PRESS STATEMENT: NDC CONDEMNS GROSS DISRESPECT OF THE NPP TO H.E. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA DURING THE FUNERAL RITES OF THE QUEEN MOTHER OF BUSUNU
As part of his ‘Building the Nation’s Tour,’ H.E. John Dramani Mahama visited the Savannah region on Sunday, February 25, 2024. He attended the funeral ceremonies of the late Queen Mother of Busunu, who was also his Grandmother. He honored the occasion both as a member of the family and as a distinguished guest of honor.
However, in an odd turn of events and what was supposed to be a solemn celebration in honor of the late queen, thugs from the NPP party muddied the program with the tacit approval of government bureaucrats and indiscipline party officials.
H.E. John Dramani Mahama arrived in Busunu at 9:30 a.m., but before his convoy could turn into the event grounds, a pickup truck bearing the NPP logo was purposefully stationed at the gate, presumably to prevent his convoy from passing through.
This man remained resolute even after the police escort moved forward and told the pickup’s driver to move. The young people in attendance then charged at him, causing a brawl that attracted the attention of a few men wearing uniforms. The car was eventually forced to move after three warning shots were fired, allowing the former president to take his place again.
As if that were not enough, 10 minutes into the official start of the program, a government delegation led by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Fremah Opare, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources; Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Savannah Regional Minister; Hon Saeed Muhazu Jibril and the S/R NPP Chairman suddenly appeared with a brass band, accompanied by some members of the NPP, in a clear act of distraction and intimidation.
As anticipated, the NPP delegation was able to divert attention from the program for a few minutes thanks to security. A group of young guys then approached the delegation in a frustrated attempt to get them to move to their seats so that the event could continue.
These young people were struggling because of the crowd and several military-clad men with masks who were firing many times into the air.
Furthermore, We the NDC in Savannah region want to make it clear to the Gonjaland Youth Association that this is not the first time the NPP has rudely and purposefully interrupted a gathering in the Gonja Kingdom; the events to follow bear this out.
- For a non-political celebration, Yagbonwura’s Damba witnessed a large disfigurement of the Jakpa Palace on November 25, 2018, with images of Hon. MP for Damongo Samuel Abu Jinapor and the colors of the NPP.
- On October 31, 2020, in Buipe, the DCE of the Central Gonja District and his regional party chairman, Alhaji Sulemana Kalamonia, arrived late to the Tabittal Pulaaku meeting, the annual conference of the Fulani community. As H.E. John Mahama was seated, he drove into the crowd, diverting everyone’s attention.
- The NPP disrepected Prof. Joshua Alabi, who was asked to represent them for the program by the special guests of honor, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, at the GonjaLand Youth Association Congress on March 27, 2022, in Daboya. Members of the NPP physically stopped him from going to the high table; once more, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor was present.
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- On March 22, 2023, during the coronation of Jira Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, the NPP bused hoodlums led by NPP N/R organizer Alhaji COP Rasheed to come and chant disrespectful insinuation to H.E. Joh Mahama.
One thing is evident from the chaos outlined above: the MP for Damongo has been involved in nearly all of this disruption. Therefore, rather than generalizing about the NPP’s careless approach, we are asking on the GLYA to look into the faces of the lawmaker and his party and tell them the truth.
We therefore anticipate the NPP apologizing to the late queen mother’s family and the people of Busunu for their disrespect towards the former president and for causing disruptions during the funeral.
The NDC S/R members vehemently condemn the government delegation’s egregious disregard for H.E. John Dramani Mahama during the Queen mother’s funeral, which was headed by the Chief of Staff.
We expect an unqualified apology from the NPP to the people of Busunu and the family of the late queen mother for disrespecting the former president and the distractions of the funeral.
From now on, we, the NDC, promise to confront anyone who wishes to disrespect H.E. John Dramani Mahama in his own area. Additionally, preparations are underway to safeguard and defend John Mahama whenever he enters the Savannah region.
Signed;
R.A Jalil
Communication Officer
Savannah Region
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
