Work towards development and lifting of Gonjaland, Savannah Region – Jinapor urges GLYA

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has called on members of the Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) to prioritise unity and development as the Association marks its 50th anniversary.

“Do not think of the fiftieth anniversary alone, rather, reflect on the Gonjaland Youth Association, which has done very well this year. Let us use this occasion to unite, preach peace and more importantly, work towards the development and lifting of the Gonjaland area and the Savannah Region in general,” he said during the official launch of GLYA’s Golden Jubilee celebrations at high-profile fundraising dinner held in Accra on February 14, 2026.

The event brought together Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, traditional rulers and distinguished sons and daughters of the Gonja Kingdom.

The ceremony was chaired by Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area of Gonjaland and Vice President of the National House of Chiefs.

The Golden Jubilee marks five decades of GLYA’s service in peace-building, advocacy and development across Gonjaland and the wider Savannah Region.

Gonjaland Youth Association pledges to tackle youth unemployment, cultural decline and poverty

Delivering the keynote address, GLYA President Alhassan Baba Darison described the milestone as “history in motion,” tracing the Association’s evolution from its founding in 1973 in Tamale by visionary leaders including the late Alhaji Sulemana Gado (Kanyasewura of Kpempe) and Lepowura Alhaji M.N.D. Jawula.

He noted that in 1976, the organisation changed its name from the Gonja Youth Association to the Gonjaland Youth Association to reflect broader inclusion of all people within the territory, strengthening its mission of unity, cultural preservation and development.

Darison highlighted GLYA’s instrumental role in resolving longstanding chieftaincy and land boundary disputes, efforts that contributed to stability in the area and supported the eventual creation of the Savannah Region.

He also cited key development achievements influenced by the Association, including the establishment of Nursing Training Colleges in Salaga, Damongo and Bole, the construction of the Fufulso–Sawla Road and the building of the Yagbonwura’s Palace.

The fundraising dinner served as a mobilisation platform for a series of “Legacy Projects” to commemorate the Golden Jubilee.

According to Darison, proceeds from the fundraising will go towards the reconstruction of the Traditional Home of Nyange Rahabra, the redevelopment of the Ndewura Jakpa Mausoleum in Old Buipe, and the expansion of the Mankumah Royal Mausoleum.

Other initiatives include plans to acquire a permanent National Secretariat in Damongo, provide scholarships for brilliant but underprivileged students and formally demarcate Gonja lands to protect the heritage of future generations.

The grand climax of the 50th anniversary celebrations is scheduled to take place in Buipe during the Easter holidays, with expectations of a large turnout from across the Gonja Kingdom and beyond.

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