Organizers of the Yorogo Tigsitaaba Festival have urged residents to increase their financial contributions to ensure the completion and sustainability of the community’s flagship library and ICT complex, warning that dwindling support could stall future development projects.
The appeal was made Saturday by Dr. Gilbert Ayimbire Abonuusum, chairman of the Tigsitaaba Festival Committee, during the 2025 edition of the annual festival held at the Yorogo Primary School Park. While celebrating the near completion of the ultra-modern library and ICT facility, Dr. Abonuusum cautioned that declining levies and participation among community members threaten the long-term success of the festival and its development agenda.
The library and ICT complex, the festival’s inaugural major project, has reached an advanced stage, with structural works completed and interior finishing underway. Dr. Abonuusum said the facility is expected to be equipped with high-speed internet services to support education, research and digital inclusion when fully operational.
He credited the achievement to collective effort and external support, particularly the intervention of Adams Schanz and his team from the United States, who took over construction from the decking stage and helped bring the project close to completion.
“This achievement shows what effort and unity can bring,” Dr. Abonuusum said, citing a local proverb that emphasizes the importance of hard work as the foundation of development. He noted that the project reflects the festival’s 2025 theme, “Self-investment today, a sustainable community tomorrow: the role of Yorogo Tigsitaaba Festival.”
Despite the progress, the committee chairman expressed concern over what he described as worrying trends in community engagement. He said contributions from residents have steadily declined, with many no longer paying personal and household levies meant to support festival activities and development projects.
According to figures presented by the committee, total contributions in 2024 amounted to 23,299 Ghana cedis, with 10,944 cedis spent, leaving limited funds for new initiatives. Contributions this year, he said, have fallen below 20,000 cedis so far, a level he described as inadequate to sustain future projects beyond the library.
Dr. Abonuusum also highlighted low representation of communities on the festival committee, declining participation in festival activities and late attendance at the durbar grounds, which he warned could discourage officials and invited guests from attending.
He called on the chief of Yorogo, sub-chiefs and opinion leaders to help revitalize the festival committee and mobilize residents to recommit to the festival’s objectives.
“We have a unique festival with a unique achievement,” Dr. Abonuusum said. “If complacency sets in, others who are learning from us today may overtake us tomorrow.”
The Yorogo Tigsitaaba Festival was established seven years ago to promote unity, cultural revival and community development. Over the years, it has grown into a key platform for mobilizing resources for education-focused projects in the community.
The 2025 celebration brought together traditional authorities, government officials, former and current assembly members, residents and media representatives, all of whom were urged to support efforts to complete the library and sustain the festival for future generations.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
