Akuffo-Addo's desperate attempt to disrupt Yagbonwura's 1st year anniversary celebration borne out of failed promises - Savannah NDC

Akuffo-Addo's desperate attempt to disrupt Yagbonwura's 1st year anniversary celebration borne out of failed promises - Savannah NDC 

The communications bureau of the opposition National Democratic Congress in the Savannah Region has accused president Akuffo-Addo of aggressively attempting to disrupt the First Year Anniversary Celebration of the King of Gonjaland alongside the 48th Annual Congress of the Gonjaland Youth Association due to the many unfulfilled promises his government made to the kingdom.

According to the Regional Communications Officer of the party, R.A Jalil in a pressure copied to this blogger, president Akuffo-Addo described ironically as "Jack Toronto" and his 'Driver's Mate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia were simply afraid that Yagbonwura will demand answers for the many repeated failed promises made to the kingdom and hence the attempt to disrupt the twin celebrations by storming out of the durbar grounds unceremoniously with his NPP supporters. 

Some of these unfulfilled promises he recounted included: the promise to construct a Regional House of Chiefs edifice ,the "almighty" Damongo water project, intentional neglect of maintenance work on the 147-Kilometer Sawla-Damongo-Fulfulso road, IDIF, IVID, Nursing School at Sawla, 20 Kilometers of Cocoa roads at Bole, Salaga District Hospital, the construction of the Daboya bridge among other unfulfilled promises.

According to him, the recent lamentations by the P.R.O of the Gonjaland Youth Association, Muftawu Habib about the misconduct of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and MP for Damongo Constituency, hon. Abu Jinapor has vindicated the long-standing believe of the NDC that the minister is the architect behind all the confusions and disrespect of his party to our chiefs, adding that, his days as Member of Parliament are numbered.

Read full statement below:

THE UNACCEPTABLE AND DISRESPECTFUL ATTITUDE OF THE PRESIDENT H.E NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO ADDO AND HIS PARTY MEMBERS TO YAGBONWURA AND GONJALANDERS AT THE 48TH ANNUAL GLYA CONGRESS/ ONE-ANNIVERSARY OF JIRAH YGBONWURA SOALE BII-KUNUTO JEWU I 

Esteemed members of the press,

I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you to today's press conference.

This press conference is of utmost importance due to the numerous instances of unacceptable behavior and ongoing misconduct by the NPP in the Savannah Region of Ghana.

As you are well aware, the entire Gonjaland community, both locally and internationally, including royalty and ordinary citizens, gathered at Damongo, the traditional and administrative center of Gonjaland, to participate in the 48th annual Gonjaland Congress and to show support for the Overlord and King of Gonjas as he celebrated his one-year anniversary of ascending to the revered throne of Jakpa.

The 2024 annual Gonjaland Youth Congress, which concluded on Saturday, April 27, 2024, witnessed one of the most disheartening moments in Gonjaland history as we once again witnessed President Akufo-Addo and the NPP's blatant disregard for the cherished chieftaincy institution in Ghana, particularly in the Savannah region.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press,

Through this press statement, we want to strongly express our utmost displeasure at the President's arrogance and disrespect towards the King and Overlord of Gonjas, His Excellency John Dramani, and by extension, members of the Gonjaland Youth Association.

The President's unfettered taste for the total disrespectful behavior towards the chieftaincy institution is becoming increasingly intolerable.

I'm sure many of you have seen a recent video circulating, showing our President assuming his rehearsed domineering 'Lord of Lords and King of Kings' posture, commanding a traditional chief who was sitting in state to rise and greet him at the funeral ceremony of Ghana's late ambassador to Nigeria, held in the Oti region.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,

Not long before the incident in the Oti region, the President was observed in an egotistical 'Jack Toronto' stance, directing the then Greater Accra regional minister to forcibly lift a traditional chief from his seat to prostrate in honor of Akufo-Addo.

At the 2024 annual Gonjaland Congress, which concluded on Saturday, April 27, 2024, it was the turn of the Overlord and King of the Gonja State and all of Gonjaland to experience President Akufo-Addo's pomposity and the contentious leadership of the NPP in the Savannah Region, led by Hon. Saeed Muazu (Regional Minister), Hon. Abu Jinapor (Minister of Natural Resources), and Alhaji Kalamonia (Regional Chairman).

Regrettably, Ladies and Gentlemen, the hollow President and the NPP leadership in the Savannah region did not hesitate to extend an overdose of their pomposity, arrogance, disrespect, and distasteful acts of continued disrespect towards traditional leadership and the Yagbonwura.

It is prudent at this juncture to provide a brief background of the events.

Firstly, the President was accorded all courtesies and respect as the Special Guest of Honor at the Yagbonwura’s 1-year anniversary and the 48th GLYA annual Congress, while H.E. John Dramani Mahama was invited as a proud son of the land and Guest of Honor.

Secondly, the program began with the President arriving late when the chairman of the program was delivering his acceptance speech.

Thirdly, after taking his seat, protocol dictated that the President speaks after all principal speakers had addressed the gathering, allowing him to grasp the concerns of the King and the association.

This customary procedure and protocol were disregarded and thrown to the dogs by the President and NPP leadership when the minister of lands and natural resources Hon. Abu Jinapor forcibly seized the microphone from the MCs and handed it to the President to speak first. 

At this point, it is apparent from the look on the faces of all here-in-gathered that many are left wondering why President Akuffo-Addo would insist on speaking before the King.

Fourthly, after Abu Jinapor forcefully took the microphone and the President concluded his usual boring and uninspiring speech, the President, accompanied by the NPP leadership in the region, suddenly left the durbar grounds without listening to the concerns of the King.

Press men present, the recent lamentation by the PRO of the GLYA Mr. Habib Muftaw about the misconduct of the minister for lands and natural resources has vindicated our long standing believe that he Abu Jinapor is the architect behind all the confusions and disrespect of his party to our chiefs. 

Ladies and Gentlemen of the press,

Intelligence gathered suggests that the President instructed his subordinates to seize the microphone and create an opportunity for him to speak, intending to disrupt the first anniversary of the King and Overlord along with the 48th Gonjaland Youth Association Congress for several reasons:

1. The president had a hint that the king among his speech was going to remind him of some unfulfilled promises he and his drivers mate Bawumia made to his kinsmen some years ago

2. President Akuffo-Addo could not tolerate the fact that H.E. John Mahama personally covered all expenses related to and had on the previous day cut sod for the construction of the initial phase of the reimagined Jakpa Palace, intended to serve as a multifunctional palace befitting the Status of the King of Gonjas.

3. President Akufo-Addo was displeased and angry that the King and Overlord, in adherence to the established traditions and customs of the Jakpa Skins, refused to stand up and prostrate before him.

How shameful could this be!

Let me doff my hat for Jirah for refusing to kowtow to Ghana’s Nebuchadnezzar

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, despite President Akufo-Addo's frustration with the Gonjas and their King for upholding the traditions and customs of the Gonja State, and his aggressive attempts to disrupt the first-year anniversary of the King by storming out of the durbar grounds with his supporters, we are compelled to remind the self-proclaimed "God of Ghana," Akufo-Addo, through this medium, of some of his deceptive acts and unfulfilled promises for which Gonjaland and the Savannah region intend to hold him accountable:

1. On September 23, 2020, the President ceremonially inaugurated the construction of a Regional House of Chiefs. We ask, Mr. Jack Toronto, what progress has been made on this project?

2. What is the current status of the Damongo ghost Waste Plant that he commissioned years ago?

3. What has become of the Damongo ghost Water Project, for which he laid the sod four years ago? The people of Damongo demand answers.

4. The intentional neglect of maintenance on the 147-kilometer Sawla-Damongo-Fufulso road is deeply troubling to the region's inhabitants.

