Speaking at the inaugural ceremony for the newly upgraded Municipal Assembly, the leader of the delegation of the traditional leaders and Chief of Dzodze- Apetepe, Torgbui Dey III, commended the government for initiating such a policy to feed the nation and provide job opportunities for the youth.

He said he together with his colleagues are interested in leading the farming activities in the Municipality, and asked that government supports them with the necessary inputs.

“The government policy of planting for food and jobs is a laudable idea that needs to be taken seriously and we as Chiefs and Queen Mothers also want to be engaged in the farming for food and jobs. This would improve our lives economically, but unfortunately, we do not have the machines and equipment to farm. We therefore want to appeal to the President through the Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs for at least two tractors for the Chiefs of Ketu North to be used for farming”

 Togbui Dey, who was happy with the upgrade of the district to a municipal status, also pledged their support in the expansion process including the acquisition of lands.

“We are at any point in time ready to support in bringing development to the people. We are ready to support in the acquisition and release of land to support the development of the people.”

The area which benefited from the creation of a district out of the then Ketu District ten years ago has today started its work as a Municipal Assembly with befitting facilities and increased population.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Anthony Avorgbedor, and the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Kofi Dzamesi, who jointly inaugurated the elevation on behalf of the President of the Republic, Nana Addo, both pledged their commitments to the growth of the area.

Some residents who also expressed their joy over the elevation asked the government to bring more development to the area.

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By: King Nobert Akpabli/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Addressing journalists at Tadzewu near Dzodze on Friday, the people argued that, the elevation would do little to ensure an effective decentralization as envisaged by President Nana Akufo-Addo since the capital; Dzodze, is still remote from them.

The Ketu North District consists of for main traditional areas; Dzodze, Penyi, Afife and Weta. The area has a unique topography with the Afife and Weta almost lying along the shoreline, while the other two dominate the rain forests.

Most of their indigenes are predominantly into cassava, oil palm, maize, fish farming and piggery. The areas have potentials in food processing industries and salt mining.

It would be recalled that, the President was enstooled as a Development Chief of Afife Traditional Area in the round up to the general elections that got him into power, with the expectations that he leads development in the district when successful.

The Chiefs, who claimed they had earlier petitioned the Presidency on their demand to have a new district with a suggested name, “Ketu West”, said the decision to rather upgrade the existing district came as a surprise to them.

“It must be noted that, these two traditional areas had earlier on submitted a proposal to his Excellency the President, the Local Government Minister, the Electoral Commission and all other relevant stakeholders to this effect. Unfortunately, no response had been heard. All we got to know is that, Ketu North District for which we currently belong, has been elevated to a municipality status which came as a disappointment; this is never our interest” he insisted.

Reiterating their reservations over the move, the Paramount Chief of Afife Traditional Area, Torgbui Adrakpanya VI, called on parliament to hold on with the intended ratification of the Ketu North Municipality until their concern for a new district is resolved.

“As the President is considering our request, we, therefore call on the Speaker of Parliament through Hon. Dr James Avedzi, MP for Ketu North Constituency, and Deputy Minority Leader as well as the Majority Leader to do due diligence and to press the Parliament of Ghana to hold on to the passing of the Ketu North Municipality until a final decision on the creation of Ketu West District” he said

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development presented to Parliament a Legislative Instrument (LI) for the creation, elevation and alignment of some MMDA’s in the country, of which Ketu North was earmarked for elevation into a Municipality status.

The LI, which was laid this month [November] would mature in 21 sitting days.

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By: King Nobert Akpablie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ketu North: We want new district, not upgrade – Afife, Weta Chiefs appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The items through the support from Sea World Engineering Company, Dr Donald Agumenu said were to augment the existing supplies from government and to improve health delivery in Akatsi North and South as well as Ketu North districts.

The items donated were Electrocardiogram (EKG) machines, thermometers, drugs, bedspreads and theatre dresses.

The beneficiary facilities include Ave–Dakpa Health Centre, Akatsi District Hospital, St Anthony’s Hospital, Wuata, Ave-Dzalele , Ave-Kpedohoe, Avega, Avevi and Xevi CHIPS Compounds.

Presenting the items to the beneficiary facilities, Dr Agumenu underscored the importance health and sanitation in the growth of a nation.

He entreated health officials in the three districts to make good use of the facilities and exercise good maintenance culture.

The health officials also expressed their gratitude for the gesture and called for more support to enhance delivery in the area.

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By: King Norbert Akpablie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ketu North, Akatsi North and South benefit from medical supplies appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Ketu North Constituency has been identified as one of the hotbeds of political activities in the region, which features fierce contests between the two major political parties; the National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party.

A former Volta Regional Minister under erstwhile Kuffour’s Administration, Kofi Dzamesi, has been making strides in the constituency to unseat his opponent Dr. James Avedzi, the incumbent Member of Parliament.

For instance, in 2008, Mr Dzamesi polled close to 11,000 votes making the area a fertile ground for the NPP.

Results from this year’s elections saw a significant leap of more than 15,000 votes with a difference of about 10,000 votes relative to that of the incumbent who is going for the fourth time.

The obvious support for Dzamesi especially people from the district capital Dzodze, where he hails from, was evident in the ‘skirt and blouse’ voting pattern revealed in the recent elections where some NDC sympathizers threw their support for Kofi Dzamesi at the detriment of their Parliamentary Candidate.

The party’s prospects in the constituency according to Chairman Gabriel Awudi, could be attributed to the selfless contributions of constituency executives under his leadership, and the unflinching support from the Mr. Kofi Dzamesi who but for the constituents’ stronger bond with the NDC, could have snatched the seat at ease.

“What worked the magic for us was the hard work exhibited by the executives and continuous support from Hon Kofi Dzamesi and the Regional Chairman Hon Peter John Amewu. Kofi Dzamesi has the charisma and most people love him but because of their strong ties with the NDC it was challenging to sail through” he stated

However, the Constituency Chairman thanked the constituents for their continuous resolve to change the status quo and reassured them of the incoming government’s pledge to enhance the lives of the people.

“We are very grateful to the people of Ketu North for believing in the NPP government and we promise never to let them down. We are very confident of taking over Ketu North in years to come judging from our previous performances” he added.

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By: King Nobert Akplablie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Ketu North: NPP thanks constituency for increased votes appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.