The chiefs and people of the Dodome Traditional Area in the Ho West District of the Volta Region are appealing to the President and the Ghana Education Service to establish a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution in their enclave.

The request was formally made during the annual Agadzi Festival over the weekend, where President John Mahama was expected as the guest of honour.

Delivering the welcome address, Togbe Akoto V, Dufia of Dodome Awiasu, said: “Your Excellency, I humbly make a special appeal on behalf of the Dodome Traditional Council and the people of Dodome. It is our fervent desire to establish a Technical and Vocational School within the Traditional Area, preferably at Dodome Awiasu, to equip our youth with practical skills for self-employment and community transformation.”

He added: “We appeal to your good office to consider this request favourably. I assure you that the chiefs and people of Dodome will actively support this vision through communal labour, local resource mobilisation, and sustained commitment.”

President of the Dodome Traditional Council, Togbe Kpangbatriku IV, reinforced the appeal during the durbar. “I wish to corroborate the request of Togbe Akoto V, Dufia of Dodome Awiasu, to our Special Guest of Honour, the President of the Republic of Ghana, to use his good office to facilitate the establishment of a Technical Vocational Training School in Dodome,” he said.

The Dodome Traditional Area is made up of six communities, where seasonal farming remains the main economic activity. Although basic schools exist in each community, the area lacks a secondary school.

Community leaders believe a TVET institution will significantly expand educational opportunities for young people in Dodome and the surrounding areas.

A native of the community, Gift Tsama, Esq., noted that while two mainstream senior high schools, Kpedze Secondary School and Dzolo Senior High School, are within reach, residents are hopeful for a dedicated TVET school to provide specialised technical and vocational training for the youth.