Dzodze: The Paramount Chief and President of the Dzodze Traditional Council, Torgbui Dzoku V, has called on his people and the entire Ketu North Municipality to unite in the battle against poverty, which he described as 'our common enemy.' During the 23rd edition of the Dzodze De Za (Oil Palm Festival) celebration, Torgbui Dzoku emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming poverty and fostering a prosperous future for upcoming generations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Torgbui Dzoku highlighted the festival as a symbol of the enduring spirit of their ancestors who fought for freedom, equality, and collective survival. He urged the occasion to serve as a reminder to bridge the generational gap by instilling values of hard work, unity, and resilience in the youth. Torgbui Dzoku stressed the need for development goals to focus on the youth, who demand better living conditions, jobs, and sustainable income. He emphasized that peace and unity are crucial for development, urging traditional leaders and citizens to put aside differences and work together for progress.
Reflecting on his tenure, Torgbui Dzoku praised the establishment of the Dzodze District Assembly, now upgraded to municipal status, as a significant development for the area. He called for support from traditional leaders and stakeholders to drive developmental aspirations. Torgbui Dzoku urged a shift away from selfish interests and encouraged welcoming government prosperity and opportunities.
He commended Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, and Rev. Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive, for their efforts in promoting development. Rev Amenaki, in his remarks, noted that development is a collective duty requiring participation from all citizens, emphasizing unity and collaboration beyond partisanship.
Rev Amenaki drew lessons from the oil palm tree, the festival's central symbol, likening its value to the roles every citizen plays in community prosperity. He urged the festival to renew a sense of unity, discipline, and self-reliance to transform Ketu North into a model of peace, productivity, and progress.