Our attention has been drawn to an article published on ghanaweb.com (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=262829&comment=0#com entitled: Mahama and Gonja Mafia Seize control of NDC.

The irresponsible article which is purported to have been written by one Ekow Bruce-Mensah is orchestrated to drag the name of the President and people of Gonjaland into disrepute. Gonjaland Association UK and Ireland will like to make it clear that there is no such thing as a Gonja agenda to control a political party in Ghana and more especially a diverse party like the NDC. The article is not only malicious falsehood it is also bereft of logic.

According to the classic definition, the Mafia is a criminal organisation originating in the Italian city of Sicily. However, the term "mafia" has become a generic term for any organised criminal network with similar structure, methods, and interests. It is therefore very unfortunate, disrespectful and derogatory to refer to such distinguished Statesmen as a Mafia Unit. The poorly written article failed to explain when if at all such an agenda was hatched and the motive for Gonjas wanting to control the NDC party. Every Ghanaian knows how His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama assumed the reigns of power in the country and his subsequent endorsement by the Ghanaian electorate through the ballot box and so to say that Gonjas have a cherished ambition to control the NDC is utterly pathetic. Although the writer makes mention of a Gonja agenda yet almost all the people mentioned are not Gonjas so if indeed there is a plan called a “Gonja agenda” then what will non-Gonjas seek to benefit by advancing such an agenda. Gonjaland Association is deeply angered by the article and especially the reference to our late King Jakpa as a “fearsome traditional ruler”. The founder of Gonjaland is respected not feared, Sumaila Ndewura Jakpa founded his empire based on respect for the vanquished and his astute and exemplary leadership qualities has helped Gonjas as a tribe to live in harmony with other tribes for centuries.

Further, the request for a separate region for Gonjas is not only a right but is simply common sense. The Northern Region is presently the largest in the country and its size hampers development due to the vastness of the area. For example the distance between Bole (a district capital) and Tamale (the regional capital) is 140 miles. Therefore, common sense requires that the region needs to be divided for administrative and developmental purposes just as other regions, constituencies and districts were created for effective administration and development. Besides, the petition to create a separate region far precedes the assumption of office by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama. Previous presidents including former Presidents Agyekum Kufour and Jerry John Rawlings were petitioned on the creation of the region. This in fact has nothing to do with controlling the NDC party. Ghanaians maybe of different tribes but we are in fact one people with a common destiny.

The problems facing our beloved country are enormous and challenging and Gonjaland Association UK and Ireland would like to appeal to all Ghanaians to rally behind the President and help him execute the government’s productive policies for the advancement of our country and not condone intellectually weak, irresponsible and divisive articles like the one written by the said Ekow Bruce-Mensah.

Signed on behalf of Association;

Awudu Sannie President Hajia Hajara Shardow Vice-President Solomon Tampuri Welfare Officer Isahaku Kotomah Organiser Sheriff Adam Treasurer Khadijatu Kamagtey Secretary

gonjalanduk@hotmail.co.uk