The Sissala Union has issued a formal petition to President John Mahama, expressing strong dissatisfaction with the perceived neglect of the Sissala people in key government appointments.
The group highlighted the exclusion of the Sissala ethnic group from ministerial and other important positions despite their long-standing support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In the petition, the Union reminded the government of the Sissala people’s contributions, particularly in agriculture, where their land, covering two-thirds of Ghana’s Upper West Region, is known for producing high-quality maize.
The region is also rich in minerals, has vast arable lands, and boasts significant tourism potential, all of which contribute to the country’s economy.
Despite these assets, the group expressed frustration that two other major tribes from the region have been appointed to government positions, while the Sissala people remain underrepresented.
The petition criticized the NDC for not offering opportunities to young, capable individuals from the Sissala community, which has negatively impacted the party’s fortunes in the region.
“The dwindling fortunes of the NDC in Sissala Land are because the party has failed to appoint young, brilliant, and capable people from the area into its government,” the Union stated, referencing the lack of such appointments since the Fourth Republic.
The group raised questions about the effectiveness of their Members of Parliament, who have consistently secured all parliamentary seats for the NDC in previous elections, yet struggle to convince their constituents when the Sissala people continue to be sidelined in national leadership.
“How can our Members of Parliament continue to rally support for the party when we are marginalized in the sharing of the national cake?” the petition asked.
The Union also expressed disappointment that despite President Mahama’s roots in the region, the Sissala people remain overlooked in his administration.
They invoked a local saying to emphasize their feelings: “When your mother is in the kitchen at a funeral home, you never go hungry.”
The petition questioned how the Sissala people would feel when their own sons and daughters, equally qualified and competent, are neglected in government positions.
As a result, the Sissala Union, led by President Mahmoud Bakah Aduna, is urging President Mahama and the NDC to reconsider their approach to appointments and ensure that the Sissala community, including their Members of Parliament, are given fair opportunities to serve in government.
The Union calls for this change to correct the perceived injustice and contribute to the broader goal of reforming Ghana’s governance structure.
