The brewing controversy surrounding a GH₵40,000 donation intended for National Democratic Congress (NDC) polling station executives in the Wa Central Constituency has finally been addressed by the donor, Alhaji Othman Alhassan Gbanagu.
The businessman and philanthropist moved to clear the air after reports emerged that the Wa Central Constituency Chairman, Alhaji Formina, had allegedly rejected the funds. The donation was intended to facilitate the payment of nomination forms and party dues for grassroots executives ahead of the party’s internal reorganisation.
The issue gained public traction after a viral video showed a polling station coordinator, surrounded by party members, accusing Chairman Formina of refusing Alhaji Gbanagu’s gesture. The resulting backlash prompted the donor to provide clarity on the intended channel of the funds.
In a telephone conversation with Baba Jamal on Sungmaale FM, Alhaji Gbanagu clarified that the money was never intended for the Chairman directly.
“I didn’t give any donation to Formina. My grandfather, Tamaa, called to suggest I offer support to our polling station executives through him [Tamaa]. I extended the support to him for onward usage by the party,” Gbanagu stated.
Alhaji Gbanagu emphasised that his support is rooted in a desire to empower those who sacrifice for the party.
“My intentions are pure for the party followers. We must help the people who sacrifice to bring the party to power. We even owe some of them, as I have just been informed by Asaaden,” he added.
Addressing rumours regarding his political ambitions, Gbanagu was categorical: neither he nor his wife, Shamima Muslim, has any interest in contesting for leadership within the constituency. He described his vision as being “far above” local constituency politics.
“I won’t sharpen my knives to go cutting intestines,” he remarked, using the proverb to illustrate his lack of interest in internal strife.
Rather than seeking local office, Alhaji Gbanagu stated his focus is on elevating professionals from the region to national prominence. He cited his desire to see local figures like Lawyer Shakur, Sherif, Mutew Rahaman, Nuhu Putiaha, and “Godfather” Rasheed ascend to high-ranking national roles such as Ministers and Ambassadors.
Regarding his relationship with Chairman Formina, Gbanagu expressed surprise at the Chairman’s reported hesitation to accept party support on behalf of others, questioning the sudden shift in political loyalties.
Alhaji Gbanagu is a well-known figure in the Upper West Region, recognised for his consistent support of the NDC and the broader community. In May 2024, he donated 21 motorbikes to the youth wings in the North East and Upper West Regions, part of a larger distribution of 57 motorbikes across Northern Ghana.
Beyond politics, his philanthropic footprint in the Wa Municipality includes donating furniture and renovating local schools, drilling boreholes for water access, providing sustained support for the annual Dumba Festival and more
This latest donation, he maintains, is simply another step in ensuring the mobility and effectiveness of party structures at the grassroots level.
