Hassan Baba Darison with other executives addressing the gathering
The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has launched preparations for its 50th anniversary, which is set to be celebrated throughout 2026.
Launched under the Chairmanship of Buipewura Jinapor Abdulai II, the golden jubilee celebrations mark a major milestone for the association, which plans to use the year-long campaign to reflect on its history and re-position itself for the future development of the Savannah Region.
Themed “Five decades of progress, Empowering Gonjaland Youth for the 21st Century,” the association’s President, Hassan Baba Darison, emphasised the shift towards long-term strategic priorities, including economic empowerment, skills training, and sustainable employment infrastructure projects for the Gonja youth.
“Over the past 50 years, we have promoted peace and advocated for the establishment of districts in the Savannah Region, which led to the creation of the Savannah Region.
“The association has also supported various development projects, including the establishment of a nursing training college, road construction, and health facilities,” he said.
Baba Darison added that the association has created a website to promote Gonja history, culture, and identity.
He emphasised that the fundraising dinner is to mobilise resources for critical legacy projects, including the rehabilitation of the traditional council office, which has been in disrepair for 15 years among other flagship projects.
He stated that the association aims to mobilise 1,000 members to contribute GH¢100 monthly to fund projects like scholarships, business development, and cultural preservation.
He added that the monthly contribution is not a tax, but a way to support the association’s initiatives. “In conjunction with the 50th anniversary launch, the GYA is pushing this financial sustainability plan. The plan aims to fund projects that will benefit the community, including scholarships for needy students and business development initiatives,” he stressed.
Baba Darison urged members to join the initiative and contribute to the association’s efforts to preserve the region’s culture and traditions.
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, and Member of Parliament for Yape/Kusawgu, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, called on the Gonja youth to get involved in the golden jubilee celebration, designed to reflect on the association’s history and reposition it for future development, with key activities focused on unity, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke