*DID ALHAJI BAWUMIA LIE TO THE ZUGRAAN, BAWKU NAABA IN ENDORSING THE REQUEST OF THE CREATION OF A REGION?*

During his recent campaign tour of the Upper East Region on August 6, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, made a pledge to the people of Kusaug. He assured the Kusaug Traditional Area, its chiefs, and people that if elected, he would fulfill their request for a new region, carved out of the Upper East Region, following all the necessary constitutional processes.

However, this pledge has sparked controversy, particularly within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Boniface Gambila, Ghana's Ambassador to Burkina Faso, and an appointee of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, expressed strong disagreement with Mahama's promise. In an interview with Joy News, Gambila argued that Mahama's promise to create a new region would jeopardize the peace in the area. He suggested that instead of making such promises, Mahama should focus on preaching peace.

This raises an important question: Is Gambila unaware that his own party’s flagbearer, Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, made a similar pledge during his campaign tour in Bawku? When Bawumia met with the Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II and other traditional leaders, he also promised to create a new region if elected as President. Could it be that Gambila is ignorant of Bawumia's earlier promise, or is it possible that Bawumia's pledge was simply a tactic to garner votes, without any genuine intention of fulfilling it? Your guess is as good as mine. 

This draws a sharp contrast between Mahama and Bawumia. Mahama has a track record of integrity and credibility, and there is little doubt that he will deliver on his promises. On the other hand, Bawumia's history in the Upper East Region is filled with unfulfilled promises. Consider the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project, where $12 million has already been spent without a single brick laid. Or the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, which has remained largely a mirage in the region. The One Village, One Dam (1V1D) project has resulted in only a few dugouts that dry up during the dry season. The promise to establish a Model Islamic Senior High School in the region has yet to materialize, and the Pusu Namoogo Housing project has proven to be another disappointment. The list of unfulfilled promises is endless.

The upcoming election will be a choice between truth and deception. The people of the Kusaug area must carefully discern between the two candidates. Mahama is not only committed to securing the region for us but also to leading processes that will ensure lasting peace in the area. As the Bible says in Matthew 12:34-40, *"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things."* Gambila's statements reveal the true intentions and plans of the NPP for Kusaug. As a people, we must ensure that these plans do not come to fruition. The only way to do this is to reject Alhaji Bawumia and all his six parliamentary candidates who support the same propaganda.

Signed

Benjamin Atuasi

(NDC, Deputy Regional Communication Officer, UE)