Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, the Overlord of Gonjaland, has paid a historic visit to President John Mahama at the Presidency in Accra.

The Yagbonwura’s historic visit on Tuesday, July 29, was to congratulate President Mahama on his re-election in the December 7, 2024, general elections.

President Mahama, together with Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, received the Yagbonwura and his entourage of Paramount chiefs at the forecourt of the Presidency.

The President said the Yagbonwura’s presence at the Presidency not only constituted a noble tradition between the Presidency and the revered houses of traditional authority in Ghana but also affirmed the enduring and essential partnership between their customary institutions and their constitutional democracy.

“This occasion goes beyond protocol. It is a reaffirmation of the unity and shared destiny that binds our people together.

“It is a reminder that Ghana’s strength lies in our ability to harmonise the voices of history with the demands of modernity and draw from our ancestors’ wisdom as we shape our future.”

President Mahama said since the Yagbonwura’s enslavement as Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, he had shown exceptional leadership marked by humility, cultural stewardship and a deep commitment to peace and progress.

He said the Gonja Kingdom, one of Ghana’s most historic and respected traditional authorities, continues to offer strong examples of dignity, resilience, inclusive governance and peace under the Yagbonwura’s guidance.

The President said the Yagbonwura’s outreach to other traditional rulers, his active involvement in regional development matters, and calm yet firm advocacy for national unity had not gone unnoticed.

“Your royal visit to your brother, the King of Dagbon, was very much applauded, and his return visit was an example of the unity that should inspire the people of northern Ghana,” President Mahama said.

“As a proud son of Gonjaland, I feel a profound personal connection to this visit.”

He said the values instilled in him by the people of respect, courage, service and justice continue to shape his leadership and his public life.

“I stand here today not merely as President of the Republic but also a committed son of Gonjaland, aware of our challenges and proud of our achievements and fully invested in our collective progress.

“Let me emphasise that my government is committed to an inclusive, regionally balanced and community-led development agenda,” he said.

He said the Savannah region was rich in history and natural potential and was strategically placed in Ghana’s transformation agenda.

President Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing a Savannah Regional University College, a Regional Hospital, and a Regional Sports Stadium.

He also promised to urgently expand the Damongo Water Supply system to beef up water supply to Damongo, the Savannah Regional Capital and its surrounding towns and villages.