A group calling itself youth of Bissa descent in the Upper East Region have expressed gratitude to President John Mahama for appointing security expert, Emmanuel Bombande as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.  

At a press conference at Bolgatanga, the gorup said although they believe Dr. Bombande was appointed on merit and not by virtue of his ethnic descent, the confidence reposed in him by the president will motivate Bissa youth to aspire higher.  

Widely known in Ghana for his views on conflict resolution, Emmanuel Bombande is co-founder of the West African Network for Peacebuilding and worked as its Executive Director for 10 years.

He resigned in 2015 to take up a diplomatic appointment as Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and consequently a Special Assistant to the UN General Secretary's Special Representative to West Africa.

Members of the Bissa community from where Mr. Bombande originates say his appointment is refreshing news to them. 

At the press conference, some Bissa youth said they believe the impact Mr. Bombande will make as deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, will serve as motivation for the younger generation of Bissa youth. 

Issah Zakari, who spoke on behalf of the Bissa Youth said; “this singular gesture by the president did not only elevate our brother but has also brought honor to the Bissa people”.