In the Upper West Region, the NPP has perfected a cruel political game to chant the names of Jatoe Kaleo and S. D. Dombo during elections, then forget them the moment votes are counted. This is not honour. It is political exploitation.
Jatoe Kaleo was more than a local figure; he was a national leader. Born in Kaleo, he started as a teacher before entering politics and was elected as Member of Parliament for Wala South in 1956, later serving in Ghana’s Second Republic. He held key ministerial positions, including Minister of Labour, Social Welfare and Co-operatives (1969–1971) and Minister for Transport and Communications (1971–1972).
His work bridged education, local leadership, and national governance, making him a pioneer of political representation from the Upper West Region. Yet, his hometown bears no mark of his contributions. His name only pops up when people want to woo delegates to vote for the NPP
Sylvester Banye, known as Dugu Naa, embodied discipline, integrity, and political commitment. As one of the first NPP constituency executives in Nadowli, he laid the foundations for the party’s success but passed away without any proper recognition. It's pathetic!
It is also shameful that the NPP remembers these stalwarts only when it needs votes, leaving their families and supporters sidelined for decades. Many have even abandoned the party out of frustration. How can loyalty flourish in a party that ignores those who laid its foundations?
The NPP must act, not with empty rhetoric, but with tangible recognition. Naming schools, establishing educational funds, or honouring their contributions publicly would be fitting tributes. The sacrifices of Jatoe Kaleo and Sylvester Banye deserve more than hollow campaign slogans; their memories demand respect.
Jatoe Kaleo laid the foundation for political participation and representation from the Upper West Region. His dedication to Ghana’s development, both locally and nationally, makes him a figure worthy of lasting recognition, not just election-time mentions.
The people of Kaleo are watching!
FAB's Gist.
Hikmat Kande
Nov 9, 2025 6:15 pmI'm sure the Legends contributions are forgotten because of the gullibility of the recent npp party members
FRANCIS BAALADONG
Nov 9, 2025 7:00 pm@Hikmat Kande, well, you could be right too. But the party can still honour them regardless. Thanks for your contribution.
Godwin
Nov 9, 2025 7:17 pmIt's really sad. Thought I am not from Kaleo, hearing for the first time. Politics hmmm
Godwin
Nov 9, 2025 7:18 pmIt's really sad. Thought I am not from Kaleo, hearing for the first time. Politics hmmm
Tony Baaladong
Nov 10, 2025 7:21 amJatoe Kaleo was indeed a trailblazer and an inspiration to many. I remember him as a tall, gentle, soft spoken giant. And I vividly recall an incident somewhere between 1970-1972, can’t remember exactly which year. I was in primary school ( St Louis) and one morning during break work quickly spread that Jatoe Kaleo was in town! The whole school ran like hell to his house to catch a glimpse of the great man. We got there, breathless ,just as he was about to get into his car to go to God knows where. I was visibly impressed by the smart looking police man who held the door open for him and saluted smartly after he was seated. Francis, I suggest that you do a detailed research on the man and present your readers with a write up of his life and achievements. That should be an interesting and inspiring read.
Saanye Mercy
Nov 12, 2025 11:04 pmThanks so much for the insight, never knew grandpa Jatoe kaleo was an MP or ever a minister. Barika!
Nyapama-naa
Nov 15, 2025 10:00 pm"When you shake an empty tree you may break your head"