By Agbaxode Emmanuel
Akatsi (VR), Aug. 31, GNA-Mr Solo Adotevi, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress in Akatsi South Constituency has stressed the importance of holding community festivals as a platform for socio-economic development.
He said the growth of every community must be championed through the display of culture and tradition driven by a united front.
Mr Adotevi, a businessman and CEO of Gaewornu Microfinance, made the call at the grand durbar of this year’s Agbeliza Festival by the people of Avenorpedo in the Volta Region.
He said it was time for communities to champion community development projects by inviting those responsible to tap into their rich natural potential to receive assistance.
Mr Adotevi, who chaired the occasion, further urged the elders and organisers of the festival to engage the relevant leaders such as the Municipal Chief Executive and Member of Parliament for the area “so they can use their influence to bring more officials to our festival as a way of marketing our rich potential.”
Mr Raphael Ahiable, the Presiding Member of the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly, who doubles as the Assembly Member for the area, revealed that proceeds from celebrations have been directed towards community projects such as the construction of a modern ICT laboratory, and others.
He appealed to the government to construct a cassava processing factory in the area “since the community is noted for cultivating cassava and other crops in larger quantities.”
Mr Victor Agorsor, Chairman of the festival’s Central Planning Committee, on his part expressed gratitude to all donors who contributed their quota for the growth of the area.
Several dignitaries, including Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Bernard Ahiafor, MP for Akatsi South and First Deputy of Parliament, and Mr Daniel Dagba, the Akatsi South MCE, centered their presentations on government plans for revamping the agricultural sector under the Feed Ghana Programme.
They also called for the need for community members and leaders to remain united for positive progress.
The 37th edition of the festival was on the theme “Unity in Health: Building a Resilient Community through Collaboration.”
Several activities including candlelight procession, clean-up exercise, games, artists’ night, and others characterised this year’s event.
The Avenorpedo ‘Agbeliza’ festival is annually celebrated in August at Avenorpedo.
An essential aspect of the festival remained the exhibition of various cassava products such as agbelikaklo, yakayake, cassava cake, and others.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah