A powerful thunderstorm swept through Damongo on the night of Monday, March 24, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction in its path. The storm tore off the roofs of numerous buildings, including a pavilion used as a car park for the Jakpa Palace.
One of the hardest-hit residences was that of Uncle Bashiru, Chief Driver for Zoomlion Ghana. The car park roofing from the Jakpa Palace was ripped off by the storm and hurled across the road, landing on his property.
The storm also damaged a private vehicle belonging to the Regional NADMO Director, Tahiru Mohammed. Strong winds carried roofing debris, which struck and damaged the car.
The Gonja Traditional Council office suffered extensive damage as all its glass windows were shattered. Additionally, several electricity poles near the Ghana Education Service office were uprooted, plunging many homes in the area into darkness.
High-tension power lines fell across the Yagbonwura Palace Street leading to DASS Street, posing a significant hazard to pedestrians and drivers. Residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution until the lines are cleared.
Several offices and staff quarters of the West Gonja Municipal Assembly were also affected by the storm’s destruction.
The increasing frequency and intensity of such storms have alarmed residents, many of whom attribute the damage to rampant deforestation caused by charcoal production. There is growing pressure on traditional leaders, the West Gonja Municipal Assembly, and the Savannah Regional Minister to take decisive action against charcoal burning to prevent further environmental disasters.
