On the morning of October 24, 2024, members of the Tono Irrigation Farmers Association and the General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU), led by GAWU Chairman Mr. Adam Jibril, staged a demonstration through the principal streets of Navrongo. They are demanding the removal of Dr. Benedict Bonaventure Aligebam, who has been retired since last year but has refused to hand over his duties.
Despite multiple directives from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Aligebam has not complied. In February 2024, former Upper East Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu approached him, but Dr. Aligebam declined to hand over. Most recently, on September 12, 2024, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei Opare, issued a formal directive for him to do so, which he also ignored.
Mr. Jibril referenced the Chief of Staff’s letter, stating, “We refer to the letter dated September 12, 2024, regarding the above matter. In this letter, the Chief of Staff issued a directive to Dr. Aligebam to hand over immediately.” He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the current Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Hafiz Bin Sally, in addressing the situation.
“We appreciate the steps your office has taken so far to resolve the matter. However, recent posts by Dr. Aligebam on the company’s WhatsApp platform suggest that the same tricks played on former Minister Stephen Yakubu may soon be directed at you, sir. Hence, we submit this petition to assure you of our support in resolving this issue.”
The demonstration began at the ICOUR yard and proceeded to the Navrongo Municipal Chief Executive’s office, where they submitted a petition to be forwarded to Regional Minister Alhaji Hafiz Bin Sally through Municipal Chief Executive Mr. Joseph Adongo.
The group expressed concerns that the company’s growth and development are stalled due to Dr. Aligebam’s continued presence. They criticized his poor working relationships with key stakeholders, including workers and farmers, and pledged their readiness to support the board in resolving the matter for the betterment of ICOUR.
Mr. Augustine Zoogah, General Secretary of GAWU, lamented how Dr. Aligebam has ignored directives from the ministry and the Chief of Staff. “It seems he believes he is above authority, like an Arabian king, refusing to hand over even after retirement.”
Mr. Nazarius Adiyie, Secretary of the Federation of Water Users Association, pointed out that Dr. Aligebam’s tenure has been disastrous. “He has altered the crop production calendar, causing significant losses for farmers. Production has plummeted from 5.5 to 6 tons per hectare to just 2 or 3 tons since he took over. Dr. Aligebam appears more interested in the revenue from farmers than in addressing their challenges.”
The farmers and union members remain determined to see this issue resolved, emphasizing the need for effective leadership to ensure the growth and development of their agricultural community.
The municipal chief executive of the Navrongo municipality, Mr. Joseph Adongo, who received the petition intended for the Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Hafiz Bin Sally, expressed his gratitude to the farmers and the General Agriculture Workers Union for their peaceful demonstration. He assured them that he would deliver their petition to the regional minister.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya