The Bolgatanga, Bongo, Nabdam and Talensi (BONABOTO) Association has marked 25 years of sustained advocacy, cultural preservation, and community development, with its National President, Prof. Samuel Awinkene Atintono, spotlighting the association’s achievements and enduring relevance.
Delivering an address at the 25th congress of BONABOTO held at Gibeath Ha-Elohim at Damolg-Tindongo in the Nabdam District, Prof. Atintono described the silver jubilee as a celebration of resilience, collective purpose, and commitment to the progress of the people of the BONABOTO area and the Upper East Region.
He recalled that although BONABOTO has existed since the 1970s, it assumed national prominence with the introduction of national congresses in 2001, adding that the decision to hold congresses outside Bolgatanga in recent years reflects the association’s inclusive character and shared ownership.
According to Prof. Atintono, one of BONABOTO’s foremost achievements over the past 25 years has been the preservation of unity among members across political, religious, professional, and geographical divides. He noted that the association has remained intact and forward-looking through dialogue, compromise, and a shared sense of purpose.
The president said BONABOTO has also established itself as a credible advocacy voice on critical development issues, including health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, airport construction, passport services and good governance, both within the BONABOTO area and across the Upper East Region. He stressed that the association’s advocacy has been principled and consistent, contributing meaningfully to public discourse and policy attention.
In the area of peacebuilding, Prof. Atintono noted that BONABOTO has played a key role in mediating conflicts and promoting dialogue among stakeholders, reinforcing the belief that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of division.
He further highlighted BONABOTO’s contributions to cultural preservation, particularly its role in promoting the Gurene language, which has now been approved by the Ghana Education Service. He described the milestone as an affirmation of identity, dignity and intellectual heritage.
Education, he said, remains a cornerstone of the association’s work through the Bonaboto Education Assistance Fund (BEAF), which has so far disbursed more than GH¢400,000 to support over 2,000 needy but brilliant students across the BONABOTO area.
Prof. Atintono also cited achievements in health and social welfare, including free medical outreach programmes, the donation of medical equipment to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital by the UK Branch, and support towards the establishment of a dialysis centre in the region.
Institutionally, BONABOTO has strengthened its structures with the establishment of a national secretariat in Bolgatanga, the acquisition of land at Sumbrongo for a permanent secretariat, the expansion of branch networks nationwide and the creation of a student wing to ensure generational continuity.
He added that the association’s welfare systems, which support members during bereavement, illness and major social events, underscore BONABOTO’s identity as a caring community rather than just an organisation.
As BONABOTO looks ahead, Prof. Atintono called for renewed unity, stronger youth participation, sustainable financing for flagship programmes and deeper collaboration with traditional authorities and development partners, stressing that the 25th anniversary is “not a destination but a checkpoint.”
The congress brought together government officials, traditional leaders, academics, professionals, security agencies and BONABOTO members from across the country to reflect on the association’s legacy and recommit to its future.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah
