Listen to Togbe Afede
The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV has stated that, the development of the nation is a shared responsibility which requires the contribution of every individual. He said ‘to exclude some people, because of their party affiliation is to deny the nation of meaningful human resource and contributions’. He therefore called on politicians to shun political pettiness and bring all hands on deck to move the nation’s developmental agenda forward.
Togbe Afede, who is also the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs made the call on Saturday at a grand durbar of chiefs and people of the Asogli Traditional Area to climax this year’s Asogli Yam Festival at Ho, on the theme “Political Tolerance, a Prerequisite for Peace and Development”.
The Agbogbomefia also noted that the nation’s development should not only favour members of a ruling party but rather open up opportunities for every Ghanaian in order to achieve equity. This he said is the only way to ensure the relevant peace and tranquility needed for the nation’s development.
Togbe Afede again reminded Ghanaians to be tolerant of each other’s opinion and not to allow differences in opinion to derail the nation’s progress. “To expect that we all think alike, would be to expect the impossible” he empathized, urging Ghanaians to live in peace and unity to accelerate the nation’s progress.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nana Mprah Besemuna III, Paramount Chief of Krachi Traditional Area, and chairman of the occasion, said political tolerance is a vital ingredient of democracy which needed to be cultivated and nurtured, to pave way for peace and development.
He lauded Togbe Afede for building bonds between traditional areas in the region and the country regardless of distance.
The defense Minister, Lieutenant-General Joseph Henry Smith, who represented President John Mahama, reiterated the president’s commitment to peaceful polls in December and stressed, that is the only means to honour the memory of Late president John Atta-Mills.
The minister also lauded the dynamism of Togbe Afede, who he said had made the Asogli Festival one of the prestigious traditional events in Ghana.
The durbar was characterized with traditional dancing, magical displays, and funfairs.
Present at the event were dignitaries from far and near, including Togbe Agorkorli IV, Ewe Fia (Ewe Chief) and Chief of Notsie in the republic of Togo, Mr Kofi Wayo, Leader of the United Renaissance Party, as well as other traditional leaders, politicians, government officials and tourists from across the country and beyond.
The Asogli Yam Festival celebrated every year , affords the people of Asogli Traditional area the opportunity to thank God and their ancestors for a bumper harvest and also serves as an occasion to offer prayers for good health and prosperity for all.
