Halemboi Jikpie community in the Wa East District on Thursday, March 2026 made history as they enskinned a new chief Kuoro Sulia Abdulai, ending several decades without a traditional leader.
The colourful ceremony, held at the community center, brought together chiefs, traditional authorities, religious and women leaders, and the Ghana Police Service. The event was made even more vibrant by the energetic performances of the Halemboi Youth cultural dance troop.
In his inaugural address, the new chief, Kuoro Sulia Abdulai, thanked the people for their trust. He pledged to work tirelessly to bring development to the area, emphasizing that while the community is currently peaceful, true progress can only be achieved through absolute unity.
“It is only peace and unity that can help facilitate the development we need,” Kuoro Sulia stated. He highlighted the lack of electricity, bad roads, and poor water sources as major challenges, making a formal appeal to the President of Ghana to extend the national power grid to the community.
Papuo Batong, a member of the organizing committee, noted that for years, the Unit Committee Chairman had been the sole point of contact for community issues. With the new chief now in place, the Chairman will work alongside Kuoro Sulia to run the affairs of the community.
Mr. Batong also recalled a bold move by the now-chief during the 2024 general elections. Kuoro Sulia led community members to intercept the then-NDC flagbearer (now President), His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, on his way to Nabulo to demand electricity. This advocacy is already paying off, as the President recently directed a survey to begin the community’s electricity project.
The women of Halemboi Jikpie expressed immense joy during the celebration. Many shared that without a chief, they felt “in the dark” regarding where to take their concerns. They expressed relief that they now have a dedicated leader to whom they can boldly channel their issues for solutions.
With a new leader on the skin, the people of Halemboi Jikpie look forward to a new era of growth and advocacy.
