“Mepe Afenorto Festival Launch: Community Calls for Sustainability and Flood Prevention Measures”

The Mepe Development Association, under the auspices of the Mepe traditional council, has officially launched the 68th Mepe Afenorto Festival at Gnat Hall in Accra. This year’s festival is particularly significant as it comes on the heels of the devastating Akosombo Dam spillage that ravaged the community, leaving a trail of destruction and displacement in its wake.

Speaking to the media at the launch, Torgbe Kwasi Nego VI, Mankralo of the Mepe traditional council, emphasized the need for collective effort towards rebuilding and sustaining the community. He stressed that the festival, slated for August 10th, 2024, offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders and the general public to witness firsthand the current state of affairs in Mepe and lend their support to the community’s recovery efforts.

The Mankralo also used the occasion to call for the establishment of a committee dedicated to investigating and planning for future floods, in order to mitigate the loss of lives and properties. He expressed concern over the lack of a clear date for the Akosombo Dam spillage, despite a two-week notice period given by the Volta River Authority (VRA). He appealed to the government and VRA to take proactive measures to prevent flooding and ensure the safety of the community.

Mr. Kojo Mawulenu Fabian, chairman of the Mepe Development Association, shared the community’s painful experience with flooding, dating back to 1963. He lamented the lack of attention from the government over the years, which has exacerbated the community’s vulnerability to flooding. He revealed that the recent flooding has left many residents destitute, with properties destroyed and livelihoods disrupted.

Fabian emphasized the need for the community to be involved in discussions around the housing units and human environmental aspects of the recovery efforts. He expressed gratitude to all who assisted the community during the tragic incident and appealed for continued support.

The Mepe Afenorto Festival offers a platform for the community to come together, celebrate their culture, and strengthen their resolve in the face of adversity. This year’s festival promises to be a memorable one, with a range of activities and events lined up to showcase the community’s rich heritage and resilience.

As the community looks forward to the festival, they also eagerly await the government’s response to their pleas for support and intervention. The Mepe Afenorto Festival serves as a poignant reminder of the community’s struggles and their determination to rebuild and thrive in the face of adversity.