Bakutoma Abubakar Iddi Wuni, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bawku Central constituency, has announced his resignation from the party to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 parliamentary election.
This decision, he stated, is due to his growing dissatisfaction with the party and the government’s handling of concerns, particularly regarding recent actions toward traditional leadership.
In a press conference held yesterday in Bawku, Mr. Bakutoma explained his reasons for leaving the NPP, a party he has supported and contributed to for years.
“Over the years, I have dedicated myself to the principles and values that our party stands for: people-centered governance, development in freedom, and the rule of law,” he said.
“Unfortunately, for the past seven years, it has become increasingly clear that my party does not address the concerns of the people I want to represent.”
He expressed deep frustration with the NPP government’s approach to chieftaincy issues, particularly regarding the warrant issued by the Bolgatanga High Court on February 18, 2023, for the arrest of the Overlord of the Mamprugu traditional area, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga.
Despite the withdrawal of the arrest warrant, Mr. Bakutoma noted the lack of an official apology to the Nayiri and the Mamprugu people, describing the action as a significant disrespect to traditional authority.
“The NPP government’s attempt to arrest the King of Mamprugu, HRM the Nayiri, has significantly deepened my discontent. Although the warrant was eventually withdrawn, the NPP and/or the government has not found it necessary to apologize to the Nayiri and the Mamprugu people,” he stated. “Such actions undermine the dignity and respect owed to our traditional leaders and reveal a disregard and contempt for the Nayiri.”
Mr. Bakutoma emphasized that his decision to run as an independent candidate was influenced by consultations with various community stakeholders, including opinion leaders, elders, and youth.
He believes that this move will better serve the interests of the Bawku Central constituents. “My commitment to serving my constituents and advocating for their welfare remains steadfast. I believe this is the best way to ensure that the voices of my people are heard and their needs are addressed.”
Highlighting his past contributions to the community, Mr. Bakutoma recounted numerous initiatives he spearheaded, including providing irrigation machines to farmers, organizing health screening programs, and sponsoring skills training for women. He argued that these efforts demonstrate his dedication to the well-being of his community.
He also made it clear that his decision to run independently aims to unify the Bawku constituency beyond partisan lines. “We are one people with a common destiny. Whether you are a member or sympathizer of the NDC, NPP, or non-political, we share a common destiny. Moving forward, I am hopeful that this decision will allow us to focus on the issues that matter most to our community.”
Mr. Bakutoma expressed his willingness to collaborate with any political party that aligns with the interests of Bawku Central. “My primary focus remains the well-being and progress of our constituency, and we are open to partnerships that will help us achieve our goals for a better Bawku,” he declared.
Mr. Bakutoma, who contested the party’s parliamentary primaries in 2019 but lost, will face stiff competition from the NPP parliamentary candidate for Bawku Central, Paul Alale Agobire, and the incumbent MP, Mahama Ayariga of the NDC.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | Joshua Asaah | Bawku | Ghana
