The Birifoh Traditional Area has officially introduced its new divisional chief, Naa Debomo Victor Gandaa V, at a grand ceremony held at the Birifoh Naa's Palace in the Lawra Municipality of Ghana. The event drew hundreds of dignitaries, government officials, traditional leaders, and citizens from across the municipality. This marks the end of years of anticipation following the transition of the immediate past ruler.
Naa Victor Gandaa V has pledged his loyalty and allegiance to the Lawra Traditional Council and outlined a comprehensive development agenda. His agenda focuses on border security, education, water provision, rural electrification, and heritage preservation. The chief's vision was read on his behalf by his secretary, Charles Jilinku, at the ceremony.
A key aspect of Naa Victor Gandaa V's agenda is enhancing border security. He emphasized the need to police the multiple unapproved routes between Ghana and Burkina Faso to curb cross-border drug trafficking and illicit trade. To this end, he allocated 42 acres of land to the Ghana Immigration Service to construct a training school. The chief stressed that stopping the influx of drugs is a priority.
The new chief has also called for improvements in the education sector. He appealed to the government and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to construct a security fence wall around Birifoh Senior High School. Additionally, he urged the authorities to support the establishment of the Birifoh Technical Institute with boarding status to increase access to education for surrounding communities.
Naa Gandaa V highlighted the Baa Sacred Grove, a perennial natural spring and historical colonial settlement site, as a potential eco-tourism destination. He appealed to the Ghana Tourism Authority and private investors to develop the grove, which is home to sacred, taboo fish. This initiative aims to promote tourism and preserve the area's cultural heritage.
The outdooring ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including the Lawra Municipal Chief Executive, Cecilia Nuratu Soyele, and the Member of Parliament for Lawra, Bede A. Ziedeng. The MP commended the community for selecting a unifying leader and reported on several state-sponsored interventions, including a GH¢13 million project for a modern dining hall complex and kitchen for Birifoh Senior High School.
Several individuals and organizations made donations to support the outdooring festivities. Lawyer Bede Ziedeng donated GH¢5,000, while the MCE, Cecilia Soyele, contributed GH¢3,000. Former Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, Abu K. Kansangbata, pledged 100 bags of cement towards the construction of a traditional meeting hall for the Birifoh skin, along with medical consumables and mattresses for the local health centre.
Key points
- The new chief of Birifoh Traditional Area, Naa Victor Gandaa V, has outlined a development agenda focusing on security, education, and tourism.
- Naa Victor Gandaa V allocated 42 acres of land to the Ghana Immigration Service to construct a training school to enhance border security.
- The chief has appealed for infrastructure upgrades at local educational facilities, including the construction of a security fence wall around Birifoh Senior High School.
