Otekple Nana Soglo Alloh IV, Paramount Chief of the Likpe Traditional Area and President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, has called for the initiation and completion of development projects in the area.
He said the infrastructure deficit remained extensive, and repeated appeals had been made to the government to address the situation.
Addressing the 2026 Lekoryi Festival at Likpe Mate, Nana Alloh stated that “as citizens of Ghana, we recognise our roles as partners in development and growth with government.”
He commended government efforts in supporting infrastructural and socio-economic development, including the Operation Big Push and the 24-Hour Economy agenda.
Nana Alloh highlighted critical needs such as the refurbishment of the local health centre and the establishment of a district hospital at Likpe Bakua.
He also stressed the need to expand the water system to serve other towns within the traditional area and beyond.
“Since 1994, when it was absorbed into the rural water and sanitation projects, it has not been properly funded and maintained,” he noted.
He explained that the Likpe Social Endowment Fund had supported rehabilitation of the water system but appealed to government to help expand it to serve as a permanent water source for all communities.
The Paramount Chief further emphasised the need to upgrade roads in the area, noting that they had been captured under the Operation Big Push initiative.
He also identified the renovation and completion of infrastructure at Likpe Senior High School as a priority.
Nana Alloh added that the area’s serene environment offered significant potential for eco-tourism and medium-scale brown rice cultivation, noting that waterfalls and natural caves inhabited by the forefathers could attract both local and international tourists.
Madam Sophia Lelabi Lartey, speaking on behalf of Lieutenant Colonel Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, Chairman for Lekoryi 2026, said the festival theme symbolised unity and resilience among the people.
Professor Vincent Eziah, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said ongoing projects included electrical wiring of basic schools, baseline studies in numeracy, and renovation of the health centre at Likpe Bakua.
He added that efforts had been made to repair equipment at the Likpe Community Water and Sanitation Agency, clear weeds from the dam, and desilt it.
Prof. Eziah described the focus on water and sanitation as timely, stressing that access to clean water and proper sanitation remained a fundamental human right and key to public health, education, and economic growth.
Mr Fred K. Agbenyo, Member of Parliament for Guan Constituency, commended traditional authorities and residents for their unity, noting that the main challenge facing the area was the lack of development.
Mr Godfred Kofie, Guan District Chief Executive, said the Assembly would continue to support development initiatives and engage stakeholders to ensure success.
He added that efforts were underway to improve road infrastructure to facilitate trade.
The Lekoryi Festival, celebrated by nine divisions of the Likpe Traditional Area, was held on the theme: “Unity in Action: Empowering the Youth for the Future.”
The event was attended by paramount chiefs from the Volta and Oti regions, as well as religious, civil, and political leaders, and citizens both home and abroad.
GNA
