Chiefs and people of Dzodze in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta region have marked their annual De Za (Palm Festival).
This year’s De Za which was on the theme “Rekindling the spirit of Deza after Covid 19” aimed at constructing a community centre to host the celebration of the De Za and other important events in the Dzodze community.
Despite Saturday’s downpour on the day of De Za durbar, thousands of citizens from home and abroad, Chiefs and many dignitaries stormed the durbar ground to witness the climax chaired by the Queen-mother of Dzodze Apetepe Mama Agbaledzokpui II.
Covid-19 pandemic negative impact
Addressing the durbar, Mama Adeezordem II of Dzodze -Awlikorfe stressed on the effect the Covid-19 pandemic had on their economic activities which she said cannot be forgotten.
She mentioned the negative impact the pandemic has had on the local economy of the people who relied mainly on cross border trade activities adding that, the pandemic has taken a devastating toll on Dzodze by all standards.
She recalled the challenges the citizens encountered due to the border closure which was triggered by the pandemic.
“Transporting food crops to and from both sides of the border was made challenging by the border closure, our mothers and sisters who also participated in petty trading were helpless because of the constraints the pandemic brought which had restricted their source of income”. She said.
Mama Adeezordem however, expressed joy over efforts made so far to contain the pandemic and the lifting of the restrictions adding that, businesses (Economy) in Dzodze and its surrounding communities are getting back on their feet.
In the address she commended the chiefs, people and the central planning committee for still pursuing the goals of the De Za which aimed at reviving the oil palm Agriculture famed output of palm oil and the other products from oil palm tree which Dzodze is best known of.
A call on citizens to go into palm plantation
Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North constituency, James Klutse Avedzi called on the citizens to go into Oil Palm plantation to enable Dzodze remain the hub of oil palm to sustain the objectives of the Deza.
He mentioned that going into the plantation will create job avenues for the people of Dzodze hence he charged the citizen to get lands even outside Dzodze to go into the farming, protect and harvest for the economic development of the area.
He applauded Mama De Za (Queen of De Za) and called on all to support her efforts to go into oil palm plantation.
The Lawmaker noted that, the main objectives of Deza to bring about unity that develop Dzodze can only be achieved by putting much effort into farming which brings income to support the festival at all times.
Covid, Russia-Ukraine war dragged us back
Hon. Anthony Avorgbedor, the Municipal Chief Executive (DCE) of Ketu North Municipal Assembly stressed on the negative impact of the pandemic saying it has dragged the country’s economy back.
He also attributed the downfall of the economy to the invasion of Russia on Ukraine which has led to increment on food and fuel prices, a situation which has harden the livelihood of citizens.
He commended efforts of government in reviving the economy to normalcy.
Stimulating local economy
Mr. Avorgbedor further called on citizens to develop alternative measure to overcome the challenges of the future as he promised the assembly’s preparedness to continue to create enabling environment that simulate the local economy.
He however charged citizens to consider creative and innovative ways of mobilizing revenue from within and harnessing the human resource potentials of the municipality to promote the develop the communities.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com| Ghana
