DAY ONE (1) 29th DECEMBER 2008 - Arrival of Participants

DAY TWO-30TH DECEMBER 2008 - Opening Ceremony

KEY ISSUES RAISED AT THE CEREMONY

• The Upper East Branch chairman raised the issue of people using BONABOTO to advance their own agenda. He urged such people to put a stop to it.
• Non-involvement of the youth in BONABOTO activities particularly the students who are active in the schools but when they graduate they do not get themselves involved in BONABOTO activities.
• He urged members to endeavor to encourage their families to show interest by participating in BONABOTO activities
• The Chairman acknowledged the efforts that participants have made individually and collectively in order to participate in this year’s congress in spite of the economic hardship.
• He informed congress that the Chairman (Bongo Naba) for the occasion has donated a bull towards the organization of the congress. He consequently expressed BONABOTO’s appreciation for the donation.

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN’S SPEECH
Challenges facing the association include

• Lack of funds to run the association
• The inability to furnish the secretariat office
• The lack of a permanent secretariat and part-time executives.
• Dwindling leadership numbers
• Un-redeemed BEAF Pledges.
• Very high expectations from BONABOTO
• Low patronage from a number of Frafra-Speaking groups.
• Our inability to fulfill the cement pledge.
• Failure of most branches to pay their contributions

Planned programmes that have not been executed

• Establishment of a burnt brick factory
• Establishment of a hatchery  for guinea fowl development
• Mango tree planting in the BONABOTO area.
• Acquisition of land for BONABOTO Hostel
• Training of regional branches on resource mobilization.

Issues that need to be resolved at this year’s congress

• The uneven representation of all the sections of BONABOTO area in our membership
• The growing demand from our Nankani brethren to be part of the association
• Change of the title of National Chairman to National President
• The fracas between Hon. Moses Asaga and the Kumasi Frafra Chief
• The land dispute between Yikene and Sirigu
• The need to build and develop a data base

The National Chairman also raised the issue of identity. He said identity is very important and we should all be proud that we are BONABOTO members, and that BONABOTO now has a cloth. The cloth was subsequently formally outdoored.

He also informed congress that he participated in the following activities:

• The inauguration of the North American branch in Chicago on 11th June 2008
• The tenth Anniversary of the London branch on 12th July 2008.

SOLIDARITY MESSAGE FROM THE NANKANIS
The representative of the NANKANIS urged BONABOTO members to always use their traditional names instead of using “foreign names”. We should also endeavor to let our children or families speak the local dialect.

CHAIRMAN’S CLOSING REMARKS
In his closing remarks, the Chairman (Bongo Naba) raised certain issues that need serious reflection by congress. They are;

• Need to build hostels in all the universities in the country to cater for our brothers and sisters who might get admission into these universities and would need accommodation.
• He also requested BONABOTO to give serious consideration to issues relating to the environment particularly bush burning.
• He also declared his support and that of all his divisional chiefs to BONABOTO’s activities. He indicated that from now, congress should consider him and his divisional chiefs as being full members of BONABOTO

SECOND SESSION
The topic, “Exploring Ways for Effective Harnessing of Resources of the North and BONABOTO area in Particular” was delivered by Mr. Ben Anamoo. The Chairman for this session was Dr. Charles Akayuli.

After the presentation delegates deliberated on the following issues:

• A technical team be set up within BONABOTO to develop a Strategic Plan so that the association could work towards achieving the goals of BONABOTO.
• It is high time BONABOTO started working with all types of people within the area instead of focusing on only a select few or an elite few. The reaction by the presenter on this issue showed that the association is already dealing with all manner of citizens from the BONABOTO area. He cited an example from the Tamale BONABOTO who are made up of a good number of members who are not formally educated and yet they offer meaningful ideas at meetings. The Tamale Branch even has a Council of Elders who are mostly illiterates.
• The lime factory at Buipe came to a standstill partly because the technical man a Sisala brother, could not be contacted again until he passed away.
• A member emphasized the need to look at the youth of the BONABOTO area. She stressed the need to inculcate into our youth the desire to want to do work since this seems to be their biggest problem. Again, our youth need skills training so BONABOTO should plan programes that would use this opportunity. Those BONABOTO members who are working especially nurses, teachers, etc should go beyond their normal work and stretch themselves further to help our youth to acquire skills or even to understand the need to go out and work.
• On the issue of the over 6,000 street children from the Upper East Region in Kumasi alone, there was a call that all members need to educate our people to take proper care of their children by sending them to school.
• A member also raised the issue of fear of the executive to find out certain issues from political leaders. The reaction on this issue was that it might have probably stemmed from the fact that BONABOTO is yet growing and the executive might want to be cautious about issues. However, BONABOTO has taken bold steps on other pertinent issues without fear.
• On the Northern Development Fund the presenter said once there was a presentation on it he would not like to downplay that presentation. He however said that BONABOTO was involved in discussions concerning the fund.
• The Chairman in his closing remarks said that we in BONABOTO should make use of our women and children here in our area instead of allowing them to go down south to do risky menial job.

The second topic titled “An Effective Framework for the Operation and Sustainability of the Northern Development Fund” was delivered by Mr. Vitus A. Azeem and the function was chaired by Mr. Martin Aloara. Mr. Azeem’s presentation centered on the following areas among others:

• An Introduction.
• A Background
• The Goal of the Fund
• The Strategy
• What is different in the Northern Development Initiative?
• What is the same in the Northern Development Initiative?
• The Legal Framework
• The Institutional Framework
• The Involvement of the People
• National Monitoring and Evaluation Team

In concluding his presentation, Mr. Azeem emphasized that all stakeholders including BONABOTO have been invited to play a role either as contributors of ideas through the consultative process, implementers by undertaking development projects and taking advantage of private sector opportunities to set up businesses, and / or monitoring and evaluation aimed at ensuring efficient utilization of the resources of the fund.

The following issues were raised after the presentation

• Environmental issues in the north should be included in the NDI. There may be government / political interference but we in the north must ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
• It was recommended that awards be initiated in the region for districts that will ensure that there are no bush fires.
• Before the NDF can succeed there need to be a strong dialogue among the people in the three (3) regions. This will require a lot of sensitization in order to achieve this goal.
• On the issue of making our representatives (Parliamentarians) and other government officials from the area to help the area to develop, it was suggested that certain areas of developmental importance be presented to these people to serve as a working plan at a forum. From time to time BONABOTO would invite these people to a forum for them to account on these issues.
• Admission of students from BONABOTO area into tertiary institutions in the area: After a lengthy discussion, it was suggested that BONABOTO pursue the quota system so that we can have students from the area admitted into these institutions. However, teachers in BONABOTO area should work hard on their job to ensure that most of our students qualify to enter these institutions.
• There is the need to sensitize our own people who head corporations and departments in the area to be committed to the development of the area instead of enriching themselves to the detriment of the BONABOTO area.
• BONABOTO should ensure that it is deeply involved in the policy framework and implementation of the Northern Development Initiative.
• The need for BONABOTO to have a data base should be considered as a matter of urgency. This will also help us access information on the Northern Development Initiative.

CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS:
In his closing remarks the Chairman said that there should be co-operation between and among BONABOTO members. He urged members to stay away from litigation against one another especially in government opportunities.

AFTERNNOON SESSEION

1). Consideration and Adoption of 5th Congress Report led by the National President (Ing. Matthew Adombire)
Corrections/amendment and adoption of minutes: minor corrections were made on typographical errors. The major correction was the non-inclusion of the Tamale branch Report. On the group discussions, the problems of group were captured whilst some of the suggestions were not. After the corrections were made Mr. Francis Atoo Asigri of the Accra-Tema Branch moved for the acceptance of the report for discussion. He was seconded by Mr. James Akolgo of the Bolgatanga Branch.

MATTERS ARISING
The following matters were considered for discussion from the report:
1).The perception that BONABOTO is partisan with regard to politics: After a series of inputs the house agreed that more education need to be done to erase people’s perception especially those from the BONABOTO area that the association is non-partisan. This will help build the base for an increase in membership.

2). Uncontrolled and unplanned infrastructure development in the Bolgatanga municipality: The house agreed that BONABOTO take the matter up seriously with the Municipal Assembly since the road network is bad and putting up structures is also not planned.

3).The desire of our Nakani brothers and sisters to join the association: There were three issues put forward after a lengthy and healthy discussion on the subject matter. These were:
 a).The constitution of BONABOTO has provided for affiliate membership. Our Nakani brothers who wish to join could do so as affiliate members first and with time they can be absorbed as full members.

 b).Our Nakani brothers can put in a letter formally requesting to join and BONABOTO would react to it stating its stand clearly.

c).The constitution should be amended to include them but the name BONABOTO should be maintained.

2. Consideration and adoption of report of NEC:
The report covered the following:
 a). Status of branches: The report indicated that with the exception of the Accra-Tema, Bolga, Tamale Wa branches the rest have either been dormant or at best struggling.

b). Establishment of National Secretariat: The report indicated that Dr. Thomas Akabzaa has offered office space for temporary accommodation of the secretariat. The furnishing of the office has not been done as the London branch has not fulfilled its promise. NEC is however seeking a volunteer from an out-sourcing agency to man the secretariat and will provide basic furniture as soon as someone is found.

c). Status of BEAF: It was reported that NEC successfully inaugurated the Board of Trustees and Technical Management Committees on 18th August 2007.

d). Reports from the Branches: The report indicated that the Accra-Tema, Bolga, Tamale and Wa branches experienced increased membership. These branches also carried out socialization activities as well as welfare responsibilities.

e). Proposed Projects and their Progress:
i). Brick and Title Factory: lack of cheap source of energy to operate the kiln is a main disincentive. It has been decided that BONABOTO maintain interest in the revival of the factory while exploring cheap sources of energy.

ii). Students Hostel: Congress was informed that plans are far advanced to purchase land in Sumbrungu for the construction of a BONABOTO Hostel for students of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic.

iii) NEC has decided to provide selected villages within the area and provide them with seedlings of grafted mango to initiate the cultivation of mangoes for both nutritional and income purposes.

iv).Guinea Fowl Hatchery: On this issue, the report indicated that NEC has tasked Mr. Ben Anamoo an expert on the subject to contact the various researchers and come out with an intervention to be christened the “BONABOTO Technology” in the area of brooding where high losses perennially occur

v).BONABOTO News Letter: Congress was informed that the Editorial Board is still gathering whatever material they get in order to come out with the very first edition.

vi). Donation of Cement for Bolga Catholic Church Cathedral: The report indicated that NEC levied the branches in order to raise the amount needed to purchase the 100 bags of cement pledged as BONABOTO’s contribution towards the construction of the Cathedral. Some branches have paid their levies and hopefully NEC will make the donation as soon as it is possible.

vii).Congress was told that the National Chairman in the course of the year honored invitations to the U.K and U.S. branches on 15th June 2008 and 12th July 2008 respectively.

viii). BONABOTO Cloth: The report also indicated that NEC contacted ATL to print the BONABOTO cloth at an initial fee of GH ¢6,200.00. Since the coffers of NEC are empty NEC had to borrow this amount from BEAF at an interest of 10%. The final cost was higher.
After the presentation a number of interventions were made. They included the following:

• It was suggested that the actual amount for the initial payment for the cloth should have been quoted but not the GH¢6,200.00.
• The 10% is not an interest; it is rather that any profit made from the sale of the cloth will be shared in the ratio of 70% to 30% between BEAF and NEC respectively.
  

CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF BRANCH REPORTS:

In all seven branches presented their reports. The issues that arose from the reports included the following:
1).The State of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital: Congress wanted to know how far the discussions went on since there was still information that there were still problems in the hospital. A leading member of the Bolga branch reacting on behalf of the Branch Chairman told the house that the discussions were fruitful though there was bureaucracy in getting the relevant information from the authorities. He however stated that despite the fact that there were problems; the hospital has seen some renovation of some of the wards. The mortuary has now become the point of call for all the district hospitals and beyond to deposit corpses. The New Regional Director of Health Services is very co-operative and hardworking as such the services are getting on tract.

On the issue of the behavior of the Administrator of the Regional Hospital, the reporter told the house that the Administrator had the perception that BONABOTO did not like him because he is not from the area. He even attempted to link up some BONABOTO members who had informed him about this dislike. However, the Administrator’s perception has since changed but whether it will die off is another matter.

2). Communication between London Branch and National BONABOTO: The representative of the London Branch (Mr. David Baba Atugya) informed congress that this has improved but much still needs to be done.

3). Branches Financial Commitment to National BONABOTO: the President revealed that many branches do not pay their subscriptions to the National Office. He pleaded with branch Executive to ensure that payments of the 20% of their branch dues to the National office are effected to enable it carry out its activities successfully.

4). Brick and Tile Factory: The President informed the congress that the project has not been abandoned. The issue was discussed at the Executive Committee level and it has been referred to the Bolga Branch to pursue further.

5). Profile of Branch Executive to BONABOTO Website: The President informed the house that this has not been done except a few. He urged all new executives to take this issue serious and submit their profiles to the National Executive to input them.

DAY THREE (3) 31ST DECEMBER 2008.
A).Continuation of discussions of Branch Reports: 

• The low participation of the Talensi-Nabdam areas in BONABOTO activities was brought up for discussion. There is the need to find out the factors accounting for this and the appropriate solutions.
  
  
• All branches were urged to emulate the Tamale Branch’s strategy. The branch ensures that all its members participate in social programs organized by the branch such as funerals, festivals, etc. The Tamale Branch has an advisory council which constantly offers useful advice. The welfare of its members is also paramount. Anytime that a member has either a court or Police case the branch comes to his or her assistance by showing interest in the matter. All these are worthy of emulation by all branches.
  
  
• It was also revealed that most of our people in Kumasi particularly those in the Butcher house; do not know much about BONABOTO. Reacting to this issue the Kumasi Chairman indicated that several contacts have been made with the leadership of those groups to encourage their people to participate in BONABOTO activities but these have not yielded the desired results. He however indicated that the branch will continue to do all it can in order to encourage them to join the association.
  
  
• They need to encourage the women to join the association was also brought up for discussion. To encourage the women to actively participate in BONABOTO activities it was suggested that they should be given leadership roles that they can play and play well.

B). Consideration and Adoption of Financial Reports-Presented by National Vice-Treasurer.

• From the report it was deduced that since the beginning of 2008 no receipts were made implying that the branches have not been paying their subscriptions to the national level which has seriously affected the activities of NEC. This is reflected in the closing balance.
  
  
• A number of errors were detected in the presentation of the report. It did not meet the required accounting standards. It was therefore suggested that the team that prepared the report be given the needed technical assistance. The Accra-Tema branch was therefore asked to assist in this regard.
  
  
• The accounts were not audited which is contrary to the regulations of congress. It was therefore suggested that this be taken up seriously.

 C). Presentation and Adoption of BEAF Report by Vitus Azeem.
 After going through the report, the following issues were raised.

• The Technical Management Committee is not gender sensitive in the sense that there is no women representation. After a lengthy and healthy discussion, it was suggested that the Bolgatanga branch should review the membership to include women and report to the National Executive as soon as possible.
  
  
• Congress was informed that a medical student from Zaare applied for assistance from the fund but considering the nature of his course and the limited funds, his application could not be approved. The student is in dire need of financial support in order for him to complete the course. An appeal was therefore launched on his behalf and members were encouraged to donate whatever amount they can afford in order to assist the said student.
  
  
• One major issue confronting the disbursement of the fund is the timing of the release of it to would-be beneficiaries. The Technical Management Committee need to determine the period that the fund could be disbursed to the beneficiaries.
  
• It was suggested that all branches should always conduct “silver collections” at their meetings which will purposely be for the BEAF. This will help improve the financial position of the BEAF.
  
