The remarkable and unmatched achievements of the Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government in the Savannah Region have been acknowledged and celebrated by the chiefs, elders, and residents of Dagbon.
On Monday, October 14, 2024, under the leadership of Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, the people of Dagbon hosted a grand durbar in Damongo to highlight the significant and lasting impact of President Akufo-Addo, who was visiting as part of his farewell tour.
In his speech at the event, Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu expressed the deep gratitude of the Dagbon people to President Akufo-Addo, recognizing the profound changes the area has experienced during his presidency.
Yagbonwura noted that by creating the Savannah Region and resolving the long-standing chieftaincy dispute, President Akufo-Addo has secured a place in Gonja history as the leader who fulfilled their greatest aspirations.
He further emphasized that the substantial developments witnessed in the region are evident across various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
We are deeply thankful for your commitment and leadership in the creation of the Savannah Region. This crucial decision has brought tremendous advancements in critical sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, roads, and more. The people of Gonjaland have truly experienced significant growth because of this, and we will always be grateful to you
In a heartfelt speech filled with gratitude, President Akufo-Addo thanked the people of Gonjaland, and Ghanaians as a whole, for the honor and unwavering support they extended to him throughout his presidency.
Focusing on Dagbon, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the key achievements that distinguish his administration as the most impactful in the history of the Dagbon people.
He acknowledged the vital roles played by Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, Overlord of the Manprugu Kingdom, in the quest for lasting peace in Dagbon.
President Akufo-Addo also emphasized his government’s achievements in health, education, and infrastructure, reaffirming his commitment to fulfilling his promise of being a champion of development for the Dagbon people.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Ghana for the privilege of serving as your president, not once, but twice. I am here to personally thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement, and to bid you farewell. There are two important matters I wish to highlight: the outstanding cooperation and collaboration I received from your predecessor.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge the tremendous support he provided as one of the three esteemed chiefs who helped me bring lasting peace to Dagbon. Alongside Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Nayiri, he played a crucial role in restoring peace to Yagbon. I will never forget this collaboration and will forever remain deeply grateful for it
The second point is the cooperation I received from him in the creation of the Savannah Region. When I assumed office, I was presented with a petition from Gonjaland, expressing their long-standing desire for their own region. I explained that, according to the constitution, it is up to the people of the area to decide if they want a new region. I told him that I was ready to proceed, and if he was as well, we could work together. By the grace of God, we joined forces and successfully brought the Savannah Region to life. I will always remember him and remain deeply grateful to the Jakpa stool for these two monumental achievements of my administration
Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Damongo, praised President Akufo-Addo, calling his contributions to the region “unmatched.”
He noted that by fulfilling the longstanding request for a region—a plea the Gonja people had made even before Ghana’s independence—President Akufo-Addo has achieved legendary status in their eyes.
The people of the Savannah Region and Gonjaland have been advocating for their own region since the 19th century. They petitioned every president under the Fourth Republic, but it was President Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo who finally brought the Savannah Region into existence. This is a lasting part of the Akufo-Addo legacy, both now and for the future. We welcome everyone to what is now the Akufo-Addo region
Mr. President, this achievement is unparalleled. You have liberated the people of Gonjaland and given us our own identity. The people of the Savannah Region and Gonjaland are deeply grateful. Beyond the creation of this region, you have ushered in remarkable development in every aspect of life—education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and more. Your legacy remains unmatched
