Bingorwura Samuel Saibu Adam has formally submitted his nomination at the Savannah Regional Electoral Commission office to contest for the position of Savannah Regional Council of State. Hailing from the Wasipey traditional area, Bingorwura Samuel Saibu Adam expressed his excitement about running for this esteemed position, which is designed for traditional rulers to serve as advisors to the President.
As a passionate advocate for land protection, Bingorwura Samuel Saibu Adam emphasized the need for someone to champion the preservation of the Savannah Region’s vast land mass. He urged delegates to rally behind him, ensuring the continuation of his advocacy work. Bingorwura Samuel Saibu Adam also highlighted the region’s pressing challenges, including the lack of a teacher training college and university, water scarcity, land encroachment, and youth unemployment.
To address these issues, Bingorwura Samuel Saibu Adam pledged to work collaboratively with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to drive development in the region. He also vowed to partner with the Gonjaland Youth Association to promote youth development. Furthermore, he promised to establish a strategic Savannah Regional planning committee to chart a roadmap for boosting development.
With his extensive experience in Ghana and beyond, Bingorwura Samuel Saibu Adam appealed to delegates to support his candidacy, emphasizing that the Savannah Regional Council of State position is a call to serve, rather than an opportunity for personal gain. As a native of the region, he believes that his election would be a significant step towards unlocking the region’s potential, particularly with a native of the region occupying the highest office in the land.
Spear FM can confirm that Kongwura Jinkuriga (I) has joined the race to contest for the position of Savannah Regional Member of Council of State.
Kongwura’s declaration brings the number of contestants for the position to four (4) including Tingawura Alhaji Seidu Sampson Abudu from Bole Traditional Area, Tolodonpewura Abdallah Ahmed popularly called Chief Monor from Buipe Traditional Area, Bingorwura Samuel Saibu Adam from the Wasipe Traditional Area and Kongwura Jinkuriga (I) from the Kong Traditional Area.
Council of State Elections: Everything you need to know
What is the role of the Council of State?
According to Article 89(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the Council of State is “to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.”
Who are the members of the Council of State?
The Council of State consists of:
(a) The following persons appointed by the President in consultation with Parliament—
One person who has previously held the office of Chief Justice; One person who has previously held the office of Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Ghana; One person who has previously held the office of Inspector General of Police; (b) The President of the National House of Chiefs;
(c) One representative from each region of Ghana elected, in accordance with regulations made by the Electoral Commission under article 51 of this Constitution, by an electoral college comprising representatives from each of the districts in the region nominated by the District Assemblies in the region; and
(d) Eleven other members appointed by the President.
How are regional representatives elected?
The election of regional representatives is conducted by the Electoral Commission on the first-past-the-post formula. Election of the Council of State is not open to the general voting public but through an Electoral College made up of two (2) representatives nominated by each District Assembly.
Who can contest as a candidate?
Any registered voter who is a citizen of Ghana and of sound mind, can contest as a candidate.
When and where will the elections be organised?
The elections will take place on Tuesday, 11th February 2025, at all regional capitals.
Where can one pick a nomination form?
Forms can be downloaded from the website of the Electoral Commission.
Tingawura Alhaji Abudu Seidu Sampson has taken a significant step towards serving the Savannah Region by submitting his application for the position of Council of State. This move was made earlier today at the Savannah Regional EC office, where Garba Tinga Wura Alhaji Abudu Seidu Sampson submitted his nomination form. The deputy Savannah Regional EC Director, Mr. David Acheampong received the documents on behalf of his boss, who is currently out of town attending to other important assignments.
(Cue Audio of Tingawura Sampson)
With 39 years of experience in public service, Tinga Wura Alhaji Abudu Seidu Sampson brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His background includes roles such as Accountant for the Ghana Education Service, former District Chief Executive for Bole Bamboi, and a former Regional Director for the National Health Insurance Authority. This extensive experience has equipped him with the skills and expertise necessary to represent the Savannah region effectively.
In addition to his professional experience, Tinga Wura’s background as a chief from the chieftaincy background has also prepared him for this role. He has taken on a chieftaincy title and serves on various committees within the Gonja traditional Council. Notably, he chairs the 1930 Gonja constitutional review Committee and is also a member of the Savannah Regional Council of elders.
Tinga Wura’s strong lobbying skills, gained from working with NGOs, and his connection to President Mahama, could facilitate regular meetings to discuss issues affecting the Savannah Region. The region is eager for development, and Tinga Wura’s appointment to the Council of State could be a significant step towards achieving this goal.
On the basis of his experience and qualifications, Tinga Wura has urged delegates to vote for him, emphasizing his ability to turn the fortunes of the infant Savannah region. Tinga Wura is now urging all electorates to rally behind him and cast their votes in his favour. To become a member of the Council, Tinga Wura will likely undergo a selection process, which may involve elections. We wish him the best of luck in his pursuit of this esteemed position.
Tolodonpewura Abdallah Ahmed (Chief Monor) has officially joined the race by, successfully submitting his nomination form at the Savannah Regional Electoral Commission office to vie for the position of Savannah Regional Council of State. This significant step, taken on January 29, 2025, demonstrates his commitment to serving the Savannah Region and addressing its pressing challenges.
As a seasoned leader, Chief Monor is keenly aware of the region’s most critical issues. Notably, he is deeply concerned about the Water Crisis affecting the Savannah Region, which has severe implications for the livelihoods of its inhabitants. He recognizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions to ensure access to clean water for all.
Another critical issue close to Chief Monor’s heart is the Fulani Herdsmen Crisis, which has plagued the region for years. He understands the complexities of this issue, including the historical and cultural contexts, and is committed to finding lasting solutions that balance the needs of all stakeholders. By addressing these pressing concerns, Chief Monor aims to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to the Savannah Region.
With his wealth of experience and deep understanding of the region’s challenges, Chief Monor is well-positioned to make a positive impact as a member of the Council of State. His nomination has generated excitement among the region’s inhabitants, who see him as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
The Savannah Region Farmers Brigade (SRFB) held a crucial board meeting yesterday Wednesday 29th January 2025 to discuss strategies for soliciting support for farmers in the region.
The meeting, which took place at the Catholic Guest House Unity Centre in Damongo, brought together board members, farmers, and stakeholders to brainstorm ways to address the challenges facing farmers in the region.
According to the SRFB Secretary, Chief Gbanapewura Shungbore I, the meeting aimed to identify potential partners and donors to support farmers with inputs, equipment, and training.
“We are committed to improving the lives of our farmers, and we believe that seeking support from external sources is critical to achieving this goal,” Gbanapewura said.
The SRFB board members discussed various strategies, including reaching out to international donor agencies, government institutions, and private organizations to solicit support.
The association also plans to establish partnerships with agricultural input suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and training institutions to provide farmers with access to quality inputs, equipment, and training.
(Cue Audio Gbanapewura SRFB)
Buipewura JinaporII, who is the initiater and founder of the Savannah Region Farmers Brigade emphasized the importance of supporting farmers in the region. “Gonjas have a vast land and farmers are the backbone of our economy, and it’s essential that we support them to increase productivity and improve their livelihoods.”
Buipewura said farming is a very lucrative sector but due to lack of support, a lot of farmers are unable to commercialize their farming.
Buipewura Jinapor said he is bringing the farmers together to form the farmers brigade not because he wants to benefit something but because he wants to support and give back to society.
According to Buipewura, the SRFB will be at the forefront of advocating for farmers’ rights and interests in the Savannah Region. The association will be working tirelessly to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve farmers’ access to markets, and enhance their livelihoods.
HRM Buipewura Jinapor II, Vice President of National House of Chiefs has called on the feuding factions in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict to cease fire for a congenial environment to accelerate the peace process in the area.
Buipewura Jinapor made this call when he paid a courtesy call on Yaa Naa Abukari II King and Overlord of Dagbon Kingdom to thank Yaa Naa and the people of Dagbon for the support they gave him which aided him to overwhelmly win National House of Chiefs Vice President position.
Buipewura Jinapor II in his speech which was read on his behalf by his secretary Neripewura at the Gbewaa Palace on Tuesday 28th January 2025 said chieftaincy in Ghana has been coded as one of the revered institutions that brews conflicts and insecurity in Ghana.
According to Buipewura, the biggest and escalated chieftaincy conflict in northern Ghana now is the Bawku chieftaincy conflict which predates the independence of Ghana.
Buipewura opined that peace is not just an end goal, but a process that requires efforts, commitment and dedication for resolution.
Buipewura therefore called on the feuding factions in the Bawku chieftaincy conflict to cease fire for a congenial environment to accelerate the peace process.
He further congratulated President John Dramani Mahama for the historic visit to Bawku and Nayiri in search for amicable solution to the Bawku chieftaincy conflict.
Touching on agriculture, Buipewura Jinapor II said the food security of Ghana largely depends on Northern Ghana and that agriculture remains the comparative advantage the North has over other areas.
