Bugri Naabu Biography
A significant player in Ghanaian politics, Bugri Naabu has experienced a varied and adventurous life. His tale is one of tenacity, commitment, and leadership, from his time as the former Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Northern Region to his appointment as the Paramount Chief of the Namong traditional territory in the North East Region.
The Coronation of Namong Daan II
Bugri Naabu received the honorary title of Namong Daan II on June 29, 2019, from Nayiri Mahami Abdulai Bohagu Shariga, the Overlord of Mamprugu. An important turning point in his life was the coronation, which happened in Nalerigu.
A Government Delegation Witnesses the Event
High-ranking government representatives, including Mr. Salifu Saeed, the Minister of the Northern Region, and Mr. Solomon Boar, the Minister of the North Eastern Region, attended the coronation event. The gathering also included a delegation of metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives from the Northern, Savanna, and North East regions.
Bugri Naabu’s Political Journey
Bugri Naabu had been actively involved in Ghanaian politics prior to his appointment, serving as an NPP national council member. He was the then-Upper Region’s Regional Chairman of the Ghana Contractors Association and was a key figure in the Northern Region’s NPP.
Trials and Triumphs
Bugri Naabu experienced a variety of struggles and victories during his life. Because he was raised in the Nayiri family castle in the 1960s, he had a solid foundation in Nalerigu. Later, he was appointed pastor of the Nalerigu Baptist Church.
From Ghana Airways to Politics
Between 1964 to 1972, Bugri Naabu was employed by Ghana Airways in Tamale, where his career took a different turn. Later on, he was elected to the then-Mamprugu District Assembly as an assemblyman. He then got into contracting and eventually rose to the position of Chairman of Real Tamale United, where he collaborated with the late Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama.
Battling for Leadership
Bugri Naabu had to contend with difficult political competition for positions of authority in the NPP’s Northern Region. He won the position of Regional Chairman in 2014, and in the 2016 general elections, he significantly increased the party’s representation in parliament and increased support for Nana Akufo-Addo, the NPP’s presidential candidate.
A Legacy of Leadership
Despite failing to win reelection in 2018, Bugri Naabu’s influence on Ghanaian politics is still felt today. He continued to support the expansion and development of the party after being elected to the NPP’s National Council that same year.
Who is Bugri Naabu?
He was employed with Ghana Airways in Tamale from 1964 to 1972. He was chosen to serve in the then-Mamprugu District Assembly as an assemblyman. In 1976, Mr. Naabu began working as a contractor.
He was chosen to serve as the Upper Region’s Regional Chairman of the Ghana Contractors Association.
The AFRC administration of Mr. Rawlings held Mr. Naabu for seven months in 1983.
Following his release, he joined forces with the late Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama to serve as Chairman of the Real Tamale United football team.
He was named the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions’ national head of the National Contractors Association in 1987.
Later, he entered mainstream politics and competed twice consecutively with the late Alhaji Salifu C.O.P. for the position of NPP chair in the Northern Region, under the administrations of Prof. Adu Boahen and former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
He was unsuccessful in his attempt to unseat Mr. Haruna Tia Sulemana as the NPP’s Northern Regional Chair in 2010, but he managed to do it in 2014.
In the general elections of 2016, he increased the party’s parliamentary representation from 10 to 13 as regional chairman. He also strengthened support for Nana Akufo-Addo, the NPP’s then-presidential candidate.
In 2018, Mr. Mohammed Samba Baantima defeated him for reelection, and the following year, he was elected to the NPP’s National Council.
Conclusion
Bugri Naabu’s path, from his modest origins in Nalerigu to his prominent responsibilities in politics and contracting, is a monument to his perseverance and commitment to public service. He is now beginning a new chapter as Namong Daan II, the Paramount Chief of the Namong traditional territory, and realizing the prophecy associated with his name—that he will shine brightly in Ghanaian history.
