Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched the “Zongo Gaskiya Forum,” a platform designed to showcase its development record in the Zongo communities and counter opposition claims ahead of the 2024 elections.
It comes as a platform to account for the various Zongo communities by comparing the performances of the two parties that have ruled the country in the fourth republic.
The initiative aims to showcase the party’s positive impact on Zongo communities by presenting historical facts and comparing the achievements of the NPP and NDC governments since 1979. It will highlight key developments in these areas, with special emphasis on Vice President Dr. Bawumia’s contributions.
Addressing the maiden edition, Hon Ben Abdallah Banda, representing Vice President and NPP flag bearer Dr Mahmud Bawumia, emphasised the party’s commitment to data-driven discourse over political rhetoric.
“Today we gather to reflect on the tangible achievements of the New Patriotic Party in Zongo communities in the 4th republic under the government of presidents John Agyakum Kuffour between 2001 to 2009 and President Nana Akufo Addo between 2017 and now,” Banda stated.
“The Gaskiya Forum, as the name clearly depicts, is a forum by the Bawumia For President 2024 National Zongo Campaign for the presentation of facts and incontrovertible data.”
“More importantly, it is also a platform we have created to account to the good people of Ghana, the stewardship of the NPP, as far as Zongo Development is concerned, and the way forward under the future government of Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, from January 2025, in shaa Allah.”
The forum, organized by the “Bawumia For President 2024 National Zongo Campaign,” aims to present facts and incontrovertible data about development initiatives in Zongo areas, which are traditionally Muslim-majority communities in Ghana.
Hon. Banda highlighted several key initiatives, including the Free Senior High School policy, which has significantly increased access to education in Zongo communities.
He said under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, the government has also constructed 17 astroturf facilities specifically in Zongo areas, part of a nationwide sports infrastructure development programme.
A notable achievement is the Vice President’s special initiative enabling 40 brilliant Zongo students to study medicine in Cuba, broadening educational opportunities for the community.
The programme has also overseen numerous infrastructure projects, including the supply of 5,000 dual desks, 17 astroturfs, and 70 new classroom blocks across various Zongo settlements.
In a direct comparison with the opposition, Banda touted the NPP’s commitment to developing the Zongos despite having less support from voters. He asserted that the NPP has outperformed the NDC in terms of tangible development since returning to power in 2017.
“We show sincerity, we show commitment, and we show proof of our development within our various Zongos,” he said.
“All that they have been able to do is to give holidays.”
Banda touted the NPP’s approach to inclusive governance, saying the party throughout the fourth republic has demonstrated a sincere commitment to strengthening the diversity of the country by building an inclusive party and society.
“This is evident by the remarkable diversity of the party’s presidential ticket, which has always presented to Ghanaians a mix of north-south and Christian-Muslim ticket, which beautifully reflects the diversity of the Ghanaian society across all. This act of mixing is intended to promote interfaith dialogue and consolidate social cohesion.”
The maiden Zongo Gaskiya Forum, held on Thursday, October 17, was on the theme “Seven Years of Zongo Development Fund: The Positive Impact So Far, and the Promising Future Ahead.”
It was attended by various stakeholders from the Zongo community, including chiefs and Magaajias, religious clerics, youth representatives (both male and female), and members of the media.
The Zongo Gaskiya Forum is set to continue its engagement across various Zongo communities nationwide as the NPP seeks to strengthen its connection with Muslim-majority areas ahead of the crucial 2024 elections.
