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GENERAL

Savelugu Assembly Reports Development Gains, Raises Concerns Over Drug Abuse and Sanitation Challenges

The Savelugu Municipal Assembly has highlighted significant progress in social welfare, agriculture, sanitation, education, and infrastructure development while drawing attention to persistent challenges, including substance abuse, poor waste management, and environmental degradation.

Date Created : 6/8/2026 : Story Author : Ghanadistricts.com

Presenting his sessional address at the First Ordinary Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Assembly, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Alhassan Fuseini, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to inclusive development, improved service delivery, and accountable governance.

Addressing Assembly Members, traditional authorities, heads of departments, security agencies, and other stakeholders, the MCE expressed appreciation for their continued support towards the development of the municipality.

Hon. Fuseini noted that the municipality continues to enjoy relative peace across its four zonal councils—Savelugu, Moglaa, Pong-Tamale, and Diare—due to the collaboration between security agencies, traditional authorities, and residents. However, he expressed concern about the growing abuse of illicit drugs, particularly tramadol and Indian hemp, among the youth. He disclosed that the Assembly was working closely with security agencies to address the problem and called for stricter sanctions against offenders.

On social welfare, the MCE revealed that 7,350 vulnerable persons in 18 communities were registered or had their memberships renewed under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) through a partnership between the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

He further stated that 136 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) benefited from the District Assembly Common Fund allocation for PWDs. Beneficiaries received support in the form of livestock, tricycles, deep freezers, sewing and hairdressing machines, start-up capital, medication assistance, skills training, and funding for disability-related programmes. According to him, monitoring visits indicated that many beneficiaries were making steady progress in improving their livelihoods.

As part of efforts to curb substance abuse, the Assembly organised public sensitisation programmes in Kukobila, Tamalegu, and Savelugu M/A Junior High School, reaching more than 280 participants, including students, teachers, chiefs, community members, and persons with disabilities.

The MCE also highlighted the Assembly’s role in resolving a paternity case involving Madam Rahina Osman. Following DNA verification at the Tamale Tribunal Court, the respondent was confirmed as the biological father and ordered to assume full financial responsibility for the child.

In the education sector, Hon. Fuseini disclosed that the Assembly invested GH¢10,000 in teacher training programmes to improve learning outcomes. He added that the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) was conducted peacefully, while the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) continued to receive close monitoring.

Addressing sanitation issues, the MCE described waste management as one of the municipality’s biggest challenges. He revealed that although approximately 78.22 tonnes of waste are generated daily, only 2.83 tonnes—representing 3.6 percent—are collected, leaving the majority improperly disposed of.

Despite these challenges, the Assembly organised monthly clean-up exercises in Savelugu, Pong-Tamale, and Moglaa, while refuse disposal sites at Tootenyili and along the Nanton Road were rehabilitated to improve waste management.

He further reported that household toilet coverage increased from 4,514 to 4,959 in the first quarter of 2026, while 16 communities attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. The Assembly also rehabilitated three boreholes, trained Water and Sanitation Management Teams, and conducted hygiene education campaigns in 601 households.

In agriculture, Agricultural Extension Agents conducted 9,360 home and farm visits, reaching over 9,000 farmers despite staffing constraints. Under the Feed Ghana Programme, the municipality registered 352 cereal-based cooperatives, 24 legume-based cooperatives, and 44 livestock cooperatives.

The adoption of Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) techniques increased from 95 farmers in the first quarter of 2025 to 147 farmers during the same period in 2026. The Assembly also supported irrigation activities covering 35 hectares and constructed boreholes in Bunglung and Botingli to improve water access for farming.

Hon. Fuseini expressed concern about increasing sand-winning activities along the White Volta River in communities such as Kuldanali, Simniboma, and Dipali, warning that the practice was contributing to higher water treatment costs.

On local economic development, the MCE disclosed that 500 participants had been enrolled on the BizBox platform, while 45 beneficiaries, mostly women, were registered under the GEA/Mastercard Foundation programme to promote entrepreneurship and business growth.

Regarding revenue mobilisation, he stated that the Assembly generated GH¢120,332 in Internally Generated Funds (IGF) during the first quarter of 2026 against an annual target of GH¢367,304.80. He encouraged residents and businesses to fulfil their tax obligations to support local development.

The MCE also revealed that the Government of Ghana transferred more than GH¢4.5 million to the Assembly during the first quarter, while the fourth-quarter 2025 District Assembly Common Fund allocation of GH¢4.29 million was received in April 2026.

On infrastructure development, he reported progress on classroom blocks, CHPS compounds, boreholes, market facilities, and feeder road projects. Renovation works were also undertaken at the Assembly Conference Hall, Client Service Unit, and official residences of the Municipal Chief Executive and Municipal Coordinating Director.

Hon. Fuseini concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the living standards of residents through effective governance, transparency, and collaboration. He called on Assembly Members, traditional authorities, development partners, and residents to continue working together to address the municipality’s remaining development challenges.

GENERAL

Savelugu Assembly Reports Development Gains, Raises Concerns Over Drug Abuse and Sanitation Challenges

Date Created : 6/8/2026 : Story Author : Ghanadistricts.com

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