The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Through it’s Regional Communication Office is Mourning Alhaji Issahaku Malik, First Upper West Regional Chairman of National Democratic Congress(NDC). He was Reported Dead on 1st of November 2025.
He served in The Capacity as Chairman from 1992 Till 2014 when he lost the seat to Mr. Mathew Sungaabo (Matco).

Alhaji Issahaku Malik Lost his position as Chairman in November 2014, before he lost he declined claims in October 2013 that he wouldn’t be seeking reelection.

”Never have I on any occasion mentioned to any one that I was no more interested in the regional chairmanship of the party.

The doors will be opened to all interested parties when the green light is given, so people should remain calm and not propagate what I have not said,” he insisted.

Statement for The National Democratic Congress (NDC)

IN MEMORY OF THE FIRST AND LONGEST-SERVING REGIONAL CHAIRMAN OF OUR PARTY (NDC) IN THE UWR (Chairman Malik)

November 2, 2025

Friends, family, comrades, and the great people of the Upper West Region,

Our eyes are heavy, our hearts weighed down by a profound loss, yet lifted by the immense privilege of having known a great man. We heard the unpalatable news under a heavy sky, but we are here to celebrate and honor the life of our father, our guide, our hero, our mentor, and above all, a political colossus. A man whose house was open to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, creed, age, gender, education, or location.

To simply call him a politician would be a disservice. He was a visionary, an architect of hope, unity, and empathy. He was selfless, dedicated, and one of the founding fathers whose name is forever woven into the very fabric of our political identity (NDC) here in the Upper West Region.

In an era when our region’s voice often struggled to be heard on the national stage, Mr. Malik saw not a periphery, but a people of immense potential. He saw the hardworking farmer in Jirapa, the vibrant youth in Wa, the wise elder in Tumu, and the untapped promise in every corner of our land. He dreamed of a platform—a vehicle that would not only represent us but would empower us.

And so, with unwavering conviction and hands calloused from both toil and determination, he, alongside a few other brave souls, laid the foundation for the National Democratic Congress.This was not an act of mere ambition; it was an act of profound love. Love for this soil, love for our people, and a burning belief of the principles that birthed the fourth republic (justice, probity, accountability and transparency).

He was not a leader who sought the comfort of an office; he held it for 22 years (1992-2014). He was a son of the Upper West, whose feet were firmly planted in our red earth. I can still see him, under the punishing sun or the gentle moon, sitting on a simple bench, listening—truly listening—to the grievances of the farmer, the aspirations of the teacher, and the dreams of the market woman. He understood that true politics was not about speaking, but about hearing; not about power, but about service.

His wisdom was our compass. In moments of political turmoil and uncertainty, his voice was the steadying force that reminded us of our core principles. He was our “Akatamanso” (Umbrella)—a symbol of strength, protection, memory, hope and unwavering presence. He carried the history of our struggle and the blueprint for our future within him.

Mr. Malik taught us that politics is an extension of our community values: respect for elders, care for the vulnerable, and a collective responsibility for our common good. He built bridges across ethnic, creed, and other demographic lines, fostering a sense of shared destiny among all the people of the Upper West Region.

Today, as we look around, we see his legacy. It is in the schools that were built because he advocated for them. It is in the roads that connect our communities because he insisted on them. It is in the confidence with which our youth now engage in the democratic process. His legacy is the very political consciousness that defines our region today.

So, as we bid you farewell, our dear father and founding member, we do not say goodbye to your spirit. We say thank you.

Thank you for your sacrifice.
Thank you for your vision.
Thank you for giving us a voice.

Your physical presence is gone, but your legacy is a seed that has been deeply planted. It will continue to grow in the ideals we uphold, in the battles we fight for development, and in the unwavering pride we have for our Upper West Region.

May the earth of your homeland, which you loved so dearly, receive you gently. May your soul find eternal peace in the bosom of thy Lord.

Rest in peace, Mr. Malik.

By Issah Kantagyere
Regional Communication Officer
UWR