The Annual Grand Durbar of the Duamenefa Foundation at Dzodze in the Ketu North Municipality came alive with inspiration and national pride as Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, representing the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, delivered a stirring address that earned the admiration of chiefs, dignitaries, and hundreds of community members.

Speaking with characteristic eloquence and conviction, Hon. Afriyie Ankrah paid glowing tribute to the Duamenefa Foundation for its decade-long commitment to peacebuilding, community cohesion, and youth empowerment in the Volta Region. His message, rich in empathy and grounded in policy, resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the government’s dedication to inclusive, people-centred governance.

“The Duamenefa Foundation has shown that true peacebuilding must come from within — rooted in our values, our humanity, and our shared sense of community,” he declared to resounding applause. “Through its spiritual, cultural, and civic engagements, it has become a national model for promoting peaceful coexistence and social transformation.”

Sponsored by the Tanko Foundation and the Sesi Edem Group of Companies, the event attracted a distinguished audience including chiefs and traditional authorities, Members of Parliament, ambassadors, MMDCEs, religious leaders, and youth groups from across the Volta Region. The day was filled with colour, cultural pageantry, and unity, climaxing with sporting competitions and awards for outstanding performances.

In his address, Hon. Afriyie Ankrah conveyed the warm greetings and appreciation of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana to the chiefs and people of the Volta Region. He emphasised that the government holds the region in high esteem for its steadfast dedication to peace, unity, and progress.

He singled out Fafaa Radio, the broadcasting home of the Duamenefa Programme, for its powerful contribution to peace journalism. Citing the work of Professor Modestus Fosu of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), he described Fafaa Radio as a shining example of “intervention journalism,” a form of community-based reporting that not only highlights conflicts but actively helps to resolve them.

“Fafaa Radio’s approach proves that the media, when grounded in cultural identity and social responsibility, can be a force for unity rather than division,” Hon. Afriyie Ankrah remarked.

Turning his attention to development, the former Minister of Youth and Sports outlined government initiatives in the Volta Region aimed at rebuilding communities and restoring hope. He mentioned the rehabilitation of key roads linking Ho, Dzodze-Penyi, and Aflao; renewed agricultural support for smallholder farmers; and job creation through the National Apprenticeship Programme.

He also highlighted the “No-Fees-Stress Policy,” which waives upfront academic user fees for first-year students in public tertiary institutions, supported by a GH¢499.8 million budget allocation.

“These are not abstract policies,” he said. “They are tangible expressions of a government that listens, responds, and acts in partnership with its people. Our development vision is anchored on peace, fairness, and shared prosperity.”

The durbar also served as a moment of recognition for His Excellency Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, Member of the Council of State for the Volta Region and a major benefactor of the Duamenefa Foundation. He was honoured by presiding members and the Foundation for his unwavering leadership and commitment to youth empowerment through the Tanko Foundation.

Hon. Afriyie Ankrah, in a heartfelt tribute, described him as “a distinguished son of the Volta Region whose humility and generosity exemplify servant leadership.”

“Your support for the Duamenefa Foundation has empowered young people and strengthened the very fabric of this region,” he noted. “You are a bridge between the State and the people you serve.”

The Grand Durbar climaxed with energetic sporting matches among local teams, where winners in various disciplines were presented with prizes. The atmosphere brimmed with joy and unity, a testament to the success of the Foundation’s decade-long campaign for peace and development.

Bringing his message to a close, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah called for collective responsibility and continued collaboration between citizens, traditional leaders, and government in advancing the national agenda.

“Let us continue to hold on to the values that bind us together, respect, dialogue, and shared responsibility,” he urged. “Let us show that peace and development can flourish side by side, especially here in the Volta Region.”

His powerful delivery, sincerity, and connection with the audience made his speech one of the highlights of the occasion. Many described it as “a moment of truth and inspiration,” encapsulating the spirit of national unity and community-driven development that the Duamenefa Foundation represents.

“May God bless the Duamenefa and Tanko Foundations,” he concluded. “May He bless the chiefs and people of the Volta Region, and may God bless our homeland, Ghana and make her great and strong.”