MP for Navrongo Central cautions against tribalism

The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Navrongo Central, Mr Mark Woyongo, has appealed to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) delegates not to allow ethnic sentiments destroy the party.

Addressing the delegates during the Constituency election at Tono in Navrongo, the MP said Navrongo Central was not a secure seat for the party but that with unity they could win the seat.

“We should not allow the issues of Kasem and Nankani to divide us if we want to maintain the seat,” he said. “It is very important for us not to allow our ethnic sentiments override the interest of the party”.

The Kasenas and Nankanas are the two major ethnic groups in the Constituency. The Nankanas claim that they had been marginalized by the Kassenas in terms of political and job opportunities.

The MP, who belongs to the Kasem Ethnic Group, however, disputed the claim, saying, the former Navrongo Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Emmanuel Andema was from the Nankana area.

He said he had supported many of the youth from the Nankana area to acquire jobs and stated that such negative comments were unfortunate and unhealthy.

“This is not healthy for our common good and the growth and development of the party,” he said.

Meanwhile, the delegates failed to elect a Constituency Chairman, as two persons who contested for the post drew a tie.

The Electoral Commission, therefore, posted the election to two weeks.

In another development, the MP said that plans were far advanced to construct more mechanized boreholes, in addition to what he had provided already, including the provision of electricity under the Rural Electrification Project.

He said the drainage systems in the Constituency were also being worked on and asked his constituents to exercise patience.

He gave the assurance that 2015 would bring about significant improvement in their livelihoods.