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A Triumph for Botswana, A Victory for Africa – Ras Mubarak celebrates Botswana

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Published:29 September 2025

Published: 6:38PM

As Botswana prepares to mark its 59th Independence Anniversary on September 30, 2025, the nation is already awash in jubilation. The streets may be quiet, with Botswanans retreating to their villages to celebrate with kith and kin, but the air hums with pride and possibility.

This euphoria stems not only from the upcoming national milestone but also from a historic triumph that has reverberated across the continent. Botswana’s men’s 4x400m relay team (Lee Bhekempilo, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi) secured Africa’s first-ever gold medal in this event at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

This victory is no small feat. For decades, the United States, with its population of 350 million, has dominated the men’s 4x400m relay, clinching the last ten editions of the championship. Yet, from “small Botswana” – a nation of just 2.4 million people — emerged a team of gallant runners who defied the odds. They outran not only the Americans but also formidable competitors like neighboring South Africa, with its 63 million citizens.

In a David-and-Goliath moment, these athletes proved that neither the size of one’s country nor the location of one’s address can stand in the way of greatness. Their triumph is a beacon of hope, a testament to African resilience, and a clarion call for unity across our diverse continent.

The Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign, which I am honored to lead, arrived in Botswana on Saturday, September 28, 2025, as the 11th stop on our 163-day, 40,000-kilometer road journey across 39 African nations.
Endorsed by several African governments, our mission is to promote intra-African tourism, advocate for a visa-free policy for all African nationals, and foster a united Africa where borders do not divide but connect us.

From Togo to Namibia, we have witnessed the power of shared dreams and collective action, engaging government officials, diplomats, the media, and communities in a vision aligned with Agenda 2063.

In Botswana, we found a nation in celebration, not only of its sporting heroes but also of its enduring spirit. President Duma Boko, in a gesture of national pride, declared a paid day off to honor the relay team’s historic victory, setting the stage for the Independence Day festivities.

Despite the long holiday, with many Botswanans away in their villages, the Government of Botswana has exemplified Pan-African solidarity by arranging for the Honourable Minister for Presidential Affairs, Moeti Mohwasa – a very senior cabinet Minister – to receive our delegation. We are deeply grateful for this warm welcome and look forward to a productive meeting to discuss how Botswana’s leadership in sustainable tourism and regional integration can amplify our campaign’s goals.

Botswana’s story—its rich cultural heritage, its stewardship of natural wonders like the Okavango Delta, and now its athletic prowess—mirrors the aspirations of our campaign. Just as the relay team showed that small nations can achieve monumental victories, we believe that a united Africa, free of visa barriers, can unlock boundless opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

Botswana, with its forward-thinking governance and commitment to African unity, is poised to lead this charge.

As we celebrate Botswana’s independence and its recent triumphs, let us also celebrate the broader African spirit— one that dares to dream, competes without fear, and embraces unity as strength. The Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign calls on all Africans to rally behind this vision. Let us make our continent a place where every citizen can travel freely, where every nation’s story is shared, and where every victory, like Botswana’s, belongs to us all.


Ras Mubarak,
Campaign Leader.
Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign
Endorsed by the Governments of Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Namibia.

OpenAfrica #OpenOpportunities

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Iddrisu Abdul-Majeed Declares Intent to Contest for Tamale South NDC Deputy Communication Officer‎

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Published: May 31 2026

Published at ; 8:12Pm

Story by Saibu


‎A dedicated party communicator and grassroots mobilizer, Iddrisu Abdul-Majeed, has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Deputy Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Tamale South Constituency.

‎According to Mr. Abdul-Majeed, the decision follows extensive consultations with party elders, comrades, and faithful across the constituency. He said his aspiration is rooted in a strong commitment to the ideals and progress of the NDC, as well as a desire to contribute more effectively to the party’s communication efforts.



‎Mr. Abdul-Majeed brings years of experience in party communication and youth mobilization. Since 2019, he has served as a member of the Northern Regional Communication Team, where he has played a role in promoting the party’s message and engaging with supporters across the region. He believes the experience has equipped him with valuable skills in strategic communication, grassroots engagement, and political messaging.



‎His political journey also includes leadership within the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN). He served as a TEIN Organizer before rising to become President of the Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Kpembe chapter. During his tenure, he focused on mobilizing students, strengthening participation in party activities, and inspiring young people to become active contributors to the NDC’s growth.



‎Beyond campus politics, Mr. Abdul-Majeed is the Founder and President of the Tamale South Young Democrats, a youth-focused group that has actively supported the party’s campaigns and mobilization efforts, particularly during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.

