Abdulai Zulkaninu
The President of the Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA), Alhassan Baba Darison, commended the youth of Gonjaland for their role in conflict resolution across the area and urged them to continue serving as ambassadors of peace.
He acknowledged that although challenges occasionally arise and sometimes lead to tensions, the youth have often played a crucial role in restoring calm and promoting unity.
He therefore cautioned them against allowing themselves to be drawn into conflicts as warlords.
“Though we have encountered challenges along the way, we have always acted swiftly and decisively to de-escalate tensions and restore harmony. As the umbrella body of all youth groups in Gonjaland, we call on our youth to remain ambassadors of peace and development, rather than allowing themselves to be drawn into conflict as warlords or self-styled freedom fighters,” he said.
Mr. Darison made the remarks during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Gonjaland Youth Association in Buipe on Sunday, April 5, 2026, under the theme, “Five Decades of Progress: Empowering the Gonjaland Youth for the Future.”
He described the Golden Jubilee as a remarkable milestone that calls for reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment, noting that over the years the association has worked with stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups in Gonjaland.
Mr. Darison also commended President John Mahama for what he described as a significant achievement at the United Nations General Assembly, where he spearheaded a resolution designating the Transatlantic Slave Trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
“The entire African continent is proud of your leadership, commitment, and dedication to justice and historical recognition,” he emphasized.
He further revealed plans by the association to honour former executives and institute an annual Ndewura Jakpa Day to commemorate the legacy of the founder of the Gonja Kingdom.
“As we celebrate this golden jubilee, it is only fitting that we pay glowing tribute to our visionary founding leaders whose sacrifices, foresight, and commitment laid the solid foundation upon which this great Association stands today,” he said.
He added that the association will organise a grand awards night later this year to recognise sons and daughters of Gonjaland who have contributed significantly to Kagbanye’s development, unity, and progress.
The GLYA President also announced that the association will work closely with the Gonja Kingdom to support the Ndewura Jakpa Secondary Technical School in Damongo, the only school named after the founder of the Gonja Kingdom.
On development, Mr. Darison commended President Mahama for the “Big Push” road development programme in the Savannah Region and appealed for the upgrade of major roads, including Busunu–Daboya, Daboya–Mankarigu, Bole–Gurupe–Sonyo, Buipe–Kotito–Damongo, Mpaha–Timanklan, Salaga–Kitoe–Kulpi, and Larabanga–Murugu roads, among others.
He also called for improvements in water supply, youth employment, electricity connectivity, health, and education, and urged the government to create more districts and upgrade some to municipal status to accelerate development in the Savannah Region.
President John Mahama, in his remarks, announced plans to establish modern STEM schools in Tinga and Busunu, expand infrastructure across Senior High Schools, and upgrade selected institutions to Category A status.
“Education is the bridge between where we are and where we aspire to be,” he stated.
He further announced plans to upgrade roads, build a university, construct a sports stadium, and establish 24-hour economy markets across the seven municipal and district assemblies to boost local businesses, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities, particularly for the youth in the Savannah region.
On water supply, President Mahama commended the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, for his leadership in improving water access, particularly in the Savannah Region.
“I want to thank my younger brother for the very good work he has done. We did not send him to Ghana Water Ltd for nothing. He has done all the legal paperwork. I am happy to announce to you that just last week, the Minister of Finance signed the commitment letter for the Damongo Water Supply System,” he said.
Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, the paramount chief of Buipe Traditional Area and Vice President of National House of Chiefs, called for stronger unity among Guan communities across the country since they share deep cultural roots that must be preserved, celebrated, and across communities in the country.
Buipewura Jinapor proposes the establishment of a Guan Council of Chiefs in Ghana, saying “such a council would provide a common and respected platform for the promotion of Guan identity, culture, welfare, and development”.
To the youth of Gonjalanad, he said the future of the land lies in their hands.
“You are the custodians of tomorrow. You must therefore carry yourselves with discipline, purpose, and vision”.
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