Penyi Festival 2026 launch highlights community centre, ICT lab projects

The Penyi Community in the Ketu North Municipal of the Volta Region has begun preparations for the 14th edition of the Penyi Nugoryiza Festival, with plans to use the annual celebration to mobilise support for key community development projects.

The festival was first held in 2012, with the late former President, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, serving as the Special Guest of Honour. It has since been celebrated annually, except for a temporary interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the Penyi Festival, Hon. Mac-Thompson Gbeti, said preparations for this year's celebration are ongoing.

He explained that the annual festival launch traditionally includes a walk through communities around Penyi Township to create awareness and build interest ahead of the main celebration.

The theme for the 2026 festival is "Penyi With a Dream: Construction of a Modern Community Centre and ICT Lab."

The launch was attended by traditional leaders, political representatives and other invited guests. The event was chaired by the Chief of Tamekofe, Togbi Tame II, while philanthropist Infinity was also present.

The First Vice Chairman of the NPP in the constituency, Honourable Joseph Adokpo, donated GHC 1,000 on behalf of the party to support the festival.

Speaking at the event, Mr Adokpo raised concerns about fuel price increases, utility tariffs and other economic issues under the NDC government.

The NDC delegation, led by its Communications Director, Honourable James Tesu Gagbelime, also addressed the gathering and defended the government's economic management, arguing that the NDC was better positioned to manage the country's economy.

The Paramount Chief of the Penyi Traditional Area and President of the Penyi Traditional Council, Togbi Ga Dadzie V, urged the youth to take responsibility for the development of their community.

He also used the occasion to provide further details about the festival and its importance to the development aspirations of Penyi.

Mr Gbeti called for collective support from residents and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the festival and the projects being pursued through it.

He said one of the achievements of the festival organisers was the acquisition of land for the construction of a three-bedroom self-contained facility to accommodate nurses who will live and work in the community.

According to him, efforts are also underway to upgrade the community health centre into a polyclinic, while plans are being advanced for the construction of an ultra-modern ICT laboratory and a community centre.

He further disclosed that children from less privileged families who face difficulties paying tertiary education fees are being supported through the Brilliant and Needy Children Scheme.

The committee has also introduced a dues payment system under which residents living within the community pay GHC 10, while those living outside the community or in the cities pay GHC 200.

The Special Guest of Honour at this year's launch, the Municipal Chief Executive and native of Penyi, Rev. Martin Amenaki, highlighted development projects being undertaken by the NDC government.

He appealed to the chiefs and residents to support the government and cited projects including schools, CHPS compounds and road construction under the Big Push agenda.

The grand durbar of the 2026 Penyi Nugoryiza Festival is scheduled for October 17, 2026.

Mr Amenaki called on stakeholders, business owners and individuals in Ghana and abroad to support the festival and contribute to the community's development projects.

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