However, according to the Dufia of Ehi, Togbui Dzeble-Adukpo IV, a factory for the processing of cassava in commercial quantities, that started some years ago, has been abandoned, leading to an increase in unemployment among the people.

Appeal for support

At a durbar to mark the maiden Ehi Nutome Galiza (Gari Festival), the Dufia appealed to the government to revamp the gari processing business in the locality, since Ehi had what it took to make gari one of the biggest businesses in the country if supported.

‘The cultivation of maize, potato, rice, cowpea, pepper, tomatoes and, especially cassava, is the vocation that holds us together. Ehi is known for its special gari. Our gari has reached all the corners of the world and it is one of the fastest growing businesses in our locality’, he said.

‘We want the government to complete the factory project for us to create a whole lot of employment in the agricultural value chain, from cassava farming to the sale of gari’, he emphasised.

Importance of the festival

The festival, which was on the theme: ‘Ehi Nutome Galiza, Using Culture as a Tool for Education and Socio-Economic Development,’ was to unite the people and promote the cultural norms, values and heritage of Ehi.

It was also to create the platform to change the perception of the youth against traditional occupation such as farming and encourage them to go into agriculture, especially cassava cultivation, to promote gari trade.

‘It is our hope that Ehi becomes the hub of gari production and supply in the country,’ Togbui Adukpo said, adding that the community, apart from its gari business, had huge tourism potentials which had not been explored fully.

Health needs

Talking about the health needs of the people, Togbui Adukpo stated that due to population increase, the CHPS compound in the area was unable to accommodate the numerous and overwhelming health issues brought to the centre.

‘We are again pleading to government to upgrade the facility to a polyclinic status, and also construct some bungalows for the health workers posted there. He, however, thanked the government for building a senior high school for the people, commencement of work on the Dzodze-Ehi-Agbozume road, extending electricity and providing potable water to households in the community.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ketu North Constituency, Mr James Klutse Avedzi, commended the community for instituting the festival and called for unity among them to bring development to the area.