BY: Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com |
It was a grand celebration of culture, tradition, and royalty at the Ho Jubilee Park over weekend, as people from diverse backgrounds, including diplomats, political figures, and traditional leaders from both local and international spheres, came together to mark the climax the 2023 Te Za (Yam Festival) and 20th Coronation Anniversary of Togbe Afede XVI, Agbogbomefia of Asogli.
The Grand Durbar, on Saturday, October 7, saw the display of vibrant and colourful cultural performances by various troupes in attendance. Among the traditional guests, were the Dormahene, and President of the Bono Region Houses of Chiefs Osagyefo Agyemang Badu I, Tepahene, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I, who represented the Asantehene.
In his address, Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, highlighted the development-oriented leadership, he has championed during his 20-year reign as Agbogbomefia, in addition to his contributions to power generation, banking, and trade sectors, which he noted, have generated employment, increase income, and elevate the living standards of the populace.
He emphasised the need for politicians and the citizenry to put the interest of the country ahead of their partisan interests to facilitate rapid development, noting that, valuing political party interest over that of the country created impediment to national development, hence the need for politicians to be patriotic at all times.
Togbe Afede also called for a review of the emoluments received by Article 71 office holders, arguing that redirecting these significant sums of money towards job creation for the country’s burgeoning youth population should be a priority.
The Dormaahene lauded the sterling leadership of Togbe Afede, which made it possible for him to bring development to his people over the past 20 years.
The occasion saw the presence of distinguished diplomats and political leaders, including Hon. Kofi Dzamesi, CEO of Bui Power Authority, who represented the Vice-President, Dr. Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress, and Hon. Kofi Attor, former Member of Parliament, who stood in for Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Alban Bagbin.
The Asogli Teza Festival, celebrated annually by the Chiefs and people of the Asogli traditional area in the Ho Municipality, serves as an occasion to express gratitude to God for bountiful harvests, good health, and prosperity.
This year’s festival kicked off on August 19 with a range of activities, including a health walk and screening, Women’s Summit, Youth Empowerment Summit, Anti-Corruption forum, a pilgrimage to the ancestral home of the Ewes in Notsie, Environmental Day, and many more.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.comÂ
