Bole-Bamboi is one of the safest seats for the NDC. The NDC’s stranglehold on the constituency will surely continue especially because current Vice-President John Mahama hails from Bole and was for many years the MP for the area.
The Parliamentary Primaries of Bole-Bamboi promises be one of the most keenly contested in the Northern Region, Many names are already circulating as interested in contesting the seat on the ticket of the NDC.
I have heard of Adams Mahama a business man and a direct brother of the Vice-President; Hajia Joyce Zanabu Mahama, current Deputy National Womens Organiser of NDC; Alhaji Gilbert Seidu Iddi, a former Northern Regional Minister under Rawlings; Zakariah Awusi, a banker and others.
A hundred names may come up but to me the NDC need a more capable and dynamic candidate who could champion the progress and development of the area and also be asset to the nation.
My bet is on Ussif Sulemana, an officer at the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF)
Although there is no official word from Ussif Sulemana on an interest in contesting, I by this article, deem it very necessary and important to demonstrate the leadership qualities of Ussif Sulemana and why, in my estimation, he is an excellent material to represent the NDC in Bole-Bamboi.
From his student days as President of the National Gonjaland Students Association of Ghana through his days as banker at Unibank to today, Ussif Sulemana has proven that he is cut out for the job of an MP. He has what it takes to be an efficient, effective and a progressive legislator.
The young, brilliant and charismatic Ussif Sulemana, who's candidacy I perceive as a ray of hope is very passionate about the development of Bole, Gonjas, the North and Ghana. His love for Bole and his love for the NDC party knows no bounds. He has maintained a positive relationship with the youth, opinion leaders and the chiefs of the area especially the Bolewura Amantana Gbeadese II.
Ussif Sulemana's dedication, commitment and loyalty to the Vice-President is well known. Even though he holds no official position in government, he is known to be a confidant of the number two citizen of Ghana and has been selflessly running a lot of errands for the man. Although Bole has many prominent people in the NDC, many party members seem to be comfortably dealing with Ussif Sulemana because he is accessible, ever ready to help and picks calls twenty four hours.
I am convinced Ussif enjoys considerable grassroots support and majority of NDC members in Bole-Bamboi people are clamouring for his candidature. He has charisma which is needed to motivate and inspire NDC foot soldiers most of whom are presently apathetic to the course of the party. His natural appeal to floating voters and non NDC voters could increase the margin of votes for the party.
EDIF’s mission is to enhance the economic growth of Ghana by the provision of funds on concessionary terms for the development and promotion of the country’s export. Ussif Sulemana oblivious of this has been working towards this mission. His commitment to the advancement of the socio-economic development of Bole is being appreciated by many. Through his efforts EDIF has one of the biggest Mango plantations at Bole which has given employment to many youth in the area.
Notwithstanding all the qualities and good works of Ussif Sulemana, there are those who are raising issues with his age. But does age matter when it comes to development?
As for the current MP for Bole-Bamboi, the least said about him the better. Ever since the Hon. Joseph Saaka Akati crossed from the NPP to NDC after losing the Bole-Bamboi 2004 NPP parliamentary primaries, he has never been well accepted by the rank and file of the party in the constituency. They voted for him only because his he stood on the ticket of the NDC and because he was perceived to to be the favourite of current Vice-President John Mahama but not because of his popularity. Many believe his umbilical cord is still tied to the NPP. In fact he has become a political albatross for the constituency.
Hon Joseph Saaka Akati by all standards and intent is a non-performing MP. Many Ghanaians felt who ever that was taking over from the current Vice-President John Mahama as MP for Bole-Bamboi should have at been on top of issues like his predecessor. The Bole-Bamboi MP lacks the skills needed to consult, collaborate, and even the intellectual ability to stay on top of issues. He has never played any active part in parliamentary proceedings much to the chagrin of his constituents.
It is pretty obvious; the MP has nothing new to offer to the people of Bole. He has no plans for constituency. He has never influenced any project to the constituency, apart from the initiatives by some individuals some of whom he does not even know. It will be in his interest to step aside because the grassroots agitations against him is at its peak.
The NDC cannot afford to maintain a mediocre MP or field a candidate who has nothing to offer the constituency. Bole Constituency deserves a better MP.
I wish to conclude by saying that the people of Bole have an anchor, a true advocate, and a dedicated, committed and honest son, Ussif Sulemana. He is somebody they can truly rely upon. He will never fail nor abandon the people and will serve rather than to be served. I can promise the people of Bole-Bamboi that Ussif is a team player, a very resourceful person and a deep thinker.
By Mohammed Ussif Gbolo
ahmedussifgbolo@yahoo.com
