The Member of Parliament for Sefwi Juaboso in the Western North Region, Hon. Mintah Akandoh, has urged the Zabarma Community in Ghana to uphold their rights as citizens.

According to him, the Zabarmas are highly recognized as peace-loving Ghanaians who have significantly contributed to the economic growth of the nation.

The Juaboso lawmaker said this when he joined the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area and the delegation of the Paramount Chief of Zabarma Community in Ghana, President of the Council of Zabarma Chiefs, Sarki Alhaji Musa Yahaya Yendu III, who over the weekend installed Alhaji Zakaria Salou as the Western North Regional Zabarma Chief.

He called on the Omanhene, HRH Nana Okatakyie Kwesi Bumagama, to ensure the protection of the rights of the Zabarma people as it is their fundamental human right to have free movement, and therefore it is the duty of the chief to ensure the safety of the Zabarma people.

He stated that the Constitution has made it clear that everyone born in Ghana or born before independence is a citizen of Ghana.

Hon. Mintah Akando expressed concern over how some Ghanaians labeled the Zabarma people who have lived in Ghana before independence or were born in Ghana as non-citizens, adding that the Zabarma people in Sefwi have lived there before independence, hence nobody has the right to classify them as non-Ghanaians and take their Ghana card from them except a competent court of jurisdiction.

He urged the Zabarmas to insist on their rights and refuse to give out their Ghana Card or Voter Card to any officer and prove to them that they know their rights as citizens.

Coronation

The Paramount Chief of Zabarma Community in Ghana and President of the Council of Zabarma Chiefs, Sarki Alhaji Musa Yahaya Yendu III, over the weekend installed Alhaji Zakaria Salou as the Western North Regional Zabarma Chief.

The coronation and the Inauguration of Regional Council members, as well as the leadership of the Western North Council of Zabarma Chiefs, with the National Council of Zabarma Chiefs, the entire Western North Zabarma Communities and Elders, with the blessings of HRH Nana Okatakyie Kwesi Bumagama, the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area.

The newly installed Western North Zabarma Chief and Zabarma Chief of Asawinso will oversee the affairs of the Zabarma people within his jurisdiction and ensure their rapid growth and development.

The coronation brought together Chiefs, Imams, and political party representatives who witnessed the colorful ceremony.

The newly installed Chief was urged to promote and preserve the culture and heritage of the Zabarma people and respect the Chiefs and elders of the Western North Traditional council.

This, they noted, will foster unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Western North and the Zabarma community in the region.

The Paramount Chief of the Zabarma community in Ghana, who doubles as the Greater Accra Zabarma Chief, stated that the people of Zabarma have over the years lived in harmony with other tribes and have contributed diligently to the economic growth of the country and will continue to live in peace and respect each other.

Alhaji Zakaria, known for his passionate contribution towards the development of the community, stated that he will bring together the people of Zabarma to foster unity and support each other to promote the Western North Region for massive development.

He pledged his continued support for the people and assured the Chiefs and people of the Western North region of his commitment to promoting unity and coexistence.