Culture and tradition displays highlighted the day at Klikor in the Ketu South municipality of the Volta region last Saturday, when the chiefs and people of the traditional area climaxed their 10th Zendo Glimetso Za (exodus from Notsie, Togo).
The people of were joined by their kinsmen from Klefe, Kpeve, Tsibu and Tsoxor to mark the event on the dubbed: “Uniting the people of Zendo communities for sustainable development”
Also, present at the grand durbar were chiefs from the neighbouring towns of Penyi, Anlo, Agave and Somè and more.
This year’s celebration was meant to raise funds to build an ultramodern palace for the Paramount chief.
Torgbuiga Addo VIII the president of the Klikor traditional council in his welcome address said they want to see Zendo communities unity for sustainable development.
“This year’s festival carries particular significance as we mark a decade of coming together, sharing our traditions, and embracing our collective identity as Zendo people.” Togbi stated.
”As we gathered here in the spirit of togetherness and camaraderie, I am reminded of the rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and values that define us as Zendo people. The heritage is a precious treasure that we must safeguard and nurture for generations to come. It is a source of pride, resilience, and a reminder of the strength that lies within our diversity”, he added.
Togbi used the opportunity to express his gratitude to His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo Addo, the president of Ghana for fulfilling his promises to the people of Klikor.
“On behalf of the people of Klikor, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to president Nana Addo-Dankwah Akuffo Addo for fulfilling promises regarding the construction of roads that have been neglected for a decade by various governments.” Togbi noted.
Togbi again used the opportunity to appeal to the President to extend this generosity to other Zendo communities and also the remaining roads within the Klikor township like Klikor – Weta road, Klikor through Agblekpui – Adrume road and Klikor – Kpoglu road.
Togbi verbally petitioned the government to provide classroom blocks and dormitories for the students in the Klikor Senior high technical school, saying the current classrooms and dormitories are overcrowded.
Togbi requested the president to renovate their health center which is not in good condition.
Togbi concluded by thanking all who came to grace the occasion
Akufo-Addo, in a speech read on his behalf, commended the people of Klikor and the Volta Region for their support in the past eight years.
The president gave an assurance that the government would continue to support all the Zendo communities and the Volta Region in all developmental projects.
The President also urged the chiefs and people of the Zendo communities to embrace peace in the upcoming elections in December.
He stated, “In the upcoming election, we should reject individuals who promotes divisions, insight others to engage in unlawful activities.”
“The government will adequately resource the electoral commission and security agencies to ensure peaceful, free and fair elections,” he added. “We will come out of the election as peaceful and democratic nation because no election is worth the blood of and citizen,” he assured.
The President also urged the chiefs and people of the Zendo communities to embrace peace and not not fighting over titles and boundaries.
The Minister for railway and development and the member of Parliament for Hohoe, Hon. John Peter Amewu, who read the President’s speech, said the value which the people of Klikor and the entire Zendo communities placed on culture and peaceful co-existence testified to their strong and patriotic stance to support national development.
He later presented an amount of GH¢20,000 on behalf of the President to the chiefs of Klikor in aid of building the palace.
The member of Parliament for Ketu South, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie in her speech urged the people to embrace peace in all their endeavours. She also used the opportunity to appeal to the government for more developmental projects in Klikor.
Hon. Gomashie said, “I am appealing to the president on behalf of my people to give us our share of the national cake. Our schools need more classrooms and dormitories and many other developmental projects.”
“Let us all know that for us to develop as a country, the first thing we need is to be united,” she added.
Hon. Dzifa urge the chiefs and the people to vote peacefully for development in the upcoming general elections on December 7th.
She supported the celebration with Gh₵ 10,000.00.
Present at the celebration were Togbi Koku Dzaga XI Paramount chief of Klefe traditional area, Togbi Aku Dompey XIV Fiaga of Kpeve New town, Togbi Akoto VI Paramount chief of Tsorxor, Togbiga Wenya, Togbiga Dadzie, the Paramount chief of Penyi traditional area and other chiefs and Queen mothers in and beyond the Klikor traditional area.
The annual rotated Zendo festival will be celebrated at Kpeve in 2025.
Report by Courage Edwin Amenuda, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Source: fafaafmonline.com