The town of Damolg-Tindongo was alive with color and pride as people gathered from Bolgatanga, Bongo, Nabdam, and Talensi, together known as BONABOTO.
The occasion was no ordinary one. This was the 25th anniversary of the BONABOTO Association, a group that had spent a quarter-century standing strong for its people, celebrating their culture, and pushing for development in the Upper East Region.
At the heart of the celebration stood Professor Samuel Awinkene Atintono, the National President of BONABOTO. As the crowd settled at Gibeath Ha-Elohim, Prof. Atintono took the stage to reflect on the journey. He spoke with warmth and gratitude, calling the silver jubilee “a celebration of resilience, unity, and collective progress.”
BONABOTO’s story, he shared, began in the 1970s. But it was in 2001, with the first national congress, that the association’s voice grew louder and its influence spread. The decision to move congresses beyond Bolgatanga in recent years was no accident; it was a sign of the association’s open arms, welcoming all, no matter their hometown or background.
Prof. Atintono was proud to recount how BONABOTO had managed to keep its members united, even though they came from different religions, political beliefs, professions, and villages. The secret, he said, was simple: dialogue, compromise, and a shared purpose. Whenever disagreements arose, members found ways to talk things through and keep moving forward together.
Over the years, BONABOTO became more than a social group. It evolved into a respected voice for development across the region. From healthcare to education, from roads and airports to passport services and governance, BONABOTO’s advocacy made a real difference. Their principled, steady approach meant that when BONABOTO spoke, people listened, so did policymakers.
But development, Prof. Atintono reminded everyone, cannot grow in places where there is conflict. That’s why BONABOTO worked hard to bring people together, to help settle disputes, and to encourage dialogue among chiefs, politicians, and the wider community. Their efforts helped keep the peace, so progress could continue.
Culture and language are also at the heart of BONABOTO’s mission. Prof. Atintono beamed as he spoke of the association’s success in promoting the Gurene language. Thanks to BONABOTO’s efforts, Gurene is now officially recognized in schools by the Ghana Education Service, a huge step in protecting the region’s identity, pride, and knowledge.
Education has always been a pillar for BONABOTO. Through the Bonaboto Education Assistance Fund (BEAF), the association has given out over GH¢400,000 to help more than 2,000 bright but needy students. These young people, Prof. Atintono hoped, would become future leaders and keep the flame burning for generations to come.
BONABOTO’s caring spirit extended into health and social welfare. There were stories of free medical outreach programs, donations of equipment to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital from BONABOTO’s UK Branch, and support for setting up a dialysis center in the region, lifesaving help for many.
The association also grew stronger within itself. A national secretariat was opened in Bolgatanga, land was secured at Sumbrongo for a permanent home, and branch networks spread across Ghana. A special student wing was created, ensuring that BONABOTO’s vision would live on with the next generation.
Prof. Atintono reminded everyone that BONABOTO was not just an organization, but a family. The association’s welfare programs saw them supporting members in times of trouble, during bereavement, sickness, or important family events. This, he said, was the true spirit of BONABOTO: caring for one another, always.
Looking to the future, Prof. Atintono challenged the association to renew its unity, involve more young people, find sustainable ways to fund its most important projects, and work even more closely with chiefs and development partners. He said, “This 25th anniversary is not an endpoint. It is just another checkpoint on our journey.”
The congress brought together a rich mix of people, government officials, traditional chiefs, academics, professionals, members of the security services, and BONABOTO members from far and wide. As everyone looked back on the association’s achievements, a sense of pride and hope filled the air. The story of BONABOTO, after 25 years, is a story of what can be achieved when a community stands together, united in heritage, purpose, and hope for tomorrow.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
