The launch which took place at the Ghana National Association of Teachers Hall was also to inaugurate the committees and governing council of the Ehi.

Professor Dzodzi Tsikata, the Director of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana and chairperson of the programme, said harvest festivals are a global occurrence ever since the society became agrarian-, shifting from hunting and gathering to producing crops and domesticating animals.

"They are particularly important for agrarian societies around the world, particularly in the global south and it is not surprising that Ghana has some of the most vibrant harvest festivals like Odwira, Homowo and Bakatue among others", she said.

Prof Tsikata expressed the hope that the Ehi festival would grow from strength to strength and draw in all cassava growing communities together.

Torgbui Dzeble Adukpo IV, patron of Ehi Development Council, speaking on the theme: "Empowering women through Agriculture and Entrepreneurship", said he was optimistic that the launch would culminate into peace and development in the Ehi Township.

"I want to see Ehi Galiza celebration sustained; road and electricity matters resolved and businesses coming to the town and its surrounding villages to create job opportunities for the youth" he said.

The patron urged all present to support the committees financially and accord them with the necessary respect to enable them deliver.

Mr Stanly Mawuli Amamu, the Secretary of the Ehi Development Council, said the launch was also an opportunity to raise funds for various projects and create public awareness about the impending festival.

"I can say that Ehi Development Council is moving from the policy decision making stage to implementation stage and various working committees of the Council are going to be inaugurated to bring action to policy decisions of the Council".

Dr Seth Adjei Baah, a Former Member of Parliament for Nkawkaw, M.D of Shaabaa Enterprise, who was present at the launch, said the importance of women in the value-chain of agribusiness cannot be understated since women who form a bulk of our population in most rural areas are into agribusinesses.

He said agribusiness effect homes, society as a whole and that it was one sure means of reducing hunger.

Mr Baah called on the citizens to engage in cultivation and processing of cassava into gari for domestic and industrial use.

"Form your own companies and cooperatives and do not wait for government always to do it for you since its burden is already enormous" he said.

Mr Baah appealed to the Ministry of Roads and Transport to attend to the road networks in the EHI Township, to improve living conditions of residents in the community and help transport both finished goods and raw materials to the nearest markets.

A 20 member Governing Council was inaugurated.

The Council chaired by Mr Kojo Boso includes Torgbui Dzeble Adukpo IV, the patron and Dufia of Ehi; Mr Godwin Amo Tornuxi, the Vice Chairman; Mr Fiatepenorla Francis Senanu, Mr Dumega Matin Adzoyi, Mr Victor Yao Ameanu, Mr Stanly Mawuli, Mr Godwin Sekle Atiye, Mr Gilbert Adukpo, Reverend John Quarshie, Mr Adzie Gbedemah, Mr John Kwame Doe, Hon Byron K. Kpeli, Mr Godson Seth Dzramedo and Felix Beyevu.