Welcome to Volta 2023
Ghana gained her political independence from Britain on March 6, 1957. The Ghana @ 66 Independence Day Anniversary Celebration is scheduled for Ho, the Regional Capital of the Volta Region; A hearty welcome to Volta 2023. And the Christian communities will be trusted to first of all pray:
"God bless our homeland Ghana,
And make our nation great and strong,
Bold to defend forever,
The cause of Freedom and of Right.
Fill our hearts with true humility
Make us cherish fearless honesty,
And help us to resist oppressor's rule
With all our will and might for evermore."
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We bring you information on aspects of the host Region- the Volta Region. The Volta Region is not a one language homogeneous linguistic region. It is multiple-ethnic and a people.
Professor D.E.K Amenumey writes: "when Ghana attained her independence in March 1957, it was generally claimed that the event brought to an end 113 years of British rule, and brought together multiple-lingual people including groups such as the Ewe, the Guan, the Akans and the Gurma over the country.
However, not all parts of the present day Ghana came within British Colonial system at one and the same time. The British proclaimed the existence of the Gold Coast colony on July 24, 1874; initially with the Coastal Regions, including South East Gold Coast, the Anlo state of the Volta Region. Indeed, in 1850, Britain acquired jurisdiction over the Anlo state (South Eastern Ghana) from Denmark but withdrew in 1859. However, in 1874, jurisdiction was resumed. By 1890, Anlo state was a regular part of Britain’s colony of the Gold Coast. Thus, Anlo state (Southern Volta Region), together with other Coastal Regions, were part of the Gold Coast Colony ahead of Ashanti and the Northern territories.
The British sphere of colonial influence extended to include Ashanti, following their defeat in war by the British in 1896 (and most firmly in 1901). And the Northern territories of the Gold Coast Protectorate were established as British protectorate on September 26, 1901. Therefore, the three territories that made up British Colony of the Gold Coast were: The Coastal Regions (including Anlo-State, Southern Volta Region); Ashanti territories; and the Northern territories.
In 1946, the Trans Volta Togoland was constituted after the end of World-War ll. It comprised geographical areas from the Ho District in the Volta Region, northwards to include the Oti Region, Dagbon (Yendi) and the Bawku District. The Trans-Volta Western Togoland or the Trans Volta Trust, was a territory comprised of 23 ethnic groups and included towns in the Eastern corridor- Ho, Kpeve, Hohoe, Have, Kpando, Jasikan, Nkwanta, Kete-Karachi, Yendi, Nalerigu and Kulungugu. In 1956, after UN organised plebiscite or referendum, the
Trans Volta Western Togoland became part of Ghana. In December 2018 the Oti Region (the Northern part of the Volta Region) was created to facilitate better local governance.
The Volta Region has a diverse and very rich cultural heritage. Most Ewe names, both first names and last names, have specific meanings and are often a summary of sound philosophical statements. These include Mliwomor, Fayose, Sitsofe, Amewuga, Kaledzi, Kporfor, Kpordugbe, Ahama, Dzikunu, Dzobo, Gbordzoe, Domelevo, Hodasi, Tsikata and Tamakloe, among others.
The Volta Region is home to the tallest mountain, the biggest water-fall, and the coolest habitable town in Ghana. It abounds with vast eco-tourism sites in every District in the Region. Its people are industrious, hard working, courageous and very reliable. Observing cultural norms and values to promote the common good are held as essential for total well-being and progress of the people-groups. For example, this world-view is captured in the popular Ewe poem: "vinyewo miga Nlom be" (Wisdom to guide the younger generation).
In the Volta Region, they enjoy a large variety of foods and dishes. Their culinary arts are well recognised and are arguably among the best chefs in the country. The Volta Region is home to significant natural and mineral resources including oil and iron ore, waiting to be properly harnessed by investors and for the common good of the people.
While in Ho for the Volta 2023 National Independence Day preparations, we noted that many people in the Volta Region remarked: “the 'gods' of the Volta Region do not hate asphalt on the roads in the Region.” Indeed, they yearn for requisite development projects in the region.
In the Bible, we are urged to pray for "all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. “Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:1&2). We must pray for mother Ghana on her Independence Anniversary. But what are the needs and concerns that the people are talking about? We list the following few prayer points:
. Thank God for 66 years of Independence and self-rule. Thank God for 30 years of uninterrupted political governance in the Fourth Republic.
. Pray for ethical leadership and good governance. Pray that the Executive (the President and Government appointees) and the Parliamentarians will care deeply for the citizens and work for their common good. And pray for Parliament to function well and fulfill its constitutional mandate; the Judges and the Judiciary to deliver true justice to all manner of people and to be perceived as just Judges. Justice and peace roll together.
. Pray for the national economy currently in crises. Pray for wisdom and right actions of the key stakeholders as they work on healthy economic recovery. Pray for high productivity in all the sectors of the national economy.
. Pray for an end to the destruction of our rivers, water bodies and farm-lands through ‘galamsey’ activities. Pray for the political will and wisdom for the Presidency and Parliament to stop this grievous canker. We have serious threat to water supply. The Cocoa Board is alarmed at the threat to the Cocoa Industry - a key element of national wealth. Pray: "we must stop ‘galamsey’ now!"
. Pray that Ghana's Oil will better benefit the people of Ghana. And pray that Tema Oil Refinery is able to refine our crude oil locally and help bring down pump prices.
. Pray for godly national values; and that people will give up corrupt practices, greed and unhealthy attitudes towards money. We need hard work and innovation for better productivity and progress.
. Pray that all citizens will live sound ethical lifestyles of integrity. Pray for the peace of mother Ghana.
Indeed, God bless our home land Ghana and make our Nation great and strong!
(The author is a consultant in authentic Christian Spirituality and Discipleship and former CEO of Scripture Union)