The Overlord of the Wala State, His Majesty Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, has expressed deep disappointment over the loss of the Upper West Region’s only Cabinet Minister, Dr Alhaji Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, under the current John Mahama-led NDC administration.
Speaking at the climax of the 2026 Dumba Festival in Wa, the Wa Naa said the development was particularly painful for a region that has consistently demonstrated what he described as “unalloyed loyalty” to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The speech was read on behalf of the Overlord by his secretary Jinpenhi Naa Kadri Ibrahim.
“For a region that has always supported you with unalloyed loyalty, that was a devastating blow. What has happened is not an isolated case; it is the trend of this administration’s handling of appointees from the Upper West Region. We lick our wounds and pray for better times”, he sadly stated.
In a recent reshuffle of his ministers, President John Mahama reassigned Dr Rashid Hassan Pelpuo from Labour, Jobs and Employment to the Presidency as Minister of State in Charge of Special Initiatives.
The Wa Naa said the concern reflects the disappointment of traditional authorities and residents across the region.
Beyond the political grievance, the Overlord used the festival platform to put government on notice over pressing development challenges confronting the region.
He called for urgent intervention to fix the unstable power supply and non-functional oxygen plant at the Upper West Regional Hospital, describing the situation as a threat to critical healthcare delivery.
He also raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Wa Municipal Hospital, infrastructure deficits at tertiary institutions, delays in the 300-capacity hostel project at N.J. Ahmadiyya College of Education, and the need to rehabilitate the fire-damaged girls’ hostel at Wa Islamic Senior High School.
The Wa-Bole-Bamboi road also featured prominently, with the Wa Naa insisting that the people would only be satisfied when the long-troubled road is fully completed.
He further renewed calls for the actualisation of the Wa Metropolitan Assembly and the issuance of a Community Mining Licence to create lawful employment opportunities for the region’s youth.
Despite the concerns, the Wa Naa commended government for supporting the Shea Park Resources Hub, describing the initiative as a potential game-changer for women and young people in the region.
The 2026 Dumba Festival therefore ended not only as a celebration of Wala culture and unity, but with a clear political and development message to government: the Upper West Region wants its loyalty matched with recognition, representation and tangible development.
By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
