The Chiefs, Queen mothers and people of the Somé Traditional Area in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta region, on Saturday, September 27, celebrated their annual Sométutuza (Festival) with renewed commitment to the socio- cultural and economic development of the area.
Held under the theme: “Consolidating peace and unity socio-cultural and economic development of Somé Traditional Area, the grand durbar of the festival was a massive scene of rich cultural display and pageantry, blending tradition with transformation.
Speaking at the event, Paramount Chief and President of the Somé Traditional Council, Torgbiga Adamah III expressed his profound gratitude to the festival’s central planning committee, the chiefs, Queen mothers and all indigenes of Somé for their unflinching support over the years, urging them not to rest on their oars in the years ahead. He commended Mad. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts for incorporating “World Tourism Day” into the Sométutuza celebrations to boost tourism in the area.
The Paramount Chief also expressed appreciation on behalf of his people to President John Dramani Mahama for his swift response in commencing work on the Blekusu phase 2 sea defence project, describing it as a great relief to the communities which have for too long endured the devastating effects of tidal waves and sea erosion.
Appeal for Social Amenities and Infrastructure:
Torgbiga Adamah III lamented the unavailability of basic social amenities in the area, particularly the deplorable nature of roads and passionately appealed to government to prioritize the construction of roads to open up the the area to commerce and industry. Additionally, Torgbiga Adamah III lamented the unavailability of clean drinking water and a hospital which were adversely affecting the living and health conditions of the residents, calling for urgent action to address these challenges.
The Paramount Chief however praised the Ketu South Municipal Assembly and Seven Seas Salt Company, two institutions he said the traditional council was collaborating with in the areas of improved education and health in the area.
Torgbiga Adamah III in his concluding remarks, enjoined all indigenes and residents of Somé to remain peaceful, united with fellow-feeling for one another ” as we work together for a better and prosperous Somé.”
Mr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, who represented President Mahama, thanked the Paramount Chief and the Central Planning Committee for the recognition and invitation.
He said the 24-Hour Economy Initiative included a program dubbed “Show 24,” which would strengthen Ghana’s creative youth, including those from Somé, shaping their careers and ensuring that Sométutuza grows into an international event, creating jobs in hospitality, fashion, logistics and digital content creation.
Goosie Tanoh urged the people to have vision, courage and collective determination, adding; we are all one people regardless of our tribes, or languages.
“The agenda is RESET and these year’s theme reminds us that development is not only about buildings and roads, but also about culture, identity and belonging – People of this area have contributed to national development through the kente cloth, music, dance, food, language among others. Your entrepreneurial and creative skills must be recognized and celebrated.”
Mad. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South, for her part, charged the people to collaborate with stakeholders and support efforts aimed at boosting local tourism which would in turn open up the area and attract both local and foreign tourists to enhance the rapid secio- cultural and economic advancement of the area.
By Nelson Ayivor