THE Commissioner for Domestic Tax at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Dr Martin Yamborigya, has described as phenomenal the advocacy work and development initiatives undertaken by the Bolgatanga, Bongo, Nangodi and Tongo Development Association (BONABOTO).
According to him, BONABOTO, whose mandate is primarily focused on facilitating socio-economic development, unity and advocacy in the Frafra area including Bolgatanga, Bongo, Nangodi and Tongo—has become very impactful in advancing the interests of the people.
Dr Yamborigya was speaking at the 25th anniversary and 14th biennial national delegates’ congress of the association, held at Damolg-Tindongo in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region.
Serving as the Chairman for the occasion, he noted that the BONABOTO catchment area had witnessed massive development due to the concerted efforts and shared responsibility of the association.
“Twenty-five years of existence is a remarkable milestone. It reflects resilience, vision, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to community development. Today, we celebrate not only how far BONABOTO has come, but the values that have sustained this noble association over the years,” he indicated.
Dr Yamborigya added that the legacy of the association was evident in the lives of thousands of people living in the area, stressing that “the lives we have touched and the unity we have preserved through this noble association must be acknowledged.”
He also pledged that BONABOTO would continue to remain a symbol of togetherness—bringing people together to work collectively towards the common good of the area.
He, therefore, urged members of the association to strengthen their bond, remain resolute in sustaining the gains made, and expand its impact for generations yet unborn.
For his part, the National President of BONABOTO, Professor Samuel Awinkene Atintono, noted that the theme for the celebration—‘Celebrating Our Legacy, Unity, Advocacy, Culture and Impact: The Journey Continues’—aptly reflected the aspirations of the association.
According to him, the Silver Jubilee celebration was marked with pride, as the achievements chalked up by the association over the years were gargantuan and could not be discounted.
Furthermore, he mentioned some of the achievements as the sustenance of unity among members; lobbying for infrastructure development in education, health and roads, among other areas of national life; peacebuilding efforts; and the establishment of the BONABOTO Education Assistance Fund (BEAF).
Expatiating on the BEAF project, he said, “Education has remained a central pillar of our mission. Over the years, this flagship initiative has disbursed more than GH¢400,000.00 to support over 2,000 needy but brilliant students across the BONABOTO area.”
He again divulged that the association had demonstrated commitment to health and the general well-being of the people by organising several outreach programmes during which free medical care services were rendered.
“Through the efforts of our UK Branch, medical equipment has been donated to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. We have also partnered with the Regional Hospital to mobilise funds for the establishment of a Dialysis Centre,” he indicated, assuring that the association would continue to contribute to sustainable healthcare delivery in the region.
Notwithstanding the huge achievements chalked up by the association, Prof. Atintono acknowledged that it had faced some critical challenges.
He identified some of these challenges as apathy towards leadership and organisational responsibilities, funding constraints, limited youth participation, and among others.
While pledging that the leadership would work tirelessly to make the association more attractive to the youth, he challenged all members of BONABOTO to rise and support its cause.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief of the Nangodi Traditional Area, Napari-yong Naba Kosom Asaga Yelzoya II, appealed to BONABOTO to intervene in order to ensure that the proposed College of Education earmarked for the Nabdam District is materialised.
FROM FRANCIS DABRE DABANG, DAMOLGTINDONGO
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