The 2025 Biennial Congress of the Vagla Youth Association (VAYA) in Bole received a major boost when the Member of Parliament for Bole–Bamboi, speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), unveiled a series of development commitments and peace-focused assurances for communities in the area.
Addressing the grand durbar, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana said he stood before the gathering in his dual capacity as the elected representative of the Bole–Bamboi Constituency and the President’s representative, conveying the goodwill and appreciation of the Head of State to the Vagla people and their allied communities.
According to him, President Mahama deeply appreciates the role played by the Vaglikooris, the Vagla Youth Association (VAYA), the Vagla Safalba Choruba and Nomee Council (VASCAN) and the wider Vagla community in contributing to his return to power. “The President has not forgotten you,” the MP told the gathering, explaining that this appreciation was already reflected in key government appointments across the area.
Alhaji Yusif Sulemana( MP) noted that the President’s commitment to inclusivity and unity was demonstrated through the appointment of people from different ethnic backgrounds within the Bole and Sawla areas. He cited, among others, the appointment of a Vagla as District Chief Executive for Sawla, a Mo as District Chief Executive for Bole, and other strategic appointments drawn from various tribes within the two districts.
He described the approach as deliberate and symbolic, aimed at strengthening unity, trust and shared ownership of development in the Savannah Region.
In a development announcement that drew loud applause, the MP assured residents that all communities in the Bole area currently without electricity will soon be connected to the national grid. He disclosed that contractors are expected to move to site in January 2026, with both new connections and extension works planned.
Among other key projects announced were the siting of a Farmers’ Service Centre at Sakpa, the construction of the Sonyo–Bole–Grupe road, and a small water system project for Sonyo to improve access to potable water.
On education and health infrastructure, the MP announced plans for Nurses’ quarters at Seripe and Sakpa, a six-unit classroom block for Mankuma, and a broader housing project expected to provide quarters for up to 100 nurses and teachers across beneficiary communities. All these projects, he said, are scheduled to commence in January 2026.
Relaying a direct message from President Mahama, the Deputy Lands and Natural Resources minister stressed that none of the promised development projects would materialise without peace. “The President appeals for peaceful coexistence,” he said, warning that instability and conflict would derail government plans for the area.
He also urged the youth to make good use of the four-year tenure of President Mahama, cautioning against violence and conflict. “If these four years pass and we choose violence instead of development, we will only have ourselves to blame for remaining poor, underdeveloped and dejected,” he warned.
In a striking appeal, the MP called on residents to embrace peace in every aspect of life. “Let us speak peace, wear peace, walk peace, eat peace and do everything in peace,” he said.
The MP commended earlier speakers at the congress for their strong messages of peace and unity. He also reminded the gathering of the importance of respecting traditional authority and roles.
He urged chiefs, traditional priests, landowners, settlers and community members to remain proud of their responsibilities and to play their respective roles diligently. Recalling a time when traditional affairs, such as the collecting of royalties and fowls for customary rites were conducted without interference, he encouraged communities to preserve and respect these practices as part of maintaining order and harmony.
Responding to requests made by the Vagla Youth Association, the MP announced that President John Dramani Mahama has promised a new pickup vehicle for VAYA to support its activities.
In addition, the President donated GH₵200,000 to the VAYA Educational Trust Fund, aimed at supporting education and human capital development within Vagla communities.
The MP himself also made personal contributions, donating five sets of jerseys and footballs to teams that participated in sporting activities during the VAYA Congress. He further presented GH₵50,000 to the Vagla community in support of peacebuilding and development efforts in the area.
The MP’s address added momentum to a congress already defined by strong calls for unity, peaceful coexistence and youth leadership in development. Participants expressed renewed optimism that, with peace and cooperation, the Savannah Region, particularly the Bole and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba areas could witness meaningful transformation in the years ahead.
