The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for West Gonja, Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro, has announced plans by the Municipal Assembly to construct inner roads within the Zongo residential area to improve accessibility and support urban development.
Hon. Castro made the disclosure on Tuesday, December 24, 2025, during a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a CHPS compound in the Zongo community, where he addressed elders and residents on the Assembly’s broader development agenda for the area.
According to the MCE, the lack of proper road access within Zongo has, over the years, made movement difficult for residents and vehicles.
He noted that previous governments were hesitant to open up roads due to the dense siting of buildings and the challenge of compensating affected property owners.
“We cannot continue to wait until funds are available to compensate every affected building before opening roads. If we do, this challenge will persist indefinitely,” Hon. Castro stated.
He explained that the Assembly intends to engage the community extensively before the project begins, adding that a larger stakeholders’ meeting will be organised for collective deliberation and consent.
He stressed that development inevitably comes with challenges, and residents must be prepared to make sacrifices where necessary.
Hon. Castro assured the community that before construction begins in 2026 particularly in Zongo and Alhassan Kura there will be proper consultations and marking of structures likely to be affected by the road project.
The MCE also cautioned residents to always obtain building permits from the Assembly before commencing any construction. He warned that unauthorised structures will be demolished, and offenders will be surcharged for operational costs.
He emphasised that as Damongo is now a regional capital, it is imperative to open up road networks to enhance accessibility and orderly development.
In addition, Hon. Castro appealed to the elders of Zongo to allocate land for the establishment of a mini factory aimed at training the youth in vocational skills.
He said the initiative would help create employment opportunities and provide sustainable livelihoods for young people in the area. He recalled a similar project in the past that failed due to poor infrastructure, leading to the relocation of heavy machinery, and expressed his determination to successfully reintroduce the initiative in Zongo.
Residents of Zongo, who have long complained about the enclosed nature of the community and poor road access, welcomed the MCE’s announcement.
Many described the initiative as a long-awaited intervention that, when implemented, would significantly improve living conditions and mobility within the area.
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