By Michael Foli Jackidy
Klikor(V/R), Oct 14, GNA-The chiefs and people of the Zendo Communities have come together to celebrate the 2024 Zendo Glimetsoza Festival in Klikor, marking a significant moment of unity and cultural heritage.
The festival, which rotates among five communities—Klikor, Klefe, Tsibu, Tsorxor, and Kpeve—was held under the theme: “Uniting the Zendo Communities for Sustainable Development.”
Torgbui Addo VIII, Paramount Chief and President of the Klikor Traditional Council, in a welcome address, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, noting that it reflects the communities’ collective vision of progress, prosperity, and harmony.
“This theme serves as a testament to our commitment to working hand in hand toward a future that is vibrant, inclusive, and resilient,” he remarked.
Torgbui Addo also took the opportunity to commend the Klikor Senior High Technical School (KLISTECH) for their outstanding performance in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
He proudly announced that KLISTECH ranked as the best among senior high and technical schools in the municipality.
However, he expressed concern about the encroachment on school land by private individuals and called on the government and benevolent individuals to support efforts to fence the school and protect its land from further encroachment.
In addition, Torgbui Addo expressed gratitude to the President of Ghana for fulfilling promises related to the construction of the Klikor town roads, which had been neglected by previous governments but acknowledged the ongoing work on critical road networks.
He also appealed for an extension of the project to other roads, including the Klikor-Weta Road, the Klikor through Agblekpui-Adrume Road, and the Klikor-Kpoglu Road, and extended an appeal for similar development in other Zendo communities.
He also drew attention to the Klikor Health Center, which faces severe flooding during the rainy season.
He appealed for help to renovate the facility, saying, “This appeal is not just for the community but for the well-being of every person who depends on it.”
Mr John Peter Amewu, Minister for Railway Development and Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe, who represented President Akufo-Addo at the event, said the festival was a unique occasion that connected five different districts and municipalities for peace, unity, and development.
He acknowledged the continuous support the Zendo Communities have given the government over the past eight years and assured them that the Volta Region remains a priority.
He pledged that the President is committed to further developing the region and addressing Torgbui Addo’s appeals.
The Regional Minister urged the chiefs to resolve any chieftaincy disputes that could hinder progress, stressing the importance of unity for sustainable development.
He noted that while the chieftaincy institution has played a vital role in development since colonial times, issues of succession and the jurisdiction of chiefs have become sources of concern, calling for clarity and documentation of succession rules to avoid conflicts.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashi, MP for Ketu South, also pledged her support for education in the region, particularly for initiatives that will promote a brighter future for children, especially girls.
The colourful event drew thousands of people from the five Zendo communities, including their chiefs and queenmothers, who gathered at the Klikor Unity School Park to celebrate the festival.
The festival commemorates the migration of their ancestors from Notsie and serves as a symbol of unity and solidarity among the communities.
Beyond the celebration of shared history, the festival also promotes development within these communities, fostering cooperation and cultural pride.
The celebration’s flag was ceremoniously handed over to the chiefs and people of Kpeve, who will host next year’s Zendo Glimetsoza festival.
GNA