By Samuel Akumatey
Ho, Nov. 12, GNA – Ghana’s two main political parties took turns to woo the Fulani community at this year’s annual general meeting of the Ghana Chapter of Tabital Pulaaku, International organisation of the tribe of nomadic herders.
The three-day gathering of the tribe known to live on the move, saw thousands from across the country and beyond pitch tent at the Ho Jubilee Park.
The main event was scheduled for Saturday, and leaders of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Region were fully represented, including the various parliamentary candidates.
Mrs Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady of the Republic, was special guest of honour.
The NDC delegation led by Alhaji Limuna Mohammed Muniru, a former Northern Regional Minister, said the Party would continue to promote the welfare of the tribe, and would work to ensure they benefitted from social programs including education, health, and national identification.
The tribe, herders of cattle across the African continent, often clash with farmers over destruction of food crops and vegetation, and Alhaji Muniru said the NDC would work to secure a permanent solution, which would involve the establishment of grazing parks.
“The NDC knows your problems better. Anytime we are in power you get empowerment. NDC will ensure that you get your Ghana Card,” he said.
Alhaji Muniru said education would be made more accessible with the construction of new Islamic schools and universities, and that a new law would be promoted to protect traditional laws and customs of the tribe such as the wearing of facial coverings by women in schools.
He said a planned women’s bank by the next NDC government would support members of the tribe expand their enterprises and advised the community against voting on tribal or religious grounds.
The NPP on the other hand said the Party had shown most commitment to the tribe, having appointed more of their kind to top positions in the country.
Mr. Makafui Woanya, Volta Regional Chairperson of the NPP, recounted how the NDC tried to deny Fulanis access to national identification and health insurance programmes.
He thus urged the community to support the presidential bid of the Vice President Alhaj Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Flagbearer of the NPP, and whose wife the Second Lady was a member of the tribe.
“NPP by record of accomplishment has more records of Fulani and Muslims in government, and NPP has taken the first step with a Muslim candidate and a Fulani wife. This represents
a direct benefit for Fulanis. NPP has no discrimination against the Party, and Fulanis now have a place in the Jubilee House.”
Mr Woanya went on to claim that the NPP held credit for addressing violence with farming communities and should be trusted to ensure deeper inclusivity.
The Second Lady, in her address, called for widespread acceptance of the tribe, saying they remained an integral part of the nation and its economy and should be recognised.
“Today, we come together not just as individuals, but as a community that has contributed immensely to the rich identity of Ghana. I want to express my deepest appreciation to each of you for your commitment to fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation in our society.
“The Fulani community has a unique place in Ghana, and our contributions to agriculture, trade, and cultural diversity are invaluable. It is essential that we recognise and celebrate this heritage as part of our national identity,” she said.
Mrs Bawumia also asked the community to support the Vice President, saying the NPP dedicatedly promoted inclusivity through lasting policies and programs.
“Under the leadership of H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the New Patriotic Party has continually prioritised inclusivity, ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of their background, feels valued and represented. A nation is developed when all its voices are heard, and all its people are given the opportunity to thrive.
“We have implemented policies that promote the rights and recognition of minority groups, including the Fulani community. We continue to engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the concerns of the Fulanis and other minority groups are integrated into national development plans.
“One of our most ardent advocates for inclusivity is my Dear husband, Vice President and Flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Dr. Bawumia has been at the forefront of implementing policies that not only focus on economic growth but also prioritise social equity. Dr Bawumia strongly believes that knowledge is the only way to empower people. We want our children, including Fulani children, to have access to quality education that will equip them for the future.
“As we look ahead, our vision is clear. We aim to foster a Ghana where every ethnic group, including the Fulani community, has a seat at the table—a Ghana where diversity is celebrated and not used as a tool for division,” she said.
The Second Lady assured the community of coming interventions for women and marginalised groups and spoke of programs and initiatives including direct capital support for women entrepreneurs.
The annual general meeting was on the theme “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Fulbe Cultural Heritage,” and leaders of the community made appeals to the nation’s stakeholders for increased access to education and skills training.
Both political parties donated generously to support the event.
GNA