In response to an invitation from the Sankana Traditional Council, the incoming Vice President of Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, embarked on a three-day working tour of the Upper West Region from June 13 to June 15, 2024. The tour saw her engaging with local chiefs, queen mothers, women’s groups, market women, and party faithfuls, highlighting her commitment to community development and traditional values.
Day 1: Condolences and Cultural Ties in Gwollu
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang began her visit in Gwollu, Sissala West Constituency, where she extended her condolences to the family of the late Kuoro Kuri Buktie Limann IV, the Paramount Chief of the Gwollu Traditional Council and younger brother of former President Dr. Hilla Limann. Reflecting on her past as a research student in the region, she emphasized the importance of respecting traditional leaders and presented GHC 10,000 to the bereaved family. Kuoro Abdul Rahman Kasim Baata expressed the family’s gratitude for her visit and updated the team on the final funeral rites scheduled for June 28 and 29, 2024.
Day 2: Honoring Traditions in Wa
The second day of the tour featured a courtesy call at the Wa Naa’s Palace, where Prof. Opoku-Agyemang met with the overlord of the Waala Traditional Council, Naa Fuseini Pelpuo IV. She expressed her gratitude for the consistent support from the traditional council towards the NDC. The Wa Naa’s spokesperson reciprocated the appreciation and acknowledged the developmental projects the NDC had facilitated in the municipality from 2009 to 2016.
Later, in Sankana, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was honored with the chieftaincy title “Pognaa Piirima Maaluuma” (Queen Mother of the Rocks and Development) by Naa Pagraninge Sakoe Mornaa III. This title was a recognition of her longstanding relationship with the Sankana Traditional Council, where she had previously conducted research.
Day 3: Celebrating Kalibi Tigri Festival
The third day was marked by Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s participation in the Sankana Kalibi Tigri Festival. Led by Regional Chairman Bunas and his team, she was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the Sankana Traditional Council. The Chief reiterated the significance of the honor bestowed upon her, citing the numerous developmental projects initiated during her tenure as Minister of Education.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also visited Wa Central Market, where she engaged directly with market women to understand their challenges as mothers and businesswomen. The market women shared their struggles and expressed their hope for the NDC’s return to power.
Conclusion
The tour concluded with Prof. Opoku-Agyemang departing Wa for Accra on Sunday afternoon, having reinforced her connections with the traditional councils and communities of the Upper West Region. Her visit underscored her dedication to preserving cultural heritage and addressing local concerns, solidifying her role as a leader deeply invested in the welfare of the people.
Signed, RCO
