As we approach the December 7, 2024 election, the northern part of Ghana finds itself represented by two distinguished leaders vying for the presidency.

Former President John Mahama, the NDC candidate from the Savannah Region, and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP candidate from the North East Region, are both respected and accomplished in their fields.

It would be unfair to deny John Mahama his respect as a native of the Savannah Region. However, it is equally unjust to suggest that only Mahama should be the source of development initiatives in the region.

Savannah Region, rich in culture and history, has recently become a battleground for political rhetoric and unfounded accusations. The NDC has been at the forefront of a disturbing trend, often referred to as the "illiteracy syndrome."

This pattern involves the NDC's consistent disparagement of any progressive initiatives or recognitions by the NPP within the region. Instigating chiefs against the NPP in the region and causing fear and panic. This is as a result of the NDC’s inability to match NPP in the region when it comes to development.

Whenever the NPP proposes a development project or is acknowledged by individuals in the Savannah Region, the NDC quickly moves to undermine these efforts by attacking and intimidating the individuals involved.

A glaring example is the reaction to Dr. Bawumia’s crowning as Konoknowulewura by the Yagbonwura Soale Jewu Bikunuto. The NDC chastised the palace for this act, questioning its legitimacy and motives. However, in a striking display of hypocrisy, the NDC remained silent when John Mahama was conferred a chieftaincy title by the Nayiri.

This double standard highlights a troubling inconsistency in their stance. Additionally, during Bawumia's visit, he promised to renovate the Jakpa Palace, which was met with serious counterattacks from the NDC, including published articles criticizing the gesture.

At the Gonjaland Youth Association's 48th congress, held in conjunction with the one-year anniversary of the Yagbonwura in Damongo, NDC fanatics challenged the Jakpa Palace's decision to invite President Nana Akufo-Addo as the special guest of honor, arguing that the invitation should not have been extended because former President John Mahama was also scheduled to attend.

Known NDC apparatchiks threatened to disrupt the event if the president attended, and true to their word, they orchestrated disruptions during the program. To an extent that the NDC assume the mouth piece of the palace holding conferences on behalf of the palace.

The NDC’s attacks are not limited to political figures but extend to local leaders and communities who seek assistance from the NPP. Recently, during Dr. Bawumia’s nationwide tour, he visited the Bole/Bamboi constituency and met with the chiefs and religious leaders, who requested his help in renovating the Bole Central Mosque.

The Imams faced severe backlash from the NDC, and an NDC Member of Parliament publicly named and shamed imams who had benefited from NDC-sponsored Hajj pilgrimages. This behaviour suggests that the NDC in the Savannah Region is bent on hindering development efforts not initiated by John Mahama.

To the youth in the Savannah Region, let us not be swayed by these NDC fanatics. Development benefits everyone, regardless of the party initiating it. When the Kejetia Market was reconstructed, the people of Kumasi supported it because they understood its benefits. Similarly, the people of Tamale did not reject the construction of an interchange by the NPP government. Development should be welcomed, not hindered by political biases.

The NDC’s actions reflect a troubling tendency to politicize development and recognition efforts in the Savannah Region. This behaviour not only undermines the progress of the region but also disrespects the dignity and autonomy of local leaders and communities.

It is essential for the NDC to maintain consistency in their criticisms and to show respect for all initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people in the Savannah Region, regardless of political affiliations.

The people of the Savannah Region deserve better than to be pawns in a political game. Development and recognition should be celebrated, not politicized. It is time for the NDC to apologize for their unwarranted attacks and to support all efforts aimed at the region’s progress. focus should be on unity and development, ensuring that the Savannah Region thrives for the benefit of all its inhabitants.

The "illiteracy syndrome" perpetuated by the NDC must end. Only then can we hope to see a Savannah Region where political differences are set aside in favour of collective progress and prosperity.