Torgbi Korkudjaah Tamakloe II vows to make 'Tagbato Kete Festival' a Ketu South Festival

Torgbi Korkudjaah Tamakloe II, the Dufia of Kpordorve, along with the chiefs and people of the Tagbato Electoral Area, celebrated this year’s “Tagbato Kete Festival” in Ghana's Volta Region.

Torgbi expressed his vision to elevate the festival to a district-wide event for Ketu South, where weavers and traders from across the district can showcase and market their Kete products, attracting potential investors and tourists.

Torgbi encouraged local weavers to enhance their craft with vibrant designs and yarns that appeal to a wide audience. His hope is that, through collective efforts, Kete weaving will expand, leading to the establishment of factories that produce a variety of Kete-based products, adding value to the woven fabrics and creating economic opportunities.

The Tagbato Electoral Area, which includes Kpordorve, Akagla Kope, and Tsavanya near Klikor and Agbozume, is known for its skilled Kete weavers, as well as farmers, fishermen, salt miners, and traders. Kete weaving, a revered tradition involving intricate patterns created with interwoven yarns on handlooms, is cherished across cultures and celebrated for its beauty and craftsmanship. The Tagbato Kete Festival was established to preserve this art form, boost local economies, attract investment, and create job opportunities within the community.

This year’s festival, held in Kpordorve and hosted by Torgbi Korkudjaah Tamakloe II, was a celebration of tradition, unity, and economic empowerment. Torgbi emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration, urging his people to avoid divisive behaviors and work together for the economic advancement of the Tagbato Electoral Area. He noted that inviting investors and NGOs to support the community is a collective endeavor, intended for the benefit of all, rather than for any single chief or individual.

The festival showcased the region's rich traditions and culture, featuring colorful Kete fabrics from Kpordorve, Akagla Korpe, and Tsavanya. It underscored Tagbato’s position as a prime destination for anyone interested in trading or investing in Kete.

Madam Christine Gbeze chaired the event, which was attended by distinguished guests including Torgbi Emese II, Torgbi Akagla II, Hon. Dzifa Gomashie, Assemblyman Mr. David Kugbe, and other prominent chiefs, queens, and citizens of the Tagbato Electoral Area, both local and abroad. The festival fostered a renewed sense of pride and unity, honoring Kete weaving as a pillar of heritage and a driver of future economic growth.