The Chief of Mirigu Pungbisi, Naba Francis Awineparigiga Anaafo I, has called on the government, NGOs, and development partners to prioritize infrastructure and youth employment in the community during the 2026 edition of the Pungbisi Vocational Festival.
The second edition of the festival, held this year under the theme “Creating Employment Opportunities to Reduce Poverty and Combat Galamsey Among Youth,” aims to promote community unity, self-help initiatives and attract external support for development projects. In 2025, the community established a Vocational Festival Fund to finance a vocational training center in the Pungbisi divisional area.
Addressing residents and dignitaries during the celebration, Naba Francis emphasized the urgent need for expanded infrastructure, including CHPS compounds, schools, roads, electricity, potable water, and job opportunities for young people.
“Our commitment to health, education, roads, employment, and electricity is unwavering, but the current state of the Pungbisi community demands urgent attention. We need support to accommodate the growing unemployment and provide a conducive environment for an improved standard of living,” he said.
The United Sisters Women Association echoed the call, noting that addressing unemployment, education, healthcare, roads, electricity, and livelihoods is essential for community progress. Residents highlighted challenges such as poor road conditions, inadequate health facilities, limited access to water, and youth unemployment as barriers to development.
Queen Mother Pognaba Gloria Atamfuma Amolifo I appealed for collaboration with authorities to support the construction of the vocational training center. “We want our community to develop. We need help from every hand so that the community initiative can succeed. This center will provide opportunities for those without work to gain skills and support their families,” she said.
Representatives from both political parties attended the festival. Thomas, an NPP official, praised the chief’s initiative, saying, “The initiative of the chief to establish a vocational training center for the youth is laudable and aligns with the vision of the NPP, which believes in individual development within a democratic society.”
Officials from the ruling NDC also attended, expressing gratitude to the divisional chief for the initiative. Both parties donated funds to support the project.
The lack of employment opportunities in the community has contributed to broader socio-economic challenges, underscoring the need for immediate interventions in infrastructure and vocational training.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Anaba Azubire | Mirigu
