{"id":89099,"date":"2025-08-10T20:19:24","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T20:19:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=89099"},"modified":"2025-08-10T20:19:24","modified_gmt":"2025-08-10T20:19:24","slug":"volta-council-of-state-rep-calls-for-urgent-development-action-at-mepes-69th-afenorto-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=89099","title":{"rendered":"Volta Council of State rep. calls for urgent development action at Mepe\u2019s 69th Afenorto Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class='booster-block booster-read-block'>\n                <div class=\"twp-read-time\">\n                \t<i class=\"booster-icon twp-clock\"><\/i> <span>Read Time:<\/span>1 Minute, 59 Second                <\/div>\n\n            <\/div><div>\n<p>The 69th Afenorto Festival in the Mepe Traditional Area became a platform for both solemn reflection and a strong call to action as the Council of State Member for the Volta Region, Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah, outlined a clear roadmap for the area\u2019s development.<\/p>\n<p>Opening his address, Mr Kwamigah paid tribute to the eight prominent Ghanaians who lost their lives in a recent helicopter crash, including Defence Minister Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. <\/p>\n<p>He described the tragedy as a national wound and urged that their sacrifice be remembered.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"460\"src=\"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Volta Council of State rep. calls for urgent development action at Mepe\u2019s 69th Afenorto Festival\" class=\"wp-image-10032823035\" title=\"Volta Council of State rep. calls for urgent development action at Mepe\u2019s 69th Afenorto Festival\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-300x135.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-768x345.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-630x283.jpeg 630w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-233x105.jpeg 233w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-150x67.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-218x98.jpeg 218w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-944x424.jpeg 944w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-330x148.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-225x101.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-217x97.jpeg 217w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-340x153.jpeg 340w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-1-55x25.jpeg 55w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cThis year\u2019s gathering comes at a time of national sorrow. Our hearts are shattered\u2026 may we never have to meet such a fate in the line of duty to our nation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Mr Kwamigah outlined key priorities for Mepe\u2019s growth, with the urgent rehabilitation of road networks to connect the town to neighbouring markets, upgrading local water systems to ensure a clean and reliable supply, and expanding healthcare facilities with better equipment and trained medical staff.<\/p>\n<p>He emphasised the need for quality education alongside vocational training and apprenticeship programmes to prepare the youth for job creation and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n<p>Acknowledging agriculture as the community\u2019s economic backbone, he called for the introduction of improved farming techniques, access to modern equipment, and the formation of cooperatives to secure better prices for farmers. He also highlighted opportunities in agro-processing, textiles, crafts, and tourism to diversify income sources.<\/p>\n<p>Recognising the central role of women in the local economy, Mr Kwamigah urged equal access to training, funding, and leadership positions. He further encouraged the establishment of a structured framework for the Mepe diaspora to invest in local projects, scholarships, and training initiatives.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"460\"src=\"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20.jpeg\" alt=\"Volta Council of State rep. calls for urgent development action at Mepe\u2019s 69th Afenorto Festival\" class=\"wp-image-10032823036\" title=\"Volta Council of State rep. calls for urgent development action at Mepe\u2019s 69th Afenorto Festival\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-300x135.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-768x345.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-630x283.jpeg 630w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-233x105.jpeg 233w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-150x67.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-218x98.jpeg 218w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-944x424.jpeg 944w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-330x148.jpeg 330w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-225x101.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-217x97.jpeg 217w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-340x153.jpeg 340w, https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-55x25.jpeg 55w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/figure>\n<p>He warned of the impact of climate change and stressed the importance of soil protection, reforestation, and sustainable fishing practices to safeguard livelihoods.<\/p>\n<p>Commending Torgbui Kwasi Nego VI for his leadership and the festival organisers for sustaining the Afenorto tradition, H.E. Kwamigah urged unity in action.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet us improve our roads, secure clean water, strengthen our schools, and create jobs for our youth. Let us preserve our traditions while embracing new opportunities for growth,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n<p>The Afenorto Festival, celebrated since 1874, continues to serve as both a homecoming for the people of Mepe and a platform for charting a shared vision for the community\u2019s future.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n        <div class=\"booster-block booster-reactions-block\">\n            <div class=\"twp-reactions-icons\">\n                \n                <div class=\"twp-reacts-wrap\">\n                    <a react-data=\"be-react-1\" post-id=\"89099\" class=\"be-face-icons un-reacted\" href=\"javascript:void(0)\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/wp-content\/plugins\/booster-extension\/\/assets\/icon\/happy.svg\" alt=\"Happy\">\n                    <\/a>\n                    <div class=\"twp-reaction-title\">\n                        Happy                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"twp-count-percent\">\n                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decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/wp-content\/plugins\/booster-extension\/\/assets\/icon\/surprise.svg\" alt=\"Surprise\">\n                    <\/a>\n                    <div class=\"twp-reaction-title\">Surprise<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"twp-count-percent\">\n                                                    <span style=\"display: none;\" class=\"twp-react-count\">0<\/span>\n                                                                        <span class=\"twp-react-percent\"><span>0<\/span> %<\/span>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n    ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.myjoyonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-09-at-16.43.20-2-150x150.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Volta Council of State rep. calls for urgent development action at Mepe\u2019s 69th Afenorto Festival\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Volta Council of State rep. calls for urgent development action at Mepe\u2019s 69th Afenorto Festival\">The 69th Afenorto Festival in the Mepe Traditional Area became a platform for both solemn reflection and a strong call to action as H.E. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah, Council of State Member for the Volta Region, outlined a clear roadmap for the area\u2019s development.<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":89100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"facebook_2277560469115098_106292521332774":"","twitter_aToxNzczMzI3Njk4OTg4ODUxMjAxOw==_1773327698988851200":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6255,6254,10,9,1907],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-89099","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-69th-afenorto-festival","category-mepe","category-politics","category-popular","category-regional"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89099","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=89099"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89099\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/89100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=89099"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=89099"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=89099"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}