Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has pledged that a Bawumia-led administration will elevate Larabanga to the top of Ghana’s tourist destinations, creating jobs for the youth in the area.
Larabanga, home to the oldest mosque in the country—often referred to as the “Mecca” of West Africa—also hosts the “Mystic Stone” and is located near the Mole National Park and Damongo Forest Reserve, areas rich in wildlife.
The Larabanga Mosque, which dates back to 1421 and features Sudanese architectural design, has been restored with support from the World Monuments Fund and is considered one of the most endangered heritage sites in West Africa.
At a well-attended rally in Larabanga, within the Damongo Constituency of the Savannah Region, Dr. Opoku Prempeh emphasized that the town’s historical and cultural significance could be leveraged to boost tourism and create economic opportunities. He drew comparisons to cities like Athens and Rome, where ancient architecture attracts millions of visitors, generating substantial income.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh called on residents to support Samuel Abu Jinapor in the upcoming elections, saying his continued leadership would help secure further development for Larabanga and its surrounding areas.
The NPP running mate described Larabanga as a “jewel” of the region, with immense potential to bring in foreign exchange through increased tourism. He assured the community that under a Bawumia-led government, and with Samuel Abu Jinapor as their MP, strategic initiatives would be launched to position the town as a top tourist destination in Ghana.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh also highlighted key achievements of the NPP government in the region, including new classroom blocks, improved roads, water systems, and regional administrative offices.
He pointed to the ongoing Agenda 111 hospital project, which will create 72,000 healthcare jobs once completed, and urged voters to retain the NPP in power to continue these initiatives.
He also touted the successes of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy and the government’s efforts in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which have eased the financial burden on parents and promoted gender parity in education.
So far, 5.7 million students have benefited from these policies.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh criticized the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of only seeking votes without prioritizing the welfare of the people. He pointed to the restoration of the Arabic teachers’ allowance by the current NPP government after it was cut under the NDC.
Samuel Abu Jinapor, the incumbent MP for Damongo, assured the crowd that the NPP was committed to making the constituency a stronghold for the party.
He expressed confidence that the electorate would recognize the positive changes brought by the NPP and vote in their favor on December 7.
Before the rally, Dr. Opoku Prempeh and his team visited the Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, at his palace in Damongo.
