The Savannah Regional Minister-Designate, Salisu Bi-Awuribe, has clarified that President John Dramani Mahama never promised anyone a ministerial position.
He said not even the MP for the Bole-Bamboi constituency, Yusif Sulemana or anyone from the Savannah region.
Rather, he noted that what President Mahama assured the people of Bole was his commitment to bringing adequate development to the area.
“There was never a promise by President Mahama to appoint anyone from Savannah, including the MP for Bole, to any position in government or anyone at all. What President Mahama has done is to ensure that the people of Bole receive the development they deserve. That should be the focus, not ministerial appointments,” he said in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem.
Mr. Bi-Awuribe acknowledged the competence of Mr Sulemana, stating, “The MP for Bole is competent and could occupy any position he is given, but the decision lies with the President.”
His comments come after some individuals in Bole reportedly destroyed party properties in protest, claiming that President Mahama had promised the MP a ministerial position if the NDC came to power.
But Mr. Bi-Awuribe condemned the actions, calling them “barbaric,” and said the party distances itself from the destructive behaviour. He called on the police to take action against those responsible.
“We cannot condone such actions. Whether you are a party member or not, if you break the law, you should be arrested and punished,” he said.
The Minister-Designate stressed that despite the unrest, the region remains hopeful.
“We are still praying that some deputy positions may be allocated to the region. We have competent people here who can serve well, but that doesn’t mean we should destroy things.”
He also praised President Mahama’s leadership and his ability to balance appointments across the country.
“Mahama is a unique individual who is committed to involving everyone in government. He is the only one who ensures fairness in appointments. No one is being used and dumped,” Mr. Bi-Awuribe stated.
He further reassured the people of Savannah that there would be more opportunities for them.
“If anyone says Mahama will appoint only his family and friends, they are lying. There are many more positions, and everyone will get their share when it’s due. We must maintain the trust we have in Mahama. He has competent people who will work to make Ghana better.”
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