Fight fiercely to protect your environment - Togbe Dzaga XI to communities

The Paramount Chief of Klefe, Togbe Koku Dzaga XI, has added his voice to the call for an immediate end to illegal mining, saying the wanton destruction of the environment was an act of war against the heritage of communities and the very existence of the people.

He was speaking at a durbar at Klefe-Dome to round off this year’s yam festival of the people of Klefe, near Ho.

The celebration was on the theme: “Unity and commitment – Sureties for development.”

Togbe Dzaga urged communities, individuals and stakeholder organisations to rise and combat the trend of illegal mining to ensure future generations become inheritors and not mere survivors.

“As patriots, let us be bold to defend our motherland, Ghana,” he stated.

The Paramount Chief of Klefe touched on the forthcoming general election, and urged the youth to resist any attempts by various interest groups seeking votes to use them as instruments of violence.

He pointed out that without peace, all development efforts would be in vain.

Togbe Dzaga explained that unity did not mean conformity to a particular order, but unity in diversity, where the people tolerated different views, which was a recipe for development.

On education, Togbe Dzaga explained that the main objective of establishing the Klefe Technical Vocational Institute was to equip the youth with the requisite skills to earn a decent living and improve their quality of life.

Currently, he said, the school needed help to expand its structures and increase enrolment. Togbe Dzaga said any investment in the institution would be a step in the right direction and a great service to mankind.

Welfare

He expressed gratitude to the government for its dedication to the welfare of Klefe, citing the construction of Phase 1 of the Klefe Town Roads, the road between Klefe-Dome and Ziavi-Dzogbe, and the absorption of the Klefe Technical Vocational Institute into the mainstream Ghana Education Service as ample proof of that assertion.

The paramount chief paid glowing tribute to the Member of Parliament for Ho Central, Benjamin Kpodo, and the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, for their unflinching support for all development activities in Klefe, saying they would always be remembered for their valiant development roles in the history of Klefe.

Meanwhile, an amount GH¢115,000 was realised during an appeal for funds in aid of the Klefe Technical Vocational Institute at Klefe Demete.

The money will be used to expand structures at the institute. Dr Letsa, a native of Klefe, who graced the occasion, said Klefe had distinguished itself through its self-help spirit.

He urged the youth to emulate the good example of their forebears and maintain a united front to lift Klefe to astonishing development heights.

The chairman of the festival planning committee, Evans Kwami Buami, said the chiefs and people of Klefe would continue to commit resources and zeal to the growth of the Klefe Technical Vocational Institute to benefit generations yet unborn.

“This is because education is the key to progress,” he added. Klefe is made up of three towns – Achamite, Dome and Demete.

Because of its nearness to Ho, Klefe is now a semi-urban area with small business, tarred roads, potable water, electricity from the national grid, good schools, clinics and other amenities.