The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has strongly cautioned against the negative stereotyping of Zongo communities in Ghana, describing the trend as unjust, misleading, and detrimental to national cohesion.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Heads of Zongo Chiefs in the Western Region at the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, the Minister condemned the notion that Zongo communities are breeding grounds for violence and extremism.

“The impression created by some Ghanaians that Zongo communities are fertile grounds for recruiting violent youth should not be tolerated. The stereotyping of these amalgamated, multi-tribal and densely populated areas of the country should be discouraged,” he said.

According to Mr Nelson, every community in Ghana contributes meaningfully to national development and must not suffer the stigma of baseless stereotypes. He emphasised that Zongo communities have produced quality human resources over the years, including professionals such as doctors, ministers of state, and other respected leaders. “These communities have given the country many capable individuals who continue to contribute significantly to nation-building,” he added.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the developmental needs of deprived areas, including Zongo communities across the Western Region. He noted that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama has rolled out practical, pro-poor policies aimed at changing the narrative.

He cited the reduction of Hajj fares and the introduction of an additional public holiday during Eid festivities as examples of the government’s responsiveness to the needs of Muslim communities.

Mr Nelson urged traditional leaders to make informed decisions that promote the well-being of their people and to collaborate with government in the implementation of targeted development initiatives.

He also called for unity, peace, and tranquillity across Zongo communities and the Western Region as a whole.

In his remarks, Alhaji Ahmed Osman Maiwada Masala II, the Takoradi Zongo Chief and President of the Western Region Heads of Zongo Chiefs, expressed the group’s readiness to cooperate with the government and uphold peace within Zongo communities.

He further appealed to the Minister to help curb the growing infiltration of drugs and illicit substances into Zongo areas, warning that the trend is endangering the lives and future of young people.

“We are committed to promoting peace and unity, but we need the government’s support to clamp down on drug barons who are gradually destroying our youth,” he stated.