Klefe: The chiefs and elders of Klefe in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region have appealed to the government and private investors to support the development of tourism and stone-winning activities in the community. They said such investment would help transform the annual Klefe Yam Festival into one of Ghana's best and most recognised cultural festivals.
According to Ghana Web, the call was made during the yam-hailing ceremony, which involves a long procession with traditional prayers, singing, and dancing, welcoming the new yam harvest season. The ceremony was held in anticipation of the 2026 Klefe Yam Festival durbar, scheduled for September 26, 2026.
Klefe is home to attractions like Mountain Tokpo and the Adidi Waterfalls, both linked to prehistoric legends. The community, known as the 'Stone City,' is rich in schist, a flat decorative stone used extensively in construction. Togbe Tsatsu Addo XVIII, Divisional Right-Hand Chief of Klefe, emphasized the economic potential of stone-winning and called for government and private investment.
He noted that many of the attractive stone designs in Ho and other parts of the Volta Region originate from Klefe, describing the community's stone as among the best for home construction and decoration. Togbe Addo also urged investment in tourism sites, highlighting the employment and revenue benefits.
Klefe's green environment contributes to Ho's reputation as the 'Oxygen City' of Ghana. Togbe Addo emphasized that the preservation of the community's forest reserves could attract tourists, especially as natural environments gain importance for recreation and ecotourism.
Mr Evans Kwami Buami, Chairman of the Klefe Yam Festival Planning Committee, appealed to the Ghana Tourism Authority for support in developing the festival. He noted that while Klefe hosts major hospitality facilities, tourists often travel to other communities due to underdeveloped local sites. He urged collaboration with the Ho Municipal Assembly to enhance visitor experiences.
Mr Buami expressed the festival's potential to become a major cultural event, comparing it to well-promoted festivals like Homowo and Kwahu Easter celebrations. He emphasized the festival's role in preserving cultural traditions and encouraged the youth to pursue technical and vocational education. Proceeds from the festival support such education, seen as crucial for youth employment and national development.
Mr Charles Gatse, a community elder, highlighted the festival as an opportunity for youth networking and learning. He encouraged participants to build relationships, seek advice, and identify opportunities for future growth.
The elders called for unity and hospitality among residents, inviting the public to the festival's grand climax on September 26, 2026. They hoped that increased investment in tourism, agriculture, and stone-winning would unlock Klefe's economic potential, creating jobs for the youth and positioning the community as a major tourism and investment destination in the Volta Region.