SPEECH BY DR. H. WEMAH CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT FORUM AT A DONATION OF GHC5,000 MADE BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF GHANAIANS ASSOCIATIONS (NEW YORK) AT THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE ON TUESDAY 13TH MAY 2008
MEMBERS OF THE NDF
FRIENDS OF NDF
REP. OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF GHANAINS ASSOCIATIONS (NEW YORK)
OUR MEDIA PARTNERS
It is with great joy that I welcome you to this afternoon’s event as the President of the Northern Development Forum (NDF). Let me also take this opportunity to thank the representative of the National Council of Ghanaians Associations in the New York- Nana Kofi Anane Amponsah, Asantefuohene in New York. You have shown that you are true patriots who love your country and all Ghanaians. To you Ghana is one indivisible entity and all Ghanaian are one people with a common destiny.
Looking at the situation in the North with particular reference to the current events in Bawku it will be unfortunate for the NDF not to say anything about the best way forward. Some people specialize in writing and saying very negative, offensive, derogatory and inflammatory things about the situation in Bawku and elsewhere in the north when they have no expertise in nor do they have an inkling of the true situation and the actual reasons thereof. These comments often go to aggravate the situation and do not do any good to the people affected nor to any true and nationalistic Ghanaian nor Ghana as a whole. Therefore, NDF appeals to all the factions concerned to bury the hatchet and give peace a chance. Apart from the Government there are organizations and individuals who are feverishly working towards bringing lasting peace to these troubled areas. In all these NDF will be a partner and always available to assist.
The Northern Development Forum was established by northern Ghanaians from all walks of life to be the genuine mouthpiece if the people. Subsequently, NDF has sought audience, counsel and endorsement by the various leaderships of the north including, the Vice President, Northern Ghanaian members of the Council of State, Honourable Members of Parliament from the three Northern regions, the respected traditional leadership through the various Regional Houses of Chiefs, among others.
A memo will shortly be sent to H.E. the President of the Republic, formally announcing this fact and raising matters of immediate concern. At this juncture we wish to acknowledge the high interest shown to the NDF by The President of the Republic of Ghana through his Chief Advisor. And also his personal interest in ensuring that the Northern Development Fund is set up.
The NDF is particularly pleased that the NCGA has recognized us and is addressing their well meaning donation and good wishes to the people of the north, through us.
This must also be in recognition of the fact that the NDF has kept faith with our people. We have visited the regions, donated and helped with foodstuff and other items and have kept an excellent record of the donations from ourselves (northern Ghanaians) and other well wishers.
In deed of all organizations, groupings and institutions that received funds and relief items on account of the disasters, it is only the NDF which can boast of a detailed, published account, which indicated clearly the sources of funds (all receipted for) and their application in reference to the problem.
The NDF therefore wishes to take advantage of this donation ceremony to appeal to all well wishers, international partner organizations, NGOs, MDAs that henceforth they should be confident to work with us if they do indeed sincerely want to achieve the desired results in their efforts towards helping the North.
Once again thank you for coming.
Dr. Hakeem Wemah
Chairman, NDF
