Advocacy organisation inaugurates Nabdam office to drive development

The Bolgatanga, Nangodi, Bongo and Tongo (BONABOTO), organisation, a civil society Organisation (CSO) in the Upper East Region, has inaugurated a new branch in the Nabdam district to drive the development of the area.

Two months ago, the new branch at Bongo was also inaugurated while currently, processes are underway towards the inauguration of the branches in Bolgatanga East and Talensi districts respectively.

The advocacy organisation, which has existed since the 1980s, has championed the growth and development of the districts within its catchment areas and also provided financial assistance to students to acquire tertiary education.

Decentralisation

Inaugurating the branch, the Regional Chairman of the organisation, Dr Esmond Agurgo Balfour, said over the years, BONABOTO existed only in Bolgatanga, compelling members from adjoining districts to travel to the regional capital for meetings and other activities.

He stated that they found it prudent to decentralise the organisation and bring it to the people's doorsteps, saying “By doing so, the various branches can work together with the district assemblies and other development partners to develop the areas.”

He mentioned that the vision was on course towards establishing branches in each of the five districts within the BONABOTO operational areas for the ultimate benefit of the people.

Dr Balfour stated that the organisation had grown beyond just assisting needy students to acquire higher education, to advocacy and lobbying for projects and engaging with development partners and the government to bring the needed development to the people.

More effective

He explained that with the setting up of district branches, the organisation would be more effective and responsive on the ground than when it was initially a one-centred organisation, adding “We can now put our heads together and join forces with duty bearers at the local level to undertake projects for the benefit of the people.

Touching on the support provided by the organisation aside from the provision of educational support, he indicated that the organisation had supported the establishment of a dialysis centre at the Bolgatanga Hospital, and donated incubators worth $160,000 to health facilities, among others.

The Nabdam District BONABOTO Chairman, Elias Yen Nabire, indicated that the branch’s inauguration reaffirmed their dedication to empowering their communities to achieve the desired progress.

He said, “This milestone signifies our unwavering belief in the power of collective action towards fostering positive change in communities” and pledged that the branch would play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges in the area.

Writer’s email: gilbert.agbey@graphic.com.gh.