The Sissala Union has petitioned President John Mahama over what it describes as the continuous neglect of the Sissala ethnic group in ministerial and other key government appointments. The group expressed disappointment that, despite their unwavering support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), they have been overlooked in leadership positions within the government.

The petition highlights that the Sissala people reside in an area covering two-thirds of the Upper West Region, consisting of eleven paramountcies. The region is well known for its agricultural contributions, particularly its production of high-quality maize, which has been recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture. Additionally, Sissala Land has vast arable lands, rich mineral resources, and immense tourism potential, making it a key economic zone for Ghana’s development.

Despite these contributions, the Sissala Union lamented that the region’s two other major tribes have received ministerial appointments, while the Sissala people remain excluded. The group strongly argued that this lack of representation is a major reason for the dwindling fortunes of the NDC in Sissala Land.

The Union stressed that Sissala Land has consistently supported the NDC, delivering all of its parliamentary seats to the party in previous elections. However, they noted that apart from one senior member, the party has repeatedly failed to appoint young, brilliant, and capable Sissala individuals to key government positions since the Fourth Republic.

This exclusion, they argued, is making it increasingly difficult for their Members of Parliament to rally support for the party.

“How can our MPs continue to convince their people when we are marginalized in the sharing of the national cake?” the petition questioned.

The Sissala Union also expressed dismay that despite President Mahama being a native of the region, the Sissala people have continued to face exclusion from his administration. The petition invoked a local proverb:

“When your mother is in the kitchen at a funeral home, you never go hungry.”

Yet, the Union argued that their sons and daughters, who are equally qualified and competent, have been ignored in the allocation of government positions.

The petition, signed by the President of the Sissala Union, Mahmoud Bakah Aduna, called on President Mahama and the NDC administration to correct this perceived injustice by ensuring that qualified Sissala individuals are given the opportunity to serve in government.

The Union believes that addressing this lack of representation will not only strengthen the party’s standing in the region but also promote inclusivity and fairness in Ghana’s governance structure.