The Some Traditional Council on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, officially launched the 2026 edition of SOMETUTUZA at Adefienu in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region. This year’s launch also marked the 50th Anniversary of the SOMETUTUZA Festival.
The colourful event was attended by traditional rulers from various traditional areas and was hosted by Torgbuiga Adama III, President and Paramount Chief of the Some Traditional Council.
Delivering the welcome address, Torgbui Geli III, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee (CPC), welcomed everyone and explained that this year’s launch was not only to officially launch SOMETUTUZA 2026 but also to commemorate the festival’s Golden Jubilee.
He noted that Adefienu was selected to host the launch to promote unity, understanding, and collective commitment towards the development of the Some Traditional Area.
He announced the theme for this year’s celebration as:
“Harnessing the Potential of the Youth for Socio-Cultural Preservation, Economic Prosperity and Tourism Development to Foster Peace and Unity.”
Torgbui Geli III also outlined the Committee’s development agenda, revealing that the total estimated cost of the proposed SOMETUTUZA projects stands at GH¢1,076,000.00.
The proposed projects include:
– Provision of 1,000 student desks and the establishment of a scholarship fund for brilliant but needy students under the Education Programme.
– Provision of portable water under Social Amenities.
– Provision of four refuse dump containers under the Sanitation Programme.
– Provision of logistics to support the annual festival.
He further announced the major activities scheduled for the main SOMETUTUZA Festival, which will take place during the last week of September 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the Ketu South Municipal Chief Executive, a representative commended the chiefs and the Central Planning Committee for organising a successful launch. He emphasized the importance of celebrating cultural festivals in preserving identity, promoting unity, and driving community development.
The Ketu South NADMO Director, speaking on behalf of Torgbui Tenuvi, also expressed appreciation to the organisers and pledged his full support towards achieving the objectives of the Central Planning Committee. He disclosed that he had already begun supporting some of the proposed projects and wished the Committee success in all its endeavours.
Also addressing the gathering was the Ketu South Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Ghana’s Ambassador to Togo, H.E. Solomon K. Kumordzie. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the organisers and traditional leaders, describing himself as a proud son of Some who has participated in the festival for more than three decades.
He announced that he and his siblings would support the initiatives of the Central Planning Committee and pledged their commitment towards the successful implementation of the proposed projects. He also encouraged the youth to take advantage of the ICT school established in memory of their late mother, adding that a bus would soon be provided to transport students from various communities within the Some Traditional Area.
Several other speakers congratulated the organisers and pledged their support towards the development of the area.
During the programme, Torgbuiga Adama III deemed it necessary to officially reintroduce the Chief of Adefienu following questions from some members of the public regarding the legitimate occupant of the stool.
He delegated Torgbui Geli III to formally introduce Torgbui Adzabli Anthony V, who has served as the Chief of Adefienu for over 35 years.
In his keynote address, Torgbuiga Adama III, President and Paramount Chief of the Some Traditional Council, thanked all the dignitaries, sons and daughters of the Some Traditional Area for their overwhelming support.
He expressed profound appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the Phase Two works on the Agavedzi Sea Defence Project. According to him, the government’s intervention has saved many homes and lives from the devastating effects of tidal waves and coastal erosion.
However, he appealed to the President and his government to address other pressing challenges confronting the area.
On water, he lamented that Agbozume, the traditional capital of the Some Traditional Area, together with several surrounding communities, has experienced severe potable water shortages for approximately four years.
He also expressed concern over the poor state of roads within the Some Traditional Area, stating that the deteriorating road network is negatively affecting business, education, healthcare delivery, transportation, emergency services, agriculture, and investment.
He stressed that improving the roads would unlock the area’s investment opportunities and tourism potential, thereby contributing significantly to both local and national development.
Torgbuiga Adama III further appealed to the chiefs, elders, and people of the Some Traditional Area to rise above family, clan, religious, political, and personal differences, emphasizing that peace, unity, and understanding are essential for sustainable development.
Addressing the youth, he described them as the strength and future of the Some people. He urged them to reject drug abuse, violence, crime, fraud, gambling, and armed robbery, and instead channel their energies into education, vocational and technical training, agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, tourism, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
He assured them of the Traditional Council’s unwavering support for every young person committed to positive development.
He also appealed to sons and daughters of the Some Traditional Area living abroad to reconnect with their communities, encourage investment, and support the development projects initiated by the Traditional Council.
Torgbuiga Adama III concluded by thanking everyone for their various contributions towards the successful launch and for their continued commitment to the growth and development of the Some Traditional Area.
News Source: Denyigba Radio
Report by: Wonder Gli.