By Regina Atule
Damongo (S/R), Sept 01, GNA – Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale, Overlord of Gonja Traditional Area has called on chiefs, politicians and citizens of Gonjaland to put aside political differences and work together for the peace and development of the Savannah Region.
He made the call while addressing this year’s Damba Festival durbar at Damongo on the theme, “Celebrating Our Heritage: The Role of Traditional Leadership in Promoting Unity and Development.”
He said “Chiefs have a responsibility to promote peace, unity and development. The Gonja Kingdom is made up of people from different backgrounds and political persuasions. This diversity should make us stronger.”
He added that “We may support different political parties but we must remember that politics should not destroy our relationships. After elections, we remain brothers and sisters.”
The Yagbonwura commended the government for various interventions including the 24-Hour Economy, Big Push infrastructure programme, Adwumawura, Free Primary Health Care, and measures to stabilize the cedi.
He said the policies had the potential to improve lives and create jobs for the youth if effectively implemented.
He said “We appreciate the good initiatives aimed at developing the young Savannah Region. We only wish to add our voice to the call on government to expedite work on ongoing projects to ensure their timely completion.”
The Yagbonwura expressed concern about educational outcomes in the region and called for collective action from chiefs, parents and teachers to address the situation.
He announced that the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund had fully settled US$20,000 in outstanding tuition for Kassim Bakari, a young Gonja student undergoing Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training at Paramount Aviation School in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Kassim, who had been withdrawn at the final stage of training due to fees, will now resume training and is expected to become the first commercial pilot from Gonjaland.
The Yagbonwura cautioned the youth against drug abuse describing it as a serious threat to the future of the region.
Dr Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, said the government had committed finances for the Damongo Water Supply System, with procurement currently ongoing.
He gave the assurance that rural electrification remained a priority for government, and work would continue until no community remained in darkness.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting lawful and peaceful settlement of disputes, noting that unresolved land and succession disputes delayed development and hurt families.
He announced a personal contribution of GH¢200,000.00 to the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund.
Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, Governor, Bank of Ghana highlighted the government’s achievements in stabilizing the economy.
GNA
Edited by Eric K Amoh /Kenneth Odeng Adade
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