BY: Dawda Mohammed Kakale, Takoradi
The Western Region Heads of Zongo Chiefs have paid a courtesy call on the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, to formally congratulate him on his appointment by President John Dramani Mahama.
The delegation, led by the President of the association, Sarki Ahmed Usman Maiwada Masala II, expressed their commitment to supporting the Minister’s leadership and the broader vision of President Mahama for the Western Region. In his remarks, Sarki Maiwada, who is the Zongo Chief of Takoradi, stated that the Zongo Chiefs are ready to work collaboratively with the Regional Minister to help drive peace, unity, and development in their communities.
He thanked President Mahama for fulfilling some of the promises made to Ghanaians, particularly to the Zongo communities, and pledged their commitment to maintaining peace and curbing the rising menace of drug abuse among Zongo youth. “On our part as Zongo Chiefs, we will ensure that peace prevails to foster development in the region. We are also determined to help address drug abuse, which is endangering the lives of many of our young people,” he stated.
Siedu Hussieni Sako, the Organizer of the Western Region Heads of Zongo Chiefs and Zongo Chief of Wassa Damang, added his voice to the discussion, highlighting the issue of unemployment among youth in Zongo communities. He urged the government to ensure that employment opportunities are extended to the large number of unemployed graduates and skilled youth in Zongo areas, emphasizing the need for fairness and inclusion.
In response, Hon. Joseph Nelson expressed his gratitude to the Zongo Chiefs for their visit and support. He reiterated the strong and historic relationship between the government and the Zongo leadership, assuring them of the government’s commitment to their welfare. He noted that the NDC government, under the leadership of President Mahama, had delivered on all of its 120-day promises, including the reduction of Hajj charges and the declaration of an additional public holiday for Eid al-Fitr.
The Regional Minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, particularly road construction, as a means to open up communities and enhance regional development. “I welcome all positive suggestions and initiatives that will help advance the development of the Western Region, including the Zongo communities,” the Minister said.
The delegation included Zongo Chiefs from various parts of the region, such as Jomoro, Axim Assiama, Wassa Akyempim, Damang, Oppong Valley, Takoradi, Effiakuma, Aboadze, Wassa Akropong, Tarkwa Tamso, Bogoso, and several other towns across the Western Region.
