The Chief of Mirigu Gonnum, Naba Thomas Akadobasoa Azinyim I, and residents have marked the 2026 edition of the Maalitinga Festival with renewed calls for improved infrastructure and youth employment in the community.
The festival, instituted two years ago, aims to promote unity and drive development through community self-help initiatives while attracting support from government and development partners. In 2025, the community established a Maalitinga Festival Fund to raise money for the construction of a maternity ward at the Gonnum Community CHPS compound.
Addressing dignitaries and residents during the celebration, Naba Azinyim I urged the government to prioritize the expansion of the CHPS compound to include a maternity ward, extend electricity, provide potable drinking water and create employment opportunities for the youth.
He said the facility currently faces inadequate infrastructure, which affects healthcare delivery and poses risks to both nurses and patients.
“Our commitment to health, education and electricity is unwavering, but the current state of the Gonnum Community CHPS compound demands urgent attention. We need a maternity ward to accommodate the growing number of pregnant women and provide a conducive environment for effective healthcare services,” he said.
The Assembly Member for the Kasaligu Electoral Area, Emmanuel Amiwine, said the call for development reflects the community’s commitment to improving healthcare, education and livelihoods.
Gonnum, one of the largest communities in the Mirigu Traditional Area, is divided into two electoral areas and has a large population. Residents say poor road conditions, inadequate furniture in schools, lack of electricity and youth unemployment continue to hinder development.
A representative of the Member of Parliament donated GHS 1,000 to support the festival.
This year’s celebration was held on the theme: “Building the Community: The Role of Gonnum in the Fight for Development for Future Leaders.”
Queen Mother Pognaba Lucy Azinyim I also appealed for collaboration with authorities to address the community’s challenges, particularly the construction of a maternity ward, extension of electricity, provision of nurses’ accommodation and access to potable water.
Samuel Ajebona, a resident, said the large population of Gonnum requires a standard CHPS compound capable of handling emergencies and major illnesses.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Azubire Anaba | Bolgatanga
