The 68th Mepe Afenorto Festival was marked by a profound call for unity, resilience, and sustainable development.

The festival celebrated under the theme "Rebuilding and Sustainability of Mepe; Post Akosombo Dam Flood Disaster," provided a platform for the community to reflect on the challenges faced and the progress made after the devastating Akosombo Dam spillage in 2023.

The District Chief Executive for North Tongu, Divine Osborn Kwadzo Fenu, speaking to a large audience, emphasized the significance of the theme, noting that it captures the collective experiences and aspirations of the people of Mepe. "This theme speaks to our collective resilience, unity, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity," he stated, acknowledging the hardships endured by the community due to the flood disaster.

The DCE recounted the devastating impact of the Akosombo Dam spillage on the North Tongu District, describing it as the hardest-hit area among the nine affected districts downstream. Mepe, being the most impacted community, saw over 4,000 residents displaced, with 15 safe havens established to shelter those affected.

Fenu said the flood's repercussions were widespread, affecting health services, education, agriculture, and livelihoods. Four health facilities and 19 community health outreach points were compromised, and nearly 4,000 hectares of farmlands were inundated, severely affecting subsistence and small-holder farmers.

Despite the challenges, Divine Fenu commended the resilience of the people of North Tongu and the ongoing recovery efforts led by the government and various stakeholders. He highlighted the interventions made to support the affected communities, including the provision of shelter, food, and medical aid, as well as the construction of resettlement housing units for those whose homes were destroyed. The government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has also supplied inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and herbicides to assist farmers in rebuilding their livelihoods.

In addition to the recovery efforts, the DCE outlined the significant development projects undertaken in Mepe as part of the government's commitment to improving the lives of its citizens.

These projects include the construction of a Premix Fuel Automation Station at Akorvie Torkor and Titikope, an ICT laboratory at Mepe St. Kizito SHTS, a 6-unit classroom block at Mepe Kedizkorpe Basic School, and the installation of rural telephony sites in Adudornu and Workpoe.

However, Hon. Fenu did not shy away from addressing the challenges that remain. He pointed out the deplorable condition of many roads in the district, which continues to hamper economic activities. He announced that the North Tongu District Assembly is set to receive road equipment under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) commissioned by the president, which will empower the assembly to undertake much-needed road maintenance and improvement tasks.

The DCE also took the opportunity to caution against the politicization of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of the people and the development of the community above partisan interests. "Let us not allow partisan politics to derail our efforts to rebuild and recover," he urged, calling for unity and collaboration in the face of adversity.

Divine Osborn Fenu expressed gratitude to all individuals, organizations, and institutions, both local and international, who have extended support to the flood victims.