Buipewura proposed the establishment of Northern Ghana Regional Farmers Association (NGRFA) to coordinate and support the technical officers to achieve more in the agriculture sector.
HRM Ndan Yaa Naa Abukari II King and Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom has expressed confidence in Buipewura Jinapor’s leadership as the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs.
Yaa Naa Abukari II extended his heartfelt congratulations to Buipewura Jinapor II on his elections as the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs
At the short ceremony at the Gbewaa Palace on Tuesday 28th January 2025, Yaa Naa said the Dagbon constitution plays a crucial role in the traditional governmence of the kingdom, hence, appealed to Buipewura Jinapor II to use his office as the vice president of the National House of Chiefs to ensure the approval of the Dagbon constitution as soon a possible.
According to Yaa Naa, the Dagbon Kingdom have submitted Dagbon Constitution to the National House of Chiefs since last year and up to date, the constitution has not been approved.
Dr. Clifford Braimah, the outgone MD for the Ghana Water Company has on yesterday afternoon handed over to Hon. Adam Mutawakilu Garlus, the new MD for Ghana Water Company Limited.
The meeting was held at the Boardroom of the Ghana Water Company Limited Head Quarters in Accra.
All chief managers of the company across all the 16 regions joined the meeting via a virtual platform. Hon Adam Mutawakilu has thus taken over formally as the MD for Ghana Water Company Limited.
The Managing Director (MD) of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) is responsible for overseeing the overall strategy, direction, and operations of the company.
Responsibly of the Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited include;
Strategic Leadership 1. The MD Develops and implements the company’s strategic plan, vision, and mission. 2. He Provides leadership and direction to the management team and staff. 3. He Ensures alignment with government policies, regulations, and industry standards.
Operational Management 1. He Oversees the management of water treatment, transmission, and distribution systems. 2. He Ensures efficient and effective use of resources, including human resources, equipment, and materials. 3. He also Monitors and evaluates the performance of the company’s operations.
Financial Management 1. He Develops and implements financial strategies to ensure the company’s financial sustainability. 2. He Oversees budgeting, financial planning, and reporting. 3. And Ensures compliance with financial regulations and standards.
Customer Service 1. He Ensures that customers receive excellent service, including timely and reliable water supply. 2. He Develops and implements customer service strategies to improve customer satisfaction. 3. And Engages with customers, stakeholders, and the community to understand their needs and concerns.
Human Resource Management 1. He Oversees the development and implementation of human resource policies and procedures. 2. He Ensures that the company attracts, retains, and develops talented and skilled employees. 3. And Fosters a positive and inclusive work culture.
Stakeholder Engagement 1. He Engages with government agencies, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with regulations and policies. 2. He Develops and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and partners. 3. And Represents the company in national and international forums.
Quality and Safety 1. The MD Ensures that the company’s operations meet international standards for quality and safety. 2. He Develops and implements quality and safety policies and procedures. 3. And Monitors and evaluates the company’s performance on quality and safety.
Compliance and Risk Management 1. He Ensures that the company complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and standards. 2. He Identifies and manages risks to the company’s operations, reputation, and financial sustainability. 3. And Develops and implements risk management strategies and policies.
The Council of State in Ghana plays a vital advisory role to the President, providing counsel on national issues. The Council consists of prominent citizens, including former government officials, traditional leaders, and elected representatives from each region.
Key Responsibilities:
– _Advising the President: The Council offers guidance on various matters, including appointments and national policies. – _Considering Bills: The Council reviews bills passed by Parliament, proposing amendments if necessary, and providing feedback to the President. – _Appointments and Nominations: The Council advises on appointments, such as those to the Supreme Court, and nominations for various positions.
Membership Composition:
– Former Chief Justice, Chief of Defence Staff, and Inspector-General of Police – President of the National House of Chiefs – Elected representatives from each region – Eleven members appointed by the President
The Council of State meets at least four times a year and can also meet if requested by the President, Parliament, or at least five sitting members of the Council.
In the Savannah Region about 3 persons so far have publicly expressed interest in standing for the position of Council of State Member
The interested persons will be voted for by reps representatives of Assembly Members across the region.
Date for the voting of the Council of State Membership is not know yet.
Since John Mahama’s government took over, a new Council of State Member will be elected to take over from the old Council of State Member for Savannah Region Chief Kpnagriwura Adam Zakaria a chief from Bole Traditional Area.
