Penyi, 11th October 2025 — The people of Penyi in the Ketu North Municipality came together in rich cultural display and celebration today as they marked the Nugoryiza Festival, a cherished annual event that brings together chiefs, citizens, and guests from all walks of life to honour tradition, development, and unity.
This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Penyi Youths at the Heart of the 24-Hour Economy Pursuit,” highlighted the central role of the younger generation in shaping the future of Ghana’s economic transformation, especially within the context of the government’s bold 24-hour economy agenda.
The festival was graced by a host of high-profile dignitaries, traditional leaders, cultural troupes, media houses, and members of the public from across the Volta Region and beyond.
Among the invited dignitaries were His Excellency Augustus Goosie Tanoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy Policy; Hon. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister; Hon. Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North; Hon. Rev. Amenaki Martin, and Hon. James Tesu Galeagbelime, among several others.
The festival was also honoured by the presence of prominent traditional rulers including Torgbiga Dorglo Anumah VI, Paramount Chief of the Avenor Traditional Area and President of the Avenor Traditional Council of Chiefs; Torgbiga Adamah III, Paramount Chief of the Some Traditional Area and President of the Some Traditional Council of Chiefs; and Torgbiga Dzoku V, Paramount Chief of the Dzodze Traditional Area and President of the Dzodze Traditional Council of Chiefs.
Torgbiga Dadzie V gave a message reflecting on the significance of the festival. According to him, Nugoryiza is an annual celebration of heritage and unity by the people of Penyi and has been observed for generations. He emphasized the need to preserve it while using it as a platform for development.
Torgbiga Dadzie V stressed that agriculture remains a big dream for the youth of Penyi, calling for renewed interest in farming as a key to both local economic empowerment and national food security. He urged the youth to take farming seriously and contribute to the promotion of agriculture in the country.
He also used the platform to appeal to government officials to build an ICT Centre in Penyi to help bridge the digital gap and provide young people with access to modern technology. In addition, he appealed to former President John Dramani Mahama to consider establishing a vocational training centre in the community to equip the youth with employable skills.
Torgbiga Dadzie V further commended Hon. Edem Agbana for his impactful work in the Ketu North constituency. He praised the MP for initiatives such as the introduction of a scholarship scheme that is making education more accessible for students, and the annual awards scheme for teachers, which is boosting morale and performance in the education sector. He described these efforts as timely and worthy of recognition.
Hon. Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, also delivered a speech during the event. He praised the people of Penyi for their strong sense of culture, unity, and community spirit. He reiterated his commitment to supporting development across the municipality. He also used the occasion to extend a warm invitation to all present to attend the upcoming Duamenefa Grand Durbar, scheduled for Saturday, 18th October 2025, describing it as a major cultural and civic event that promotes peace, development, and community empowerment.
Hon. Agbana also urged all members present to have confidence in the NDC government, assuring them that under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama, the government will do everything possible to bring more developmental projects to Penyi and the wider Ketu North constituency.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as various cultural troupes performed traditional music and dance, while local artisans and vendors showcased their crafts, food, and heritage. The Nugoryiza Festival continues to be a unifying force for the people of Penyi, celebrating their identity, achievements, and aspirations for the future.
The presence of government officials and respected chiefs from neighbouring traditional areas also highlighted the significance of the festival as a platform for dialogue, partnership, and community development.
As the festival came to a close, residents and guests alike expressed joy and pride in their heritage and looked forward to a future where tradition and development move hand in hand.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM,Dzodze
Source: fafaafmonline.com