The 14th Dodze Deza festival has been launched in Accra, with a call on citizens of Dzodze and other members of the public to patronise the event to enjoy the rich heritage and culture.

The festival which would be starting on September 25 to October 3, at Dodze in the Ketu North District of the Volta Region, is to commemorate the efforts by the Dzodze forefathers in bringing palm trees to the area, which has largely benefited the people.

Togbe Dey III, Divisional Chief at Dzodze, said the institution of the festival has brought enormous development to the area as well as bringing unity and reconciliation.

He said the festival has for instance brought unity among the chiefs in the area, bringing an to end chieftaincy disputes.

Togbe Dey called on sons and daughters of Dodze as well as members of the public to attend the festival and witness a display of true culture and heritage.

Mr Egbede Felli, Chairman of the Dodze Deza festival planning committee commended the chiefs of the area for instituting the festival which has helped brought unity and reconciliation.

He said the festival is worth celebrating as the oil palm industry has immensely benefited the people.

He said even though the industry took a nosedive some years ago, the festival provided the platform for its rejuvenation and it has since been helping in creating employment for the people.

He said the committee has acquired more than 60 acres of land for a oil palm plantation and appealed to government to help in acquiring seedlings for the farmers.

He also called on investors to take advantage and come on board to support the oil palm industry which is very lucrative.

Mr Kofi Dzakpasu, Retired Educationist and Founding Member of the Dodze Deza festival urged the festival's organising committee to properly streamline its finances and be transparent.

He advised that proceeds of the festival be used to institute a scholarship scheme to support needy but brilliant students from the area.

He also advised the organisers to ensure that the festival is devoid of partisan infiltration.

He also urged the kingmakers in the area to help in getting a substantive paramount chief for the traditional area.