By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Damolg-Tindongo (U/E), Dec. 31, GNA – The Bolgatanga, Nangodi, Bongo and Tongo (BONABOTO), a non-partisan, development-oriented Association, has held a congress to commemorate its 25th anniversary with a renewed pledge to intensify advocacy, unity and development for the people of the Upper East Region and beyond.
The Silver Jubilee Congress, held at Damolg-Tindongo in the Nabdam District, brought together traditional leaders, government officials, academics, professionals, students and members of the association from across Ghana and the diaspora.
Speaking at the event, which also coincided with the Association’s biennial congress, Professor Samuel Awinkene Atintono, National President of BONABOTO, described the anniversary as “not just a celebration of years, but a celebration of impact, resilience and collective purpose.”
He emphasised that the 25th anniversary marked a checkpoint rather than a destination, urging members to recommit themselves to the ideals upon which the Association was founded.
“Today, we do not simply count years; we account for legacy, unity, advocacy, culture and impact. Above all, we remind ourselves that the journey continues,” Prof Atintono said.
He noted that although BONABOTO had existed since the 1970s, it assumed a national character with the commencement of its national congresses in 2001.
The 2025 Congress was only the second to be held outside Bolgatanga, following the 2023 Congress in Tongo, a move he said was deliberate to demonstrate inclusiveness and shared ownership of the Association.
Reflecting on achievements over the past 25 years, Professor Atintono highlighted BONABOTO’s role as a credible advocacy voice on development issues such as education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, airport construction, passport services and good governance.
He also underscored the Association’s contributions to peacebuilding through dialogue and mediation in conflict-prone areas.
One of BONABOTO’s flagship achievements, he said, was the Bonaboto Education Assistance Fund (BEAF), which has disbursed over GH¢400,000 to support more than 2,000 needy but brilliant students across the BONABOTO area.
The Association has also promoted cultural preservation, culminating in the inclusion of the Gurene language among approved Ghanaian languages taught in schools.
In the health sector, BONABOTO has organised free medical outreach programmes, supported the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga with medical equipment through its UK branch, and partnered with stakeholders to mobilise resources for the establishment of a dialysis centre.
Institutionally, the Association has established and furnished a national secretariat in Bolgatanga, acquired land for a permanent secretariat at Sumbrungu, expanded its branch network nationwide and strengthened its student wing to ensure generational continuity.
Despite these achievements, Prof Atintono acknowledged challenges including limited funding, leadership apathy, low youth participation, perceptions of elitism and sustainability concerns surrounding BEAF repayments.
He called for constitutional reforms, stronger youth inclusion, innovative use of technology and diversified funding to address these challenges.
“As we celebrate, we must also reform, adapt and prepare for the next phase. The canoe that carried us across the river must be repaired before the return journey,” he said.
The Congress, held under the theme: “Celebrating Our Legacy, Unity, Advocacy, Culture, and Impact – The Journey Continues,” also served as a moment of remembrance for fallen members and founding figures whose contributions shaped the Association.
Naba Yelzoya Kosom Asaga II, Paramount Chief of the Nangodi Traditional Area, commended BONABOTO for its contributions to regional and community development and called for renewed commitment to ensure that the BONABOTO area gets a teacher training college.
Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, Upper East Regional Minister, lauded the role of the Association in engaging traditional leaders in the area to resolve some land issues earmarked for government projects.
He urged the Association to continue working with relevant stakeholders and to strengthen its advocacy as the region continues to fight for its share of the national cake, including the construction of the Bolgatanga Airport, among others.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Lydia Kukua Asamoah