The Paramount Chief of Mankpan Traditional Area, Mankpanwura Jakpa Achor-Ade Borenyi (I), led a delegation of 300 chiefs and queen mothers from the Savannah Region to the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) 2024. The festival, held in Techiman, Bono East Region, began 29th November, is expected to end on December 2, 2024.

This year’s NAFAC, themed *”Beyond NAFAC @ 60: Harnessing Culture, the Pivot for Ghana’s Democracy and Sustainable Development,”* aimed to showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and promote peaceful coexistence among communities.

Mankpanwura, who is also the Savannah Regional Chairman of NAFAC, showcased the traditional governance system and unique cultural heritage of the Savannah Region. The region’s delegation participated in cultural and economic exchanges with other regions, including the Northern, Oti, and Eastern Regions on day one.

NAFAC, a biennial festival organized by the National Commission on Culture (NCC), provides a platform for the 16 administrative regions stakeholder engagement on cultural and other enterprises. The festival has contributed significantly to Ghana’s socio-cultural and economic growth, promoting peaceful coexistence, political, religious, and ethnic tolerance among communities.

In his statement, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, noted that NAFAC has projected Ghana as a reliable and conducive destination for tourists and leisure seekers, boosting tourism and increasing foreign earnings for the country.

The Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Lawyer Samuel Abu Jinapor, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents. As part of his efforts to support education and alleviate challenges faced by schools in the constituency, Lawyer Jinapor has donated foodstuffs to the Larabanga Islamic Senior High School.

The donation, which included 25 bags of rice, 10 bags of maize, 10 bags of beans, 5 cans of 25L cooking oil, and 700 bags of sachet water was warmly received by the school authorities. This gesture is expected to ease the burden on the school’s feeding program and improve the overall welfare of students, many of whom come from deprived backgrounds.

In a brief statement during the presentation, the constituency chairman of NPP Alhaji Adam Braimah on behalf of Lawyer Abu Jinapor emphasized the importance of education in nation-building. He noted that the donation was part of the MPs broader vision to ensure that every student in the constituency has access to quality education in a conducive environment.

“Lawyer Samuel Abu Jinapor believes that education is the backbone of development, and as a leader, it is his responsibility to support schools and students in whatever way he can. This donation is to ensure that our students have enough to eat so they can focus on their studies without worrying about their next meal,” he said.

The headmaster of Larabanga Islamic SHS, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude to the MP for his continued support. He noted that the donation came at a critical time when the school was grappling with food shortages. He urged all and sundry to support grow the school eschewing partisan politics.

Students of the school were equally delighted by the gesture and lauded the MP for his generosity. Many described him as a leader who genuinely cares about the welfare of his constituents.

The constituency chairman assured the management of the school and the student body of a 42″ TV set for the staff common room, and repair works on the school borehole that’s is not functioning at the moment.

The Hangaline United Band (Ataabo) Group, a renowned cultural dance troupe based in Damongo, has organized a peaceful walk to promote unity and peace among political party players in the constituency. The event, which took place on Saturday, November 24, was a resounding success, with participants marching through the principal streets of Damongo, starting from the 7/7 junction.

The peace walk was accompanied by music and dancing, creating a lively atmosphere that drew in crowds of onlookers. The event culminated in a grand durbar of dance and merriment at the Damongo community center, where stakeholders delivered powerful peace messages and reiterated the importance of electoral compliance on the day of the election.

Mr. Solomon Barnes Essuman, District Electoral Officer for the West Gonja municipal, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of peaceful elections. He noted that despite tensions in previous elections, the constituency has always managed to conduct elections peacefully. According to him, as we approach the December 7 elections, it is essential that we prioritize peace and unity and recognizing elections as fundamental aspects of our democracy, and that it is our responsibility to ensure that they are conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner.

He commend the Hangaline United Band (Ataabo) Group for organizing a such peace walk and durbar, saying initiatives like these remind citizens of the importance of peace and unity in our community. “I also want to remind all citizens that they have the right to observe the ballot sorting and counting process. Let us take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and fair” he said.

Abduali Abdu-Fatawu, Secretary to the group, delivered a peace speech, highlighting the significance of the December 7 elections saying that the December 7 elections approaches, citizens are presented with an opportunity to shape the future of the nation.

“Elections are the heartbeat of democracy, allowing us to express our hopes, values, and visions for the future. However, elections can also be a source of tension and conflict. It is therefore essential that we prioritize peace and unity in the run-up to the elections” he said.

He added “A peaceful election is one where each person’s right to vote is respected, and differences are handled with tolerance. It is an election where citizens are able to express their opinions and participate in the electoral process without fear of intimidation or violence. As we prepare for the December 7 elections, I urge all citizens to make a conscious choice to choose peace. Let us reject violence, misinformation, and divisiveness. Let us work together to promote peace and unity in our community”.

He also appealed to all citizens to respect the electoral process and the outcome of the elections. urging that voters should avoid any actions that may compromise the peace and stability of our community.

The Jakpa Palace in Damongo recently hosted a Quran recitation event, led by Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I), the King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom. The event, which took place on Sunday, November 24, 2024, aimed to seek God’s blessings and favors for peace to prevail in the upcoming December 7 elections.

According to Benkurowura Saaka Mahama, spokesperson for the Yagbonwura, the Quran is a powerful tool for solving problems, and its recitation is essential for a peaceful election. “The Yagbonwura believes that the Quran holds the key to resolving all challenges, and that’s why we’re gathering here today to recite the Quran and seek God’s guidance and protection,” he explained.

The event was attended by notable figures, including Alhaji Ibrahim Baba Zakaria (Original Zack), Regional Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Alhaji Iddrisu Sulemana (Prof. Kalamonia), Savannah Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

In his remarks, Alhaji Ibrahim Baba Zakaria emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the country. “As a party, we’ve been in the game of politics since 1992, and we know what it takes to govern a peaceful country. We believe that the will of God made the NPP victorious in the last two elections, and that’s why we’ve been patient and followed up to date,” he said.

Alhaji Zakaria also reiterated the NDC’s commitment to peaceful elections. “If the will of God makes the NDC victorious in the upcoming election, we expect the NPP to concede defeat peacefully. We’re committed to ensuring that the elections are free, fair, and peaceful,” he added.

On his part, Alhaji Iddrisu Sulemana expressed his gratitude to the Yagbonwura for initiating the Quran recitation event. “Peace is the tool to development, and the NPP has given the people of Ghana massive development because of the existing peace. We’re committed to maintaining peace and stability in the country,” he said.

Prof. Kalamonia also cautioned the youth against allowing themselves to be used by politicians to foment trouble. “It’s essential for the youth to maintain peace and avoid being used by politicians. If they engage in violent activities, it will tarnish their image and make them unfit to occupy the position of these politicians when it’s their turn,” he warned.

The Quran recitation event was led by the Yagbon Imam (Supreme Imam of Gonjaland) Alhaji Kassim and Islamic clerics from the Kamara clan of Dakurpe and Larabanga. The event was attended by chiefs, queen mothers, and people from various communities in Gonjaland.

The event was a significant step towards promoting peace and stability in the region ahead of the December 7 elections. It demonstrated the commitment of the Yagbonwura and the people of Gonjaland to peaceful coexistence and development.