to the successful implementation of the Northern Development Fund.
 
Congratulatory Letters
 
Drafts of congratulatory letters to the following were revised and approved for distribution:
 
A. His Excelency, Prof J.E.A Mills on his election as President of Ghana.
 
B. His Excellency Hon. John D. Mahama on his election as Vice-President of Ghana.
 
C. Togbe Afede XIV Agbogbomrfia of Asogli Traditional Area, on his election as President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs.
 
D. Naa Prof. John Sebiyam Nabila – as President of the National House of Chiefs
 
E. Danimon Naa Gori II – as President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs.
 
F. Pe Charles Awia Awanpaga – as President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs.
 
 
 
Courtesy Calls
 
It was decided that courtesy calls be paid to the following:
 
A. Dr. Edward Mahama Flag bearer of the People’s National Convention in the 2008 Elections.
 
B. Dr. Forster Abu Sakara Running Mate of the Presidential Candidate of the Convention People’s Party in the 2008 elections.
 
C. Dr. M. Bawumia, Running Mate of the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party in the 2008 elections.
 
D. Sir Chief Peter Nanfuri for various reasons.
 
E. Northern Members of Parliament – on their elections as MPs and on the NDF issues.
 
F. Mr. P.V. Obeng for his great interest in the NDF.
 
Draft Programme of Activities for the Year-2009
 
The under-listed were suggested as issues to be undertaken in the course of the year:
 
1. Organise a Reception/Cocktail for opinion leaders of the North and two representatives each from the various identifiable ethnic/tribal groups of the North resident in Accra and Tema.
 
2. Launch NDF Web site
 
3. Organise Regional Durbars and the formation of NDF branches on the Regional and Tertiary Institutional levels.
 
4. Organise a Fund-Raising activity in Accra e.g. a Food Fair.
 
5. Set up a functioning Secretariat for NDF in Accra – Office space provided by Dr. Wemah.
 
6. Inaugurate the various working committees of NDF
 
7. Lobby for a role in the selection of personnel for the management of the Northern Development Fund/ Northern Development Authority.
 
Telephone Conversation with Mr. P.V. Obeng
 
During the meeting the Chairman of ND, Dr. Wemah, had a telephone conversation with Mr. P.V. Obeng who is a member of the Transitional Team of the NDC Government. The latter promised to do what he could to get the Government to give NDF a voice in the management of the Northern Development Fund. He also asked NDF to present a memo to the President of Ghana on how and why NDF came about and to make suggestions for the management of the Fund.
 
Mr. Chigabatia promised to prepare a draft of the memo.
 
Information
 
A. Dr. Wemah briefed members on the Forum’s representation and presentation made at the funeral of the father of Dr. Sulley Gariba in Tamale. Dr. Wemah, Mr. Sulley Adam and Mr. Adam Alhassan attended the funeral on behalf of NDF.
 
B. All official activities are to be recorded/photographed for documentation and in some cases for the media.
 
C. The Executive Committee, Chairmen and Secretaries of the various committees will hold a meeting on Saturday, February 2009 to prepare an agenda for the General meeting of the NDF on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at Christ the King parish Hall, Accra.
 
 
 
Closing
 
The meeting closed at 12.30pm with a prayer by Dr. Hafiz.
 
Recorded by Ben Assorow
 
 

