Samuel Abu Jinapor: The quintessential Member of Parliament the Damongo constituency never had

The Damongo constituency is one of the oldest in Ghana. In the early days of Ghana’s independence, it was known as the West Gonja constituency, comprising today's Bole-Bamboi, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Daboya-Mankargu, and Damongo constituencies.

Before the fourth republican constitution, notable Members of Parliament for the constituency included Mr. Emmanuel Adama Mahama (the father of former President John Mahama) in the first republic, Bolewura Pontonporon Awuladese, known in private life as Mr. James Adam Mahama, in the second republic, and Mr. Yakubu Saaka in the third republic. The fourth republic has produced Mr. Alhassan Aliedong, Alhaji Mahama Adam, Mr. Alex Seidu Sofo, Mr. Sammy B. Wusah, Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, and Lawyer Samuel Abu Jinapor.

Lawyer Samuel Abu Jinapor, the current Member of Parliament for Damongo, is the sixth MP of the constituency in the fourth republic and the second since it was re-demarcated to the Damongo constituency. Without a doubt, his tenure has been marked by responsible, dedicated, impactful, and transformative leadership, making him the quintessential MP Damongo has never had.

Impartial Leadership

Abu Jinapor’s leadership is characterized by impartiality. His good works and gestures transcend party lines and other superficial considerations. He is known for treating both his party supporters and opposition members equally, earning him the accolade "Maagbeto," meaning "non-discriminative." His consistent call for unity, togetherness, and a shared sense of duty among his constituents, despite political, religious, or tribal differences, sets him apart.

Engraving Damongo's Name in Gold

As MP, Abu Jinapor has elevated the Damongo constituency, putting its name in the national spotlight. Before his election in 2020, none of the constituency’s MPs in the fourth republic had been deemed worthy of substantive ministerial appointments, except for Mr. Alex Seidu Sofo, who served as Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways under President John Agyekum Kufuor. The appointment of Abu Jinapor as a cabinet minister broke the long-standing notion that Damongo MPs were not fit for cabinet roles. Moreover, he made history as the youngest-ever cabinet minister under the fourth republic, appointed at 38 years old—breaking Mr. Haruna Iddrisu's record of 39. His contributions to national discourse, both in Parliament and on various media platforms, have earned Damongo national recognition.

Agricultural Development

In agriculture, Abu Jinapor has outperformed any of his predecessors. Understanding that farming is the livelihood of most of his constituents, he launched the "Damongo Farmers Empowerment Program" to boost agricultural productivity. He secured tractors to plough two acres of land for each farmer at half the commercial rate. The constituency was divided into four zones—Larabanga, Damongo, Canteen, and Busunu—with a tractor assigned to each. Additionally, he provided farm inputs and implements such as seeds, weedicides, cutlasses, wellington boots, and fertiliser.

Support for Education and Youth Empowerment

Abu Jinapor has also made notable contributions to education and youth empowerment. Recognising the importance of education for personal and societal development, he has championed initiatives to improve education in the constituency. Through his efforts, several communities that previously lacked decent school infrastructure, such as Kedendelenpa, Lorto, Mempeasem, Nabori, and Sor No. 2, have received school buildings. He has also lobbied for educational projects in Busunu, Larabanga, and Damongo town. Additionally, he provided pickups for Damongo Senior High School, Ndewura Jakpa Senior High School, and the Regional Education Directorate, as well as over 6,000 classroom furniture items to schools. Other educational initiatives include annual teachers' awards, extra classes and mock exams for BECE candidates, and the provision of bicycles for students in remote areas.

Infrastructural Development

In terms of infrastructure, Abu Jinapor’s first term has been marked by several milestones. Through his lobbying efforts, school projects have been executed in Nabori, Larabanga, Kidendelenpa, Lorto, Busunu, and Grupe. Notably, the Damongo constituency received its first community centre and three astroturfs in Larabanga, Damongo, and Busunu. The Damongo weekly market has also been modernised with new stores, a proper layout, and a drainage system. Additionally, the Ngbaripe drainage system was constructed to alleviate flooding. Through his connections with government agencies, all the Damongo township roads were asphalted, and several key institutions, including the Jakpa Palace and Damongo Senior High School, benefited from forecourt asphalting. While the major Damongo Water Project is in the pipeline, alternative water systems are being worked on, and the constituency’s road network has seen significant improvements.

Job Opportunities and Economic Empowerment

Abu Jinapor has been instrumental in creating sustainable job opportunities for his constituents. Thanks to his influence and lobbying, the youth of Damongo have gained access to jobs in sectors such as the Ghana Audit Service, Minerals Commission, Lands Commission, Forestry Commission, and security services, which were previously inaccessible. He has also supported businesswomen through the Damongo Women Empowerment Program and provided artisans with tools to enhance their trades.

Social and Community Engagement

Abu Jinapor is known for his constant presence in the constituency, despite his busy schedule as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. Unlike many politicians who only visit during election season, he regularly interacts with his constituents, attends social events, and listens to their concerns. His visibility and direct engagement with the community set him apart as a truly dedicated representative.

Iddi Adam Osman

Sangayiri, Larabanga.

osmaniddi20@gmail.com