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12.04.2015 Press Statement

We want Better Representation in Government or we advise ourselves Mr. President: Northern Chiefs

By Hamid Alhassan
We want Better Representation in Government or we advise ourselves Mr. President:  Northern Chiefs
12.04.2015 LISTEN

We wish to react to the ill-mannered allegations made by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry , also an MP for Nanton, Hon Mutarla Mohammed to the effect that Northern Chiefs are corruptible and are hypocrites. As a result of a consultative meeting of the traditional council of all communities of the Northern regions among chiefs, Islamic clerics, opinion leaders and with our greater population, we wish to state unequivocally that the Chiefs, Imams and other opinion leaders in the three regions of Northern Ghana are in by no means corrupt as the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry seek to portray to the Ghanaian public.

The Chiefs and people of the three Northern Regions have worked tirelessly to sustain the relative peace and stability that we have chalked in the region in recent years and shall not be drawn into any attempt by any individual for political convenience and ambition to ruin the effort of government, the Chiefs and people of the three regions.

It is most unfortunate that a Member of Parliament, one of our own, who represents our views in parliament and in government, will cast a slur on the image and the conscience of the entire Northern Regions. We also wish to state in no uncertain terms that at no point has any Chief, Islamic cleric or opinion leader received as perceived “filthy ill-gotten money” as bribes from Ministers of government or from any Member of Parliament under accusation from the Hon. Mutarla Mohammed.

We wish to also use this medium to implore President Mahama to consider competence, experience and high-mindedness in the appointments of representatives of the Northern Regions to serve in government in order to avoid future occurrences of this sacrilegious attack on the societal leadership of the Northern regions.

We are still at a loss as to why the President continue to underutilize the experience of Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, the Majority Leader who has been the face of Northern Ghana in government for several years amidst the clear evidence that the counter-productive infighting among the MPs of Tamale continue to pose threats to the security of the region. From the North, we can also boast of Alhaji Seidu Amadu, Abubakari, Ibrahim Dey, Dominic Azumah, Azimbe who are more experience and mature legislators to serve actively in government to bring unity and development to the region.

It is believed that had the President appointed more matured and civil representatives of the Northern regions, such squabbling among the Northern MPs will not tend to endanger the peace in the region.

As we seek a redress from the Office of the President, we urge youth groups taking sides on these issues to exercise caution in their activities so as not to engender reprisals.

Let's remain united even in our diversity for the development of the Upper East, Upper West and Northern Region.

Signed:
Hamid Alhassan (Alhaji)
For: Chiefs/ Islamic Clerics/Opinion leaders (Northern Regions)

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