Accra: The chiefs and people of Adaklu Kodzobi in the Adaklu District of the Volta Region launched the 44th edition of the Bliza (Corn Festival) amid pomp and pageantry on Saturday. The festival, which started in September 1983, was established to express gratitude for a bumper corn harvest following a severe drought and famine that year. It celebrates corn as the first crop harvested after the drought, marking the end of the famine.
According to Ghana News Agency, over the years, the festival has evolved into a platform for mobilising resources for community development and has become one of the major traditional festivals in the Volta Region. The annual event attracts chiefs, residents, and visitors from the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions, as well as neighboring Togo.
Speaking at the launch, Togbe Dzegblade IV, Dufia of Adaklu Kodzobi, urged citizens to embrace a spirit of self-help and contribute actively to the development of the community. He emphasized the importance of communities taking responsibility for initiating and executing development projects rather than relying solely on government support.
Togbe Dzegblade revealed that the construction of the community's one-storey Information Centre was nearing completion and announced plans for a proposed community centre. He appealed to citizens and friends of the community to contribute generously towards this project.
The Dufia also commended the Government and the Adaklu District Assembly for ongoing development projects in the community, including the construction of a six-unit teachers' bungalow and a three-unit classroom block with offices and a staff common room. "This is the first time the community is benefitting from a fully government-funded project, and I commend the Government and the Adaklu District Assembly for it," he stated.
Mr. Matthew Wormenor, Chairman of the Festival Planning Committee, informed the Ghana News Agency that several activities were planned for the week-long celebration. The festival will culminate in a grand fundraising durbar on Saturday, November 14, 2026.