As part of tradition, the King of Gonjaland Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boresa l, had celebrated this year’s Damba festival which also fell on his 10th anniversary on November 14, 2020 as ruler of the Gonja Kingdom.
The festival celebrated on the theme:” promoting culture, peace and Development, the role of Chiefs and citizens of Savannah Region is an occasion use to settle disputes among the people and also to plan for development in the tradtional area was characterised by merry making, drumming and dancing .
In an address by Mr Abutu kapori (secretary to the paramount chief) on behalf of the Yagbonwura appealed to Gonjas, people of Gonja extraction and persons resident on Gonjaland, and Gonjas in the Diaspora to eschew divisions and undermining that would not benefit the people.
He thanked President Akuffo Addo for showing extraordinary leadership.
Mr Kapori, in his speech indicated how committed the President, Nana Akufo Addo has shown towards the Jakpa Palace since he became the Head of State as he buttressed that the President had visited the Jakpa Palace on eight occasions in support of their demands.
The Yagbonwura commended the President for constructing the road linking the eastern Gonja to Yapei area and wished it could be diverted to Tulewe area to link Tulewe and Kusawgu to eastern Gonja .
” Mr President we are grateful for the various infrastructural projects started in Gonjaland particularly the water system in Damongo, Yapei, Salaga and Kpembe .”
He appealed to Government to consider establishing a military base centre in the area for prompt response to crime that would secure the area from the sourge of armed robbery cases.
On Education, he lamented that, the long term effect of lack of educational facilities has had a telling effect on boys and girls in Gonja with damning consequences for the girl child in particular.
He called upon the government therefore to support his concerns on education and urged the government to establish in the shortest possible time training colleges in the Savannah region .
Touching on politics, the king appealed to various political parties to Ghana, the youth to put Ghana first as we approach the December election and maintain peace before, during and after the 7th December election.
Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo, delivering a speech on behalf of the President, Nana Akufo-Addo said without peace, we cannot activate the process that will bring the progress and prosperity of the area.
“My government is determined to carry along every Ghanaian living in every part of our country on the journey to Development.”, he indicated.
“The Savannah Region has had it’s fair share of the National cake. You can attest to the Roads, Hospital and Educational infrastructure, as well as Water and sanitation projects that have been delivered during my tenure of the NPP Government”, said the Senior Minister.
He also called on the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to forment trouble during, before and after the December 7 elections.
Source: yagbonradioonline
