By Michael Foli Jackidy
Tamekope (V/R), Sept. 18, GNA – Reverend Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ketu North, has called on the chiefs and people of the Penyi Traditional Area to use the Nugoryiza (Festival) as a platform to promote development, attract investment and strengthen unity among the people.
He made the call when he joined Torgbui Dadzi V, the Paramount Chief of the Penyi Traditional Area, his chiefs and the people of Penyi to launch the 2026 Penyi Nugoryiza Festival at Tamekope.
The colourful ceremony was organised by the Central Planning Committee, chaired by Mr Mac-Thomson Gbeti.
Rev Amenaki said traditional festivals went beyond merrymaking, noting that they provided opportunities for communities to showcase their cultural heritage while drawing the attention of government, investors and development partners to their needs.
He urged the people to use the festival to present their development priorities and build partnerships capable of improving the area.
He assured the gathering that the Ketu North Municipal Assembly recognised the important role of traditional festivals in promoting unity and socio-economic development and would provide the necessary support towards a successful celebration.
He also urged the youth to participate actively in the activities and maintain peace before, during and after the festival.
Torgbui Dadzi V, the Paramount Chief of Penyi Traditional Area, called on citizens of Penyi, both home and abroad, to return home for the celebration, describing Nugoryiza as a sacred period for thanksgiving, unity and reflection.
“My children, this festival belongs to all of us. Whether you are in Accra, Kumasi, or outside Ghana, Penyi is calling you. Come home and let us celebrate our heritage together,” he said.
He commended the Central Planning Committee, traditional council, chiefs, elders and people of Tamekope for their efforts towards the launch and appealed to citizens and friends of Penyi to support the festival financially and morally to enable it to achieve its development objectives.
Mr Mac-Thomson Gbeti, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, assured the people that adequate preparations had been made to make the 2026 edition memorable.
He said Nugoryiza was not only a cultural celebration but also a symbol of the identity, unity and development aspirations of the people.
He said the committee had lined up cultural performances, traditional rites, youth engagement, health programmes and development fora as part of activities for the festival.
Mr Gbeti appealed to Penyi citizens at home and abroad to return home and support the celebration.
The 2026 Penyi NugoryiZa is scheduled to climax on October 17, 2026, at Penyi in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah