The chiefs and people of Dzodze in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta region have celebrated their annual Dezâ (oil palm festival) with a commitment to utilize the socio-economic opportunities in the area for its development and progress.

During a colorful durbar that concluded the week-long celebrations on Saturday, October 5, Paramount Chief and President of the Dzodze Traditional Council, Torgbiga Dzoku V, urged all citizens to uphold the peace and unity that define the communal spirit and culture of the people.

"The purpose of Dezâ is to gather all citizens of the traditional area, both at home and abroad, to discuss, organize, plan, and raise funds for development projects and programs to advance our area," he said. He emphasized the importance of promoting peace and unity among the people as essential prerequisites for the area's socioeconomic transformation.

Torgbiga Dzoku noted that Dzodze has long been known for its abundant oil palm plantations which have attracted numerous traders and business people in the oil palm value chain. However, he expressed concern over the significant decrease in the production of the commodity due to unfavorable weather conditions and climate change. He called for collective efforts from all citizens to revive the production of oil palm in commercial quantities to restore the area to its former glory.

"The theme for this year's Dezâ is 'Unlocking opportunities in agribusiness,' which is critical and timely. We aim to harness the vast potential in agribusiness for the growth and development of the Dzodze traditional area. We see it as a unique opportunity to focus on agribusiness, particularly the cultivation of oil palm in the value chain, which offers significant economic potential for our people," the Dzodze Paramount Chief emphasized.

Torgbiga Dzoku urged all citizens to actively participate in the revitalization and global branding of Dezâ (oil palm festival) as a platform to attract opportunities and development.

He also called on all chiefs and queens in the traditional area to ensure that any outstanding chieftaincy issues and conflicts are resolved amicably through the appropriate legal processes.

"It is crucial that we resolve disputes in a manner that does not hinder the progress and development of our community," he stressed, highlighting peace and unity as the cornerstones of rapid socio-economic progress.

The colorful event was attended by thousands of Dzodze citizens, representatives from other traditional areas, and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MoCRA), as well as the King of the Igbo community in Ghana, HRM Eze Dr. Amb. Chukudi Ihenetu, among other important personalities.