The person’s who expressed interest in the Savannah Region Council of State Members include
1. Tingawura Alhaji Seidu Sampson Abudu.
Tingawura Alhaji Seidu Sampson Abudu is a respected traditional leader, an experienced public servant, and an advocate for unity and progress.
As the Tingawura and Chairman of the NDC Savannah Region Council of Elders, Chairman of Gonja Constitution review committee, he brings over 40 years of leadership in governance, education, and cultural preservation.
His vision is to promote unity, preserve tradition, and champion sustainable community development for future generations.
Tingawura Sampson is a Former District Chief Executive for Bole District, 2009–2013, Regional Director, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for Eastern Region, 2013–2017, Founding member and leader of the NDC.
The second person is
2. Chief Tolodonpewura Abdallah Ahmed popularly called Chief Monor.
Chief Monor has a strong background in community development and politics.
He is a Proven Youth Leadership (District Secretary, Democratic Youth League of Ghana)
Chief Monor served as the West Gonja District Chairman, Association for the Committee of Defense of the Revolution (ACDR) and Progressive Voluntary Organization (PVO), which also made him an automatic executive member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for Damongo, Daboya, and Yapei Kusuwgu Constituencies.
He is a Member of Several Boards and Peace Mediator and an Event Manager (Chairman, MC and Event Host)
His collaborative leadership style, good listening skills, and willingness to learn from mistakes make him an excellent fit for this role.
The third person is
3. Bingorwura Samuel Saibu Adam Bingorwura Samuel Saibu Adam has over 20 years’ International work experience with multinational mining companies in the fields of Accounting & Finance and in the management of Community Development programs; and also as a manager of mining related quasi-government organizations. He is currently the Executive Director of Integrity and Excellence Limited, a Management and Financial Consultancy firm based in Accra, Ghana.
He holds an MBA from Fordham University, New York, and a BSc. Administration degree from the University of Ghana. He is also a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GMAICD).
He has served on the Board of Directors of a number of both public and private sector institutions both here in Ghana and overseas; including the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), on which he served as the Finance Expert, Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee and a member of the Executive Committee of the board. He was the first and only Ghanaian to have served on the board of FARA.
Bingorwura has also served as the Technical Intervention Officer for the Center of the Development of Enterprise (CDE) in Ghana. He also served as an expert panel in Mining Sector Governance in Africa under the Australian-Africa Partnership facility (AAFP).
Bingorwura has over twenty (20) years work experience at management and senior management level in major international mining companies and mine related quasi-government institutions overseas in which he was responsible for the implementation of important and critical government intervention programs geared towards providing the visible benefits of mining to communities impacted by mining operations. These include the implementation of Tax Credit Scheme projects, distribution of Mining Royalties, and management of other mine derived benefits to mine impacted communities. He also have ten years experience in the management of economic, social and infrastructure development programs and over 12years experience as an accountant in mining impacted communities of Papua New Guinea and also as an accountant in Ghana.
Bingorwura worked as a consultant with the then Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) . Since 2015, he has been part of a team that conducts annual assessments of the performance of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembles (MMDs) across the country, using the District Performance Assessment Tool (DPAT) and also the Monitoring and Verification of Performance Contracts between Regional Ministers & Regional Coordinating Directors and the Chief Executives and Coordinating Directors of MMDAs of their respective regions.
Bingorwura is one of the main architects of the petition for the establishment of the Savannah region He is working assiduously with others for the affirmation of Gonja boundaries and the writing of the new Gonja Constitution.
So far these are the names that popped up but unconfirmed information reaching Spear FM says that Mankpanwura Jakpa Achor-Ade Borenyi (I) is also eying the Savannah Region Council of State Member position. As and when we get confirmation that Mankpanwura is interested, we will duly update our listeners.
Ghana’s Energy Minister, John Jinapor (MP), has sought Yagbonwura’s wisdon and guidance during a courtesy visit to the Overlord of the Gonja kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I), at the Jakpa Palace on Friday, 24th January, 2025. In his speech, Jinapor recalled the king’s blessings and prayers for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by the Savannah Regional Chairman, Alhaji Moro, ahead of the December 2024 election.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the Overlord for charging the entire Gonjaland to vote massively for John Dramani Mahama and the NDC, attributing their landslide victory to the Overlord’s blessings, highlighting that he and President Mahama received more votes than they had ever gotten in their previous elections.
According to him, after winning the election, he informed the Overlord of his victory, and when the Overlord attended the presidential inauguration, he visited him again and during this visit, the Overlord assured him that he would be appointed a Minister, which came to pass. “I was indeed appointed the Minister for Energy and Green Transition” he said.
