Accra: Togbega Homatekpor V, the Paramount Chief of Gbledi Traditional Area, has appealed to Volta Regional Minister and stakeholders, to help protect the forest cover of the Afadzato Mountain in the Volta Region. He stated that the Afadzato Conservation project which began in 1998 to protect the forest cover, had not received the needed support over the years.
According to Ghana News Agency, Togbega Homatekpor made the appeal during a working visit by the Volta Regional Minister, citing rampant illegal chainsaw activities in the area. He warned that these activities could leave the mountain bare in a few years if urgent actions were not taken. The Chief also highlighted that the Afadzato Senior High Technical School had not seen any developmental project in the last eight years, impacting student enrolment and academic activities due to infrastructure deficits and dilapidated classroom blocks.
Further concerns were raised about the absence of a vehicle for the school’s official duties, which continued to negatively affect administrative work. Additionally, the Chief called for improvements to the health centre in the area and its washroom facilities.
Mr. Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, the Hohoe Constituency Member of Parliament, assured the people that Gbledi would receive its fair share of development projects. He mentioned plans to connect Afadzato Mountain to Wli Waterfalls to boost the local economy.
Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, stated that all traditional areas in the Municipality had been considered for development, noting that nine roads in the area had been included under Urban Roads for an update.
Mr. Prosper Kumi, the Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive, acknowledged the issues of the Afadzato Senior High Technical School and promised the necessary support. He also mentioned advanced plans to ensure that the area would have access to potable drinking water.