I expected our 15 MPs to take the lead — Bonaba laments lack of political support in push for Upper East Passport Office

The Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Baba Salifu Alemyaarum, has expressed deep concern over the lack of visible political leadership in the push to operationalize a temporary passport office for the Upper East Region.

The chief made the remarks during a ceremony where he presented an air conditioner to the Alagumgube Association, donated on behalf of Bongo Tinmaalego Pognaba based in the United Kingdom. The gesture was in support of the association’s ongoing work to establish a functioning temporary passport office space for the region.

Naba Alemyaarum praised Alagumgube for its relentless commitment, noting that the group has consistently championed development initiatives in the Upper East. He said he has been following the process keenly and expected the region’s 15 Members of Parliament, along with other distinguished sons and daughters serving in government, to be at the forefront of the fundraising and advocacy efforts. Their absence, he lamented, is deeply disappointing given the importance of the project to the people.

He called on well-meaning citizens, institutions, and organizations to emulate the example of Alagumgube and support the initiative. According to him, collective responsibility and grassroots contributions will help bridge the gap created by delays and bureaucratic challenges.

Gabriel Agambila, the founder of Alagumgube, expressed his gratitude to the paramount chief for the donation and endorsement. He reiterated the association’s appeal for broad-based support, stressing that the dream of a functional passport office can only be realized through collaboration between community groups, traditional leaders, and benevolent individuals both at home and abroad.

For years, residents of the Upper East Region have had to travel long distances to other regions to access passport services, a situation that imposes financial and logistical burdens. Although government approved the establishment of a permanent passport office in Bolgatanga, the project has faced setbacks ranging from land acquisition issues to architectural redesigns.

In the interim, temporary passport office spaces are being set up in underserved regions, but the Upper East is still waiting for its facility to become fully operational.

The contribution of Alagumgube and the support of traditional authorities like Naba Alemyaarum highlight the growing role of community-led initiatives in addressing development gaps. Their efforts continue to build momentum for the establishment of a temporary passport office, offering hope that the long-standing challenge of passport accessibility in the region will soon be eased.