By Abdulai Zulkaninu
The 2025 Biennial Congress of the Vagla Youth Association (VAYA), held in Bole, on 30th December, 2025, was marked by renewed commitments to development and peace, as President John Dramani Mahama, through his representative, announced major interventions aimed at improving livelihoods in the area.
The Member of Parliament for the Bole–Bamboi Constituency, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, represented President Mahama at the congress.
In his address, he commended the Vagla Youth Association for its efforts in uniting chiefs, youth, and community members around a shared vision of peace and development. He also expressed gratitude to the association and the people of the area for their support during the 2024 general elections.
Alhaji Sulemana highlighted President Mahama’s commitment to inclusivity and national cohesion, noting that recent appointments in the Bole and Sawla areas reflected the government’s determination to promote unity across ethnic lines. He cited the appointment of a Vagla as District Chief Executive for the Sawla–Tuna–Kalba District and a Mo as District Chief Executive for Bole, alongside other strategic appointments from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
According to him, such inclusiveness would foster trust and shared ownership of development in the Savannah Region.
On infrastructure, the MP assured residents that communities in the Bole area that are currently without electricity would soon be connected to the national grid. He disclosed that contractors are expected to move to the site in January 2026 to undertake both new connections and extension works.
He further announced key development projects, including the establishment of a Farmers’ Service Centre at Sakpa, the construction of the Sonyo–Bole–Grupe road, and the implementation of a small-town water system for Sonyo to enhance access to potable water.
Touching on education and health, Alhaji Sulemana revealed plans for the construction of nurses’ quarters at Seripe and Sakpa, a six-unit classroom block for Mankuma, and a larger housing project expected to provide accommodation for about 100 nurses and teachers across beneficiary communities.
Delivering President Mahama’s message on peace, the MP appealed for peaceful coexistence, stressing that conflict and instability undermine development. He cautioned the youth against violence, noting that choosing conflict over development would only perpetuate poverty and underdevelopment. He urged residents to “speak peace, wear peace, walk peace and do everything in peace.”
He also called on chiefs, traditional priests, landowners, settlers, and community members to uphold their responsibilities and respect traditional practices that promote order and harmony within their communities.
In response to requests from the Vagla Youth Association, Alhaji Sulemana announced that President Mahama has pledged GH¢200,000 to the VAYA Educational Trust Fund to support education and human capital development. He also disclosed plans to provide a new pickup vehicle to support the association’s activities.
Additionally, GH¢50,000, along with five sets of jerseys and footballs, was donated to support youth teams that participated in pre-congress sporting activities and to strengthen peacebuilding efforts.
In a solidarity message, President of the Gonjaland Youth Association, Alhassan Darison, appealed for sustained peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups within the Gonja State. He announced plans to engage sub-ethnic youth associations to chart a collective path toward education, development, and peace, adding that each association would contribute to supporting the activities of the Gonjaland Youth Association.
