In a scathing critique of the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) treatment of Zongo communities across the country, the former Ambassador to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, H.E Alhaji Said Sinare, has challenged the ruling government to stop claiming ownership of Zongo votes after subjecting them to unreasonable economic curfew.
Speaking on Accra FM’s Citizen’s show on Wednesday, Alhaji Sinare, who is also the National Chairman of the Zongo Caucus Working Committee of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), asserted that the NPP has neglected the needs of Zongo residents, leaving them to suffer from hunger, abject poverty, unbearable economic hardship, and underdevelopment.
Alhaji Sinare questioned the NPP’s claim to the development of the Zongo, asking, “What has Bawumia done for the Zongos to be claiming ownership?” Alhaji Sinare asked rhetorically. “Apart from preventing Muslims from exercising their religious rights in Mecca with exorbitant and obnoxious Hajj fares, what tangible benefits has Bawumia and Samira brought to our Muslim Brothers and Sisters?
He emphasized that Zongo youths need tangible support, including jobs, scholarships, proper roads, hospitals, schools, dams, and as business-dominated environments, they need the 24 hour security, and financial assistance, rather than empty promises and tokenistic gestures like the construction of Astro Turfs.
The former Ambassador lamented that the NPP’s lack of investment in Zongo communities has led to widespread poverty, massive unemployment, and desperation amongst the Zongo communities across the country. He warned that the Zongos will not be swayed by the NPP’s attempts to buy their votes with superficial projects, stating, “Zongos won’t chop the Astro Turfs being built by the NPP.”
He also added that the Fulani’s will give a total showdown to the second lady, Hajia Samira Bawumia. In contrast, Alhaji Sinare highlighted the achievements of former President John Dramani Mahama, who he said has a proven track record of supporting Zongo communities. He emphasized that the NDC, under Mahama’s leadership, has a comprehensive plan to address the needs of Zongo residents, including economic empowerment, education, and infrastructure development.
