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Beyond NPP, NDC: 2 ‘Gen Z’ MPs unite to prioritise purpose over politics
In a rare display of cross-party collaboration, two Members of Parliament from opposing political traditions have set aside partisan differences to champion a shared cause—empowering women and transforming communities.
On February 14 (Valentine’s Day), the Savelugu Community Centre hosted the official launch of the Yooyili Pag-Dede Foundation, an initiative designed to expand economic opportunities for women, strengthen early childhood education, nurture youth creativity, and improve access to clean water.
Leading the effort was Abdul Aziz Fatahiya, Member of Parliament for Savelugu (New Patriotic Party), who was joined in solidarity by Dorcas Affo-Toffey, Member of Parliament for Jomoro and Deputy Minister for Transport.
The partnership has drawn attention not only for its development focus but also for its symbolism—a bipartisan alliance centered on people-first leadership.
In her address, Fatahiya emphasised that while the people of Savelugu were hardworking and resilient, many women and young people lack structured opportunities to maximise their potential.
“Our women are determined, but determination alone is not enough. We must build systems that give them access to resources, skills, and markets,” she stated.
She explained that the Yooyili Pag-Dede Foundation will operate through five core programmes, including potable drinking water.
The foundation also seeks to promote financial independence for women and ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in community development efforts.
Key initiatives include:
- She Grows: supporting women farmers with training and modern agricultural initiatives.
- Style of Dagbon: a hub for women’s fashion entrepreneurship and creative enterprise.
- Story Weavers of Yooyili: empowering children aged six to 15 as storytellers, artists, and cultural ambassadors.
- Dagbon Karizung: strengthening pre-school education across Dagbon communities.
- Clean Water Project: expanding access to safe and potable water.
Delivering the keynote address, Mohammed Amin Adam, the Member of Parliament for Karaga and former Finance Minister, underscored the central role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty.
He urged parents to prioritise investment in their children’s future and commended Madam Fatahiya for the initiative, supporting it with a donation of GH¢20,000.
Madam Affo-Toffey praised the project, describing it as a commendable initiative worthy of emulation, particularly by female MPs across the country. With an initial GH¢20,000 donation, she noted that the initiative had inspired her to explore similar development models within her own constituency.
Prior to launching the foundation, Madam Fatahiya organised a free breast cancer and chronic disease screening programme that benefited more than 3,000 women across Savelugu.
She described the foundation as an extension of that commitment, aimed at addressing systemic barriers to women’s advancement through practical and sustainable solutions.
In a lighthearted moment that drew laughter and applause, Madam Fatahiya referred to herself and her colleague as “the Gen Z MPs.”
“WE may belong to different political parties, but today we are the Gen Z MPs that collaborate, innovate, and we don’t wait,” she remarked.
She added that a new generation of women political leaders are willing to bridge divides in pursuit of measurable impact.
Also present at the launch was Habib Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tolon, who noted that the initiative signals a shift toward issue-based governance to one that prioritises development outcomes.
The event attracted several dignitaries from both political parties, including the Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, as well as former MCEs and DCEs.
In an era frequently characterised by political polarisation, the bipartisan cooperation witnessed in Savelugu offers a compelling alternative narrative, when leaders unite around shared values and community needs, transformation becomes possible.
From: Geoffrey Buta, Savelugu
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The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has accepted an apology from the Minority leader in Parliament following allegations of corruption in the recruitment process of the security services.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he indicated that the accusations were painful because they portrayed his actions in a way that suggested criminal wrongdoing.
“It is painful to be wrongly accused or for your actions to be misconstrued and labelled differently from your intention, especially when it is linked with criminality and serious wrongdoing,” he stated.
Mr Mubarak noted that although he was deeply hurt and worried by the allegations, he had decided to accept the apology wholeheartedly.
According to him, the issue should guide members of the House and public officials to focus on ensuring that the right things are done without attempting to destroy one another.
He assured the Minority that the Interior Ministry and the various security service commanders remain committed to transparency and accountability in their work.
The Minister added that the ministry would be ready to address any concerns raised by the Minority or other members of Parliament regarding recruitment into the security services.
He further appealed to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to consider expunging from the parliamentary records the false comments.
Mr Mubarak expressed appreciation to the Speaker for handling the matter and emphasised the need for cooperation among members of Parliament to ensure fairness and proper oversight.
By: Jacob Aggrey
THE Gospel Advocates (TGA), a non-denominational evangelistic Christian organisation last Saturday donated a number of educational logistics to the Dodi Asantekrom Basic School in the Eastern region of Ghana.
The gesture was to mark the seventh anniversary of the organisation made up of professionals committed to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to students in senior high schools, particularly in rural communities.
TGA also seeks to inspire students towards attaining academic excellence and guiding them towards optimising the various learning opportunities and academic programmes available at the tertiary level.
Among the items donated were 100 desks, 10 cupboards, 10 desktop computers, two laptops, 10 teachers’ tables and chairs and others.
The group also held its annual outreach programme that had a significant impact in the community through initiatives such as feeding 500 children with hot meals and assorted drinks, providing free medical screening and drugs for 500 adults and youth and conducting health education and sensitisation for both children and adults.
TGA also took upon itself to restock the community clinic with essential medicines and distributed food items, plastic bowls, cups and clothing to members of the community.
The initiative, according to officials of the group, was supported by ORSAM Limited, Doctors Save Lives Foundation, Johnson Tord Foundation, El-Shaddai Mothercare, Exceed Alliance Limited, GB Foods Ghana Limited, Qualiplast Limited, Phyto-Riker (Gihoc) Pharmaceuticals Limited, Cosa Bright Ghana, Kabs Pharmacy, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, Pill Bay Pharmacy and Bamah 3.7.7.
“We are deeply grateful for their immense support and partnership in bringing hope, relief, and practical assistance to the people of Dodi Asantekrom,” the officials said.
In a statement, the President and Chairman of The Gospel Advocates, Mr. Selom Kpikpitse, said the donation to Dodi Asantekrom forms part of TGA’s broader mission to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ among students and youth in rural communities through teachings, music and arts.
He explained that the meals provided to over 500 pupils were in line with the organization’s annual “Feed the Kidz Project,” which demonstrates Christ’s love.
Receiving the items on behalf of the school, the Headmaster, Mr. Otumfour Newton, expressed gratitude to TGA and its sponsors, saying that “the items would significantly enhance teaching and learning while improving the overall welfare and development of the pupils.”
Mr. Newton also commended the team for the free medical screenings for adults and youth in the community, and other community engagements.
Medical supplies were also donated to the Dodi Asantekrom CHPS compound and received on behalf of the facility by Mr. Amefu, a Physician Assistant.
By Spectator Reporter
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