Development progress, ongoing projects and emerging social and health challenges came under review as the West Gonja Municipal Assembly held its 2nd Ordinary General Assembly Meeting in Damongo.
Delivering his opening remarks at the 2nd Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the 2nd Session of the 9th Assembly, Hon. Mohammed briefed Members on deliberations from a recent National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) meeting, which he attended in his capacity as both the Presiding Member for West Gonja Municipality and the Savannah Regional Representative.
He disclosed that NALAG is advocating for the enactment of a law to back the payment of Assembly Members’ allowances, the procurement of motorbikes by the first quarter of 2026, and the issuance of official identification cards to facilitate their work.
“Assembly Members are the direct link between government and the people at the grassroots, and their welfare must be adequately catered for to enable them deliver effectively,” he said.
Hon. Mumuni Mohammed further called on security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the rising drug abuse menace, while urging the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and road safety agencies to prevent minors from riding motorbikes and tricycles, particularly in Damongo Township.
(Cue Audio of Preaiding member)
Presenting his statutory report, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for West Gonja, Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro, gave a comprehensive account of the state of the Municipality, highlighting progress made, ongoing interventions, and key challenges confronting the area.
Presenting his report in fulfilment of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), which mandates MMDCEs to keep Assembly Members informed, Hon. Castro said the update was aimed at promoting transparency and collective decision-making.
“My report is to enable us to collectively review our performance, examine our challenges, and strategize towards the realization of our development goals,” the MCE stated.
Touching on the government’s 24-hour economy policy, Hon. Castro announced that approval has been secured for the redevelopment of the Damongo Daily Market in the Damongo Township.
“The Damongo Daily Market has been approved, and the consultant is finalising the designs to pave the way for the award of the project,” he disclosed.
He explained that the project would be funded solely through the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) and assured traders of proper documentation and resettlement. “We will ensure that no trader is displaced without being catered for when the project is completed,” he assured.
The MCE announced that West Gonja Municipality is among 50 MMDAs selected for the establishment of Farmer Service Centres under the Feed Ghana Programme, with a 21-acre site secured at Bonynato. “This initiative will not only create jobs but also strengthen food security and support farmers to increase productivity,” Hon. Castro said.
The centre will serve farming communities including Bonynato, Busunu, Achubunyo, Tailorpe, Nabore and Kabampe, with fertilizer distribution expected soon.
Hon. Castro reported that the Municipality remains peaceful, with chieftaincy disputes in Damongo and Busunu resolved. However, he expressed concern over rising substance abuse among the youth, particularly in Damongo Township.
“The situation where some youths use the Main Damongo Cemetery as a camping site is worrying and unacceptable,” he noted. He commended the Savannah Regional Police Command for swift arrests and enforcement actions.
Financial Performance and Revenue Mobilisation
As at October 31, 2025, the Assembly had mobilised GH¢947,667.98 in Internally Generated Funds (IGF), representing 63.31 percent of its revised annual target. “The operationalisation of the Kurabaso Damongo Saturday Market has significantly boosted our revenue and improved safety for traders,” he said.
The Assembly’s DACF allocation for 2025 stands at GH¢17.14 million, supporting projects in Damongo, Busunu, Kurabaso, Wawato and Agric Settlement.
Infrastructure, Planning and Ongoing Projects
Projects under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Project, including a modern livestock market at Busunu and commercial facilities in Damongo, as well as the District Roads Improvement Project (DRIP), are currently on hold due to national policy reviews. “These projects, once completed, will become major sources of revenue and economic activity for the Assembly,” the MCE emphasized.
In education, classroom blocks are under construction or completed at Wawato, Agric Settlement, Kurabaso and Damongo, while new primary schools at Asambore, Lorto and Kididilipa have received EMIS codes.
In the health sector, contracts have been awarded for CHPS compounds at Sori No. 2, Achulokura and Damongo-Zongo.
Health indicators as at October 2025 include zero maternal deaths, no disease outbreaks, and 96% coverage in the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention exercise. However, challenges persist, including rising HIV/AIDS prevalence, teenage pregnancy, low family planning uptake, and increasing diarrhoeal and typhoid cases.
“While we recorded zero maternal deaths and no disease outbreaks, the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy remains a major concern,” the MCE stated.
Agriculture, Social Protection and Livelihoods; Under the LEAP programme, GH¢7.76 million was disbursed to 5,025 beneficiaries across 73 communities, with 335 beneficiaries assisted to renew their NHIS cards. “These interventions are improving livelihoods and cushioning the most vulnerable,” Hon. Castro noted.
(Cue Audio f Hon. Castro)
The meeting was also attended by the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu Issifu Be-Awuribe, Esq., who paid a surprise visit and commended the Assembly for organising the meeting.
He reiterated government plans to establish a Catholic University of Science and Technology at Yiapala area, an Agricultural University College at Sori area, and a Regional and Teaching Hospital at Soalepe.
He further announced the proposed relocation of the 155 Armoured Regiment Barracks, construction of a modern sports stadium at the SAGISS area, and development of the Damongo–Buipe road via Canteen and the Damongo–Bole road through the Galamsey stretch.
“We must work together to confront the drug abuse challenge, because it threatens the future of our young people and the peace of our communities,” the Regional Minister stressed.
(Cue Audio of Regional Minister)
In concluding his address, Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive development and called for strong collaboration among Assembly Members and stakeholders.
“The development of West Gonja Municipality is on course, but its success depends on the collective support of all stakeholders,” he said.