The Minister expreesed gratitude to the Overlord for sending a delegation to witness his vetting as the Minister-designate. He sought the Yagbonwura’s wisdom and guidance to serve the Ministry diligently, acknowledging the challenges faced by the energy sector in Ghana.
In response, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) expressed his happiness at seeing Jinapor visit his roots. The Yagbonwura’s linguist acknowledged the support of the entire Gonjaland for President John Mahama, their prayers, support, and massive vote. The Overlord assured John Jinapor that he would provide the necessary wisdom and guidance, confident that Jinapor would excel as Energy Minister, given his previous experience in the role.
John Jinapor was born to Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor (I), Chief of Buipe in the Savannah Region, and the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs. He is the brother of Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo, former Deputy Chief of Staff, and the immediate past Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
Jinapor’s nomination as Energy Minister was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Thursday, January 9, 2025. His appointment was submitted to the Speaker of Parliament in accordance with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. He was appointed alongside Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson as Minister for Finance and Hon. Dominic Aturitinga Ayine for Attorney General and Minister for Justice Designate. He was sworn in by President Mahama on 22nd January, 2025, following parliamentary approval on 21st January, 2025 .
World Vision Ghana, as part of its EU-funded LEAN project in the West Gonja Municipal, has distributed weaving looms and knapsack sprayers to beneficiaries. The distribution, which took place at the forecourt of the West Gonja municipal assembly on Thursday, January 23, 2024, has restored hopes in the community, with the aim of transforming lives.
Rexford Bugre, Acting Northern Regional Operations Manager of World Vision Ghana, speaking at the event, thanked the chiefs, community opinion leaders, and authorities of the West Gonja Municipality Assembly and its decentralized departments for their support provided to World Vision in the rollout of the Landscapes and Environmental Agility across the Nation (LEAN) Project interventions in this district.
According to him, the partnership between the West Gonja Municipality and World Vision Ghana dates back to 1979, when it began its Community Development (CD) projects. However, in 1992, World Vision Ghana shifted to the Area Development Programme (ADP) system as part of its strategic plan to provide critical development support for the most vulnerable children, their families, and their communities.
“Mr. Chairman, in 2021, World Vision Ghana, with funding from the European Union (EU), once again introduced another initiative, the Landscapes and Environmental Agility across the Nation (LEAN Project), which aimed to improve biodiversity, increase food production, and contribute to restoring degraded landscapes in the Savannah region.
Through this project, World Vision Ghana has implemented a number of interventions, including the establishment of Land Management Boards (LMBs), Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), Savings for Transformation (S4T), community nurseries, and built the capacity of 480 farmers,” he said.
He added that as a result of the LEAN project, several hectares of degraded parklands have been restored, improving biodiversity and increasing the income of women. According to him, in the last three years, more than 39,744 preferred tree species—mango, shea, rosewood, kapok, and mahogany, among others—have been distributed and planted across the beneficiary communities.
An effort that has not only helped reclaim degraded parklands but also promotes sustainable environmental practices such as non-burning and indiscriminate felling of trees, reducing the impact of climate change on these communities.
“Additionally, 100 farmers have been trained and supported in beekeeping, while 1,500 women are incorporated into 60 savings-for-transformation groups,” he added.
To further strengthen the resilience and diversify the livelihood and income streams of selected households in the municipality, the project, based on a needs assessment conducted, has provided weaving looms and accessories to 75 beneficiaries. A gesture that is to help reduce their dependency on the environment, such as harvesting and selling firewood or charcoal production for their livelihoods.
Additionally, the project is providing 140 high-pressure knapsack sprayers to community fire volunteer groups to further equip them to manage wildfires at the community level, especially during the dry season. This is to further strengthen environmental agility in the municipality.
In conclusion, he encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of these opportunities to improve their income, increase household food security, and build their resilience against climate shocks.
The over two hundred beneficiaries who received the donations expressed their gratitude to World Vision Ghana and partners (EU) for bringing the life-changing LEAN project, which has transformed their lives since its implementation. They pledged their commitment to utilizing the items donated to them to serve their purpose, believing that when utilized properly, it will bring more of these projects from World Vision and other partners.
They also called on the government to take on this initiative as the LEAN project will end this year after its existence for the past four years.
LEAN is a four-year project funded by the European Union’s flagship GCCA+ initiative that aims to conserve biodiversity, build climate resilience, and reduce emissions from land-use changes in the savannah, high forest, and transition zones of Ghana.
