Marginalised for development: Residents of Salaga decry lack of basic amenities

Residents of Salaga in the East Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region have expressed deep concern over the persistent lack of access to basic social amenities in the area.

Residents highlighted inadequate access to potable water, irregular electricity supply, poor healthcare delivery, and deplorable road infrastructure as the major challenges confronting them in the municipality.

Water Supply Challenges

Many residents of Salaga township still rely on unprotected wells and streams often shared with animals for their daily water needs. The wells, constructed several decades ago, remain the primary source of water for most households.

Some residents also purchase water from tricycle operators who travel from Salaga to Kpembi, a nearby community, to fetch water from the Kpembi dam to sell. According to locals, the Kpembi dam water is frequently contaminated, as they are also used by domestic animals, rodents, and other wildlife.

“I buy water sometimes at the cost of Ghc500 for my electorates. This water we buy is not even wholesome. It is from a dam around Kpembi”,  Ibrahim Alhassan, Assembly member for  Mempeasem electoral area

Electricity Challenges

Frequent power outages and low voltage have become a major concern for residents of Salaga township. The unstable electricity supply has led to reduced productivity, damage to electrical appliances, and increased insecurity in the area.

“Our appeals to the authorities to fix the electricity problem have yielded no results,” said Fataw Dida, a youth leader in the municipality. “The dumsor here is too much. It’s destroying our gadgets. Provision shop owners, meat sellers, and households can’t use their fridges properly.”

Poor Road Network

East Gonja remains one of the municipalities in Ghana struggling with poor road infrastructure. Farmers find it difficult to transport their produce to the Salaga market due to the deteriorating state of the roads. The town’s main road, residents say, was constructed decades ago and has seen no major repairs or upgrades since.

“We don’t have proper roads. This is our only road, and it was constructed decades ago. It needs expansion and repairs, but nothing is being done.” Fataw Dida, youth leader in Salaga said.

Poor Health Service Delivery

Residents have also raised concerns about the poor state of healthcare services in the municipality. Health facilities are reportedly under-equipped and lack adequate medical supplies to cater to the growing population.

Due to the shortage of hospital beds, patients are sometimes forced to lie on the floor to receive treatment—posing serious health and safety risks.

The residents are therefore calling on the government and health authorities to provide the necessary logistics and improve healthcare infrastructure in the area.

Actions Taken So Far

On November 5, 2025, the youth of Salaga staged a massive demonstration to express their grievances. Hundreds of residents participated in the protest, demanding immediate government intervention to address the lack of basic amenities.

During the demonstration, the youth presented a petition to the East Gonja Municipal Chief Executive.

Response From Authorities

The East Gonja Municipal Chief Executive, Yazid Rabiu Kassim, has assured residents that his office will work closely with the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Ibrahim Zuwera, to resolve the challenges facing the municipality.

He appealed to the youth to remain calm and patient as steps are being taken to address their concerns.

“The Member of Parliament, Ibrahim Zuwera, has not been sleeping on these issues. She has engaged the Ministry of Energy and other relevant stakeholders. The same applies to the road projects—we have been in contact with the appropriate agencies. We assure residents that by next year, most of our roads will be awarded to contractors for construction.” said Yazid Rabiu Kassim, Municipal Chief Executive for East Gonja.

Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Ibrahim Abode, a freelance Journalist