Sacrificing A Top Athlete For A Leaping Man

One of the most treacherous paths we tread in this world is the realm of politics. It is a journey filled with uncertainty, where the challenges are numerous thus high campaign costs, managing public expectations, fulfilling promises, facing the scheming of opponents, and dealing with the betrayal of friends and family. In this landscape, survival of the fittest reigns. People are often voted out due to non-performance, even though some have worked tirelessly with limited resources. Strangely, we sometimes see individuals who have achieved remarkable things for their communities, yet still find themselves voted out, raising the question: What could motivate such decisions? Perhaps jealousy, bitterness, or a desire for power. For me, the fundamental reason for voting should always centered around progress and development.

The above scenario perfectly mirrors the experience of Honorable Alhaji Baba Issifu Seidu, the Member of Parliament for Nalerigu-Gambaga Constituency in the North East Region of Ghana. When he first contested in 2016, he was widely known as "TUMARANA" (Chief of Works), owing to his relentless efforts in drilling boreholes and constructing bridges across the constituency. Despite his dedication, he lost the to Honorable Hajia Alima Mahama of the NPP. In 2020, however, Baba Issifu Seidu contested again and unseated the incumbent MP and Minister for Local Government, who had failed to meet the expectations of the people. This victory brought hope to the people of Nalerigu-Gambaga constituency.

Tragically, the 2020 elections also saw His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the NDC presidential candidate, lose to His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This meant that Baba Issifu Seidu might struggle to serve his constituents effectively under a government that wasn’t his own. Despite this, he selflessly continued to serve the constituency for four years, keeping the hopes of party faithful, supporters, and sympathizers alive. He even sponsored some of the constituency’s activities from his personal funds. As an opposition MP, he still rolled out several interventions that greatly improved the lives of his constituents.

Some of his remarkable achievements include:

1. He established the Community Extra Classes Project in nine Junior High Schools (JHS) in the constituency. The extra classes for JHS students began in the 2021/2022 academic year. The communities that benefited include Samini, Wundua, Gbangu, Nagboo, Kulgona, Gbintiri, Namasim, Dindani, and Sakogu.
2. He implemented the Community Mobile Library Project alongside extra classes in nine centers across nine communities in the constituency. The communities include Samini, Wundua, Gbangu, Namasim, Sakogu, Gbintiri, Nagboo, Kulgona, and Dindani.
3. He built Kulgona Model JHS, which includes a computer lab and internet connectivity, and furnished it with 80 pieces of furniture to serve over 17 adjoining communities.
4. He supplied 400 mono desks (metal furniture) to Sakogu RC JHS, Naa Bongu Primary, Nalerigu M/A JHS, Tuni Primary, and Gbangda Primary Schools.
5. He supported 200 tertiary students in the constituency.
6. He constructed 40 dining hall tables to serve 1,200 students.
7. He also supported Sakogu SHS in completing their girls' dormitory.
8. He supplied mathematical sets for all 2021/2022 Junior High School candidates, including those in private schools.
9. He supported schools in facilitating ICT programs and attended educational programs.
10. Mechanized Boreholes: The MP lobbied for the drilling of 44 mechanized boreholes in various parts of the constituency. These communities include Nalerigu (4), Nagboo (2), Gbangu (1), Gbintiri (1), Sakogu (1), Dindani (1), Zarantinga (1), Jawani (1), Zandua (1), Langbinsi (2), Samini (1), Namangu (1), Kasa-ape (1), and Zandua (1). The second phase of the 44 mechanized boreholes includes Bongbini, Chirifoyiri, Naminyala, Gambaga, Sakogu, Nalerigu (2), Kpikparigbini, Tuni, and Gbangda.
11. Hand-pumped Boreholes: The MP drilled 30 manual or hand-pumped boreholes. Some of the communities include Kpasogu, Gbintiri, Nawuna, Kulgiduri, Bimoba Fongu, Timpela, Dimia, Samini, Chirifoyiri, Takoratinga, Tintariga, Soansobigi, Kparivaka, Sumniboma I, Burugu, Tichirigitaba, Naa Bongu Primary Area, Timpela, Abaabu, La-atari, Bagos-Gambaga, Bunbuazio, Samini Yidan Fongu, Zigum, Gbintiri, Langbinsi, New Market-Nalerigu, Atabiya Fongu, Baduri-Nalerigu, and Nangua.
12. He facilitated and paid for the rehabilitation and repairs of the water facilities in Wundua and Gambaga College to enable access to clean water.
13. Ongoing Hand-pumped Boreholes (22): Nalerigu-Dintigi Road, Gambaga Health Center, Yaroyiri, Gbingbiriga, Nanyeri, Banjam, Lafurum, Langbina, Dabari, Bombila, Nayoku, Yunyoranyiri, Bombila, Naminyala (Near Sumnibomah Number 2), Da-azio, Mozio, Wangau, Sakpirigbangu, Nagbai West, Kaaboritinga.
14. He supplied medical equipment, leading to the operationalization of six CHPS compounds. These CHPS compounds include Za-ari, Namangu, Gadantinga, Bumboazo, Jerigitinga, and Yankazia.
15. He renovated the Jerigitinga CHPS compound and commissioned it for use by three sister communities.
16. He sponsored medical check-ups across the length and breadth of the constituency. Those with complications were referred to Nalerigu Baptist Medical Center. He also supported the carrying out of over 250 cataract surgeries.
17. He also supported the payment of hospital bills for some patients from the constituency whose bills were too high for their families to afford.
18. He lobbied for the renewal of the 2016 contract for the electrification of Nanori, Tinsugtu, Teanoba, Kalboyiri, Naminbowku, Dimia, Bumboazio, and Tuni to the national grid.
19. During social functions such as Eidul Adha, Eidul Fitr, Christmas, New Year, Damma Festivals, sports events, naming ceremonies, funerals, and community engagements, he graciously honored every invitation and supported with items such as sugar, rice, and cattle, where applicable.
20. Filling of Bridges (Kulgiduri and Kulgona) and Reshaping of Roads: Zambulugu-Jerigitinga, Zaari-Zigum-La-atari, Nanori-Tinsungu-Laataarigu-Dagbiribori-Tambowku, Kasa-ape-Samini, Namasim-Sumnibomah, Dindani-Kpikparigbini, and Sakogu-Naminbowku roads.
21. He supported the Chief of Sakogu and his people in the construction of a self-help-initiated road project. This support became necessary because the road was completely destroyed due to government inaction.
22. He has supported individual farmers with fertilizers, agro-chemicals, and ploughing of their farmland. Additionally, he has made provisions to supply farmers with coconut seedlings.

Despite these numerous contributions, the outcome of the 2024 December elections was a shocking disappointment. His loss came as a surprise to many—his supporters, family, and friends. Before and during the campaign, it seemed clear that Baba Issifu Seidu would win the election decisively. So, what went wrong? Many have speculated, but the truth is that Honorable Baba Issifu Seidu fell victim to circumstances beyond his control. He was the "top athlete" who was sacrificed for the "leaping man," motivated by greed, jealousy, and selfishness.

In the aftermath of the election, I received numerous calls from friends asking if my dear friend had truly lost. I wished I could offer a simple yes, but I couldn’t. Instead, I had to tell them that it wasn’t a loss in the traditional sense. He didn’t lose because of his performance or efforts; rather, his own people turned against him. It is, without a doubt, a great loss for the Nalerigu-Gambaga constituency.

Given his remarkable achievements, his influence in Parliament, his role as the ranking member of the Trade and Industry Committee, and the vast potential he possessed, it is disheartening to see him betrayed in this manner. The question that lingers in my mind is: Why this betrayal? It remains a classic case of sacrificing a top athlete for a leaping man—motivated by greed, jealousy, and selfishness.

It concerns and worries me as I reflect on the future of this 'leaping man' in the years to come. Must we continue this sacrifice, or is there another path? Only time will tell, but perhaps rebirth could offer a solution for the 'leaping man.' As for my friend, Honorable Alhaji Baba Issifu Seidu, here is my message: the door is closed, but it is NOT locked.

In the end, we must reflect on the true nature of leadership. The greatest leaders are not those who seek personal gain or fame but those who selflessly serve their communities. Baba Issifu Seidu’s legacy of selfless service will remain a beacon of hope for the people of Nalerigu-Gambaga, even if they fail to realize it in the present. The sacrifices he made for his people will continue to impact their lives long after the election results fade.