By Nelson Ayivor
The Chiefs and people of Nsawam-Adoagyiri
Traditional Area, have launched the maiden edition of Cassava Festival, marking a significant step toward promoting local agriculture, food security and agro-based industrialisation in the Eastern Region.
The colourful launch event held on Saturday, January 31, under the auspices of Nana Kofi Azameti II, the Odikro of Avaga/Cannery Quarters, with support from Nana Kwamena Ansah I, Nsawam Hene and Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II, Aburi/Adontehene, brought together traditional leaders, farmers, agricultural extension officers, traders, youth groups and representatives from local government and the private sector.
The festival is aimed at celebrating cassava as a staple crop while creating economic opportunities along its value chain.
Speaking at the event, Nana Kofi Azameti II underscored the importance of cassava to household food security and rural livelihoods, describing it as “a strategic crop that can transform the local economy if properly supported.”
“Cassava feeds our people, provides jobs for our youth and supports small businesses, yet it is often taken for granted,” he said. “This festival is not just a celebration; it is a call to invest in modern farming, processing and marketing to unlock its full potential.”
He noted that Nsawam-Adoagyiri, known historically for its fertile lands, has the capacity to become a major hub for cassava production and processing, especially for industrial starch, gari, flour and ethanol.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Philibert Selorm Fummey commended the traditional authority for the initiative, saying it aligns with government efforts to promote agribusiness, value addition and job creation under decentralised development programmes.
“Our farmers need platforms like this to showcase their produce, attract investors and link up with markets,”he said, pledging the Assembly’s support for future editions of the festival.
Agricultural experts at the launch highlighted the resilience of cassava to climate variability and its role in ensuring food security, particularly in the face of rising food prices and changing weather patterns. They urged farmers to adopt improved varieties and modern agronomic practices to boost yields.
As part of the festival activities, organisers announced plans for exhibitions of cassava-based products, cooking competitions, farmer awards, and training sessions on processing and packaging. Schools and youth groups are also expected to participate to encourage interest in agriculture among the younger generation. Farmers who attended the launch welcomed the initiative, saying it would help draw attention to their challenges, including access to credit, storage facilities and reliable markets.
The maiden Nsawam-Adoagyiri Cassava Festival is expected to be held annually and could, according to organisers, grow into a regional agricultural tourism event, positioning cassava not only as food, but as a driver of local economic development.
