The Government will, next year, begin deploying 460 rural telephony centres across all Zendo communities as part of efforts to end long-standing network challenges, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), Mr Tanko Rashid Computer, has announced.
Speaking to chiefs and residents during the 23rd Zendo Glimetso Za celebration in Kpeve, South Dayi District, Mr Computer said GIFEC was collaborating with Members of Parliament to ensure improved digital access for all four Zendo communities that continue to struggle with connectivity.
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The festival was held under the theme, “Harnessing Development through Science, Technology and Innovation.”
He disclosed that GIFEC would also construct an ICT centre and fully equip it with laptops and digital devices upon completion, assuring that high-speed internet connectivity would soon be accessible to the people of Zendo.
He praised the festival’s strong cultural display and community unity, noting that festivals should inspire development and not only celebrate tradition.
South Dayi MP and Majority Chief Whip, Mr Rockson-Nelson Etsey Dafeamekpor, urged residents to preserve the unity that has sustained the Zendo communities since the festival began.
He outlined development projects undertaken in Kpeve, including improved roads, a modern lorry park, a new clinic, and completion of the District Health Administration building.
He added that the Agenda 111 project, when completed, would serve as both a district hospital and a referral facility.
To address accommodation challenges that previously discouraged workers from accepting postings, he revealed that a 21-unit rural housing project was underway and expected to be completed next year.
He also announced that a new site had been secured for the expansion of Kpeve Senior High Technical School, with the old campus to be converted into a Health Training Institute.
Mr Dafeamekpor appealed to the Zendo Central Planning Committee to adopt a development-focused approach by using festival proceeds to fund specific projects, such as providing business capital to women’s groups.
He suggested that at least 10 women from each traditional area should benefit from such support.
Ho West MP and Chairman of the Volta MPs Caucus, Mr Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, commended the Zendo communities for sustaining the festival since 1970.
He urged them to strengthen unity, promote inter-community marriages, grow their population and advance cultural tourism.
South Dayi District Chief Executive, Mr Courage Kokoroko, said the festival continues to drive major development across the Zendo towns.
He highlighted ongoing projects, including a 10-unit storey classroom block for Kpeve Model School, completed market toilet facilities in Kpeve, Gbi Market (Peki) and PESCO, and CHPS compounds under construction in Kpeyiborme, Todome and Agordeke.
He added that work was progressing on the Todome–Dzemeni road and that plans were advanced for a new water reservoir to ease prolonged supply challenges.
He assured residents that development would be fairly distributed and encouraged unity and cooperation.
Togbe Aku Dompey XI, Paramount Chief of the Kpeve Traditional Area, said the festival’s theme urged communities to embrace science and technology while preserving their cultural heritage.
He thanked government for addressing water challenges in the Volta region and awarding the Anyirawase–Kpeve Road Project. He further appealed for the revival of the local Agricultural Station to enhance agribusiness and youth employment, and encouraged support for plans to build a modern Town Hall.
The paramount chief also lauded the President’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, expressing hope that recovered resources would be channelled into national development.
This year’s celebration drew chiefs and residents from all five Zendo communities, government officials, political leaders, cultural groups and special guests, including Queen Etornam of TV3’s Ghana’s Most Beautiful.
Zendo Glimetso Za rotates among five traditional communities: Klefe (Ho Municipal), Klikor (Ketu South), Kpeve (South Dayi), Tsibu (Ho West) and Tsorxor (North Dayi).
