The West Gonja District in the Savannah Region has a new Municipal Chief Executive, 52-year-old professional teacher Yakubu Yussif Castro. President John Dramani Mahama has nominated him for the position.
The nominee hails from Busunu, a suburb of the municipality. He is celebrated in political circles as a talented grassroots politician.
He is a member of both the early cadres and the Democratic Youth League of Ghana (DYLG). He has been praised for his exceptional listening skills. His unwavering loyalty to the NDC party and his ability to bring people together are also commendable.
During his initial assignment to Pepuso, a suburb of Buipe, on 10th October 1994, Mr. Castro successfully merged his professional and political roles as he served as headteacher and the sole educator for four classes. As someone deeply rooted in the community, he excelled at integrating his career and political interests.
Despite his busy schedule, he accepted the role of polling station secretary for Pepuso. This area is now part of the Central Gonja District. He accepted the role to support his party.
After being moved back to his hometown of Busunu, he served as secretary for the Presbyterian Primary Temporary Polling Station. He also worked at the Busunu D/A Polling Station. He continued in this position. Then, he ran twice for the Damongo Constituency parliamentary primaries under the National Democratic Congress (NDC). However, he was unsuccessful in both attempts. He lost to Adam Mutawakilu, also known as Garlus. Adam is now the Managing Director of Ghana Water Company Limited.
Undeterred by his previous defeat, Mr. Castro persevered and ran for the constituency secretary position in Damongo. However, he was once again unsuccessful as Braimah Alhassan, the current party secretary, emerged as the victor.
He experienced defeat. Despite what the younger generation around him may say, it did not discourage him. He continues to support the NDC in the region.
Mr Yakubu Yussif Castro has an impressive 31 years of experience in the former Damongo District. This area now includes Central and North Gonja. He deeply understands the area. His expertise makes him the ideal candidate to navigate the complex political and chieftaincy climate in Damongo. In addition, he is well-equipped to tackle the recurring floods in Damongo and Busunu. He effectively addresses the needs and perspectives of the youth community.
