News desk report:
As the selection process for the Mion District Chief Executive (DCE) position nears its final stage, three persons have been shortlisted including Yakubu Abdul-Jalil Bawa (Dagomba), Jonathan Koodin (Konkomba), and Hamza (Konkomba). The final decision will have significant implications for governance, ethnic representation, and political dynamics in the district.
Among the three contenders, the name of Yakubu Abdul Jalil Bawa stands out as the people’s choice to represent the President John Mahama in the Mion District.
Speaking to some people in the district suggest that, Mr Jalil Bawah’s popularity and generosity makes him the obvious choice.
Many stated that, Jalil Bawah is the best person to propell the needed development in the area, adding that, he is a true party man who can help the resetting agenda of President John Mahama and the NDC.
Yakubu Abdul-Jalil Bawa: A Profile in Leadership
Among the candidates, Yakubu Abdul-Jalil Bawa stands out for his academic and professional credentials. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Management at the University of Cape Coast.
His career spans administrative leadership and academia. He currently serves as Deputy Registrar at Tamale Technical University, having risen through the ranks from Senior Administrative Assistant. Additionally, he lectures part-time at UCC and UG Distance Schools, reflecting his expertise in governance and leadership.
Ethnic and Regional Representation in Mion
Mion comprises 20 electoral areas, with the current Member of Parliament (MP) from Sang. Notably, Jimle, Mr. Jalil’s hometown, has never produced a DCE or MP, raising considerations about equitable regional representation.
Historically, the DCE position in Mion has alternated between Konkomba and Dagomba leaders:
Dan Makanda (Konkomba)
Hashimeen Mohammed (Dagomba)
Samuel Bofoyili (Konkomba)
Given this pattern, some argue that the next DCE should be a Dagomba representative to maintain historical balance. Additionally, with the current Regional Minister being a Konkomba, there are discussions about ensuring broader ethnic inclusivity in governance.
Electoral Trends and Political Implications
Voting patterns in Mion indicate that performance and ethnic representation influence electoral outcomes. Data suggests that when a Konkomba candidate served as DCE, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lost in Mion, whereas when a Dagomba held the position, the party secured victory.
In the 2024 parliamentary elections, NDC candidate Misbahu won 12,955 votes in Dagomba zones, while Ayaba secured 10,598 votes. This suggests that Dagomba’s support plays a crucial role in Mion’s electoral outcomes.
Security and Governance Considerations
Recent conflicts, including the Zogbei issue and disputes over the new market at Kulikpinduli, highlight the need for a leader with a deep understanding of Mion’s political and ethnic landscape. Some political observers have raised concerns that if both the Regional Minister and the DCE are Konkombas, it could create tensions among the Dagomba population.
To promote inclusivity, some stakeholders propose a power-sharing arrangement, where key positions such as the NHIS Manager and NADMO Coordinator could be allocated to Konkomba candidates, ensuring broader ethnic representation in governance.
Conclusion
With his academic qualifications, leadership experience, and understanding of Mion’s political landscape, Yakubu Abdul-Jalil Bawa is considered by many as a strong candidate for the DCE position. However, the final decision will be based on multiple factors, including competence, ethnic balance, historical precedent, and political strategy. The outcome will shape governance in Mion and influence the district’s political dynamics moving forward.
