The Chiefs and people of the Dodome Traditional Area in the Ho West District of the Volta Region marked the climax of their 2025 Agadzi Festival on Saturday, November 8, with a grand durbar held at Dodome Awuiasu.

Celebrating under the theme, “Mobilising Resources for Sustainable Community Development,” the six communities of the traditional area used the occasion to appeal to the government for the establishment of a purely Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution within the area.

In his welcome address, Dufia of Dodome Awuiasu, Togbe Akoto V, made a direct appeal to the President, who was expected to be the guest of honour: “Your Excellency, I humbly make this 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 Awuiasu—to equip our youth with practical skills for self-employment and community transformation.”

Reiterating the call, Paramount Chief of Dodome Togbe Kpangbatriku IV stated, “I wish to corroborate the request of Togbe Akoto V, Dufia of Dodome Awuiasu, 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.”

The chiefs emphasised their readiness to support the school’s establishment, pledging communal labour, local resource mobilisation, and sustained commitment to the project. “I assure you that the chiefs and people of Dodome will actively support this vision,” Togbe Akoto added.

In addition to education, the chiefs appealed for urgent government intervention to rehabilitate poor roads in the area.

“I appeal to our special guest of honour, as well as district, regional and national authorities, to urgently address the deplorable feeder road linking our four communities on the other side of the mountain range to the main roads at Dzolo Gboga Me and Kpedze. The current state of the road impedes the transportation of foodstuffs to markets and causes delays for day students attending Kpedze and Dzolo Senior High Schools,” the Paramount Chief said.

On the subject of child education, Togbe Kpangbatriku emphasised its critical role in community development. “Education is the greatest resource we can mobilise for the rapid development of our homeland. I call on all parents and guardians to prioritise their children’s education. No child should be left behind. Our teachers must continue to instruct with dedication and patience. Through quality education, we will produce future leaders, professionals, innovators, and change agents to transform Dodome and Ghana at large.”

Addressing youth development, the Paramount Chief urged young people to focus on productive activities and avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their future.

“To the youth of Dodome, you are the hope of our future. Use your strength wisely. Work hard, remain honest, humble, and disciplined. Avoid habits such as drug abuse, alcoholism, disrespect, and laziness. Instead, seek knowledge, build skills, volunteer, and serve your communities. The Dodome Traditional Council will continue to support all youth empowerment and skills development initiatives,” he said.

The festival was celebrated in rich Ewe cultural tradition, with chiefs, queens, and elders adorned in traditional regalia accented with gold rings, necklaces, and crowns.

The Agadzi Festival is an annual celebration by the people of Dodome to honour their forebears, particularly in the historic mountainous settlement known as “Agadzi.”

It is observed during the second week of November each year. Saturday’s durbar was attended by representatives from the office of the President and the Bank of Ghana.