Thousands of people in Damongo last Monday received President Akufo-Addo as he set foot in the heart of Gonjaland.
The visit forms part of his two-day visit of the Northern, North East and Savannah regions.
The creation of the Savannah Region is for the people of Gonja a dream come true, having been denied their wish for so long. Not even when their son, former President John Mahama, was head of state could they realise their dream.
That he made it possible, President Akufo-Addo holds a special place in the hearts of Gonjas.
People literally poured out on the streets to show appreciation to the President in Damongo.
Aside the creation of the region, the President’s hosts expressed delight at the level of cooperation that exists between the former and current occupants of the great Jakpa stool, as well as the deservingly rapid elevation of their son, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, that has heralded a period of progressive change, prosperity and a marked improvement in lives and livelihoods.
The Yagbonwura, Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, extended his appreciation of the visit by the President and reflected on the numerous contributions made towards the development of the region.
On his part, President Akufo-Addo conveyed the gratitude of the nation to the Jakpa stool, which is under Yagbonwura Tutumba Boresa Sulemana Jakpa I, one of the three chiefs which included the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Nayiri, Mahama Abdulai Sheriga, “who helped me to bring peace to Dagbon.”
“The second was the cooperation I received from him in the creation of the Savannah Region. When I came to office, I received the petition from the people and the chiefs of Gonjaland, that they wanted their own region and had been demanding it for many years.
“I said to him that, the way the constitution is written, it is the people of the area who will determine whether they want a region or not. I told him on my part, I am ready, and that if he was ready then we can work together. And by the grace of God, we were able to work together, and we succeeded in bringing the Savannah Region into existence. So I will always remember him, and will always be grateful to the Jakpa stool, for these two great achievements of my presidency.”
Reflecting on the period of campaign in 2016, President Akufo-Addo said, “when I was campaigning here in 2016, I told you, that sometimes, your best brother is not the man from your village, but from a village far away, and that’s me, your brother from Kyebi. I will look after you better than your own brother.”
“That is why today,” he continued, “in education, health, road infrastructure, industrial development, agriculture, in all of these sectors, there is every reason for the people of the Savannah Region to be happy about the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.”