Akoefe Gadza Celebrates Yam Festival with Chiefs’ Enstoolment and Community Development Initiatives

The event featured the outdooring of newly enstooled chiefs, the commissioning of developmental projects, and the reaffirmation of the community’s commitment to progress under the theme, “Celebrating Tradition, Inspiring Development.”

Honouring Ancestral Heritage

In his keynote address, Togbe Dikro IV, Chief of Akoefe Gadza, traced the origins of the Yam Festival to the migration of their ancestors from Notsie in present-day Togo. According to him, the festival is a traditional expression of gratitude by farmers to God for protection, strength, and a successful farming season.

“Over the years,” he noted, “the festival has evolved beyond merrymaking. It now serves as a platform to raise funds for community development projects that complement government efforts toward national development.”

Week-Long Celebration and Cultural Activities

The celebration officially began on Sunday, 21st September, with a community clean-up exercise and a vibrant borborbor night. From Tuesday, 23rd to Thursday, 25th, prayer sessions were held to seek divine blessings for a successful festival.

On Friday, 26th September, a colourful float procession from the Ho Market to Akoefe Gadza formally ushered in the main festivities.

The climax of the celebration came on Saturday, 27th September, with a grand durbar of chiefs, cultural performances, and fundraising activities to support local development.

On Sunday, 28th September, the festival continued with recreational events including outdoor games such as ludo and draughts, and a lively cooking competition among the clans, aimed at strengthening bonds and celebrating culinary heritage.

Festivities extended into Monday, 29th September, featuring a football competition at 8:00 a.m., bringing together teams from across the community in a spirit of friendly rivalry. In the evening, the celebration reached another cultural high-point with a borborbor dance competition among the clans, showcasing the rich music and dance traditions of the people of Akoefe.

Enstoolment of Chiefs and Strengthening of Traditional Authority

A major highlight of the durbar was the enstoolment and outdooring of 42 new chiefs and queen mothers to support the growing administrative and developmental responsibilities of the community. Among those enstooled were:

• Togbe Kata I, Chief of Kataviawo
• Mama Kata II (Mama Adzah II), Queen Mother of Kataviawo
• Tsidome Safofia, representing all Akoefe communities
• Togbe Adzah I, Dutor of Gadza
• Boh Seth Kwesi, Youth Chief of Adevi

Togbe Dikro IV explained that due to the increasing workload of development projects, clan chiefs were necessary to ensure efficiency and effective project supervision. He also urged community members to respect their clan heads and traditional leaders.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Wilson Ziklui, the Kingmaker, emphasized that Akoefe Gadza, being a large community, qualifies as a Traditional Council, and the enstoolment of clan chiefs was essential to support the Council’s operations.

Ongoing Development and Challenges

Over the past two years, proceeds from the Yam Festival have been used to fund several developmental projects, including the construction of bridges and culverts, and gutters to enhance water flow and protect local roads.

Togbe Dikro IV highlighted the plight of the main bridge connecting Akoefe Gadza to nearby communities—originally built by the Germans—which collapsed nearly 60 years ago. Despite promises from the Ho Municipal Assembly to provide a grader to gravel the roads, delays have stalled progress. He apologized to residents for the inconvenience and assured them that the roads would be fixed after this year’s celebration.

In his address, Dutor Adzah, speaking on behalf of the newly enstooled chiefs, called on the government and non-governmental organizations to assist the community in addressing poor road networks and communication challenges.

Government Support and Promises

The durbar was graced by Togbe Drake Tsigbe IV, Paramount Chief of Akoefe, who commended the Yam Festival Committee for their efforts. He urged the newly enstooled chiefs to put the community first and encouraged transparency and accountability in managing festival funds.

Also present was the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Stephen Adom, who pledged that all roads in Akoefe would be tarred by the end of 2026. “Although I had several invitations today, I chose to be here at Akoefe to reaffirm my commitment to this community,” he stated.

Unity in Diversity

Akoefe is made up of four main communities: Akoefe Tokor, Akoefe Gadza, Akoefe Achati, and Akoefe Avenui. The Yam Festival remains a vital event that not only preserves the people’s rich cultural heritage but also serves as a rallying point for unity, leadership, and community-driven development.