By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has criticized the prevalent belief linking Zongo communities with pervasive violence and instability, terming these stereotypes as damaging and baseless.
During a courtesy visit from the Heads of Zongo Chiefs in the Western Region at the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) in Sekondi, Mr. Nelson emphasized the importance of ending the stigma surrounding Zongo communities as hotbeds for radicalized young people.
The notion that some Ghanaians have—that Zongo communities serve as breeding grounds for violent young people—should not be accepted,” the minister said. “We must put an end to the generalization of these mixed, mult Tribed, and highly populous regions.
He emphasized the significant part that Zongo communities have played in Ghana’s advancement, pointing out that numerous esteemed experts and public personalities—who include ministers and physicians—come from these groups and keep contributing substantially to the nation’s growth.
Mr. Nelson reiterated the government’s dedication to tackling development issues in underprivileged areas throughout the Western Region, encompassing places like Zongos.
He referred to the poverty-alleviation programs implemented under President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure—including lowering the cost of Hajj trips and announcing an extra public holiday for Eid—to demonstrate attempts at fostering inclusion.
He urged traditional leaders to endorse these policies and to make the well-being of their community members their top priority.
The minister additionally called upon the inhabitants of Zongo communities and throughout the Western Region to uphold harmony and solidarity within their localities.
Alhaji Ahmed Osman Maiwada Masala II, chief of Takoradi Zongo and president of the Western Regional Heads of Zongo Chiefs, headed the delegation. He affirmed the Zongo leadership’s dedication to building a harmonious partnership with the government and ensuring tranquility within their communities.
He also called for governmental action to address the rising influx of illicit narcotics into Zongo communities, warning that young people are becoming more frequent targets for drug traffickers, which poses a considerable danger to both public safety and communal health.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
Leave a Reply