The Paramount Chief of the Avatime Traditional Area, Osie Adza Tekpor VII, has appealed to the government to rehabilitate roads linking communities in the area to improve access to tourist attractions and promote economic development.
He said poor road conditions in communities such as Amedzofe, Gbadzeme, Dzogbefeme and Dzokpe continue to hinder development despite repeated promises of improvement.
Osie Adza Tekpor VII made the appeal at the launch of the 2026 Avatime Amu Festival in Accra on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
This year's Amufest is being held on the theme: “Celebrating and sustaining Avatime as a climate-resilient community through brown rice production and consumption, culture and eco-tourism.”
Investment in Avatime
The paramount chief also called on corporate institutions and individuals to invest in the area’s agriculture, agribusiness, skills training, manufacturing and banking sectors to create jobs and improve livelihoods.
He said the annual festival provided an opportunity to promote Avatime’s cultural heritage, mountain brown rice production and tourism potential.
The area has attractions such as Mount Gemi, waterfalls, a cool climate and mountainous landscapes that could attract more visitors if the necessary infrastructure were provided.
Osie Adza Tekpor VII said the festival would also support efforts to raise GH¢2 million for the construction of a six-unit classroom block and a three-unit teachers’ bungalow.
He urged stakeholders and well-wishers to contribute towards the project, which he said would improve educational infrastructure in the area.
He further called for unity among the people and encouraged the newly established development committees to prepare for their inauguration and work towards the development of their communities.
Festival and development
A Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, who was the special guest of honour, urged the people of Avatime to use the festival as a platform for sustainable development rather than merely a cultural celebration.
He said the success of the festival should be measured by its ability to create economic opportunities, strengthen unity and deliver lasting benefits to the people.
Justice Dzamefe encouraged the people to support local businesses and use the celebration to strengthen community bonds.
“When culture thrives, communities prosper and when communities prosper, Ghana grows,” he said.
The 2026 Avatime Amu Festival is expected to climax with a durbar at Avatime Dzokpe in the Ho West District in the Volta Region on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
