The Chiefs of the Kpedze Traditional Area in the Ho West District have smoked the peace pipe to formally end a 15-year-old tension and dispute which has affected unity among the traditional leaders.
The reconciliation ceremony followed the mediation by the District Security Council (DIS) led by the Ho District Chief Executive, Francis Dussey, which facilitated engagements among the traditional leaders and other stakeholders to resolve the longstanding differences.
The reconciliation was also attributed to sustained efforts by youth leaders from the four Kpedze communities and other eminent citizens who worked behind the scenes to promote dialogue, understanding and peaceful resolution of their differences.
Last Wednesday, a formal ceremony took place at Kpedze, where the traditional leaders from Kpedze Todze, Awlime, Salama, Sreme and Anoe came together and, in a symbolic demonstration of renewed peace, exchanged pleasantries with Togbega Kpekpematsor Astrimdom V, the Paramount Chief of Kpedze.
Among the chiefs present were Togbe Okumka V of Kpedze Todze, Togbe Kekrebesi VI of Kpedze Anoe and Fiator Senyo Buatsi of Kpedze Sreme, as well as other traditional leaders and stakeholders.
As part of the reconciliation process, a traditional ritual was performed to revoke an oath reportedly sworn by some chiefs not to engage with Togbega Astrimdom V in any form.
The traditional rites performed also symbolised the renewal of unity and restoration of bonds among the leaders.
In a brief remark, the development chief of Kpedze, Togbe Duneyo I, expressed his joy at the restoration of peace, saying: “At long last, peace has returned to our community and we can all come together for the development and progress of our communities.” — GNA
