Zendo Festival: Government promises ICT centres, rural telephony, expanded infrastructure

By Michael Foli Jackidy
Kpeve (V/R), Dec.3, GNA –The Government will begin rolling out 460 rural telephony centres within the Zendo communities next year to resolve long-standing network challenges.

Mr Tanko Rashid Computer, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), announced this to residents of Zendo.

Addressing chiefs and people at the 23rd in the series of Zendo Glimetso Za (festival) celebration, hosted in Kpeve in the South Dayi District, Mr Computer said GIFEC was working closely with Members of Parliament (MPs) to ensure improved digital access across all four Zendo communities facing network challenge.

It was held on the theme: “Harnessing Development through Science, Technology and Innovation.”
Mr Computer said they would also build an ICT centre and assured that once the centre was completed, GIFEC would fully equip it with laptops and digital devices.

”We will ensure that the people of Zendo enjoy high-speed internet connectivity,” he said.
Mr Computer commended organisers for the festival’s rich cultural display and strong community mobilisation, adding that the experience was one of the most inspiring he had witnessed.

”What I have seen here is impressive, and I will take these lessons back to the northern sector,” he noted.
Mr Rockson-Nelson Etsey Dafeamekpor, MP of South Dayi and Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, called on the people to continue safeguarding the unity that had sustained the Zendo communities since the festival’s inception.

He outlined several development projects undertaken in Kpeve over the past few years, including improved roads, a modern lorry park, the construction of a new clinic, and completion of the District Health Administration building.

He said the ongoing Agenda 111 project, when completed, would serve as both a district hospital and a referral facility.

To address accommodation challenges that previously discouraged workers from accepting postings to Kpeve, he announced that a 21-unit rural housing project was underway and would be completed next year.

Mr Dafeamekpor further announced that a new site had been secured for the expansion of Kpeve Senior High Technical School, with the old school site set to be repurposed into a Health Training Institute.

He appealed to the Zendo Central Planning Committee to adopt a development-oriented approach where each host community use festival proceeds to undertake a specific project, including supporting women’s groups with business capital.

“Let each traditional area select at least 10 women to benefit from festival funds. This will promote growth and encourage stakeholder support,” he said.

Mr Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, MP of Ho West and Chairman of the Volta MPs Caucus, praised Zendo towns for sustaining the festival since 1970.

“This shows that the Zendo towns share one identity. Let us continue to build unity, marry among ourselves, grow our numbers and showcase our culture to the world,” he urged.

He encouraged the communities to intensify publicity to boost cultural tourism.

Mr Courage Kokoroko, District Chief Executive of South Dayi, said the festival continues to inspire major development across the Zendo communities.

He highlighted improvements in Klikor, Klefe, Tsibu and Kpeve and announced several ongoing projects, including: A 10-unit storey classroom block for Kpeve Model School, Completion of market toilet facilities in Kpeve, Gbi Market (Peki) and PESCO, as well as the construction of CHPS compounds at Kpeyiborme, Todome and Agordeke.

There were also ongoing works on the Todome–Dzemeni road, and preparations for a new water reservoir to address persistent supply challenges.
He assured all communities of equitable development and urged continued cooperation.

Togbe Aku Dompey XI, Paramount Chief of the Kpeve Traditional Area, said the festival theme challenges the communities to embrace science and technology while cherishing cultural heritage.

He thanked the government for addressing water challenges in the Volta region and for awarding the Anyirawase–Kpeve Road Project.

He also appealed for the revival of the local Agricultural Station to support agribusiness and youth employment.

“We must match cultural pride with physical development,” he said, urging community members to support plans for a modern Town Hall.

Togbe Dompey also commended the President’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, expressing hope that recovered resources would be reinvested in national development.

This year’s Zendo Glimetso Za celebration brought together chiefs and people from all five Zendo communities, government officials, political leaders, cultural troupes, and special guests, including Queen Etornam of TV3’s Ghana’s Most Beautiful.

Zendo Glimetso Za rotates among five traditional communities:
Klefe (Ho Municipal), Klikor (Ketu South), Kpeve (South Dayi), Tsibu (Ho West) and Tsorxor (North Dayi).
The 2026 edition will be hosted by Tsibu in the Ho West District.
GNA
Edited By Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah