Banda chiefs, youth commend President Mahama for Ahmed Ibrahim's nomination

The Banda Traditional Council has commended President John Dramani Mahama for nominating the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Banda, Ahmed Ibrahim, as Mnister-designate for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

The council said President Mahama had set a landmark history in Banda for being the first President ever to consider a Banda citizen as a Minister of State in any government in Ghana.

At a press conference at Banda Ahenkro last Sunday, the Baamuhene of the Banda Traditional Council, Nana Pe-Aboatea II also pledged the council's support to Mr Ibrahim, if approved as the Minister to succeed.

He said the council was solidly behind President Mahama and Mr Ibrahim and would be ready to assist them to execute and accomplish their plans and agenda for the country.

"Nananom and the citizens of Banda stand with you and President Mahama's government wholeheartedly on your agenda of Resetting the Ghana we all want, at all times and places," he said.

Age-old history

"It is with this great pride and joy that, we celebrate this momentous and historic feat as our own son, Ahmed Ibrahim is the first Banda citizen ever to be nominated by a President in the annals of the age-old history of the Banda State," he said.

Nana Pe-Aboatea said it was the prayer of the chiefs and people of the Banda area that "the Almighty God, our Sacred Black Stool and our ancestors continue to protect and guide you as you go through your vetting in Parliament and subsequently your appointment by the President, would go through successfully".

He said  the people were confident that his new leadership role would bring about much more positive change and progress in the areas of local governance, chieftaincy, and religious affairs in the country.

Nana Pe-Aboatea said over the years as MP, Mr Ibrahim had been a beacon of hope and a pillar of their strength for the Banda communities' developments and beyond.

"Truly, your unwavering sacrifice and dedication to the development of Banda, Bono Region and Ghana as a whole have not gone unnoticed.

"The chiefs and the people of the Banda Traditional Area congratulate you and President Mahama, our kinsman, for making us proud and making history in Banda as well," he said.

Development, unity

For his part, the Spokesperson for the Banda Ahenkro Youth Forum, Jerry Sito, expressed the hope that when approved, Mr Ibrahim would use the platform to advocate development, unity, and progress.

"As Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, you have the opportunity to shape policies that will impact the lives of millions," he said.

Mr Sito said his leadership under the ministry would undoubtedly bring about positive change, not just for their community but for the nation as a whole. 

He said even though people in the Banda area were aware he would face challenges, "We also know that you have the strength, wisdom, and determination to overcome them".

"The youth of Banda- Ahenkro stand firmly behind you, ready to support you in any way we can," he said.

Mr Sito said the Youth in the area were taking a cue from Mr Ibrahim's selfless hard work, dedication and resilience that led him to this remarkable feat.

He thanked the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, for his unwavering support and guidance to Mr Ibrahim, which he said had played a significant role in this achievement. 

Writer's email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh