President John Dramani Mahama has presented a brand-new pickup vehicle to the King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, to be given to the Paramount Chief of the Kandia Traditional Area of Gonja as a gesture of appreciation and support for the traditional leadership of the Gonja Kingdom.
The vehicle was officially handed over to the Yagbonwura by the Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency, Alhaji Dr Yusif Sulemana, on behalf of President Maham.
The brief but significant presentation ceremony took place at the historic Jakpa Palace in Damongo.
During the ceremony, Alhaji Dr Yusif Sulemana conveyed President Mahama’s warm regards and reaffirmed the President’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with traditional authorities, recognising their indispensable role in promoting peace, preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and supporting community development.
The Yagbonwura expressed appreciation for the thoughtful gesture, describing it as a testament to the cordial relationship between the Presidency and the Gonja Traditional Council.
The vehicle is expected to enhance the mobility of the Kandiawura as he carries out his traditional responsibilities, engages with communities across his Traditional Area and participates in Traditional activities at the Jakpa Palace.
The presentation underscores the importance President Mahama places on collaboration with traditional institutions in fostering national unity and accelerating development. It also reflects the enduring respect accorded to the chieftaincy institution as a key partner in Ghana’s governance and community development.
The Kandia Division of Gonja was one of the most important traditional divisions established shortly after Sumaila Ndewura Jakpa founded the Gonja Kingdom.
Today, much of the Kandia Traditional Area lies within the Mole Game Reserve with the rest in tne Upper West Region of Ghana.
Administratively, the Kandia Traditional Area has been absorbed into the Wa East District of the Upper West Region, a development that has made it increasingly difficult for the Gonja Traditional Authority to exert direct influence and control over the area.
Efforts by the legendary Yagbonwura Mahama Dagbonga to reclaim administrative and traditional authority over the Kandia area were unsuccessful, largely due to the colonial decision by the British to include the territory in the Wa District.
At every gathering of the Gonja Kingdom, the Kandiawura takes his rightful place as the 5th son of Ndewura Jakpa, in accordance with the traditional seating arrangement of the seven royal sons of Sumaila Ndewura Jakpa, tne founder of the Gonja Kingdom.
In defiance of pressures from the Wala Traditional Area, the Kandiawura has made it abundantly clear that his division belongs to Gonja and will remain so. His stance reinforces the enduring spirit of the Gonja people and their determination to preserve their heritage, no matter the odds.
Source: nkilgifm.com