5. Where are the decent jobs, he promised the teeming youth of the Savannah region? 

6. Where in Bole township can we locate the 20 kilometers of cocoa roads as captured in your bogus performance tracker?

7. Where is the Nursing School in Sawla, which his government supposedly equipped with a KVIP toilet, according to his performance tracker?

8. What has become of the district factories pledged to us the people of the Savannah Region?

9. We demand the immediate removal of the chanfan machines from Daboya, which were brought there under false pretenses in the name of constructing the Daboya bridge.

10. We call upon Jack Toronto to promptly commission the purportedly 100% completed Salaga District Hospital, as indicated by his performance tracker. 

Ladies and gentlemen of the press,

In conclusion, let me affirm that we are privileged to align ourselves with H.E. John Dramani Mahama, a nation-builder of impeccable integrity and track record, a man worthy of trust. He is the man to implement the 24-hour Economy initiative, providing employment opportunities for the region's unemployed youth and the nation as a whole.

THANK YOU!

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

24-hour economy will help restore Ghana from turbulent times and empower our workforce - Mahama to Ghanaian workers

24-hour economy will help restore Ghana from turbulent times and empower our workforce - Mahama to Ghanaian workers 

Ghana's ex-president and leader of the biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress,John Dramani Mahama has said the central element of his vision for Ghana's recovery is the implemention of a 24-hour economy designed to generate sustainable, decent job opportunities and promote growth and prosperity for everyone.

He said the adoption of a 24-hour economic model will diversify the Ghanaian economy and empower the workforce by creating flexible work schedules for workers, enhancing work-life balance, well-being and productivity. 

In extending his warmest regards to Ghanaian workers on the occasion of this year's May Day celebration in a Facebook post keenly monitored by blogger Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham, the former president said the time is now to repair and restore Ghana from an enduring period of economic turbulence under the current Nana Addo - Bawumia administration, adding that, he has the needed experience to drive Ghana back on the path of prosperity.

...."today’s celebration is tempered by our country's severe challenges because of poor governance, incompetence, economic mismanagement, and institutionalised corruption under the current administration. Never in our history has a democratically elected government taken a wrecking ball to our economy with such ferocity. 

"Drawing from this experience, I am prepared to work with you again to commence the vital repair work our country needs after enduring such turbulence. We have achieved progress before, and I am confident we can do so again," he reiterated.

According to him, the theme for this year's May Day celebration, "Elections 2024: The Role of Workers and Social Partners in Securing Peaceful Elections for National Development," underscores the indispensable role the working class have to play in fostering a peaceful, and democratic process, not only as a duty, but a shared responsibility essential for our nation's stability and prosperity.

In his assertion, the forthcoming elections on December 7 offer a pivotal opportunity to alter our current trajectory and set a new course of action, stressing that,"during my first tenure as president, I steered the affairs of this nation through similar challenging times. We overcame a significant energy crisis, implemented a universal salary structure, spearheaded transformative infrastructural developments, and built a more resilient economy".

The former president called on all Ghanaians to support the transformative vision - the 24-hour economy, which he said promises to revitalize our job market and foster a long-term sustainable development.

He reiterated his call for workers to standup and ensure a peaceful elections in 2024.

"Let's commit to ensuring that our upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections are conducted peacefully and fairly, with a steadfast focus on upholding workers' rights.

Together, we can forge a brighter future for Ghana—a future that secures both your present and addresses the risks posed to your SSNIT pensions by the current government," he said.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

New Jakpa palace will be grand symbol of our history and culture - John Mahama to Yagbonwura

New Jakpa palace will be grand symbol of our history and culture - John Mahama to Yagbonwura

Ghana's ex-president and leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that the new Jakpa Palace project upon completion will mark a significant step towards the cultural and historical preservation of the Gonja Kingdom.

He said it was an honor to be able to contribute as always to the development of the Gonja Kingdom, pledging his commitment to seeing the project through to a successful completion.

At a groundbreaking ceremony to handover the site for the construction of the Jakpa Palace, the former president, who is also a son of the soil and fully in charge of funding the project expressed gratitude to the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii - Kunuto Jewu Soale I,the Rank and File of the NDC, the people of Damongo and the Gonja people at large for the commitment and support over the years.

"It was an important day for the Gonja Kingdom on Friday as we cut the sod for the construction of a new palace for the Overlord of Gonja, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Gonja people," he intimated.

According to him, the new palace intentional design reflects Sahelian architecture, reminiscent of the Gonja's origins in the Mande region around Mali, adding that, " it will be a grand symbol of our history and heritage". 

He used the opportunity to call on the entire people of Gonjaland to continue to work together to preserve the legacy of Sumaila Ndewura Jakpa and ensure a bright future for the Gonja Kingdom, expressing gratitude to the Overlord for the special prayers offered him in the lead up to the 2024 polls.

The contractor, Grandeze Construction Company Limited, who was already on site at the time of filing this story,pledged to complete the project in eight months time as scheduled, adding that, all contract payments have been fulfilled by the financier - former president John Dramani Mahama.

The Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii - Kunuto Jewu Soale offered special prayers for His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, adding that, when all is said and done, he will once again assume the big seat of presidency of Ghana.

He said the entire Kingdom is behind the former president in prayers, well wishes and support, describing the gesture as unpresidented and timely.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Yapei-Kusawgu MP secures full funding for construction of Vocational Training Centre

Yapei-Kusawgu MP secures full funding for construction of Vocational Training Centre

The Member of Parliament for the Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency and Ranking Member of the Energy Committee of Ghana's parliament, John Abdulai Jinapor has secured funding for the construction of a Vocational Training Centre for craftsmen in the Central Gonja District. 

Targeted at tailors, dressmakers and other local artisans, the multipurpose training centre when completed, will provide the necessary skills set and resources to these craftsmen in order to enhance their craft and contribute meaningfully to the development of the infant Savannah Region.

The centre according to the venerable Member of Parliament, will provide specialized training in tailoring, dressmaking among others to targeted beneficiaries, equipping them, especially the women with the necessary knowledge and skills needed for excellence in their line of profession.

He highlighted the significant role the centre will play in promoting creativity and innovation, fostering a supportive environment for artisans to exchange ideas, collaborative project execution as a way of promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance among craftsmen in the constituency.

The honorable Member of Parliament and former Deputy Minister of Power pledged his continuous commitment towards supporting initiatives that will empower the youth and promote sustainable development in the Central Gonja District, and urged the contractor to ensure speedy and quality execution of the project.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

We're committed to resourcing NDC towards agenda 7/7 and maximizing gains of John Mahama in Savannah Region - Chairman of finance committee

We're committed to resourcing NDC towards agenda 7/7 and maximizing gains of John Mahama in Savannah Region - chairman of finance committee 

The Chairman of the Finance Committee of the National Democratic Congress in the Savannah Region, Mr. R. A Adams has reiterated his commitment towards mobilizing the needed resources to enhance the efficient and effective operations of the party across the seven (7) constituencies in the region.

In a brief speech to hand over 20 newly procured Apsonic Motorbikes to the seven(7) constituencies in the region, Mr. Adamu said the agenda towards annexing all the parliamentary seats and maximizing the gains of former president John Dramani Mahama who is a proud son of the region can only materialize with the necessary logistical support.

The Chairman also handed over Seven (7) Motorbikes secured from HE John Dramani Mahama to the region, bringing the total number to 27 motorbikes donated in all.

He urged the rank and file of the party in the region to work very hard towards delivering a resounding victory for HE John Dramani Mahama and the various Parliamentary Candidates on the ticket of the party, assuring of the necessary material support on the part of the finance committee. 

