NPP Government Is Moving The Zongos From 'Tokenism' To Zongo Development--NASARA Coordinator Aspirant

Sulemana Alhassan Atakpo, National NASARA Coordinator aspirant, has reiterated that the NPP Government led by H.E Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has changed the long standing tradition whereby politicians trickily take the good people of the Zongos for granted by literally deceiving the leadership and members in Zongo Communities with Tokens as the only means of appreciating them of their generous support to them during elections.

When asked what is the meaning of the term "Tokenism".

Mr Sulemana Alhassan explained that "Tokenism" is a practice whereby politicians chooses to only reward the people in the Zongo Communities with Tokens such as bags of Sugar, Rice and other consumables especially during Islamic Festivities as the only means of appreciation for the support given them during elections.

He however posited that the NPP government on the contrary has changed the trend from "Tokenism" to Real Zongo Development through the launch of the Zongo Development Fund Bill with a seed amount of GH¢219.5 million. The amount is intended to realistically cater for the Development needs of people living in the Zongo Communities.

He added that the implementation of the Zongo Development Fund is a commitment by the NPP Government to fulfil the promise Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made to the good people of the Zongo Communities during the 2016 electioneering Campaign.

The Zongo Development Fund Bill seeks to establish a Fund to speed up the development of Zongo communities into centres of opportunity.

The fund according to the Minister for Inner City and Zongo Development, Mr Boniface Abubakar Saddique, would be deployed in five main areas, namely infrastructure and sanitation, economic empowerment, social development, cultural promotion and security and crime control.

Mr Sulemana who has served as special aid to Hon Boniface Abubakar Saddique since 2004-2016 revealed that the Zongo Development Fund will judiciously be used to provide roads, drains, clinics, water, electricity and street lighting in Zongo communities under infrastructure and sanitation; while women and the youth would be trained in entrepreneurship and employment skills for economic empowerment.

When asked what role he will play as National NASARA Coordinator in the utilization of the Zongo Development Fund should he be voted for, he insisted that since he has been a Zongo boy all his life and haven served as NASARA campaign team member in Asawasi and Salaga constituency and a member of the National NASARA Campaign Team since 2000;2004;2008 and 2012 he understands the real Development challenges of the people of Zongo Communities hence, he is well acquainted with the challenges facing the people in the Zongo Communities.

He will dedicate his entire tenure of Office as National NASARA Coordinator to assist the Ministry of Inner cities and Zongo Development to holistically tackle the Development gap of the people of the Zongos especially the youth to tap into the opportunity to be created through the Fund in a non-partial manner.

Mr Sulemana said the Development of the Zongo Communities will be felt by all Ghanaians because all towns and cities in Ghana have Zongo settlements. Therefore a conscious effort by the NPP Government to develop Zongo Communities in Ghana is not a misplaced Priority.

Mr. Sulemana Alhassan Atakpo concluded that he will continue to fight for the socio-economic wellbeing of the people in Zongo Communities to gain equal assess to National opportunities. He said he will continue to be accessible, impartial and available to all Zongo dwellers irrespective of their socio-economic status.

Mr. Sulemana is a young politician and businessman who has used his personal resources and political influence to support countless of people living in deprived communities.

Sulemana Alhassan is well connected to the rank and file of the party. He has a strong communication and lobbying skills.

The contribution of Sulemana Alhassan to NPP's recent dominance in the 2016 general election that led to the party's historic victory is evident hence, it will be prudent for him to be given a bigger platform as National NASARA Coordinator for him to continue with his good works for the New Patriotic Party especially at the Zongo Communities across Ghana.