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Dr Letsa exchanging greetings with Togbe Afede
Dr Letsa exchanging greetings with Togbe Afede

Asogli celebrates Togbe Afede’s 15th anniversary, Yam Festival

The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State and President of the National House of Chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV, has celebrated the 15th anniversary of his enstoolment.

Events marking the anniversary were held last Saturday to coincide with the 2018 edition of the Yam Festival (Asogli Te za), which was on the theme: “Growth and advancement of Asogli, the Volta Region and Ghana — A renewed call to action”.

Over his 15-year rule, Togbe Afede has initiated many projects, which he also solely funded, all aimed at boosting socio-economic conditions in Asogli and the country as a whole.

The projects include the establishment of the Asogli Education Fund, the Ghana Medical Aid Fund, the Volta Regional Development Agency, the construction of a palace and a junior high school, the Sunon Asogli Power Plant, Africa World Airlines and the World Trade Centre.

In his address to mark the occasion, Togbe Afede said he had rededicated himself to the fight against poverty, deprivation and suffering and called for support to bring more development to the country.

He announced that he had signed an agreement with his partners in China for a 50-megawatt wind power project at Ada and explained that the initiative was part of efforts to help quicken the development of the country.

Corruption

On corruption, he said but for poor leadership and corruption, the nation would not be poor, considering its vast resource endowments.

“Corruption has deprived the nation of the funds needed to create jobs, construct good roads, build hospitals and schools and provide other infrastructure the people urgently need,” he said.

He said corruption also discouraged people from working hard and bred vigilantism and serial calling, which had led to acrimony in Ghana’s politics.

He added that corruption was a threat to peace and unity because when corruption thrived, only a few in society reaped rewards, while the honest majority were punished.

New regions

On the creation of new regions, the Agbogbomefia said the framers of the Constitution did a good work by giving a clear road map on how new regions could be created and boundary alterations effected.

He asked that no group of people must oppose the ongoing processes to create new regions, adding that the move ought to be respected by all and sundry in the interest of the peace and unity of the country.

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, who also addressed the gathering, said the celebration of festivals created the opportunity for the younger generation to learn their culture and help sustain it for posterity.

Festivals had become occasions when people met to chart a course of development for their home towns, he said, and added that many people also used festivals to mobilise resources to fund development projects in their areas.
 
Commendation

Dr Letsa commended the people of Asogli for committing to celebrate the Yam Festival every year.

He also commended the Agbogbomefia for projecting traditional authority in the Volta Region.

“You first rose as President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and then to the higher office of President of the National House of Chiefs. On behalf of the people of the region, I commend you for your efforts,” he said.  

He said Togbe Afede had contributed to the maintenance of peace in the region over the years and also to national development, both as a private person and a chief.

“Togbe has served on boards of public institutions and also advised governments, and through his involvement in the private sector, he has in addition created jobs for many Ghanaians.

“I wish to appeal to Togbe Afede to use his rich experience and resourcefulness as a renowned entrepreneur and investor to have factories established in the Asogli Traditional Area in particular and the region in general. I have no doubt that Togbe is up to the task,” Dr Letsa said.

Awafiaga

In his address to open the festival, the Awafiaga or Warlord of Asogli and Dufia of Ho Dome, Togbe Adzi Lakle Howusu XII, said the people of Asogli had gone through some upheavals but were today united and enjoying peace.

“The people of Asogli are committed to living in peace and unity for forever,” he said.

He said the people of the state were proud of the achievements the Agbogbomefia had chalked up during his 15-year reign.

Fraternal messages were read on behalf of the National House of Chiefs and the Chief of Notsie, Togbe Agorkoli IV.

A minute’s silence was observed in memory of the late former Vice-President, Mr Kwesi Amissah-Arthur; Mr Kofi Annan, Mr J.H. Mensah, Prof.  Atukwei Okai and Prof. Justice V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe.

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