By Godfred A. Polkuu
Bolgatanga, Oct. 30, GNA – The Upper East Regional branch of the Upper West Union (UWU) has been re-inaugurated to foster unity and support the welfare of members.
The UWU was established in 1972 with the vision to foster unity, preserve and promote the rich culture and heritage of the Region, but was inactive as efforts to revamp it in 1981 and 2010 were not fruitful.
Natives, including Chiefs and elders of the Upper West Region based in Bolgatanga, with the support of the Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, who himself is a native, and the immediate past Minister of the Upper West Region, took up the responsibility to re-inaugurate the Union.
The re-inauguration ceremony was chaired by Kuoro Bennin Duoro IX, the Divisional Chief of Jaana in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West Region, on the theme: “Unity for progress (Tizaa Buyeni) celebrating our heritage, building the future.”
Alhaji Dr Salih, in his address to sons and daughters from the Region gathered from across the 15 Municipalities and Districts in the Upper East Region, said the UWU would serve as a foundation to address common challenges, build stronger networks and provide support system for members.
“The Union embodies our hopes, dreams and aspirations, hence a symbol of our strength and power as a community. It is our vibrant hub for collaboration, cultural exchange and innovation for growth,” he said.
The Minister said the bond between the Upper West and Upper East Regions was deep-rooted in history, and extended beyond their geographical boundaries, noting that “It is driven by our shared goals and belief of creating economic development by pooling our resources together.”
He emphasized the need for members to envision the Union as a place for cultural events and initiatives that would empower the Upper West community, and foster a sense of belongingness, and was hopeful that “Together, we will nurture, uplift and promote local talents and ignite passion among our youth by way of mentorship.”
“As we inaugurate the rebirth of the Upper West Union today, let us celebrate our achievements, recognize our responsibilities and look forward to the future with optimism,” he told members.
Professor David Millar, the President of the Millar Institute for Trans-disciplinary and Development Studies, who was the Guest Speaker, commended Alhaji Dr Salih for initiating repair works on the Chuchuliga-Chiana-Tumu Road with the earth-moving equipment under the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP).
He urged the executives to work hard to keep the momentum, “If people start seeing benefits from belonging to the association, I am sure they will be loyal to it. But if they don’t see any benefits inuring to them as belonging to the association, the enthusiasm will go down.”
Mr Aatare Adamu Mahmud, the Chairman of the UWU, was hopeful that the re-inaugurated Union would be stronger, resilient and better equipped to face the challenges of life.
He said the relations between the Upper West and Upper East Regions was one of mutual respect and independence, “We share common values of hard work, hospitality, resilience and a deep respect for our cultural traditions.
“It is only fitting that we continue to formalize and strengthen these ties through the reviving of the Upper West Union here in the Upper East, creating a continuous platform for dialogue, support, and collaboration,” he said.
Mr Mahmud envisioned the Upper West Union as a force for positive change and development, and a priority initiative that would uplift the members, support education, empower Upper West youth, and contribute to the economic development of their host Region.
GNA