Salaga-South MP honoured as ‘development queenmother’ by Kpembe Traditional Authority

The Member of Parliament for Salaga-South, Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has been honoured with the traditional title Nkilgi-Wurche, meaning “Development Queenmother” in Gonja, by the Kpembe Traditional Authority.

The honour was conferred on her during the grand durbar of the 2026 Kpembe Damba Festival on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

The colourful ceremony also marked the 10th anniversary of the enskinment of the Paramount Chief and Overlord of the Kpembe Traditional Area, His Royal Highness Kpembewura Banbange Ndefoso IV.

Recognition of Public Service

Addressing the gathering, Kpembewura Banbange Ndefoso IV said the title was conferred on Hajia Zuwera in recognition of her contributions to public service and development within the Kpembe Traditional Area.

He commended the MP for her consistent support for the traditional authority and her efforts to improve the wellbeing of residents.

According to the Paramount Chief, Hajia Zuwera has maintained a strong relationship with the traditional authority and contributed to peace, development and harmony in the East Gonja Municipality.

He further disclosed that Hajia Zuwera is a royal by blood from the Singbung Gate of Kpembe.

Kpembewura Banbange Ndefoso IV said that upon her retirement from active politics, the traditional authority would confer on her a substantive queenmother title from the Singbung Gate.

He also described her as the first and only female Member of Parliament in the Savannah Region, commending her dedication and service to the people.

Jinapor Commends Zuwera

Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition and Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, congratulated Hajia Zuwera on the honour.

Dr. Jinapor said the decision by the Kpembe Traditional Authority did not come as a surprise to him, given her record of hard work, commitment and service to her constituents and the wider community.

He described Hajia Zuwera as one of the most active, supportive and diligent Members of Parliament.

“Hon. Zuwera is not a Minister, but she works as if she were a Minister,” he said.

$68 Million Salaga Transmission Project Announced

Dr. Jinapor also announced a major government intervention aimed at addressing electricity challenges in Salaga and surrounding communities.

He said the government would commence work on the Salaga Transmission Project, which forms part of the broader Eastern Corridor transmission development programme.

The project, estimated at US$68 million, will involve the construction of a 330kV double-circuit transmission line from the Adubiliyili area to Salaga, as well as a new transmission substation at Salaga.

According to Dr. Jinapor, work is expected to begin this year, with the project expected to strengthen the transmission network and improve electricity supply to communities in the area.

Dignitaries Attend Ceremony

The ceremony brought together traditional rulers, queenmothers, politicians, public officials, security personnel, students, friends and family.

Among the dignitaries were Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy and Green Transition and MP for Yapei-Kusawgu; Hon. Andrew Dari Chiwitey, Chairman of the Savannah MPs Caucus and MP for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba; Hon. Theresa Awuni, MP for Okaikwei North; Hon. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku, MP for Ledzokuku; and Hon. Isaac Ashai Odamtten, MP for Tema East.

Also present were Alhaji Hamis Ussif, Deputy Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation responsible for Finance, Commercial and Administration, and Dr. Doli-Wura Malik Zakaria, Managing Director of the National Investment Bank, among other distinguished personalities.

Community Welcomes Honour

Residents of the Kpembe Traditional Area welcomed the conferment of the title, describing Hajia Zuwera Ibrahimah as a supportive and resilient leader whose efforts have contributed to the development of the area.

The conferment of the Nkilgi-Wurche title was one of the major highlights of this year’s Kpembe Damba Festival, combining traditional celebration with recognition of public service and a renewed commitment to development in the area.