Sege–Battor–Aveyime–Mepe Road: Leaders Demand Proper Drainage To Guarantee Road Durability

The Chairman of the Mepe Development Association (MDA) on behalf of the chiefs and people of Mepe Traditional Area in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, Mr. Bismark Fiifi Tetteh, has demanded effective drainage infrastructure for the ongoing construction of the new Sege-Aveyime-Battor-Mepe road.

According to him, the new road requires proper drainage to last, noting that the previous road connecting Sege to Mepe lacked such infrastructure, which caused it to deteriorate prematurely.

He stressed that the chiefs and residents strongly believe that while the ongoing Sege–Battor–Aveyime–Mepe Road project is a significant milestone, effective drainage infrastructure is equally vital.

"Without proper drainage, the raised road level could cause rainwater to flow into homes, creating avoidable flooding and hardship for residents," the MDA Chairman raised red flag.

Mr. Tetteh made this demand while addressing the chiefs and people of Mepe at their annual Afenorto Festival fundraising and mini-durbar held in Mepe on Saturday, June 28, 2028.

In Mepe, the chiefs and people organize an annual fundraising event and mini-durbar to support community development and fund the 70th Annual Afenorto Festival.

The Afenorto Festival, which translates to a "Period of Rest at Home," is one of the most prominent cultural events in the Volta Region of Ghana. 

Celebrated throughout the month of August, the festival brings together thousands of natives from home and abroad to rest, reunite with families, settle disputes, and plan for the future. 

The cultural highlight of the festivities is the grand durbar, where the five traditional clans of Mepe (Dzagbaku, Adzigo, Sevie, Gbanvie, and Akorvie), led by their chiefs and queen mothers, make a colorful procession to the durbar grounds to display their rich traditional drumming, dancing, and the firing of musketry.

Mr. Tetteh made a clarion call to all Mepe citizens in the diaspora to unite and organize for development projects back home.

He expressed the MDA's deepest appreciation to the Acting President of the Mepe Traditional Council, Torgbe Korsi Nego VI, the divisional and sub-chiefs, queen mothers, elders, opinion leaders, and every individual who took the time to honor the occasion.

According to the MDA Chairman, the presence of the chiefs and people of Mepe to grace the occasion demonstrated their love, commitment, and unwavering support for the development of the town.

"Today is more than a fundraising event; it is a call to action. It is an opportunity for all of us to reaffirm our shared responsibility toward the future of our beloved town. Development is not the sole responsibility of one person, one family, or one institution. 

It is a collective responsibility that requires unity, sacrifice, vision, and commitment."

"Since its formation, the Mepe Development Association has remained steadfast in promoting sustainable development initiatives that improve the lives of our people. 

"We have engaged key stakeholders, built strategic partnerships, and introduced interventions aimed at empowering our community socially and economically," Mr. Tetteh noted.

According to him, one of the MDA's recent achievements is the Association's engagement with the Mepe Area Community Bank to champion a community empowerment scheme. 

He noted that the Association is pleased the bank has embraced the concept and is currently fine-tuning the framework for implementation. 

He pointed out that the executives of the MDA are confident that this initiative will create opportunities for many individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses within the community.

Mr. Tetteh revealed that the MDA has also submitted proposals to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Honorable Minister, and other relevant stakeholders, advocating for the construction of critical roads and drainage systems in Mepe. 

These include:The road from Kizito Junction to St. Kizito Senior High School and onward to the Health Centre, which serves as the only access road to the town’s senior high school and principal health facility.

The ongoing construction of roads and drainage systems from Masito Junction through Avorkudi Mordzi to Tegola, and from Gborta Junction to the Roman Catholic (RC) JHS through to the Pentecost Church and RC Primary School, with proper drainage connections into natural waterways.

On matters concerning chieftaincy, the MDA Chairman noted they were encouraged by the assurance from the Mepe Traditional Council that ongoing efforts are being made to resolve all outstanding issues to ensure a peaceful and successful celebration of this year’s Afenorto Festival. 

Regarding this development, Mr. Tetteh stressed, "We commend our traditional leaders for their commitment to unity and peace."

The MDA Chairman appealed to all five clans in Mepe to honor their financial obligations by paying their levies promptly. 

According to him, these contributions will provide the necessary resources to support this year’s festival and enable the MDA to continue implementing development projects that will benefit the entire community.

"Distinguished guests, there is still much work to be done. The dreams we have for Mepe require resources. They require commitment. Above all, they require the active participation of every son and daughter of Mepe, every friend of Mepe, and every institution that believes in community development."

"Today’s fundraising exercise is therefore not merely about donating money. It is about investing in the future of Mepe. Every contribution, regardless of its size, brings us one step closer to achieving our vision of a stronger, more prosperous, resilient, and united community."

He encouraged everyone gathered to give generously and wholeheartedly, adding, "Let us demonstrate that our love for Mepe is reflected not only in our words but also in our actions."

He thanked the cherished donors, sponsors, and development partners for their continued support, noting that their generosity will leave a lasting legacy for future generations. 

"As we continue to celebrate Afenorto, let us remember that our greatest strength has always been our unity. Together, we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build the Mepe we all desire.

""On behalf of the Mepe Development Association, I assure you that every resource entrusted to us will be managed with transparency, accountability, and the highest sense of responsibility. We remain committed to serving the interests of Mepe with integrity, dedication, and excellence," he assured.