Residents of Mandari in the Bole District of Ghana’s Savannah Region took to the streets on [Date – e.g., Tuesday] to protest what they describe as 34 years of political neglect by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a party they have consistently supported since the Fourth Republic began in 1992. The demonstration, primarily led by the youth, highlighted a perceived betrayal of their loyalty, citing a lack of developmental projects and employment opportunities despite their unwavering votes.
Decades of Unmet Expectations
For over three decades, the community of Mandari has been a staunch supporter of the NDC. However, the demonstrators claim their commitment has yielded no tangible benefits. Their protest march, characterized by red attire and armbands, featured placards demanding essential services such as jobs, a Senior High School (SHS), and a polyclinic.
A key point of contention was the state of the local clinic. Protesters brought out room carpets being used as bedspreads in the facility’s sole ward, illustrating the dire need for upgrades. Tiffu Boron Son, the spokesperson for the group, presented a petition titled “Urgent Developmental Needs for the Mandari Community,” detailing the community’s infrastructure deficits and developmental challenges.
A Stark Contrast in Development
The petition explicitly stated that Mandari has voted overwhelmingly for the NDC in every presidential and parliamentary election since 1992. “Mandari has voted for the NDC for years, but what do we have to show for it? We have zero projects to credit to the NDC, and not a single person in our community has secured a strategic job through them,” Tiffu Boron Son explained. He contrasted this with the development they have seen, noting that “Every piece of infrastructure we enjoy—our schools, clinic, market, electricity, library and toilet facilities—was delivered by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), even though we didn’t vote for them.”
Healthcare and Infrastructure Deficits
The existing clinic was described as critically undersized, lacking the capacity to serve Mandari and three surrounding communities. Protesters highlighted the distressing situation where men, women, and even pregnant patients share a single ward with only four beds, regardless of their medical conditions. This arrangement was condemned as a violation of the constitutional rights to privacy, dignity, and quality healthcare.
Beyond healthcare, the petition called for the establishment of a Senior High School, targeted government interventions for employment and public sector recruitment for qualified residents, improved water access, and the extension of government flagship programs. Skills training initiatives in agro-processing and artisanship were also requested for economic empowerment.
Voices of Discontent
Elderly residents echoed the youth’s frustrations. Seventy-five-year-old Jewu Bakari, a lifelong NDC voter, expressed weariness with what he called “old tricks” of receiving small monetary donations during election years. “What we need is a better healthcare system, jobs for our children and potable water in Mandari,” he stated, warning that Mandari would “surprise the NDC” if changes are not seen before the 2028 elections.
Madam Aramata Sulemana emphasized the community’s connection to the NDC and former President Mahama, who hails from the region. However, she warned that without visible improvements, even party executives would face rejection. “Unless we see improvements, not even our executives can come to us,” she asserted.
Osman Mumuni, 45, drew parallels with other demonstrations, noting how a similar protest in Bole led to a ministerial appointment for the Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi. He stressed the importance of their demonstration, stating, “This is not the end; it is the beginning of several things to come.”
Allegations Against the MP
The protest also brought to light a tragic incident involving the Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, Yussif Sulemana. The youth alleged that a vehicle from the MP’s convoy killed one resident and left another paralyzed and wheelchair-bound during a political event. Kipo Gymah stated that the MP had allegedly abandoned the victims’ families and failed to provide promised assistance or even check on the survivor. This incident served as a stark warning, with protesters vowing further action if their concerns are ignored.
When reached for comment, MP Yussif Sulemana responded curtly, “You can go ahead and publish their allegations. I don’t have anything to add.”
Intervention Attempts and Community Trust
Sources indicate that attempts were made to dissuade the residents from demonstrating, including interventions by the local Chief, Mandariwura Seidu Gilbert Iddi. The chief met with the youth twice, and an initial agreement for a three-month waiting period was reached. However, trust reportedly broke down, leading to the removal of the youth president, who was accused of compromising his position due to his employment with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).
The chief confirmed his engagement with the youth but expressed surprise at the demonstration proceeding. Despite late-night efforts by police to persuade the demonstrators to stand down after proper notification, the protest proceeded peacefully.
Looking Ahead
The demonstration in Mandari signals a potential shift in voter sentiment in strongholds traditionally loyal to the NDC. The community’s demands for basic infrastructure, healthcare, and economic opportunities underscore a growing impatience with perceived political neglect. The coming months will reveal whether these protests will spur concrete action from the government and the ruling party, and whether this event will influence electoral decisions in the region and beyond.
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