The government of Ghana has announced plans to invest 500 million dollars in the country’s oil palm value chain as part of efforts to boost agricultural production, create jobs, and stimulate rural development.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations) of the Ghana Tree Crops Development Authority, Rich Kofi Kofituo, disclosed this at the maiden edition of the Alavanyo Deme Deza Festival held at Alavanyo in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region. He said the government remains committed to supporting communities that demonstrate readiness to participate in the oil palm development agenda.

“The government has earmarked about 500 million dollars for the development of the oil palm sector. Communities like Alavanyo that are ready to cultivate oil palm will benefit significantly from this intervention,” Kofituo said.

The festival was celebrated under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Development through Community Mobilization.” Chiefs, queen mothers, and residents gathered to reconnect with their cultural heritage while exploring new opportunities for community development. “Deme,” which means Palm Tree Home, reflects the long tradition of palm cultivation by the forebears of the community.

Residents say reviving this heritage could help transform the area into a major palm production hub in the region and address youth unemployment.

The Dufia of Alavanyo Deme, Togbe Komla Kuto VII, in his welcome speech read on his behalf by the Asafohene, revealed that the community has already taken steps to support the initiative.

“We have released more than 100 acres of land for oil palm cultivation. Our vision is to restore the legacy of our forefathers and create employment opportunities for our young people,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for the Hohoe Constituency, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, also encouraged residents to embrace the initiative, noting that the project could bring significant economic benefits to the community.

“If the community succeeds in establishing itself as a major oil palm cultivation centre, it will open up opportunities for jobs, investment, and local economic growth,” he said. Kofituo expressed optimism about the community's commitment and said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader agricultural development strategy.

“What we are seeing here shows that the community is ready. With the support from the government and the Ghana Tree Crops Development Authority, Alavanyo Deme can become a strong contributor to Ghana’s oil palm industry,” he added.

As part of activities marking the festival, a sod-cutting ceremony was performed for the construction of a community centre that will include a health facility and an ICT centre to support education and healthcare delivery in the area. Organisers say the Deza Festival will be celebrated annually to promote unity, cultural heritage, and community development.

Ahead of the festival’s grand durbar, residents were treated to a colourful beauty pageant featuring four contestants. At the end of the maiden competition, Christine Akusika Kossikuma Odikro was crowned Miss Deza 2026 at the Alavanyo Deme durbar ground in the Volta Region. She received the crown, an undisclosed cash prize, assorted items, and other prizes.

The contestants first introduced themselves before taking part in a catwalk session, where they displayed confidence and elegance. This was followed by a talent display and cultural performance segments, during which each contestant showcased her unique abilities.

The competition concluded with a question-and-answer session, where contestants responded to questions from the judges.

The event was further enlivened by a musical performance from Volta Region’s music icon, Morgan Nero, who thrilled the audience with his popular song Agbozume Naomi.

At the end of the contest, Lucy Ofori was named third runner-up, Bernice Kumah took second runner-up, while Sandra Ellen Venuye Fia emerged first runner-up. A member of the organising committee, Vincent Dzator, expressed confidence that the pageant would grow stronger in subsequent years.

“This is our first edition, and we are encouraged by the support from the community. Next year’s event will be bigger and even more exciting,” he said.

The winner, Christine Akusika Kossikuma Odikro, said she intends to use her reign to support community development initiatives.

“I want to use this platform to promote education, youth development, and the cultural heritage of Alavanyo Deme,” she said. All contestants received cash prizes for participating, while the winner took home the crown, cash prize, and other gifts.