By Kekeli K. Blamey
Adidome (V/R), Dec. 19, GNA – Traditional leaders in the Mafi Traditional Area of the Central Tongu District have urged residents to uphold unity and peace as critical foundations for sustainable development.
The call was made at the celebration of the 77th edition of the Mafi Hogbetsotso Festival held at Adidome in the Volta Region under the theme: “Fostering Unity, Peace, and Love for Development.”
Addressing the durbar, the Dufia of Adidome, Togbe Kakaklolo Agyeman V, said meaningful development could only thrive in an environment of mutual respect, dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
He appealed to traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and residents to strengthen collaboration with political leadership and other stakeholders to attract development projects to the area.
Togbe Kakaklolo said the annual Hogbetsotso Festival, which commemorates the origin, migration and shared history of the Mafi people, remained an important platform for promoting unity, preserving cultural heritage and mobilising resources for development.
He noted that beyond the cultural displays, the festival provided an opportunity for reflection, planning and collective action to advance development across Mafi communities and the larger Ewe society.
The Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, Professor Huch Aryee, encouraged the youth to take advantage of emerging technological opportunities by acquiring relevant skills, embracing innovation and positioning themselves to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Mr Addison Dodzi Mornyuie, District Chief Executive of Central Tongu, said the Assembly remained committed to improving socio-economic conditions in the district through the effective implementation of government flagship programmes.
He encouraged residents, particularly farmers and the youth, to take advantage of initiatives such as the Planting for Food and Jobs programme, youth entrepreneurship interventions and skills development schemes to enhance productivity, create jobs and improve household incomes.
Mr Mornyuie also assured the people of continued collaboration between the Assembly, traditional authorities and development partners to address critical infrastructure needs, including roads, sanitation, education and healthcare delivery in the district.
Mr Alexander Hottordze, Member of Parliament of Central Tongu, expressed concern over persistent chieftaincy disputes in parts of the constituency, describing them as a major setback to development efforts.
He said such conflicts often discouraged investors, delayed government projects and diverted attention from pressing development priorities, and called on traditional leaders and residents to resolve disputes through dialogue and established customary processes.
Mr Hottordze reaffirmed his commitment to working with the District Assembly, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to promote peace and unity, stressing that development could only be accelerated in a stable and harmonious environment.
The festival brought together traditional authorities, political leaders, residents and dignitaries, reaffirming a shared commitment to peace, unity and development in the Mafi Traditional Area.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade