The Brotherhood of the Sissala, Gonja, and Gurunsi Peoples: A Legacy That Demands Recognition

Ghana’s strength lies in its diverse yet interconnected ethnic heritage, where historical alliances have fostered deep bonds of kinship and cooperation. Among these enduring relationships is the brotherhood of the Sissala, Gonja, and Gurunsi peoples—a fraternity rooted in shared ancestry, mutual respect, and a common destiny. This is not merely an abstract cultural notion but a living reality that continues to shape the socio-political fabric of northern Ghana.

At the heart of this fraternity stands none other than His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the President of Ghana and a proud son of Gonja heritage. His very existence within this alliance is testament to its enduring strength and relevance. As he leads the nation once again, there is no more fitting time for him to honor this brotherhood through inclusive governance. One of the most tangible ways to do so is by appointing Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu as a Deputy Minister as there are 4 slots left—a decision that would not only recognize political competence but also reinforce the unity of this historic fraternity.

To fully appreciate the significance of this alliance, one must journey through history, where the destinies of the Sissala, Gonja, and Gurunsi have been inextricably linked through migration, warfare, trade, and shared governance.

The Gonja people, known for their historical kingdom and military prowess, have long played a central role in shaping northern Ghana’s political and cultural landscape. John Dramani Mahama, a direct descendant of this proud lineage, embodies the essence of this historic fraternity. The Gonja kingdom, through its strategic expansions and alliances, forged strong ties with both the Sissala and Gurunsi peoples, integrating them into a broader political and economic network.

The Sissala people, primarily found in the Upper West Region, share deep historical bonds with the Gonja, owing to ancestral migrations and long-standing military and economic collaborations. Oral traditions recount that parts of the Sissala population were once part of the Gonja expansion, settling in territories that remain integral to both groups today. This relationship continues to manifest in cultural exchanges, intermarriages, and political cooperation.

The Gurunsi, an ethnolinguistic group encompassing the Kasena, Nankani, and other subgroups, are known for their resilience and strong communal values. Their ties to the Sissala and Gonja have been reinforced over centuries through trade, intermarriages, and shared governance structures. The Gurunsi have historically collaborated with both the Sissala and Gonja in defending their territories and navigating the complex socio-political landscape of northern Ghana.

The result of these historical interactions is a brotherhood built on trust, shared struggles, and collective aspirations—a fraternity that John Dramani Mahama himself personifies and one that must be further honored in governance.

Ghana’s democracy thrives on inclusion, where political appointments reflect the diverse makeup of the nation. Given the deep-rooted connections between the Sissala, Gonja, and Gurunsi, ensuring their representation in government is not just an act of political correctness—it is an obligation borne of history.

President John Dramani Mahama, as a proud son of Gonja and a living embodiment of this fraternity, has the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to the unity of northern Ghana. One such step would be the appointment of Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu as a Deputy Minister, a move that would strengthen this historic alliance while elevating a leader who has proven his dedication to public service.

Among the political figures best positioned to represent this fraternal alliance, Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu stands out as the longest-serving NDC MP from the Sissala-Gurunsi divide. His political longevity, legislative expertise, and deep ties to the fraternity make him an ideal candidate for ministerial appointment.

Elected to Parliament in December 2020, Hon. Sukparu has been a formidable voice in national discussions. As a member of the Lands and Forestry Committee and the Government Assurance Committee, he has championed policies that benefit not only the Sissala and Gurunsi peoples but also the broader northern Ghanaian population. His advocacy for rural development, agriculture, and social equity has earned him widespread respect across party lines.

By appointing him to a ministerial position, President Mahama would be making a bold statement about the importance of historical alliances and rewarding competence within the fraternity he himself represents.

The brotherhood of the Sissala, Gonja, and Gurunsi is not a relic of the past; it is a living reality that continues to shape the present and define the future. This fraternity, of which John Dramani Mahama is a direct heir, must be acknowledged and honored through inclusive governance.

As the first Gonja President of Ghana, Mahama has a unique role in preserving and strengthening this alliance. The appointment of Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu as a Deputy Minister would serve not only as recognition of his competence but also as a reaffirmation of the historic bonds that unite the Sissala, Gonja, and Gurunsi peoples.

This is more than a political decision; it is a testament to Ghana’s unity in diversity, a celebration of the brotherhood that has defined northern Ghana for centuries, and a call to honor those who have carried its legacy into the modern political era.

Now is the time for President Mahama to stand as the bridge between history and progress—to reaffirm his place within this fraternity by ensuring that its voices are heard, its contributions acknowledged, and its future secured.