PRESS CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT FORUM (NDF) AT CHRIST THE KING PARISH HALL, ACCRA ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2009.
PRESENTED BY DR. HAKEEM WEMAH, CHAIRMAN OF NDF.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media,
Invited Guests,
Friends of the North and members of the NDF, Good afternoon!
First of all let me thank you very much for honouring our invitation to this Press Conference.
Introduction
This Press Conference is a result of pressure that is being put on NDF from our brothers and sisters from the North and friends of the North. They are demanding an explanation to issues concerning the Northern Development Fund and Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) with particular reference to the promise made in the National Democratic Congress manifesto and the obvious disparity with the 2010 National Budget.
Since the floods that devastated thousands of homes and farms and caused many deaths in 2007 the Northern Development Forum (NDF) has led several groups and citizens of the Upper East, Upper West and Northern Regions to advocate for decisive government effort to bridge the gap between the north and the south. As a result of this the previous Government in 2008 proposed the establishment of a Northern Development Fund with a seed capital of GHC 25 million. Thereupon, Government commissioned the preparation of a Northern Development Initiative. The document was discussed widely across the country. The NDF sponsored consultations here in Accra and elsewhere. Chiefs, NGOs and other civic groups made their contributions to this initiative. In November 2008, the Parliament of Ghana approved the Northern Development Fund Act 768 giving legal effect to the Northern Development Fund and its implementing strategy for the development of the three northern regions.
Where is the Northern Development Fund or SADA?
The Minister of Finance delivered the Budget for 2010 to Parliament two weeks ago. Among the many issues he touched upon is the proposed expansion of the plan to bridge the yawning development gap between North and South through the establishment of SADA to undertake accelerated development in the three Northern Regions and “ the northern parts of Brong Ahafo and the northern parts of Volta Regions”.
Ladies and gentlemen of the Media, we, the people of the three northern regions of Ghana, are disappointed that the Minister of Finance presented the budget without addressing the serious issue of the huge development gap between the North and the South. Ghanaians have been waiting anxiously for a budget that will transform this country into a new nation, which cares for all of its citizens. Again when the Minister presented the 2009 budget, we raised our concern that there was nothing in it to address the development inequalities between the North and the South. He again presented a supplementary budget in August 2009. Once again there was nothing for SADA. Almost a year has passed, and the same Minister of Finance is again promising what has already been promised a good two years earlier.
We of the Northern Development Forum are concerned that no reference has been made of the GHC 25 million in the Northern Development Fund of the 2009 budget of the previous government, instead, GHC 25 million has been mentioned in the 2010 budget of this Government. Is this the same amount that was promised two years ago? We want to know why more than 200 million Ghana Cedis per year was promised as seed money for the development of the north, by the NDC yet this was not reflected in the 2010 budget?
We would like to remind Government that:
1. The three Northern Regions of Ghana deserve urgent attention.
2. The conditions of poverty are fueling the problems of conflict and crises.
3. The Northern Development Fund/SADA remains a valid and urgent response which needs to be expanded, supported and implemented by Government with the assistance of Development Partners.
Ccitizens of the three Northern Regions are therefore making a strong appeal to His Excellency, President John Evans Atta-Mills to re-examine the Government’s 2010 budget proposals critically.
The issue of accelerated development in the North is a national concern. Ghanaians in all the political parties are interested in this issue. At this juncture, we wish to congratulate Parliamentarians and others who have raised their voices on this matter.
There can be no true national development if we continue to marginalize some parts of this country. The wealth of this nation must go with equity, and citizens of Northern Ghana are urging the President to live up to the promises made to Ghanaians that the development gap between the north and the south would be bridged under his administration. The time to make a difference is now!
Dear media persons, in conclusion, we would like to see the positioning of SADA as the organ of choice for advancing the development agenda for the north. We feel that the original vision of SADA will diminish in scope, scale and ambition with the allocation of only GHC25 millions. The NDF believes that SADA at this level of support can play no more than a bureaucratic coordinating role with little capacity for proactive assistance to the start ups of the key strategic interventions needed in the north of Ghana. This is not what the stakeholders envisioned!
NDF therefore strongly recommends that Government institutes a special Committee with broad participation across party lines to oversee the establishment of SADA. This will ensure that successive governments can work with SADA without significant alterations between successions.
We wish to take this opportunity to put on record the cordial relations that exist between the government and NDF which have manifested in the high level fruitful discussions that both parties have enjoyed so far.
Thank you very much for your attendance and patience and may the Almighty give us all that it takes in finding sustainable solutions to the development of our dear country-Ghana.
Signed:
Dr. Hakeem Wemah
Chairman: NDF