BACKGROUND

The preamble to the Bonaboto constitution sums up the society’s mission and vision as: “We the people of Bolga, Nangodi, Bongo and Tongo areas, realizing that we are a minority group in the country …impoverished and deprived through adverse geographical and historical reasons…mindful of the fact that individually we cannot easily find solutions confronting our people and the area… eager to seek the general welfare of our members, have decided resolutely to form a union called BONABOTO”. BONABOTO thus aims at bringing together citizens of the area; promoting unity and brotherly love; creating a forum for the collective search for solutions of problems confronting members; and contributing to the development of the BONABOTO area.

Bonaboto started in the early 1970s as a student organization. The group’s aim was to forge unity and encourage mutual assistance and personal development of it’s members. Also, they were involved in some educational matters within the traditional area. Many of the activities had the assistance of the Rev Msgr Roger Aboteyure, a catholic priest from the area.

The society in its formative years was limited mainly to the campuses of the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and University of Cape Coast. With time, it encompassed other recognized tertiary institutions. In 1991 a visionary in the person of Philip Apasera, a graduate of the University of Ghana and other like-minded persons saw the need for a more active BONABOTO beyond the campuses. It was envisaged that in order to provide for a linkage between student life and working life, there was the need to create an avenue for workers, businessmen, professionals, and intellectuals to come together to form a workers branch in Accra and later in other regional capitals. A handful of enthusiastic young men including Mr. Boniface Gabilla, Mr. Simon Nabia, Mr. Roland Asampana, Mr. Peter Bopam, Mr. Joseph Afarega, Mr. Joseph Adumbire (late) and others took the lead to organize the group led by Mr. Philip Apasera as President.

In November 1991, Mr. Moses Asaga took over as President from Mr. Philip Apasera who proceeded for further studies abroad. Thus the first ever interim executive was formed comprising Mr. Moses Asaga (President), Mr. Joseph Afarega (Secretary), Mr. Roland Asampana (Treasurer), Mr. Opam-Brown (Organising Secretary). This executive worked for two years. An election was conducted in 1993 where most executive members retained their positions with the inclusion of the late Mr. Joseph Adumbire as Vice President to Mr. Moses Asaga and Mr. Peter G. Bopam as secretary. After Mr. Joseph Adumbire’s painful transition. Dr. Joshua Awindor took over the post of Vice President.

With and executive in place, the period 1991 to 1994 saw growth in the activities of the movement. Membership grew rapidly encompassing successful businessmen and women, politicians, young professionals, Public and Civil Servants etc.

BONABOTO has promoted mutual understanding amongst members from various backgrounds but sharing a common traditional setup. The welfare of members was adequately taken care of. This included patronage of outdoorings, funerals and social gatherings, Modest financial and material support was given to unfortunate members. Social get-togethers were organized and received maximum sponsorship from senior members with a free flow of discussions among members. BONABOTO has become a think tank and a growing pressure group of the area. The society also initiated the concept of model schools, national delegates conference and a BONABOTO festival.

Early in 1995, a new executive was ushered in to steer the affairs of the union with Dr. Joshua Awindor as President , Mr. Matthew Adombire as Vice President, Mr. Roland Asampana as Treasurer, Mr. Peter Bopam as Secretary, Mr. Francis Asigri as organizing Secretary and Miss Eugenia Akardi as Assistant Treasurer. Under this leadership, the welfare package improved tremendously. Visits to members by the executive encouraged, motivated and consoled members in their time of need. Under the able leadership of Dr. Joshua Awindor, a national delegates conference was planned, and a BONABOTO newsletter was introduced.

The year 1996 began on a bright note with improved attendance and active participation during deliberations. As the movement grew in recognition and showed a clear direction and determination to help in the mobilization of resources for the general development of the BONABOTO area, most citizens who were initially reluctant to join the society were now fully patronizing all the society’s activities. Personalities like Mr. L. K. Molbila, Mr. Agana-Banga, Mr. R.A. Ajene, Mr. Gelbire, Mr. Maldima, Ms. Francisca Issaka etc. all started participating in BONABOTO’s activities.

BONABOTO has since expanded to all the ten regions of Ghana as well as in the diaspora.