In a historic event held at the Community Centre in Damongo on February 12, 2024, the West Gonja Municipal Assembly convened its Ninth General Assembly, marking a pivotal moment for renewed endeavors towards sustainable development goals.
Honorable Karimu Musah Kusubari, the Municipal Chief Executive, delivered an impassioned welcome speech, stressing the imperative of cooperation and solidarity in confronting the municipality’s pressing issues while aligning them with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Emphasizing the non-partisan essence of the General Assembly, Hon. Kusubari underscored the importance of unity and maturity in addressing the municipality’s concerns, urging members to prioritize community welfare over personal or political agendas, echoing the principles of SDG 16 for peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Highlighting key challenges such as peace and security, inadequate funding, unauthorized construction, substance abuse, encroachment, and waste management, Hon. Kusubari emphasized the urgent need for collective action to tackle these issues, many of which intersect with multiple SDGs.
Resolving the Damongo Chieftaincy dispute is vital for fostering stability and security, in line with SDG 16’s goal of promoting inclusive societies for sustainable development. Addressing issues like unauthorized construction and trading on pedestrian walkways is essential for building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities, as outlined in SDG 11.
Combatting the rising rate of substance abuse among youth contributes to promoting health and well-being (SDG 3) within the municipality. Tackling indiscriminate waste disposal aligns with SDG 13’s objective of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Hon. Kusubari urged members to elect a Presiding Member and emphasized collaboration among both returning and newly elected members to effectively serve the community, echoing SDG 17’s emphasis on partnerships to achieve the SDGs.
The assembly comprises elected representatives from various electoral areas within the municipality, including Apilso, DASS, Hangaline/Ngbarip3/Alhassankura, Yipala/Nabori, Canteen, Attributo/Abingakura, Zongo/Langbonto, Sori, Laribanga, Busunu, Achubunyor, and Mole.
Additionally, government appointees, including Hon. Adamu Jamana, Hon. Chief S Kwaja, Hon. Azara Natomah, Hon. Iddrisu Lamin, and Hon. Yakubu Ali, are expected to contribute their expertise to municipal governance and development initiatives.
The 8th Assembly’s Presiding Member, Hon Mumuni Mohammed, was re-elected for the 9th Assembly in the West Gonja Municipality.
As the West Gonja Municipal Assembly embarks on its journey with the Ninth General Assembly, guided by principles of unity, collaboration, and service, it aligns its efforts with the broader agenda of sustainable development. By addressing key challenges and prioritizing community welfare, the assembly aims to significantly contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the overall well-being of the municipality.
