The “United For Purpose In Gonjaland (UFPG),” a youth group based in Damongo, has announced plans for a peaceful demonstration on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
The protest aims to denounce political interference in chieftaincy affairs within the region. Concerns have been raised over certain politicians’ misuse of sacred palaces for personal and partisan interests.
Yussif Seidu Arimiyaw, leader of UFPG, expressed dismay over the trend of partisan actors using chieftaincy issues, particularly the Damongo chieftaincy succession, for political gain.
“We have witnessed politicians exploiting our sacred palaces to attack their opponents and advance their political agendas. This includes recent incidents involving partisan figures falsely claiming association with our chiefs,” Arimiyaw stated during a press conference held in Damongo on Saturday.
He emphasized that the group’s protest responds to these developments, urging politicians to refrain from using chieftaincy matters as tools for electoral advantage.
“Our region has experienced significant development under the leadership of MP Samuel Abu Jinapor, and we cannot allow political manipulations to undermine these achievements,” Arimiyaw asserted.
The group has formally notified the Regional Commander of the Ghana Police Service in Damongo about their demonstration plans, outlining their concerns and the peaceful nature of their protest. The event is scheduled to commence at 10 am from the Damongo Community Centre.
UFPG called upon fellow Gonjalanders to prioritize issues-based politics and discourage politicians from exploiting chieftaincy and tribal issues for their campaigns.
The protest underscores growing grassroots concerns over the integrity of chieftaincy institutions and the need for political accountability in Ghana’s Savannah Region.
