Ehi Residents Mark 10th Nutome Gali Za Festival with Advocacy for Improved Road Infrastructure

Thousands of residents in Ehi and surrounding communities took to the streets on September 25 to participate in a vibrant mega float, marking the 10th anniversary of the Nutome Gali Za festival. The procession served as a major promotional event for the milestone celebration, drawing a massive turnout that included local citizens and those returning from across the country. The festive atmosphere underscored the community's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while highlighting collective aspirations for local development.

While the float was characterized by music and dance, it also functioned as a platform for advocacy regarding Ehi’s pressing infrastructure needs. Organizers and participants utilized the gathering to draw attention to the deteriorating state of road networks linking Ehi with neighboring towns. These poor road conditions have become a significant bottleneck for the local economy, particularly for farmers who struggle to transport their agricultural produce to markets, leading to post-harvest losses and reduced income for households.

Mr. Byron Kwakutse Kpeli, a representative of the Central Planning Committee, emphasized that addressing these infrastructure deficits is a primary goal of this year’s celebrations. He noted that the 10th anniversary provides a unique opportunity to engage stakeholders and government authorities on the necessity of road development to unlock the area's economic potential. The festival seeks to balance the celebration of Gali (processed cassava) production with a serious dialogue on the resources required to sustain the industry.

The celebrations are expected to reach their peak on September 26 with a grand durbar in Ehi. This finale will bring together traditional leaders, government officials, and community members to further discuss developmental priorities and showcase the rich cultural traditions of the area. As the community moves forward from the 10th-anniversary milestone, the focus remains on leveraging such cultural platforms to secure tangible improvements in local infrastructure and living standards.