By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ehi (V/R), Oct 02, GNA-The chiefs and people of Ehi in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region have celebrated the Ehi Nutome Gali Za, a festival that has become an important event in the cultural calendar of the area.
The 2024 edition, held under the theme “Rallying for Development,” spanned an entire week, starting on Saturday, September 21, and culminated in a colourful grand finale on Saturday, September 28.
Torgbui Dzeble-Adukpo IV, Dufia of Ehi and Head of the Ehi Division, in his opening remarks, said the festival is not just a celebration of culture.
“It’s also a vehicle for promoting socio-economic development and cultural preservation in the face of modern challenges,” Torgbui Dzeble-Adukpo said.
Though this marks only the fifth edition of Ehi Nutome Gali Za, Torgbui Dzeble-Adukpo noted that it feels as though the festival has been an age-old tradition due to its strong impact on the community.
He emphasized that the festival is not just a celebration of culture
The festival’s theme, Rallying for Development, focused on several key areas crucial to the transformation of Ehi’s 22 communities.
These included access to quality education, improved healthcare services, enhanced economic opportunities, and the integration of technology to bring the area into the modern era.
Torgbui Dzeble-Adukpo highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development, lamenting that Ehi has often been overlooked in this regard.
He called on both the local and central governments to prioritize road construction, provide access to clean water, and initiate other essential developmental projects.
He gave assurance that the people of Ehi are ready to support any government that commits to uplifting the area.
Torgbui Akpo Ashiakpor VI, the Paramount Chief and President of the Weta Traditional Council delivered a goodwill message, calling for unity among the chiefs and people to drive development forward.
He also spoke on the significance of the upcoming December 7 elections, and urged the people of Ehi to vote wisely.
“This year is an election year. If we love ourselves, let us support the candidates of our choice with clear consciences and vote wisely, not under the influence of petty coins,” he said, stressing that the consequences of “irresponsible voting” could be severe.
He reminded the people that voting is not just a right, but a responsibility to secure a better future for themselves and future generations.
Mr. Charles Nornoo, the Guest Speaker, highlighted the need for innovation in promoting the Gali Festival.
He called on the people to be creative in marketing Gali internationally and emphasized that branding and packaging are crucial for the product’s success on the global stage.
He also called for unity within the community to attract support from the government and private sector to boost production and export.
Nana Awuah-Darko Ampem II, a development chief from Juaben and the Special Guest of Honor, congratulated the chiefs and people of Ehi for organising such a vibrant festival around a local agricultural product.
He commended the community for using the festival as a platform to promote development and urged them to continue working together for the benefit of the entire region.
Representatives from the two main political parties were also present, delivering goodwill messages and campaign speeches.
The people of Ehi are renowned for their production of Gali, a staple food made from cassava, which serves as a significant economic activity not only for the community but also for the broader African market.
Ehi Nutome Gali Za has become an important occasion to celebrate this local industry and showcase the community’s potential for economic growth through the export of Gali.
The festival, which featured traditional dance, drumming and a display of local arts and crafts, drew attendees from across the region, including dignitaries, local government officials, chiefs and queen mothers from neighbouring communities.
GNA