The Ehi community in Ghana's Ketu North Municipality recently celebrated the 10th edition of the Nutome Gali Za festival. The event, held under the theme "Galiza @ 10: Reflecting on the Past, Planning the Future," aimed to showcase the community's culture, traditions, and the economic potential of gari production. The festival brought together chiefs, residents, and stakeholders to promote unity, cultural preservation, and increased investment in cassava production and agro-processing.
Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, attended the celebration and emphasized the importance of traditional festivals in preserving history and culture, promoting unity, and mobilizing resources for development. He noted that the economic value of gari had grown significantly and that the government was working to create an enabling market for agricultural produce. The government has also directed public institutions and schools to procure locally produced food to promote local agriculture and strengthen the domestic value chain.
Reverend Martin Amenaki, Ketu North Municipal Chief Executive, highlighted the significance of the 10th anniversary, reflecting the foresight of the community's forebears and the resilience of the people in preserving their cultural and economic heritage. He noted that the festival had grown from a modest community gathering into a regional event celebrating the agro-economic importance of gari and showcasing the industriousness, innovation, and entrepreneurial abilities of the people of Ehi and the Ketu North Municipality.
Rev. Amenaki emphasized that the cassava value chain provided livelihoods for thousands of families, particularly women and young people involved in processing, trading, and marketing. He also noted that Ehi gari was exported beyond Ghana, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and enhancing the reputation of Ketu North as an agro-processing hub. The MCE announced plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and development partners to establish communal processing centers and explore the production of value-added cassava products.
Torgbui Akpo Ashiakpor VI, Paramount Chief and President of the Weta Traditional Council, called for greater collaboration among citizens, the government, traditional authorities, and development partners to promote education, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and economic growth. He appealed to the government to expedite the implementation of the Big Push agenda to improve road networks in the traditional area and called for increased police visibility in Ehi and the wider traditional area.
Torgbui Dzeble-Adukpo IV, Dufia of Ehi and Head of the Ehi Division, noted that the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since the festival began and determine the direction of development for the next decade. He emphasized that the festival had helped to regroup the people, mobilize indigenes, and harness their collective resources for development. Torgbui Dzeble-Adukpo identified education and youth development, agriculture, technology, investment, job creation, and infrastructure as priority areas for the next decade.
The 10th Nutome Gali Za festival demonstrated the community's commitment to preserving their cultural heritage and promoting economic development through cassava production and agro-processing. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the community and to chart a course for sustainable development. The festival also showcased the potential of the Ehi community to drive growth and development through collaborative efforts.
Key points
- The 10th Nutome Gali Za festival was held under the theme "Galiza @ 10: Reflecting on the Past, Planning the Future."
- The festival aimed to promote unity, cultural preservation, and increased investment in cassava production and agro-processing.
- The event brought together chiefs, residents, and stakeholders to celebrate the community's culture, traditions, and economic potential.
