The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has called on chiefs to utilize their annual traditional festivals to initiate development projects in their areas. He made this appeal during the Annual Yam Festival celebration in the Klefe Traditional Area. The Minister emphasized that development thrives when people come together to invest in their traditional areas, particularly in school infrastructure and social amenities.
Minister Gunu stressed that the government will support traditional areas with a developmental mindset, as self-help projects complement government efforts. He commended the chiefs and people of Klefe Traditional Area for using their festival to generate funds for the construction of boys' and girls' dormitories with an attached teachers' bungalow for the Klefe Technical Institute. This initiative, he noted, is a positive step towards the growth of their traditional area.
The Paramount Chief of Klefe, Togbe Koku Dzaga XI, highlighted that the Yam Festival goes beyond cultural preservation and merry-making, but is also a platform for development. He emphasized the importance of technical and vocational education in equipping the youth with practical skills, enabling them to become employers rather than employees. The Paramount Chief urged the youth to develop strong mental and ethical stability and make judicious use of their time at the Technical Institute.
The chiefs and people of Klefe are soliciting support to create opportunities for growth and development. They plan to construct additional facilities, including an administration block, dining hall, assembly hall, and library, at the Klefe Technical Institute. The Chairman of the Annual Festival Planning Committee, Evans Kuami Buami, appealed to government, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders in education to assist the Klefe community in upgrading its Technical Institute.
The Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Stephen Adom, commended the chiefs and people of Klefe for using their festival to generate funds for development purposes. He pledged the Assembly's readiness to help accelerate growth in the area and assured the chiefs that the next batch of GETFund projects would be extended to the Klefe Technical Institute.
Minister Gunu's call to action is significant, as some traditional areas have been celebrating their annual festivals without tangible development projects to show for it. He pledged the Volta Regional Coordinating Council's support to enable the Klefe Traditional Area to achieve its target. The Minister's visit and assurance of support are expected to encourage other traditional areas to follow Klefe's example.
The Klefe Traditional Area's initiative has demonstrated that traditional festivals can be a platform for development, rather than just merry-making. The area's efforts to prioritize education and infrastructure development are expected to have a positive impact on the community. Key stakeholders, including government officials, traditional authorities, and community members, are working together to ensure the continued growth and development of the Klefe Traditional Area.
Key points
- Volta Regional Minister James Gunu urges traditional authorities to use annual festivals for self-help development projects.
- The Klefe Traditional Area has used its annual festival to generate funds for the construction of vital facilities, including dormitories and a teachers' bungalow, for the Klefe Technical Institute.
- The Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Stephen Adom, has pledged the Assembly's readiness to help accelerate growth in the Klefe Traditional Area.
