The Chief of Gonnum, Naba Thomas Akadolibasoa Azinyim I, together with residents of the entire community, has used the 2026 edition of the Maalitinga Festival to renew calls for urgent development and youth employment in the area.
The Maalitinga Festival, instituted two years ago, was created to promote unity among the people of Gonnum while mobilising resources for community-driven development and attracting support from government and development partners.
In 2025, the community established the Maalitinga Festival Fund to support the construction of a maternity ward for the Gonnum Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound.
Gonnum is one of the largest communities in the Mirigu Traditional Area and spans two electoral zones has a rapidly growing population, yet continues to face significant infrastructure deficits.
This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Building the Community: The role of Gonnum in the fight for development for future leaders,” reflecting the community’s growing concern over limited development and the need for collective action.
Speaking at the festival, Naba Thomas Akadolibasoa Azinyim I appealed to the government and stakeholders to prioritise key projects in Gonnum, such as the construction of a maternity ward, extension of electricity, provision of potable drinking water, and employment opportunities for the youth.
He noted that the current CHPS compound lacks the infrastructure needed to provide safe and effective healthcare for both patients and health workers.
“Our commitment to health, education and electricity is unwavering, but the current state of the Gonnum CHPS compound demands urgent attention,” the Chief said.
“We need a maternity ward to cater for the growing number of pregnant women and to ensure a safe and dignified environment for healthcare delivery”, he added.
The Assembly Member for the Kassalingo Electoral Area, Mr. Emmanuel Amiwine, said the community’s appeal reflects a strong desire for improved healthcare, better education and a decent standard of living for residents, especially the youth.
He also noted poor condition of roads, lack of electricity, shortage of school furniture and limited job opportunities as major factors contributing to hardship and poor academic performance in the area.
The Queen Mother of Gonnum, Pognaba Lucy Azinyim I, also called for stronger collaboration between traditional authorities and government to accelerate development in the area.
“As custodians of the land, we must take responsibility for the future of our community and actively fight for its development,” she said. She reiterated the need for a maternity ward, extension of electricity, nurses’ accommodation and the provision of potable water.
A community member, Samuel Ajebona, underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that Gonnum’s large population continues to depend on an under-resourced CHPS compound to handle emergencies and major illnesses.
The Member of Parliament for Chiana-Paga Constituency, Mr. Nikyema Billa Alamzy, supported the festival with a donation of GH¢1,000 through his intermediary.
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