President John Dramani Mahama has commended traditional authorities and the Gonjaland Youth Association for their role in sustaining peace in Gbiniyiri and other parts of the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District in the Savannah Region.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Gonjaland Youth Association in Buipe, the President praised the group’s commitment to unity and stability, describing their efforts as vital to the region’s development.
“The Savannah region is rising and your role in that rise is indispensable. I therefore wish to commend the chiefs especially the Yagbonwura and the Gonjaland Youth Association for their swift action in resolving the conflict in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District,” he said.
Founded in 1976, the Gonjaland Youth Association was established to promote unity among the people of Gonjaland, drive development, and serve as a link between the youth and traditional leadership. Over the years, the association has played a key role in maintaining peace and stability across the Savannah Region.
At the colourful climax of the anniversary celebrations, President of the Association, Alhassan Baba Darison, expressed concern over rising tensions in parts of the region and urged young people to embrace peace.
“Mr President, I wish to appeal to the youth of the region to channel their energies into peace ambassadors of peace and development, rather than allowing themselves to be drawn into conflict as warlords or self-styled freedom fighters.
“Though we have encountered challenges along the way, we have always acted swiftly and decisively to de-escalate tensions and restore harmony.”
He also called for administrative restructuring to accelerate development, proposing the creation of three new districts from Central Gonja, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, and East Gonja, as well as the elevation of Bole District to municipal status.
President Mahama, in his address, reiterated the importance of peaceful coexistence among communities, urging the youth to maintain harmony with settlers to support the region’s growth.
On infrastructure, the President highlighted ongoing and planned investments in education and sports. He revealed that construction of two STEM schools in Tinga and Busunu is underway.
“Education is the bridge between where we are and where we aspire to be and so we are going to invest heavily in education in the Savannah Region,” he assured.
He further reaffirmed plans to build a sports stadium in Damongo, to be known as the Savannah Sports Stadium, aimed at boosting sports development in the region.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor, praised the Gonjaland Youth Association for its contributions to the progress of the area.
The anniversary celebration, held under the theme “Five Decades of Progress: Empowering the Gonjaland Youth for the Future,” brought together traditional leaders, government officials, and residents to reflect on the association’s impact and chart a path forward.