  

SECOND SESSION-ISSUES AFFECTING BONABOTO AND THE AREA

GROUP WORK:

Participants were put into seven groups to deliberate on the following issues:
1). Change of name from National Chairman to National President
2). Conflict between Yikene and Sherigu
3). A Strategic Plan for BONABOTO
4) Establishment of a Data Base for BONABOTO
5). Establishment of National Secretariat
6).Strategies for improving membership drive.
7). BOT and TMC of the BEAF.

GROUP ONE (CHANGE OF NAME FROM NATIONAL CHAIRMAN TO NATIONAL PRESIDENT)

The group tried to define the two terms. Chairman refers to a person in charge of a meeting or an organization, and a President refers to the head of organization. He is an elected head of a republic.

On the basis of the above definitions the group concluded that the National Chairman be called the National President. The reason is that the President presides over the National Delegates Congress. All branch leaders should be Chairpersons.
Motion for the amendment of the constitution to take care of the changes was moved by Dr. Charles Akayuli. The motion was seconded by Mr. David Alleonu and was carried.

GROUP TWO (CONFLICT BETWEEN YIKENE AND SHERIGU)

BACKGROUND:

• Sherigu and Yikene share common boundaries and have co-existed for a long time. The expansion of Bolgatanga within the past 5 years has resulted in the rapid sale of lands in Yikene without the involvement of the people of Sherigu Tindanas.  A few people in Yikene sold lands and these were endorsed by the Yikene Chief who did not refer it to the Tindanas.
  
  
• The Tindana of Sherigu thus told the Yikene people not to plant but with pleading they did so without any problems. Yiken people went and complained to the Bolga Chief that Sherigu people were seizing their lands. Bolga Naba judged that Yikene people own their land and consequently Yikene people went with Police and Surveyors to demarcate the land. There was resistance from the Sherigu people. They disagreed with Bolga Naba’s judgment.
  
  
• On the 20th of December 2008 Sherigu youth hosted red flags on their boundaries and informed the District Police Commander about what they had done. Shortly after this Sherigu farmers who went to the dam site were shot at by a Yikene boy with a pistol.
  
  
• A Sherigu man who was returning from Bolga with his wife was attacked by a Yikene man. When news of his attack reached Sherigu the youth started burning houses in Yikene. In all, four houses were burnt. On the 22nd December 2008, the Police arrested 53 people from Sherigu and sent them to the Bongo Police cells. 22 of those arrested were granted Police bail after scrutiny on 23rd December 2008, and 31 of them were sent to court on 24th December 2008. Out of the 31 people 6 were minors. These minors were sent to Bolga Police cells and the rest to Navrongo on remand. The one who shot with the pistol was arrested and granted bail.
  
  
• Baba from Yikene Chief’s Palace who is also deeply involved in the case is yet to be arrested.

The group made the following recommendations:
1).That BONABOTO should express regret about the unfortunate incident and appeal for peace to prevail.

2).BONABOTO should also appeal to the chiefs and the Assemblies to caution our people about the sale of lands which is eventually denying our children of land for building and farming purposes.

GROUP THREE (A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR BONABOTO)

In order to prepare a Strategic meeting, the group suggested that BONABOTO state its Vision, Mission and Objectives/ Strategies to guide in the preparation of the said Strategic Plan. The following matrix was presented by the group

GROUP FOUR: (ESTABLISHMENT OF A BONABOTO DATA BASE)

To develop a data base on all members of BONABOTO the group made the following proposals :
1. Name:
           a) Surname
           b). First Name
           c). Other Names
2. Contact Address:
           a).Postal Address
           b). Residential Address
           c).Contact Numbers i). Office
                    ii). Cell Phone
                    iii). Home Phone
          d). Email Address
          e). Fax number
 
3. Highest level of Education
4. Profession / Occupation
5. Area (s) of Specialization
6. Competence / Experience
7. Place of Work
8. Position held.
9. Branch
10. Language(s) spoken
11. Date of Birth
12. Sex
13. Marital Status

GROUP FIVE (THE NEED FOR NATIONAL SECRETARIATS)

Before arriving at its recommendations and conclusion the group took into account the following:

• The need for a secretariat
• Where should the secretariat be located?
• Staffing of the secretariat
• Furnishing of the secretariat

1).It is important we have a permanent secretariat the reasons being:

• For easy public identification of where the association’s activities are carried out.
• For effective administrative purposes
• For proper coordination of branch activities
• For effective linkages with other organizations

2).Location: Two secretariats are proposed. The Bolga Secretariat will serve as permanent secretariat for the activities, whilst the Accra secretariat will be for immediate administrative purposes.
3).Staffing:  Three members of staff for the Accra office. These are

• Administrative Secretary
• A cleaner
• A Security Person

4). Office Furnishing would require the following:

• Furniture
• Computers, Photocopiers, Fax Machines, etc.
• Transport facility
• Stationery
• Telephone

5). How to meet the Expenses:

• Increase in dues by 10%
• The office should also be commercialized so as to generate revenue
• Other income generating activities should also be explored.
  
  

RECOMMENDATIONS

1).On the part of the secretariat in Bolga, there is the need for us to acquire land for future development.
2).It is recommended that the Accra Secretariat should be acquired immediately to effectively facilitate the association’s activities.

GROUP SIX (STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING MEMBERSHIP DRIVE)

After an intensive deliberation the group arrived at the following:

• Looking at the constitutional provisions for membership it was suggested that the constitutional framework which provides for regular and honorary membership be reviewed to include our Nankani brothers of the gurune speaking tribe.
• Again, the idea of honorary membership is good however; the executive should be proactive in identifying such members.
• The constitution should be made clear to provide for regular membership by marriage.
• On women participation; we should create a balance between women and men in the decision making process of BONABOTO.
• Men should be encouraged to bring their wives, sons and daughters etc, to meetings and other gatherings.
• Gurune should be used as our formal means of communication during meetings and other gatherings so as to break the barrier created by illiteracy.
• Emphasis should be put on welfare issues because women tend to be interested in such matters.
• Encourage the youth associations to link up with BONABOTO.
• Conduct follow-ups on graduating youth.
• Need for a concrete data base of all members.
  

GROUP SEVEN (BOT and TMC of the BEAF):

The group discussed the following:

• The Board of Trustees and its functions
• The Technical Management Committee and its functions

After a lengthy and healthy discussion the group arrived at the following:

• That the terms of reference of these committees do not conflict and therefore they should be allowed to operate as such.
• On the issue of women representation, it was suggested that committed women should be included in the two committees.
• There should be a document to be used in evaluating brilliant but needy students.
• On the issue of whether the support should be free or be taken as loans, the following decisions were taken:

• Tertiary Students: The assistance to the tertiary students should be in the form of loans, and it should not be more than GH¢500.00 per student per year. 60% of the Fund should be set aside for this level.
• 2nd Cycle / Basic level: Assistance for this level should be free, and it should not be more than GH¢200.00 per student per year. 40% of the Fund should be set aside for this level.

• The Seed Money should not be touched. Only the interest on investments should be used.
• The TMC should be empowered to investigate the background of the parents of needy students who are found to be capable but have refused to take care of their wards
• The National Executive should get the Assemblies to be committed to the BEAF.
• The MPs of the area should set aside part of their common fund to support the BEAF.
  
  

ELECTIONS

Mr. Gaaga Azitariga was appointed the Electoral Commissioner to handle proceedings. After mentioning the positions that are to be contested for, the Electoral Commissioner invited members to make nominations.

Mr. David Alleonu congratulated the old Executive and prayed the house to retain them since they did so well within their first term of office. He therefore moved a motion to that effect. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Nabila Williams. The house approved the motion by popular acclamation. The secretary however, opted out because he had served in that position for two terms. In his place Mr. Alleonu again nominated Mr. William Apoya of the Accra-Tema branch as the new secretary, and Mr. Francis Atoo Asigri seconded the motion. The house again approved of the nomination by popular acclamation since there were no other nominations.

The new executive was introduced to the congress by the Electoral Commissioner who thanked the house for the honor done him.

The President; Mr. Matthew Adombire expressed appreciation on behalf of the Executive for the trust placed in them. He called on the house for co-operation for their two year term. He also called on his fellow executive to continue to work in order to up lift the good name of BONABOTO.

APPEAL FOR FUNDS