Battle of the Brothers

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for the Yapei Kusawgu constituency in the Savannah Region, John Abdulai Jinapor, has taken his campaign to the North East Region in a bid to rally support for parliamentary candidate Adam Mutawakilu and party flagbearer John Dramani Mahama in the Damongo constituency.

Of note is that the incumbent MP for Damongo is none other than John’s own blood brother, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, who currently serves as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

Having unseated the previous MP in a fiercely fought general election in 2020, Samuel Jinapor is now facing a challenge from his brother, John Jinapor, who is vying to regain the seat in this upcoming election.

Mutawakilu, the NDC aspirant, has sought outside assistance to bolster his campaign against the resourceful Minister, who previously held the position of deputy chief of staff before assuming his current ministerial role.

In an unexpected turn of events, John Jinapor, the elder brother of Samuel, has joined the campaign trail, actively advocating for the NDC candidate in an open-top campaign vehicle through the streets of Damongo.

Despite the festive atmosphere, with supporters dancing to music and cheering along the procession, the outcome of this campaign remains uncertain with just two months remaining until the general election on 7 December.

Meanwhile, Samuel Jinapor has encountered hurdles in his reelection bid, as he was recently restricted by a traditional ruler in the region following allegations of disrespect towards the Yagbonwura, Bil-Kunuto Jewu Soale.

The ban, issued by the prominent chief of Gonjaland back in July, prevented Samuel Jinapor from entering the palace and other areas within the region.

However, after subsequent efforts by President Akufo-Addo’s delegation, led by the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the ban was lifted the following month, allowing Samuel Jinapor to resume his political activities in the Savannah Region.