The Upper East Regional Communication Bureau has debunked the Cash Spraying allegation on the just-ended welcome durbar held in Pwalugu on Sunday, 2nd February 2025, to usher into the region, the newly sworn-in Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga.
According to them, The Durbar was a culturally significant and unifying event that brought together people from diverse political backgrounds, ethnic groups, and communities to welcome Hon. Akamugri in a grand procession from Pwalugu to Bolgatanga township.
The celebration was marked by traditional drumming, singing, and dancing, reflecting the rich local customs and heritage.
However, a statement issued by the communication bureau on February 2, lamented that certain media reports have inaccurately portrayed a cultural practice as an act of extravagance by the Minister.
To set the record straight, the Upper East Regional Communication Bureau stated, “In the Upper East Region, it is customary for attendees to offer money to traditional performers as a token of appreciation. These performers are not pre-paid but rely on such contributions. The money given to the performers was not Hon. Akamugri’s funds, it was handed to him by the NDC Regional Vice Chairman, Mr. Issaka Haruna. The amount consisted of GHS 5 notes, totalling GHS 100.”
Due to the harmattan winds, they noted that the notes were briefly scattered, creating an unintended visual impression that has been misrepresented as deliberate “cash spraying” and that Only Ghanaian cedi notes amounting to GHS100 were involved, no foreign currency was used.
The misinterpretation of this cultural gesture they lamented is unfortunate, and urged the media to verify facts before disseminating misleading narratives.
