26/04/2026
Sankana, Upper West Region — Ghana’s Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has reaffirmed the importance of preserving Ghana’s historical heritage while advancing development, during her visit to the Kalibi Ganlaa Festival in Sankana.
Addressing the gathering in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, the Vice President reflected on her long-standing connection with the community. She revealed that her relationship with Sankana dates back decades, when she frequently visited the area as part of academic research into enslavement and local resistance. According to her, what began as scholarly work has since grown into a lasting bond with the people.
This year’s festival, hosted under the leadership of the Sankana Na, brought together distinguished personalities, including the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and renowned Kenyan lawyer PLO Lumumba, both of whom were honoured with traditional titles.
The Vice President emphasized the global relevance of Sankana’s history, linking it to the recent United Nations resolution on the transatlantic slave trade. She noted that heritage sites like Sankana play a critical role in shaping identity and must be carefully documented and preserved through collaboration between traditional authorities and government.
Beyond heritage, she highlighted ongoing development efforts under the government’s “Big Push” programme. These include major road construction projects, the establishment of 24-hour markets, and improvements in educational infrastructure. She stressed that investing in education—particularly for girls—remains key to achieving inclusive and sustainable development.
She concluded by expressing appreciation to the chiefs and people of Sankana for their continued partnership and warm hospitality. fans
