President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with with Article 243(1) of the 1992 constitution and 20(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) (as amended) has nominated 72 individuals for the position of District Chief Executives (DCEs) across the country, pending approval by their respective assemblies. However, the people of West Gonja Municipal Assembly and Bole Municipal Assembly have been left disappointed as their DCE nominees were conspicuously missing from the list.
The Savannah Region has five nominees:
Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District: Saaka Sinkina North Gonja District Daboya: Abdulai Nashiru Central Gonja District Buipe: Mahama Fuseini North East Gonja District Kpalbe: Abdul Mumin Ewutomah Salaga South Municipal: David Rabiu Kassim
Speculations are rife that the delay in announcing nominees for Damongo and Bole is due to external pressures from politicians, chiefs, and party executives. This development has sparked concerns among residents, who are eager to know their DCEs.
It’s worth noting that President Mahama had earlier revoked the appointments of all MMDCEs, paving the way for new nominations. The delay in announcing nominees for Damongo and Bole has raised eyebrows, and many are waiting with bated breath to see who will be appointed to lead these municipalities.
A powerful thunderstorm swept through Damongo on Monday night 24th March 2025, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm ripped off the roofs of several houses, including a pavilion serving as a car park for the Jakpa Palace.
The residence of Uncle Bashiru, Chief Driver of Zoom Lion Ghana, was also severely damaged, with the car-parked roofing of Jakpa Palace being forcefully removed and carried across the road to his residence.
A private car belonging to Regional NADMO Director, Tahiru Mohammed, was damaged by the strong winds, which carried roof debris and hit the vehicle.
The storm also destroyed the office of the Gonja Traditional Council, breaking all the glass windows, and uprooted several electricity poles around the Ghana Education Service office, leaving many houses in the area without power.
High-tension electricity wires fell on the Yagbonwora palace street to DASS street, posing a risk to road users. Residents are advised to exercise caution when using these streets until the situation is resolved.
Some offices and quarterses of the West Gonja Municipal Assembly were not spared from the destruction of the Monday thunderstorm in Damongo.
The frequent strong storms in the area have sparked concerns among residents, who attribute the destruction to the widespread deforestation caused by charcoal producers. Many are calling on the chiefs, West Gonja Municipal Assembly, and the Savannah Regional Minister to take action against charcoal burning to prevent further natural disasters.
A forum dialogue organized by SWIDA-GHANA funded by Star Ghana Foundation and foreign common wealth and development office brought together 100 participants, including representatives of excluded social groups, NDC government officials, and traditional leaders, to facilitate inclusive political participation and strengthen accountability.
Hajia Alima Sagito Saeed, Executive Director of SWIDA-GHANA, emphasized the forum’s aim to enhance democratic engagement and bridge the gap between political leaders and marginalized communities.
The forum focused on key areas of the NDC manifesto, including:
– *Economic Empowerment*: Job creation strategies for youth, women, and marginalized communities – *Agriculture and Rural Development*: Supporting smallholder farmers and agribusiness development – *Education and Skills Development*: Expanding access to quality education and vocational training – *Health and Social Protection*: Strengthening universal health coverage and social welfare programs – *Governance and Participation*: Implementing affirmative action for women and persons with disabilities – *Digitalization and Innovation*: Bridging the digital divide for women, youth, and persons with disabilities
The event featured panel discussions, community-led questions, and breakout sessions, providing a platform for participants to make valuable inputs and shape the discussions and outcomes.
Madam Alima Sagito said the forum provided a platform for the marginalized groups to understand the manifesto of the ruling government therefore given them they understanding to hold the government accountable.
(Cue Audio of Hajia Alima Sagito SWIDA)
Mr. Mumuni Yahaya Kiyoyo Zambache, Damongo constituency NDC communication Officer, commended SWIDA-GHANA for organizing the forum, stating that it provided an opportunity for the NDC to explain and break down their manifesto to the ordinary Ghanaian.
The forum is a significant step towards promoting inclusive governance and addressing the needs of marginalized communities in Northern Ghana.
Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency, Hon. Lawyer Samuel Abu Jinapor, has contributed to a parliamentary debate on the laying of a Legislative Instrument to amend the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2462). Jinapor emphasized the need for pre-laying consultations, highlighting that Parliament lacks the power to amend such Instruments once laid.
He clarified that L.I. 2462 aimed to restrict the Minister’s power to grant licenses for mining in certain forest reserves, including protected areas and cultural sites. Jinapor warned that revoking or amending this law without careful consideration could restore the Minister’s unfettered power to grant mining licenses on any land in Ghana, including forest reserves.
Jinapor’s contribution stressed the importance of engaging in a broad discussion to safeguard Ghana’s forest resources. He advocated for a detailed plan to protect the country’s forests, emphasizing that all stakeholders must work together to achieve this goal.
The agricultural sector in Damongo is facing a significant challenge that is crippling the livelihoods of local farmers. The annual increments in tractor services have become a bottleneck, making it increasingly difficult for vulnerable farmers to access these essential services.
According to reports, the cost of tractor services in Damongo has been rising exponentially, with an annual increment of GH¢50. In 2023, farmers paid GH¢200 for tractor services, which increased to GH¢250 in 2024, and now stands at GH¢300 in 2025.
This trend is not only unique to Damongo but also seems to be isolated to this particular area within the Savannah region. Farmers are calling on the government to intervene and address this anomaly, which is disproportionately affecting them.
The plight of these farmers highlights the need for urgent attention to ensure that they are not priced out of the market. With the current economic situation, it is imperative that the government takes steps to protect the interests of these vulnerable farmers.
The question on everyone’s mind is: why are tractor services in Damongo increasing at such an alarming rate, while other towns within the Savannah region remain unaffected? It is time for the voices of these poor farmers to be heard, and for the government to take decisive action to address this issue.
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana (MP) has on Sunday 16th March, 2025 visited the Jakpa palace in Damongo to pay homage to the overlord of the Gonja kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I) and officially inform his of his new role as the Deputy Minister.
Hon. Yusif in his speech at the palace said it is nothing but a fortune for the Yagbonwura to have a son of the soil as the president of Ghana and other ministers and deputies including himself as the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and so therefore, all that they wish for the Yagbonwura is good health and long life to enjoy his weatlh as his reign is blessed already.
The Bole-Bamboi MP and Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources recalled how the Yagbonwura, his Imams and the entire gonjaland supported the National Democratic Congress in the just ended election granting them a massive victory and the NDC winning six out of seven parliamentary seats in the Savannah Region. He recalled how the overlord invoked the spirits of the land and that of Ndewura Jakpa (founder of Gonja kingdom) when the president as a flagbearer then for was handing over the new palace to the Yagbonwura on the December 6, 2024 assuring him of victory in the elections.
According to him, all appointees in the savannah are poised to work with the Yagbonwura and accord him the necessary respect as the overlord. He also ceased the opportunity asking the Yagbonwura to on his behalf thank president John Dramani Mahama for offering him such opportunity to serve as the Deputy Land and Natural Resources Minsiter under his administration, which he never expected. According to him, he felt that it was enough for him having the president to come from his hometown, Bole.
The Yagbonwura, offered him prayers and wished him well in his new role as the Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister.
His excellency, Mankpanwura Jakpa Acho-Ade Borenyi, a Council of State member was also there to pay homage to the overlord after officially taking his new role as the Council of state member appointed by the president.
This visit was accompanied by the Savannah Regional minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, Savannah region NDC chairman, Alhaji Imoro, The Managing director, GWCL and other regional and Constituency executives of the NDC.
Dr. Sebastian Sandaare, the Member of Parliament for Daffiama-Bussie-Issa in the Upper West Region, has made a passionate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to urgently reconstruct the Wa-Bole-Techiman Road. The road, which forms part of the N12 trans-ECOWAS highway, connects the Upper West and Savannah Regions to southern Ghana and neighboring Burkina Faso.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday, March 14, 2025, Dr. Sandaare emphasized the critical importance of the road to the economic growth and social development of the regions. He lamented that the road’s current deplorable state has resulted in the loss of social and economic benefits, which a good road network should provide.
“The Wa-Bole-Techiman Road is in a state of disrepair, characterized by large potholes, weak culverts, and excessive dust. This has led to increased transportation costs, inflated prices of goods and services, and deterred investments and tourism in the region,” Dr. Sandaare stated.
He further highlighted the severe challenges posed by the road’s poor condition, including frequent armed robbery attacks and accidents. Dr. Sandaare noted that the safety and security of commuters are at great risk, and the road’s neglect over the past decade has resulted in significant economic and social costs.
“The prolonged sitting hours on the road pose serious health risks to passengers. Communities along the stretch are also experiencing a rise in respiratory diseases due to daily dust inhalation. Patient transportation is equally affected, as reports indicate worsening medical conditions among patients referred to the Upper West Regional Hospital due to the delays caused by the bad road,” Dr. Sandaare explained.
Dr. Sandaare warned that if urgent action is not taken, the continued deterioration of the road will further hinder economic and social development in the region. He urged the government to take swift action to reconstruct the road, which would enhance socio-economic development and improve the quality of life for people in the Upper West and Savannah Regions.
“I appeal to the President, through the Minister responsible for Roads and Highways, to urgently rehabilitate and reconstruct the Wa-Bole-Techiman Road. This will not only improve the safety and security of commuters but also stimulate economic growth and social progress in the region,” Dr. Sandaare concluded.
The Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor has paid a courtesy call on the overlord of Gonja, Yagbonwura Bikunutu Jewu Soalepe I at the Jakpa Palace.
The visit afforded the Director-General and his entourage the opportunity to brief the Yagbonwura on the status of the Savannah College of Education following a standoff between students and management of the institution.
In an interview with the media, Prof. Jinapor explained that the purpose of the visit to the Jakpa Palace was to officially communicate to the King about the absorption of the Savannah College of Education into the public college system after he made a plea to the president of the country, John Dramani Mahama.
“We are here to let the Yagbonwura know that his plea for the absorption of that college has been done and most importantly, we are going to the school to see to it that the proper thing that needs to be done to put into effect that absorption is being done”, he stated.
He expressed gratitude to the Overlord for the instrumental role he played in facilitating the smooth transition of the institution from a private college to a fully recognized public college of Education.
In turn, the Yagbonwura through his linguist, expressed his appreciation for the visit and urged the Director-General to work closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure that Gonjaland gets more tertiary institutions.
The absorption of Savannah College of Education is expected to:
Expand access to teacher education, enabling more students across Ghana to pursue teaching careers.
Enhance the quality of training through state-funded infrastructure, professional development for faculty, and curriculum improvements.
Promote equity by providing resources to strengthen teacher education in under-served regions.
BuipeWura Jinapor II, the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, paid a visit to Nayiri Mahami Sheriga I, King of Mamprugu, at his palace in Nalerigu on March 12, 2025. The visit was to express his heartfelt gratitude to the King and the people of Mamprugu for their support during his election as the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs.
In his address which was read on his behalf by his secretary Neripewura Panfia Nyanchibre, Buipewura Jinapor II thanked Nayiri for his motivation and encouragement, which inspired him to contest for the Vice President position. He also expressed his appreciation to the chiefs, Imams, youth, and people of the Mamprugu Kingdom for their impressive support, prayers, and commitment during the election.
Buipewura Jinapor II announced that he won the election with a resounding victory of 54 votes out of 73. He sought Nayiri’s blessings and guidance in his new role as Vice President of the National House of Chiefs.
The Buipewura also appealed to Nayiri Mahami Sheriga to use his revered office to call for a peaceful resolution to the Bawku chieftaincy conflict. He emphasized the importance of chieftaincy in Ghana and the need for peaceful coexistence among traditional leaders.
In addition, Buipewura Jinapor II commended the historical relationship between the Gonja and Mamprusi people, dating back to the 16th century. This was the time the ‘Nakpa Alliance’ was formed led by the legendary Kumpatia of Gonja and Naa Gbewaa a renowned Mamprusi chief. The Pact resist expansion of boundaries of other notable tribes, promote peace, trade and cultural exchange.
Buipewura added that to this legacy, the people of Gonja and Mamprugu have since coordinated and improved on the social ties and friendliness. He also endorsed the “resetting Ghana” agenda of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and called for prioritizing agricultural development in Northern Ghana to drive economic growth.
(Cue Audio Buipewura Address to Nayiri)
Mbatarana Wuni Gruma the 1st elder of Nayiri and the spokesperson of Nayiri Mahami Sheriga who echoed the voice of Nayiri said Nayiri and the entire Mamprugu Kingdom are grateful for the visit of the Buipewura.
According to him the relationship between Gonja and Mamprugu will not be taken for granted emphasizing the need to strengthen the ties between the Gonja and Mamprusi people.
Nayiri also admonished Buipewura Jinapor II to play his part as the vice president of the National House of Chiefs to find lasting solution to the Chieftaincy conflict in Bawku.
The Nayiri also recounted the visit of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, president of the republic of Ghana to the Nayiri and expressed confidence in the readiness of HE John Dramani Mahama in resolving the Bawku conflict.
Nayiri Mahami Sheriga said he knows his brother, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I King of Gonja Kingdom is also worried about the Bawku chieftaincy conflict since anything affecting Mamprugu affects Gonja as well because of the brotherly relationship that exists between these two tribes.
(Cue Audio Nayiri Address to Buipewura)
The visit was a demonstration of the strong bonds between the Buipe and Mamprugu traditional areas, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship.
In a bid to strengthen community policing in Ghana’s five northern border regions, Coginta Ghana has thrown its weight behind the Ghana Police Service. The Upper West region training, which kicked off recently, has brought together 25 police officers from 5 hotspots to enhance their community policing skills.
On the first day of the training, participants expressed their commitment to working closely with community stakeholders in their operational areas. This collaborative approach is expected to foster trust between the Ghana Police Service and civilians, promoting an all-inclusive security approach in the hotspots.
This training is the second of five under the “PEACE PROTECT” project in Ghana, which aims to promote peace and stability in the region. By empowering police officers with the skills and knowledge to engage effectively with their communities, Coginta Ghana is helping to build a safer and more secure environment for all.
As part of its efforts to promote peace and security, Coginta Ghana has also supported the National Peace Council in establishing and building the capacity of Local Peace Committees in 25 hotspots across the five northern border regions. Additionally, the organization has donated motorbikes to Regional Peace Councils and Customary Land Secretariats to enhance their response time in land dispute management.
