The National Democratic Congress's Upper East Regional Communication Bureau has responded to recent media reports alleging an extravagant display of cash spraying during the welcome durbar held in Pwalugu on Sunday, February 2, to usher in the newly sworn-in Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga.
According to the Bureau, the accounts misrepresented the event, which was culturally significant and intended to unite the people of the region through traditional drumming, singing, and dance.
The durbar included a procession from Pwalugu to Bolgatanga township, with people from various political backgrounds, ethnic groups, and localities marching together in joy.
According to the Bureau, the practice of giving money to traditional artists as a gesture of appreciation is long-standing in the Upper East Region.
“In the Upper East Region, it is customary for attendees to offer money to traditional performers as a token of appreciation. These performers are not prepaid but rely on such contributions,” reads part of a statement dated February 2.
It was also made clear that Akamugri's personal cash were not used to finance the incident.
Rather, Mr. Issaka Haruna, the NDC Regional Vice Chairman, gave him the GHS5 notes which summed up to GHS 100.
They further clarified, “Due to the harmattan winds, the notes briefly scattered, creating an unintended visual impression that has been misrepresented as deliberate ‘cash spraying.”