Ya Naa Abukari II, Overlord of Dagbon together with the paramount chiefs in the northern regon have welcomed the nomination of Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu as the Northern Regional Minister designate announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The Minister designate formerly introduced himself to the traditional leaders in a three day familiarization tour of the region beginning Tuesday, 26 January, 2021.
The New Patriotic Party Chairman for the Northern Region, Mohammed Baantima Samba led the Minister-designate together with other executives of the party to pay homage to the Gbewa palace, the Mionlana Abdulai Mahamadu, Yoo Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani, Tolon Naa Major (rtd) Sulemana Abubakari, Sagnari Naa Ambassador Abdulai Yakubu among others across the region.
Similarly, the entourage also visited the leadership of various Islamic sets and the Clergy to acquaint with as well. They had separate interactions with the Regional Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdul Salam Ahmed, leader of the Masjidul Bayaan, Sheikh Saeed Abubakari of the Ambariya Muslim community and the Chief of Zongo and leader of the Shia Muslim community.
He, accordingly, also visited and interacted with leaders of the Christian community including the Catholic Archdioceses in the region.
The Minister designate in his interaction with members of the Catholic Archdioceses, who represented the Archbishop, recounted the long standing ties between the NPP and the Catholic Mission in Ghana.
He fervently called the Catholic Ministry as his second home because part of his upbringing comes from the mission since 1963 when his late Grandfather gave out land for the construction of the St Martins in their village many decades ago.
He promised to continuously count on the support and prayers from the mission when he assume office as Minister for the northern region.
The veteran politician said, “When you’re coming to occupy such an office, you will need partners, I know what the Catholic Mission stands for and the contribution that they have been offering and why not, I would want to tap into the benefits of the mission.”
“I come with development oriented mind to help the President successful implement his vision for the growth and transformation of our country. So it is proper for me to come for prayers even before my vetting” he indicated.
Alhaji Shani Bakery as he is popularly known in the region further underscored the impeccable role and contribution both faith based organizations and the traditional rulers always advance in the country.
He, therefore, expressed his undying commitment to work hand in hand with all stakeholders and partners to realize the transformational vision of President Nana Akufo-Addo in the northern region.
He noted the numerous poverty alleviation interventions introduced by Nana Akufo-Addo during his first term in office is a catalyst to build the nation, adding, the northern region must be positioned well to enjoy its share of the national cake.
For his part, Father Mathew on behalf of the Archbishop who was not present at the time of the visit welcomed the Minister designate and intimated the visit further deepens the long standing working relationship between the Catholic Church and the party.
According to him, the Archbishop in the past has received a number of visits from highly placed members of the NPP including the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he indicated calls the Archbishop his spiritual father.
He further assured the Minister designate of their support to pray for him and President Akufo-Addo and pledged to also convey the visit to the Archbishop upon his return.
Meanwhile, the paramount Chief of Sagnarigu, Naa Ambassador Abdulai Yakubu in an earlier submission welcomed the appointment of the nominee and commended the President for reposing that confidence in Dagombas.
The Chief, however, challenged the Minister designate even before his parliamentary vetting as required in law to take steps to cement the existing peace in Dagbon to complement efforts made by President Nana Akufo-Addo, who in view of the Chief has demonstrated enough commitment to see the ancient ethnic group back to its glorious moments.
