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| Torgbui Dey III and Mama Agbaledzokpui of Dzodze Apetepe |
The Chiefs and People of Dzodze Traditional area in the Ketu-North district of the Volta region have climaxed their 13th annual ‘Deza’ (Oil Palm Festival) over the weekend, with a call on young people in the area to venture into cultivation and production of oil palm instead of engaging in risky unsustainable and illegal economic activities.
The Ketu North district is one of the districts in the Volta region that records worrying levels of fuel smuggling due to their proximity to the to the Republic of Togo.
But according to the Volta Regional Minister Helen Adwoa Ntoso, the potentials in the oil palm industry are enormous and lucrative, which can lead to economic security.
She said aside the domestic consumption of oil palm, its extensive use as a vital raw material for industrial production of products such as cosmetics, soaps, bio-diesel fuel, among others, makes its cultivation a very lucrative venture, which can turn the fortunes of many young people.
She proposed as a way of motivating the youth, the institution of an award scheme to reward the best oil palm farmer, saying ‘it is when our people are engage in this kind of economic activities, that little by little our economy will grow into a robust one.’
The minister also commended the efforts of all farmers and assured them of government continuous support through various agriculture intervention programmes to make farming worthwhile.
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| Madam Ntoso flanked by Ketu North DCE and MP |
The durbar which saw the showcasing of the rich culture and tradition of the various divisions of Dzodze, was attended by illustrious sons and daughters from the area, including Ambassador Modestus Ahiable, Former Volta regional Minister, Kofi Dzamesi and a host of Chief Executives of neighbouring districts, including Kofi Lawson, DCE for the area as well as local and international tourist.
Also present were two chiefs from the Eastern region, Osaberima Kwesi Boating III of Akwatia traditional area and Nana Osafo Kantanka I of Akwapim traditional area, who is also the Managing director of Takoradi International Company (TICO).
The two in a solidarity message underscored the importance of peace and unity for socio-economic development and urged the people to support both traditional and political leadership to drive meaningful development.
Mr. Emmanuel Xorvey Dzineku, chairman of the festival planning committee, lauded government for the various developmental projects initiated in the area and called for their speedy completion.
He also appealed for infrastructure support for the newly established Dzodze E.P College of Education which begins this academic as well as the reconstruction of Dzodze-Denu road which is inundated with potholes.
The Member of Parliament for Ketu-North, James Kludze Avedzi redeemed a pledge made at last year’s celebration by then Minister of Agric, Kofi Humado and presented a number of oil palm seedlings to the planning committee.
