By Michael Kofi Kenetey
The Konor of the Yilo Klo Traditional Area, Oklepeme Nuer Anorbaa Sasraku, has appealed to the government through the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, to help the people of Kroboland benefit from the limestone mining in Kroboland.
He noted that Kroboland is not benefiting from the limestone mining in Kroboland yet; the heavy mining trucks and equipment plying their roads are contributing factors to the deterioration of many of the roads in Kroboland.
Oklepeme Nuer Anorbaa Sasraku made the appeal during the Grand Durbar of the 33rd Kloyosikplemi Festival at Somanya in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region. He commended President John Dramani Mahama for his kindness and for believing in the people of Yilo Krobo by appointing many people in the Yilo Krobo constituency in his government; however, he called for such appointments to lead to the development of Yilo Krobo and Kroboland in general. He commended the Eastern Regional Minister for leading the charge to bring the contractor of the Somanya through Odumase to Kpong Junction road back to the site and expressed his optimism that the road will be completed in the nearest possible time.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, mentioned that the festival is more than just a cultural event; rather, it is a celebration of resilience, a sacred memory of the past, and a vision for sustainable growth through tourism and culture. She noted that the Kloyosikplemi Festival reminds them, as Krobo people, of the painful yet defining chapter in their shared history—the forceful eviction of their ancestors from Klowem, the Krobo Mountain. Despite being uprooted, their ancestors remained resilient and demonstrated courage, dignity, and an unwavering will to preserve their identity. The story, she said, is one of survival, strength, and hope, showing that the Krobo people continue to thrive because of their resilience.
There were cultural displays amid drumming and singing of Krobo traditional songs and dances such as oglojo, klama, obonu, and okotoblija to grace the occasion. The Paramount Chief of Asere Traditional Area in the Greater Accra Region, Nii Nikoi Olai Amashie, and the Konor of Agotime Traditional Area in the Volta Region, Nene Nuer Keteku, were some of the special guests who graced the Grand Durbar. This year’s festival celebration was on the theme “Cultural Revival for Sustainable Tourism and Growth.”
