The Sissala Union has expressed deep disappointment over what it describes as the continuous neglect of the Sissala people in ministerial and other key government appointments.
In a petition addressed to President John Mahama, the group reminded the government of the existence and contributions of the Sissala ethnic group, lamenting the lack of recognition despite their unwavering support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the petition, the Sissala land, which comprises eleven paramountcies and covers two-thirds of the Upper West Region, is a significant agricultural hub in Ghana.
The region is globally recognised for producing high-quality maize, as confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Additionally, it boasts vast arable lands, rich mineral resources, and significant tourism potential.
Despite these contributions, the Sissala Union noted that the region’s two other major tribes have been rewarded with ministerial appointments, while the Sissala people have been left out.
The group argued that this lack of representation is contributing to the dwindling fortunes of the NDC in the area.
“The dwindling fortunes of the NDC in the Sissala Land is because, apart from one senior member of the NDC, the party has failed to provide appointment opportunities to young, brilliant, and capable people into its government since the Fourth Republic,” the petition read.
The Union further emphasized that the Sissala people have consistently delivered all their parliamentary seats to the NDC in previous elections, making their exclusion from government appointments unacceptable.
They questioned how their Members of Parliament could continue to rally support for the party when their people are being sidelined in national leadership.
“We think this is both unacceptable and very unfortunate. How can our Members of Parliament continue to convince their people when we are marginalized in the sharing of the national cake?” the petition queried.
The group also expressed dismay that despite President Mahama being a native of the region, the Sissala people remain overlooked in his administration.
“There is a saying that when your mother is in the kitchen at a funeral home, you never go hungry. How will the chiefs and Sissala people feel when their sons and daughters, who are equally qualified and competent just like any other Ghanaian, are being neglected in his government?” the statement added.
In light of these concerns, the Sissala Union is appealing to President Mahama to reconsider his appointments and ensure that qualified Sissala individuals, including their Members of Parliament, are allowed to serve in government.
The petition, signed by the President of the Sissala Union, Mahmoud Bakah Aduna, calls on the NDC administration to correct this perceived injustice as part of its broader effort to reset Ghana’s governance structure.
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