The Busunu Traditional Area in the Savannah Region has launched a comprehensive five-year development plan aimed at addressing critical challenges in education, health, youth development, and economic empowerment.
The launch took place at a grand durbar held to climax the Busunu Homecoming, on the theme “Thriving Together: One Community, One Shared Responsibility.”
The event was organized at the behest of the Paramount Chief of the Busunu Traditional Area, Busunuwura Monasa Jonokpowu II. The colourful durbar brought together chiefs, sons and daughters of Busunu, ministers of state from both past and present governments, government appointees, Members of Parliament, and representatives of the Gonjaland Youth Association.
Addressing the gathering, Busunuwura Monasa Jonokpowu II through his son, Abubakari Amadu described the homecoming as another important chapter in the re-unification of the people and friends of Busunu. He noted that the durbar rekindled an initiative started more than three decades ago during their youthful days.
Mr Abubakari Amadu, Son of Busunuwura
According to the Paramount Chief, Busunu’s strength lies in its diversity and peaceful coexistence among various ethnic groups, including the Hanga, Kamara, Vagla, Gonja, Sissala, Chakosi, Dagaba, Fulani, Gurma and Moshi communities.
“It is time to take advantage of this peaceful coexistence to mobilize resources and work collectively towards the development of the Busunu Traditional Area,” he stated.
Appeal for Senior High School
The Paramount Chief used the occasion to renew his appeal to President John Dramani Mahama for the establishment of a Senior High School in Busunu, a project he said has been on the drawing board for several years.
He recalled that in 2016, the community appealed for one of the government’s E-Block Senior High Schools, but the change in government later that year halted the initiative.
Busunuwura disclosed that a 25-acre parcel of land has already been allocated for the project and revealed that a consultant has recently inspected the site for the construction of a Model STEM Girls Senior High School in Busunu.
He appealed for the school to be considered among the first batch of Senior High School projects to be procured and proposed that it be named “Maame Nneba Girls Senior High School,” in honour of President Mahama’s mother.
Health Infrastructure Upgrade
The Chief further appealed to the President to upgrade the Busunu Health Centre into a polyclinic with a theatre and maternity ward, noting that the upgrade would significantly improve healthcare delivery in the area.
Community Centre Nears Completion
On community development, Busunuwura revealed that through royalties from charcoal production, the people of Busunu have constructed a multipurpose community centre comprising a conference hall, library, computer room, offices, stores and a dance floor.
He explained that the ground floor of the facility is completed and currently in use, while construction of the first floor has reached the gable level and awaits roofing and completion. He announced that the planning committee would soon launch a fundraising appeal to complete the project and called on indigenes to support the initiative.
Technical and Vocational Education
The Paramount Chief also appealed for the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) school, to be located at Murugu. He explained that the lack of job opportunities has compelled many young people to migrate to southern Ghana in search of greener pastures.
According to him, a TVET institution would equip the youth with employable skills to prepare them for immediate employment after school.
Police Training School and Youth Employment
Busunuwura further reminded government of the need to establish a Police Training School on land already allocated along the Busunu–Tamale Road. He noted that the land has remained unused since its demarcation and expressed hope that it would soon be developed to encourage traditional authorities to release more land for public projects.
Touching on youth employment, the Chief expressed concern about rising unemployment in the area and appealed for qualified youth from Busunu to be considered in government employment opportunities, particularly in the security services.
He commended the planning committee for the successful organization of the homecoming durbar after nearly three months of continuous engagement with the traditional authority.
Donations and Pledges
In support of the five-year development plan, President John Dramani Mahama pledged GH¢500,000.
The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakil, donated GH¢40,000 in cash and further pledged GH¢20,000 monthly for three consecutive months.
The Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi Constituency also donated GH¢49,500 towards the implementation of the development plan.
Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, expressed his readiness to support any initiative geared towards addressing the developmental challenges confronting the Busunu Traditional Area.
He pledged an amount of GH¢49,500 in support of the Busunu five-year development plan.
The Damongo MP also eulogized indigenes of Busunu and civil servants who have worked in the area, describing them as learned, dedicated and highly committed individuals who have contributed significantly to the area’s development.
Section of Chiefs at the grand durbar
