Former President of Ghana and Flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has donated 5,000 Ghanaian cedis (GHS) to the inaugural Sukuma festival for the Greater Accra Bissa community.
The cultural celebration was held on Saturday, 5 October, at the Alajo Astro Turf in the nation’s capital.
Mustapha Abubakar, a member of Mr Mahama’s campaign team, delivered both the donation and a speech on behalf of the NDC leader.
In his address, Mr Abubakar highlighted Mahama’s plans for developing Ghana, including the much-touted 24-hour economy, which he says is a game changer. He quoted the former president:
“Our vision for a 24-hour economy will create more jobs, boost productivity, and drive sustainable growth,” he said. “This initiative, along with our other development plans, will transform Ghana and improve the lives of all our citizens, including the Bissa community.”
Abubakar also reiterated Mahama’s commitment to peace and unity, quoting a comprehensive statement made by the former president:
“Mr Mahama has consistently called for peace and unity throughout the electoral process, urging Ghanaians to ‘show the world that our democracy is mature by exercising our rights peacefully, respecting the choices of others, and remembering that Ghana is bigger than any individual or party.'”
Mahama has a long-standing relationship with the Bissa community, notably his close association with the late Dr Mustapha Ahmed, who served in various ministerial capacities under both the Mills and Mahama administrations from 2009 to 2016.
Mr Abubakar emphasised that the Bissa vote is crucial for Mahama’s return to power. He appealed to Bissas both in their home region of Upper East and those in other parts of Ghana to give Mahama their mandate.
The event also saw political engagement from both major parties, with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) making a separate donation at the colourful event.
The Sukuma festival, which aims to unite the Bissa diaspora through cultural celebration, was inaugurated in 2022 in the Ashanti Region by the Bissa Development Association (BDA). This marked its debut in Greater Accra, organised by the Regional BDA in collaboration with the council of Bissa Chiefs.
Cultural highlights of the day included performances by youth dance troupes showcasing traditional Bissa dances, while contemporary Bissa music added to the festivities.
The success of this inaugural event in Greater Accra underscores the growing importance of the Bissa diaspora in Ghana’s cultural and political landscape.