The continued marginalization of the Sissala people in President John Dramani Mahama’s appointments

We come before you today as a deeply concerned people—concerned about the deliberate and systematic marginalization of the Sissala people in political appointments, governance, and national development under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

Our community, which has consistently contributed to Ghana’s development, continues to be sidelined in decision-making processes, despite the critical role we play in feeding the nation and fostering economic growth.

Broken Promises: A Betrayal of Trust

Before assuming office, the president gave strong assurances that the Sissala people would be fairly represented in his government. Specifically, Hon. Mohammed Adam Sukparu, the Member of Parliament for Sissala West and a senior MP from the Sissala enclave was promised a ministerial or key leadership position. This was not just a political favour—it was a recognition of the Sissala people's right to representation in national governance.

However, despite these assurances, the President has completely ignored this promise. Hon. Sukparu, and by extension the entire Sissala community, has been overlooked in favour of others. This is not only a betrayal of trust but also a clear indication that the Sissala people continue to be treated as second-class citizens, looked down upon & neglected in their own country.

The Sissala Enclave: Ghana’s Food Basket, Yet Neglected

The Sissala land is not just another constituency—it is a critical pillar of Ghana’s agricultural economy. We are the food basket of Ghana, producing the highest quality maize in the world. Our hard-working farmers, through sweat and toil, provide food that feeds millions across the country. Mr. President our forebears have tilled the earth to fill the bellies of the good people of Ghana raising several industrious sons & daughters & the fact we love the hoe & the cutlass doesn’t mean we are only good at burning charcoal. The charcoal seller's children also have what it takes to man ministries, state institutions & run them efficiently.

Here are the facts:

- The Sissala enclave is the largest maize-producing area in Ghana, contributing significantly to the national food security agenda.

- In 2023, the Ghana Statistical Service reported that the Sissala East and West districts produced over 250,000 metric tonnes of maize, making it the single largest contributor to Ghana’s grain industry.

- Our farmers have sustained Ghana’s school feeding program, the poultry industry, and food supply chains, yet our roads remain some of the worst in the country. How can a region that plays such a crucial role in feeding the nation continue to suffer from bad roads, lack of infrastructure, and now political neglect? Why should a community that works so hard to sustain the country’s food supply be sidelined when it comes to national leadership and policy-making?

Exclusion from State Institutions

Beyond the blatant disregard for ministerial appointments, we are also appalled by the president’s continued reluctance to appoint Sissalas to state institutions. The Sissala people have highly qualified and competent professionals across various fields—education, agriculture, security, health, and finance—yet we are consistently overlooked for leadership roles in public institutions.

This is not a coincidence—it is a calculated exclusion. Other regions have been fairly represented in state institutions, but the Sissala people remain on the margins, treated as though we do not belong in Ghana’s governance structure.

Our Demand for Fair Representation and Development

We, the Sissala people, are not asking for favours—we are demanding our rightful place in governance and development. We have been patient for far too long, but our patience is wearing thin. We therefore demand the following:

1. Immediate reconsideration of political appointments to reflect fair representation of the Sissala people, including the appointment of Hon. Mohammed Adam Sukparu to a ministerial or high-ranking government position.

2. Urgent infrastructure development in the Sissala enclave, particularly the fixing of our deplorable roads, to facilitate the transportation of food from our farms to the rest of the country.

3. Inclusion of Sissalas in key state institutions, ensuring that our people have equal opportunities to serve in leadership roles.

4. A public commitment from the Presidency to address the continued marginalization of the Sissala people and to ensure that future appointments and developments reflect equity and fairness. We will not remain silent while our people are continuously ignored.

If our voices are not heard, we will be forced to explore other legitimate avenues to demand justice. We are ready to mobilize and make our case known at all levels.

The Sissala people have contributed immensely to Ghana’s growth. We have fed this nation, served this nation, and defended this nation. It is time for Ghana, and specifically President John Dramani Mahama, to do right by the Sissala people.

We believe in your vision, track record & capabilities to reset Ghana & we are ready to contribute to this wholesome vision. We deserve better, and we will accept nothing less.

Thank you. Signed:

Concerned Sissala Youth

Bukari Kuoru

0541040419