The Chiefs and people of Gefia in the Avenor Traditional Area in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region have held their annual Gefia Denyigbanaza with a call to embrace peace.
The well-attended colourful event, characterised by cultural displays, had the theme “Developing Gefia in Peace and Harmony.”
Torgbui Korbadzi III, the Dufia of Gefia, remarked that without peace and harmony, no society could achieve considerable progress.
“Respecting others’ perspectives and allowing for debate is critical to accelerating community development.”
He encouraged his subjects to put the progress and challenges of Gefia ahead of any personal or factional interests.
Torgbui Korbadzi further added that appropriate and legal steps would be taken to resolve the long-standing chieftaincy dispute in his area without any violent act, because “nobody wins in a war.”
He promised to drill a few boreholes in the first quarter of 2025 to help ease the perennial water problem in the community.
Torgbui Korbadzi also recognised the contribution of Mr Raphael Yaw Atsisey, whose vision and dream gave birth to the festival in the year 1960.
He commended the various roles played by Domee individuals such as Mr Yaw Dunyo, Mr Viaku, Mr Linux Gbeku, Torgbui Awugah I, and Torgbui Kludzi II among others who are all deceased.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Martin Kofitsey Martin Nyahe, the Akatsi South Minicipal Chief Executive, who was the special guest of honour, encouraged all citizens not to allow partisan politics, land litigation, and other chieftaincy-related disputes to divide them.
Torgbui Akoto VII, Chief of Akatsi Tatorme, who delivered the keynote address, indicated that the chieftaincy institution “remained a strong pillar of our heritage.”
“It must serve as a source of unity and guidance rather than division.”
Torgbui Korbadzi also appealed to leaders involved in Gefia’s body politic to put the community’s peace first and work towards reconciliation, showing wisdom and love for the people they lead.
Zikpuitor Michael Agbolosu, Chairperson for the festival, reiterated that the future of the area relied on the decisions they make today.
He said, “Gefia should choose peace over conflict, unity over division, and development over stagnation.”
This, he said, could transform the community into a beacon of harmony and progress.
‘Denyigbanyaza’ is one of the legacies of Chiefs and the people of Gefia.
Hence, the celebration of the festival has tourism, cultural, social, and spiritual values.
According to the elders, the spirit of ‘Denyigbanyaza’ is a Spirit of Unity, Self-Reliance, Progress, and Development.
GNA
MA/KOA
Dec 28, 2024
Pic Attached
