In a scathing critique of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) treatment of Zongo communities across the country, former Ambassador to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Said Sinare, has challenged the ruling government to provide evidence of their developmental projects for the people.
He added that the government had subjected the people to an unreasonable economic curfew and warned them to stop claiming ownership of Zongo votes.
Speaking on Accra FM’s ‘Citizen’s Show’ on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 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 and has left them to suffer from hunger, abject poverty, unbearable economic hardship, and underdevelopment.
Alhaji Sinare further questioned the NPP’s claim to the development of the Zongos, asking, “What has Bawumia done for the Zongos to be claiming ownership?”
He continued “Apart from preventing Muslims from exercising their religious rights in Mecca with exorbitant and obnoxious Hajj fares, what tangible benefits have Bawumia and Samira brought to our Muslim brothers and sisters?”
He emphasized that Zongo youth needed tangible support, including jobs, scholarships, proper roads, hospitals, schools, dams, and business-friendly environments. He argued that the Zongo community needed a 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 among the people. He further asserted that the Zongos would 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”.
Alhaji Sinare was optimistic that the Fulanis would deliver a decisive response to the Second Lady, Hajia Samira Bawumia.
In contrast, Alhaji Sinare highlighted the achievements of former President John Dramani Mahama, whom he said has a proven track record of supporting Zongo communities.
He emphasized that the NDC, under Mahama’s leadership, had a comprehensive plan to address the needs of Zongo residents, including economic empowerment, education, and infrastructure development.
