The Zongo Development Fund (ZoDF) has recently highlighted numerous infrastructure projects and social interventions executed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government in Zongo communities throughout Ghana. Over 200 initiatives have been implemented, addressing various essential areas such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and sports. In addition, the Fund has provided scholarships, constructed bridges, enhanced drainage systems, and offered entrepreneurial training and financial support to Muslim women entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses. Among the notable achievements, the Fund facilitated the provision of 5,000 dual desks, the establishment of 17 astroturf pitches, the construction of 70 new classroom blocks, and the sponsorship of 40 outstanding students from Zongo communities to study medicine in Cuba.
During a recent stakeholders’ forum dubbed “The Zongo Gaskiya Forum” held in Accra, Alhaji Ben Abdallah Banda, Chairman of the National Zongo Campaign for Bawumia, emphasized the accomplishments of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led Administration in comparison to the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. He asserted that the NPP had made significant strides in infrastructure development within Zongo communities over the past seven years and challenged the NDC to account for its own contributions during its time in office. Banda contended that the NDC could only point to limited efforts, such as granting holidays to Muslims, highlighting the NPP’s broader impact on the community.
Banda also addressed misinformation spread by the NDC regarding the NPP’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues, which he claimed implicated Vice President Bawumia. He clarified that Dr. Bawumia had consistently expressed opposition to LGBTQ+ practices, citing Ghana’s cultural values. The Chairman further explained that the delay in President Akufo-Addo’s assent to the LGBTQ+ legislation was due to a pending Supreme Court case, which has prevented any action on the bill. He urged residents of Zongo communities to reject what he termed as “the NDC’s flimsy and trivial propaganda” and support Bawumia’s presidential aspirations, citing the NPP’s commitment to the welfare of Zongo inhabitants.
Furthermore, Banda criticized the previous Atta Mills and Mahama-led Administration for abolishing monthly stipends for Arabic instructors and Makaranta teachers in 2009. He noted that these allowances were established by former President John Kufuor in 2001 to support Arabic educators but were eliminated without restoration despite multiple appeals during the Mahama government. In contrast, he pointed out that the NPP has consistently shown support for the Muslim community, evidenced by the historical selection of Muslim leaders as running mates, culminating in Dr. Bawumia’s current candidacy as the NPP flagbearer.
Dr. Arafat Sulemana Abdulai, CEO of the Zongo Development Fund, further underscored Bawumia’s pivotal role in establishing the fund, which was incorporated into the NPP’s agenda during the 2008 elections. This initiative was outlined in the party’s manifestos during subsequent elections in 2012 and 2016. Drawing attention to the ongoing commitment of the NPP to Zongo communities, Banda assured participants at the forum that under a Bawumia presidency, the government would continue to build upon the progress made thus far by ensuring equitable development initiatives tailored specifically for Zongo residents.
The inaugural Zongo Gaskiya Forum revolved around the theme, “Seven Years of Zongo Development Fund: The Positive Impact So Far, and the Promising Future Ahead.” The event attracted a diverse audience, including Zongo Chiefs, Mallams, Imams, youth, and women’s groups. This gathering served as a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the significant advancements made and to envision the future prospects for Zongo communities under the continued leadership of the NPP, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to fostering growth and development in these areas.
