[A Gregorian New Year Poem written by Fuseini Abdul-Fatawu and dedicated to Amidu Chinnia Issahaku(Deputy Upper West Regional Minister) and Salifu Naliwie(former DCE of Sissala West District)]
We were a people once blessed
With leadership so insightful and enduring
Leadership so inspiring and caring
Leadership so humble and determined.
From the Nkrumaist traditions
We had the Egala's and the Limann's
Who lifted our hopes and pride
Bonded our hearts and souls
And made us an envy to many.
From the UP tradition too we had Chief Dimbie
Who also left historic marks
For us and future generations.
Then comes today
An era so bleak and so dark
With uninspiring and greedy leadership
Making us a pale shadow of our former selves.
Our youth have lost hope
Our elders felt let down
Our women are despaired.
As we were despaired and tearful
The sun rose with bright colours
The stars brightened all corners
And the moon shone brightly.
Our historic past is soon to be reborn
Our land is blessed with two humble giants
Giants we hardly deserve
But were gifted to us by the Almighty.
On the East of our land rose Amidu Chinnia Issahaku
And on the West of it rose Salifu Naliwie
These two gallant youths have restored hope to our young ones
Kept smiles on the faces of our elders
And made our women ecstatic.
We are on for a forward progressive march
A march that will redeem
The Sissala East and Sissala West constituencies
From greedy and opportunistic leadership
From leadership so incompetent and weak
And put us back to where we truly deserve to be.
We are marching to sit on high tables of men with integrity
We are marching with optimism and courage
Because we are led by men that are inspiring
Men that are selfless, humble and altruistic.
The rebirth of Sissala East and Sissala West constituencies
Is at hand
With the inspiring and caring leadership
Of Amidu Chinnia Issahaku and Salifu Naliwie
We know that we are led by men
Whose competence are not in doubt
Whose love and care for us are beyond bounds.
As they lead us
We pray that Allah guide them
And let them continue to lead us
From one victory onto another
And continue to protect them
From the evils of the wicked, greedy and selfish ones.
(Fuseini Abdul-Fatawu, Challu, January 2020)