The chiefs and people of Mepe in the North Tongu District have celebrated the 69th edition of their annual Afenotor Festival with vibrant cultural displays, colorful pageantry, and a renewed call for peace, unity, and accelerated development in the community.

This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Unite for Peace and Development,” brought together traditional leaders, dignitaries, and residents from far and near.

The Manklalo of Mepe, Togbe Korsi Nego VI, in his keynote address, underscored the need for the community to harness its financial, human, material, and social resources for progress, while stressing that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, trust, social harmony, and sacrifice—particularly in the wake of the devastating 2023 floods that struck the area.

“We can not talk about development without peace and unity. Our people have endured great hardship since the VRA-induced floods destroyed farmlands, homes, fish farms, livestock, and livelihoods. Two years on, we have not received the full compensation promised by the previous government,” Togbe Nego lamented.

He called for the restoration of hope among residents, urging the government to fully honour its commitments to flood-affected families. Togbe Nego particularly appealed for proper engagement in the rollout of former President John Dramani Mahama’s proposed recovery fund to ensure it serves its intended purpose.

The Manklalo also expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of the road network within and around Mepe, listing the See-Battor–Mepe, Mepe–Dove, and Aveyime–Dove roads—key links to the main Accra–Aflao highway—as being in urgent need of rehabilitation.

He noted that several township roads and drainage systems, severely damaged by the floods, have been left impassable, especially during the rainy season, cutting off access to key communities and slowing economic activity.

“We plead with the government to act swiftly to restore our roads. Improved infrastructure is critical to boosting trade, agriculture, and overall economic growth in our area,” he stated.

Togbe Nego also used the occasion to pay glowing tribute to the eight individuals, including two ministers of state, who perished in the recent helicopter crash, describing their loss as a tragedy for the entire nation.

He commended Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his continuous support to the community over the years, and congratulated the newly appointed District Chief Executive, Victoria Amefadzi Yawa Doe, expressing optimism for fruitful collaboration to advance the district’s development agenda.

The Afenotor Festival, which serves as a unifying platform for the people of Mepe, was marked by traditional drumming, dancing, rich cultural performances, and displays of regal attire, drawing large crowds who joined in celebrating the town’s history, heritage, and resilience.