By Edwin Gogu
The Canteen Electoral Area on Thursday, September 25, 2025, witnessed an inspiring and historic community durbar led by its young, vibrant, and dynamic Assemblyman, Hon. Ananpansah Bartholomew Abraham, whose energy, commitment, and passion for development have won him admiration from chiefs, opinion leaders, and stakeholders across the West Gonja Municipality.
Hon. Ananpansah, who is widely regarded as one of the most promising and resourceful young leaders in the Savannah Region, has steadily carved a reputation as a bold advocate for education, youth empowerment, and community development. His charisma, ability to connect with people across generations, and track record of initiating practical solutions to pressing challenges have made him not only a trusted Assemblyman but also a role model for the youth aspiring to leadership.
The durbar, the first of its kind to be brought directly to the school level, focused on addressing pressing issues of low school enrolment, youth involvement in drug abuse, and critical health concerns confronting the community. The event brought together chiefs, imams, assembly members, health professionals, teachers, parents, youth, and representatives of civil society in an open dialogue to find lasting solutions.
Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Ananpansah explained that the durbar was carefully designed to bring community concerns closer to the schools and ensure the active involvement of teachers and pupils. “Basically, the whole durbar is to address common issues of development confronting our community. We collaborated with the West Gonja Catholic Hospital and health facilities to conduct free screenings for illnesses such as typhoid, hepatitis B, and HIV. Free kits were distributed, and the rich ideas shared here will guide us to work together for the betterment of Canteen,” he said.
The Assemblyman further disclosed that significant educational infrastructure projects are underway to tackle enrolment challenges, including a six-unit classroom block for Canteen Primary and a three-unit block for Settlement Primary. He assured the community of his unflinching commitment to ensuring that teachers, parents, and stakeholders play their roles in uplifting education standards. “We will not let this be a talk shop. We will move to action,” he emphasized.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for West Gonja, Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro, who graced the occasion, lauded the Assemblyman for his foresight and dynamism in championing development at the grassroots. He described education as a shared responsibility and announced the allocation of key GETFund projects, including a six-unit classroom block with offices and a place of convenience for Canteen Primary E and a three-unit block with a head teacher’s office for Settlement Primary School.
Drawing on his own experience as a former Circuit Supervisor of the Canteen area, the MCE pledged continued support to improve school infrastructure and encouraged teachers and communities to adopt strong maintenance practices to sustain educational facilities. “It is not only infrastructure that improves enrolment. Teachers must make classrooms learner-centered and engaging, while communities must take responsibility for maintaining facilities,” he stressed.
The durbar, which drew massive participation from all sectors of the community, was hailed as a model of inclusive development planning. Chiefs, opinion leaders, and stakeholders praised Hon. Ananpansah for his bold leadership, tireless advocacy, and ability to rally support from across political, religious, and social divides.
With his strong network of connections to the diaspora and opinion leaders, the Assemblyman assured the people of Canteen of a brighter future. “Together, with the support of all stakeholders, our community will continue to see better dreams and a better future for our young ones,” he concluded.
