Yaounde: Ashong indigenes raise over 16 million FCFA for multipurpose hall project.

Ashong, a village in Batibo Subdivision, Momo Division of the North West Region, is the largest village in the administrative unit and home to approximately 9,000 people. 

The village has been actively working towards development, with ASCUDA playing a key role in driving progress. The community hall project, as revealed by ASCUDA National President, Mbah John Timben, is estimated to cost 120 million FCFA.

Once constructed, it will serve as a vital space for official functions, youth empowerment programmes, and other community-driven activities. 

The project is expected to have a significant impact on the village, providing a platform for community engagement, skills development, and social activities.

Major contributors to the fundraiser in Yaounde included Fongoh & Partners Real Estate that donated 1 million FCFA. Others included Tikum Vincent, Quality Director of Telcar Cocoa, who contributed generously.

Present at Saturday’s ceremony in Yaounde, was the Fon of Ashong, His Royal Majesty Mbafor Christopher III.

Speaking at the gathering, the traditional ruler expressed his appreciation for the efforts of ASCUDA and the generosity of the contributors. 

"…from Buea, Tiko and today in Yaounde, we have raised some sum of money…we have done so much. We are currently distributing electricity in the village and many other things before we came up with this issue of the hall. We are very lucky to have a very dynamic and hardworking executive that has put in everything and is sacrificing everything for the well-being of the population," the monarch said of the initiative.

The Fon also highlighted the benefits of the Community Hall, saying: "We intend to establish structures there…maybe small facilities for tailoring…through which children can acquire some vocational skills that will help them. Apart from that, it will have a convenient avenue for all activities".

Taking the cue, the National President ASCUDA, Mbah John Timben, emphasised the importance of the project, while the President of the host Branch, Ndum John Teboh, contextualized the purpose of the project.

The Yaounde branch president noted that the people of Ashong settled for the Multipurpose Hall project as part of efforts to preserve and promote the culture of the land despite the ongoing socio-political crisis in the English-speaking regions of the country.

The Yaounde event showcased the unity and patriotism of the Ashong people, demonstrating their resolve to foster development in the community. 

ASCUDA, it should be said, has successfully completed previous projects, including the palace and water project, and is committed to continuing its work towards improving the lives of the people of Ashong.

The construction of the Multipurpose Community Hall is expected to commence soon, with the support of the people of Ashong.

In 2024, members of ASCUDA had raised 16.5 million FCFA to rehabilitate existing water infrastructures and extend water supply to the entire village. The funds were raised during a fundraiser organised in the town of Tiko, Fako Division of the South West Region. 

ASCUDA National President, Mbah John, had said then that water infrastructure remains one of the greatest challenges in the community.

Ashong, it should be said, is one of the 22 villages in the Moghamu clan that constitute Batibo Subdivision.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3657 of Tuesday December 16, 2025