‎At the grassroots level, he currently serves as the Branch Youth Organizer for the Almuqadas Polling Station in the Kakpagyili Electoral Area, where he continues to work to strengthen party structures, promote unity, and deepen engagement between the NDC and constituents.



‎Outlining his vision for the position, Mr. Abdul-Majeed stated that he aims to support the constituency’s Communication Directorate in enhancing the party’s communication strategy, effectively projecting the achievements and policies of the NDC, combating misinformation, and strengthening engagement with party members and the wider public.

‎He emphasized that unity, discipline, and effective communication remain critical to consolidating the party’s gains and positioning the NDC for greater success in Tamale South and beyond.



‎Mr. Abdul-Majeed has therefore appealed to delegates, comrades, and supporters to back his candidature as the party prepares for its internal elections.

‎“Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant, and united party that continues to serve the people effectively,” he said.



‎For inquiries, comments, or further engagement, Mr. Abdul-Majeed can be reached via telephone on 024 752 9355 or by email at iddrisuabdulmajeed13@gmail.com.

‎3y3 Zu! 3y3 Za!!

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Hon. Habib Soyalana commissions maternity ward, toilet facilities in Tolon Constituency

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Published by Inusah Dondaliya

Date: 31st May 2026

The Member of Parliament for Tolon, Hon. Alhaj Habib Iddrisu, has commissioned a maternity ward in Chirifoyili and two- 20 -seater toilet facilities in the Tolon township.

This advances his efforts and commitment not only to improving access to healthcare delivery but also to ensuring that sanitation practices in the Constituency are significantly enhanced.

In the company of constituency executives and Party functionaries, the Deputy Minority Chief Whip, commissioned the facilities for use, aimed at relieving the burden of the people in health and sanitation areas.

The projects form part of a broader commitment by the Tolon MP to meeting the social basic needs of the people, so as to enhance their livelihoods and socio-economic wellbeing.

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Hardi Pagazaa Clarifies Dagban’s Eid Tradition: ‘It Is Naa Jingli, Not Bugu Chugu’

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Published May 31 2026

Published at: 12:26Pm

Story by Saibu Terry

A Dagbon cultural advocate, Hardi Pagazaa, has sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding the ceremonial Eid celebrations performed by the Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Yaa-Naa, emphasizing that the event is historically known as Naa Jingli and not “Buga Chugu” as widely portrayed on social media.

According to Pagazaa, several videos circulating online have been captioned as “Buga Chugu,” which some have interpreted as a “small gods festival.” He insists that no such festival exists in Dagbon and describes the characterization as historically inaccurate.

He explained that Naa Jingli is a centuries-old ceremonial tradition dating back to the reign of Naa Zanjina, the 17th Yaa-Naa of Dagbon, who is credited with introducing and publicly embracing Islam in the kingdom around the 15th century.

The ceremony commemorates the historic moment when Naa Zanjina accepted Islam and publicly performed prayers for the first time. Since then, Islam has remained deeply woven into the fabric of Dagbon’s traditional governance and culture.

Pagazaa noted that it is obligatory for the Yaa-Naa and paramount chiefs across Dagbon to observe at least the Eid prayers. This enduring relationship between traditional authority and Islam is reflected in the construction of mosques near palaces throughout Dagbon and the enskinment of Imams within the traditional leadership structure.

He further explained that the ceremonial Eid-ul-Adha observance traditionally takes place in the evening. Historically, the Yaa-Naa appeared at the prayer grounds dressed in full war regalia. According to him, this practice was permitted by Islamic scholars and Imams of the time as a security measure against potential attacks from rival groups, which were common during that era.

Over time, however, as Islam became more firmly established in Dagbon, the Yaa-Naa reportedly abandoned the use of war attire during prayers and directed other traditional leaders to do the same.

Pagazaa also highlighted the unique and revered position of the Imam in Dagbon society. He stated that, apart from the President of Ghana, the Imam is the only individual accorded the privilege of shaking hands with the Yaa-Naa, underscoring the spiritual significance of the office.

He said the continued observance of Naa Jingli serves as a powerful lesson in peaceful coexistence, demonstrating how respect for culture, patience, and sustained engagement can foster religious acceptance and social harmony.

The clarification comes amid growing public interest in Dagbon’s cultural and religious traditions, particularly following the circulation of videos from recent Eid celebrations involving the Yaa-Naa.

“Long reign Ndan Yaa-Naa. Long live Dagbon. Long live Ghana,” Pagazaa concluded.

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