Ayangadoone: the community in Kassena-Nankana where lack of electricity and poor roads have fueled steady migration
As a community who has not been given the needed attention over the years despite the plethora of promises, residents have accused politicians of using the community’s desperation for electricity as a campaign tool.
Ayangadoone, a small farming community in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region, continues to grapple with deepening hardships as the absence of electricity and poor road infrastructure hampers social and economic progress.
Despite its potential, rooted in crop farming, livestock rearing and petty trading, the community remains cut off from basic development interventions.
Situated on the outskirts of Doba and bordered by Janania and Gugnia, Ayangadoone is the only community in the enclave still not connected to the national electricity grid. Residents describe this long-standing neglect as a betrayal by both past and present political leaders.
The lack of electricity has become a barrier to education, business opportunities and personal safety in Ayangadoone. Patrick Akansele, a teacher trainee, says students at the only basic school in the community are at a major disadvantage.
“Electricity is a big concern for us. We have a Junior High and a primary school. The students are struggling. It takes only those who are determined to learn, because studying is difficult due to the absence of electricity.”
Ayelesaya Stephen, a member of the community youth group, added that even charging mobile phones requires dangerous trips to nearby communities.
“If we are crossing the river at night to charge our phones, we are not safe, because robbers attack people there,” he lamented.
Another resident named Atito Mathais cried that the lack of electricity has compelled him to shelve plans to start a small-scale business and a mechanised water project for dry-season farming.
“It has affected everything I wanted to do,” he said, adding that the community’s darkness has also emboldened cattle thieves. “They came here with a tricycle and stole our cattle. Because of the darkness, we couldn’t apprehend them.”
The harsh living conditions have fueled steady migration, with many residents moving to Navrongo in search of more stable living conditions.
Women and girls are among the most affected. Paulina Akansale, high school leaver who graduated recently, highlighted the struggle of grinding cereals manually for household meals and the difficulties students face while studying at night.
“If you don’t risk crossing the river during the rainy season, you can’t access other communities. Even now that the rains have reduced, the place is still filled with water,” she added, referring to the deplorable road that links Ayangadoone and Doba.
Failed political promises
As a community who has not been given the needed attention over the years despite the plethora of promises, residents have accused politicians of using the community’s desperation for electricity as a campaign tool. In the run-up to the 2024 general elections, the then-ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) promised to connect the community to the grid before election day, prompting residents to dig dozens of holes for electricity poles. Only a few poles were erected, and even those were left without cables. The remaining holes have since filled with sand.
The then-opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by current Member of Parliament Simon Aworigo Akebange, also promised to connect Ayangadoone to the grid within three months of assuming office. Nearly a year after the NDC’s electoral victory, residents say nothing has changed.
“In my house, we have holes for poles without the pole.” Paulina noted.
Residents also expressed frustration with their assembly member, Cletus Azue Anomale, claiming he is rarely seen in the community. Some alleged he has not visited in months due to commitments outside the region.
But responding to the concerns, Anomale said he was sidelined during the implementation of the stalled electricity project for political reasons.
“Some people felt that I was not an NPP member, so they didn’t need to work with me.” He said.
He alleged that the project was supervised by the then NPP parliamentary candidate for Navrongo Central, Abdallah Otito Achuliwor.
Anomale, however, confirmed that the current Member of Parliament has prioritised Ayangadoone and similar communities for rural electrification. He also revealed that the Department of Feeder Roads has surveyed the area and mapped out a road project linking Ayangdoone to Doba and the Naaga–Kologo stretch.
On the accusations of absenteeism, he insisted he remains committed to his role.
“There’s no assembly meeting I have missed, and for any community gathering that requires my presence, I’m always there.” He said.
Fading hope
Despite assurances from MP Simon Aworigo that electrification and road improvements are in the pipeline, many residents say they no longer trust political promises. Patrick Akansele pointed to the 2026 Budget Statement, which includes allocations for rural electrification, urging authorities to ensure Ayangdoone finally benefits.
“We hope that when the allocation reaches Kassena-Nankana, Ayangdoone will also benefit.” He appealed.
For now, the people of Ayangdoone say they are placing their last ounce of hope in the new Mahama administration, praying for an end to decades of darkness and the poor road conditions that have long defined their daily struggles.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Alexander Bombande
