Lolobi marks rice festival with  appeal to government to support industry

The chiefs and people of Lolobi Traditional Area in the Volta Region have marked their revived annual Ipor-Rice festival with an appeal for government’s support to boost rice farming in the area. 

Challenges such as deplorable road networks, lack of modern implements for farming and post-harvest lose are hindering the development of rice farming which is the predominant occupation of the people.  

The Paramount Chief of the area, Nana Akoto Masakyi who made the appeal was hopeful that, Lolobi can provide the country with several tons of rice required to feed the citizenry, with the support of government.

Ipor-Rice festival is celebrated annually by the chiefs and people of Lolobi Traditional Area, located in the Hohoe Municipality who are Guans to honour the bravery of their ancestors. It is also used to mobilize funds and resources towards infrastructure development in the area. 

This year’s celebration themed, “Enhancing the Development of Lolobi for effective healthcare delivery” was used to raise funds towards the construction of a nurses quarters to accommodate health workers posted to the area but commute from Hohoe to the traditional area on daily basis, thereby hindering quality health care delivery to the people. 

The ceremony showcased the rich culture of the people of Lolobi. 

A variety of rice, the staple food of the people of the area was also showcased.  

Nana Akoto Masakyi on behalf of his people announced their readiness for an establishment of a rice factory in the area through the government’s one district one factory policy. 

He however, appealed to government to urgently construct the Hohoe-Lolobi road to create access for farmers to transport their produce to major towns. 

The MP for Beum, David Asiamah urged the people to use the revival of the festival to bring massive change in the area stressing that it will require every citizen to contribute their quota to achieve that goal. 

He also encouraged them to foster unity among themselves. 


GBC