The Chiefs and people of Mepe Traditional Area in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region have climaxed their 2023 Afenorto festival with a grand durbar. 

The Manklolo of Mepe Traditional area, Togbe Korsi Nego VI, in his welcome address bemoaned the unemployment situation in the district and the country as a whole.

Togbe Korsi Nego VI noted that the surest way of curbing unemployment is to bring vocational and technical education to the doorsteps of the people.

He said in order to achieve this he called for the completion of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) school in Dadome. 

Togbe Korsi Nego VI noted that the structure is at the roofing stage and needs to be completed to enable the school to admit students.

He said the school, if completed and equipped with the necessary equipment will help the youth gain employable skills. This, he said, will help reduce pressure on the government in regard to employment creation.

"We are appealing to the government through the regional minister to help us complete the structure and install the necessary equipment for teaching and learning to commence," Togbe Korsi Nego VI stated.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Mepe Development Association, Kojo Elenu Mawuleme Fabian, speaking at the ceremony said the relevance of togetherness in peace and development cannot be over emphasised, hence the need to live in a world where there is harmony, progress and prosperity.

"We all desire to live in a world where there is harmony, peace and development as well as prosperity but achieving this goal can sometimes be challenging especially when we face multiple threats, challenges and uncertainties," Mr Fabian said.

He noted that collaboration and dialogue are key components to creating a stable and prosperous future by putting aside differences and working together for a common goal in the development of the nation. 

"We must make a conscious effort to ensure that our communities are inclusive, promoting solidarity and tolerance," Mr Fabian said.

The Afenorto festival (meaning a period of rest at home) is the traditional festival of the Chiefs and people of Mepe Traditional area which is celebrated annually to renew the sense of oneness of the people.  

It also provides a unique opportunity for reunions with the extended family and friends. 

The festival was under the theme; "together in peace and development."