John Dramani Mahama paying homage to Yaa-Na Abukari II
The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Na Abubakari II, has cautioned the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama over his motive for seeking another term in office.
According to the Yaa-Na, former President Mahama’s quest for the presidency should not be about making more money for his family but to leave a legacy.
“I believe you are not coming to make more money for your family but to leave a legacy that your children will not only be proud of, but will pave the way for them wherever they may find themselves in the future when you are long gone to your maker,” Yaa-Na Abukari II said.
The Overlord of Dagbon, also encouraged the NDC flagbearer to see his opponent, Dr. Mahamudu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as his brother and not an enemy.
“Being on the opposite sides of the political divide does not make you enemies. It rather enriches the opportunities of the family,” he told Mahama.
The Overlord of Dagbon made this known when the flagbearer of the NDC paid him a courtesy call at the Gbewa palace in Yendi during his ‘Building the Nation tour’ in the Northern Region.
He also urged Mr. Mahama, not to shy away from reshuffling his team to get the right ones on board by merit and competence, and lay off loyalists when necessary.
“In seeking to make this legacy a reality, when you get the nod from Ghanaians, do not shy away from reshuffling your team to get the right ones on board by merit and competence, and lay off even loyalists but misfits, who will only churn out mediocrity for your government.
This applies especially to your kitchen cabinet, because they in reality rule you and the country. That would be a mistake; no Ghanaian will forgive you, if you happen to be the chosen one,” Yaa-Na said.
Water Supply System
Former president Mahama promised Yaa-Na Abubakari II, that he would ensure his government establishes a water supply system in Yendi so the people of Yendi do not thirst for water.
“I am disappointed that with all the work that we did in terms of the Yendi water project, eight years after we left office, Yendi still has no water, Ndan Yaa-Na, I want to assure you that if your son becomes president you will not be thirsty anymore,” he said.
In 2020, President Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the construction of a $30 million water supply system in Yendi, but the project had since stalled.
The President had revealed that the Ministries for Sanitation and Water Resources and Finance had indeed signed an agreement with the Indian Exim Bank, for a credit facility of $30 million, earmarked for the construction of the Yendi water supply system.
Through the project, Yendi and its environs were to be supplied with 15,000 cubic meters of water daily, to meet water demand during the period of 2021–2040.
During the tour, Mr. Mahama assured the overlord of Dagbon and the people of Yendi that the water supply project will be the priority of the NDC government when voted into power come 2024 general elections.
BY Eric Kombat, Yendi