The National Executive Council of the Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) recently convened a landmark meeting with leaders and representatives of subsidiary youth groups and associations in Gonjaland. The meeting, held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council, marked a significant step towards uniting the youth and promoting collective development in the region.
In his welcome address, GLYA President Al-Hassan Baba Darison expressed gratitude to the representatives for their prompt response despite the short notice. He emphasized that their presence alone demonstrated a commitment to the shared goal of working together. Darison encouraged active participation in the discussions and urged the groups to contribute solutions that would propel Gonjaland forward.
GLYA General Secretary Habib Mufti Borejinkpar elaborated on the meeting’s objectives, stating that the engagement aimed to bring all subsidiary associations under the umbrella of the GLYA. He highlighted the organization’s recognition of past divisions hindering progress in Gonjaland and the Savannah Region. “Under Darison’s leadership, the GLYA sought to reunite and revitalize the youth for the region’s development”, he said.
“The environment is charged that everybody is willing to work together, and we hope that by working together, we will all see the Gonjaland we’ve been longing to see,” Borejinkpar said.
He further emphasized the need for collective focus, stating, “A major challenge was communication, there was no communication, we had factions, everyone had his own interest, so now the interest of Gonjaland is going to lead.”
A key concern raised during the meeting was the proliferation of unprintable words on WhatsApp platforms, particularly targeting traditional rulers and leaders. The groups collectively agreed on the need to sanitize these platforms and establish rules for collaborative work.
Borejinkpar warned that any group failing to work in the interest of the kingdom would face collective opposition. He also cautioned against leveraging group affiliations for personal vendettas, saying, “Personal scores should not be seen as a whole Association’s fight.”
The meeting brought together diverse youth groups, including Arise Bole Youth, Hearts of Gonja, Y for Peace, Adankare be Lembu, Abranyo Group, and Kenipibi be Kelone, among others. These groups pledged to work under the GLYA’s umbrella, prioritizing the kingdom’s interests.
The participants established guidelines for cooperation and platform sanitation. The King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I), was briefed on the engagement and sought blessings for the collective endeavor.
With this historic meeting, the GLYA and its subsidiary groups have set a promising course for unity, cooperation, and progress in Gonjaland. By working together, the youth aim to overcome past challenges and build a brighter future for the kingdom.