The Savannah Regional Vice Chairman of the NDC,Alhaji Ibn Zak who received the motorbikes on behalf of the Regional Chairman expressed profound gratitude to the Chairman of the Finance Committee for the kind gesture.

He said the intervention was very timely, since issues of transportation has always been a big challenge for the party in the region, assuring him of proper custody and utilization of the motorbikes for the intended purpose.

On behalf of the Regional Executives, the Vice Chairman pledged the commitment of the Regional Chairman and the leadership of the party towards delivering the agenda 7/7 parliamentary seats and soaring the votes of HE John Dramani Mahama.

He said the motorbikes as designated, will be made available to the various constituencies for the work of the party in region.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Mahama saves life of 5-year-old Hole-in-Heart patient in Bole

Mahama saves life of 5-year-old 'Hole-in-Heart' patient in Bole 

The life of an intelligent five year old pupil of the Gbeadese Smart Kids KG/Primary School in the Bole-Bamboi Constituency of the Savannah Region has been rescued by former president John Dramani Mahama.

The former president and NDC Presidential Candidate for the 2024 general elections moved in swiftly to save the lucky boy, Adam Ibrahim Jinapor who had been battling a 'Hole -In-Heart' condition after his attention was drawn to the predicament of the boy by the Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency,hon. Yusif Sulemana (Ori).

In the early part of this year, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama who was in the Bole-Bamboi Constituency as part of his routine visits got wind of the situation of the little boy after the Member of Parliament for the area, hon. Yusif Sulemana took time to narrate the ordeal of the boy to him.

As characteristics of him, the former president donated a sum total of 10,000 USD to cover the full cost of surgery and upkeep at the Korlebu Teaching Hospital.

Following the donation of the money, hon. Yussif Sulemana(MP) facilitated the movement of the family to Accra where little Ibrahim underwent a very successful surgery at the Korlebu Teaching Hospital to correct the Ventricular Septal Defect.

The mother of five year old Adam Ibrahim Jinapor, Aisha Musah, who expressed profound gratitude to the former president indicating that at a point, all hopes were lost on the family as they had no where to turn to.

She said the intervention by former president John Dramani Mahama was very timely, adding that, the family can now heave a sign of relief knowing that their boy who had dropped out of school as a result of the condition will soon return back to school to pursue his dreams.

The family expressed deep appreciation to the Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency whose facilitation role made it possible for the intervention of former president John Dramani Mahama to come through, asking for God's divine guidance and favor for the duo.

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) — sometimes referred to as a hole in the heart — is a type of congenital heart defect. In a VSD, there is an abnormal opening in the wall between the main pumping chambers of the heart (the ventricles).

VSDs are the most common congenital heart defect. Most VSDs are diagnosed and treated successfully with few or no complications.

The right ventricle and left ventricle of the heart are separated by shared wall, called the ventricular septum. 

Kids with a VSD have an opening in this wall.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham

Yapei - Kusawgu MP set to construct 20 dams to expand access to water and enhance irrigation farming

Yapei - Kusawgu MP set to construct 20 dams to expand access to water and enhance irrigation farming

The Member of Parliament for the Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency and Ranking Member of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, John Abdulai Jinapor has initiated a life-changing project to construct some 20 dams across the Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency.

This community improvement project is aimed at expanding access to portable drinking water for the communities and enhance irrigation farming for livelihood empowerment.

The project which has commenced in earnest was announced on the social media handles of close aides to the versatile law maker and copied exclusively to blogger, Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham. 

According to the news release, the Kulbonduli community in the Zorwu Electoral Area of the Central Gonja District was first to benefit from the initiative which is targeted at covering 20 communities within the implemention period.

This reporter, at the time of filing this story can confidently confirm that construction materials were on site and drilling works progressing at a satisfactory pace.

The Former Deputy Power Minister lauded by many for his developmental exploits across the Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency and beyond, has over the years touched many lives and implemented several life changing interventions.

His impact which transcends several geographical boundaries position him as a beacon of hope for many young leaders.

Source: Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham