Akatsi south: Mr Solo Adotevi, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress in Akatsi South Constituency, has emphasized the critical role of community festivals in promoting socio-economic development. He advocates for using these cultural events as platforms to drive community growth and unity.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Adotevi, who is also a businessman and CEO of Gaewornu Microfinance, delivered these remarks during the grand durbar of this year's Agbeliza Festival in Avenorpedo, Volta Region. He stressed the importance of communities initiating development projects and leveraging their natural resources to attract support and assistance.
Mr Adotevi, who chaired the event, highlighted the need for festival organizers to engage local leaders, including the Municipal Chief Executive and Member of Parliament, to draw attention to the region's potential. He believes that their involvement could attract more officials to the festival, thus marketing the community's rich resources.
Mr Raphael Ahiable, Presiding Member of the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly, noted that funds from the festival are being used for local projects like the construction of a modern ICT laboratory. He urged the government to establish a cassava processing factory in the area, given the community's substantial cassava production.
Mr Victor Agorsor, Chairman of the festival's Central Planning Committee, expressed gratitude to donors contributing to the area's development. The event also featured presentations from dignitaries such as Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, and Mr Bernard Ahiafor, MP for Akatsi South, who discussed government plans for the agricultural sector under the Feed Ghana Programme.
The 37th edition of the festival, themed 'Unity in Health: Building a Resilient Community through Collaboration,' included activities like a candlelight procession, clean-up exercise, games, and artists' night. The annual Avenorpedo 'Agbeliza' festival, celebrated every August, showcases various cassava products, emphasizing the region's agricultural wealth.
