Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State has said chiefs must be committed to the development aspirations of their people.
He said development was a long and never-ending journey and that given the limited resources; chiefs need to be in constant dialogue and collaboration with other stakeholders in the development process to take traditional leadership to a new level.
Togbe Afede XIV said this at the launch of the 2018 TE ZA Festival, and the 15 years anniversary of his instalment as the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State in Accra.
The essence of the anniversary was to take stock and plan for the task ahead; reaffirm his commitment to serving the best interests of the people; and give thanks to God and all who have supported him, and seek their continuous support for the years ahead.
The celebration saw the launch of a book titled: “Unveiling the Volta Region of Ghana” which covers all of Volta, from the north to the south.
It also saw the launch of the Ghana Medical Aid Fund which seeks to help meet at least part of the needs of the unfortunate people suffering from various strange ailments making appeals to the public for help.
He said work on the book begun way back in 2016, and long before the announcement of the intention to divide the Volta Region into two, and that this demonstrates the commitment of Asogli chiefs to a united Volta Region.
Togbe Afede XIV, who is the President of the National House of Chiefs revealed his intentions to work towards the resolution of the major outstanding chieftaincy conflicts that are threatening the peace and unity of the country, and also work towards promoting understanding among various tribes.
He said peace and stability have been the magnets that have attracted and continue to attract investors to Ghana and that between peace and anarchy, there was no choice, adding that there cannot be development without peace.
Togbe Afede XIV explained that his dedication over the next five years will be directed to a noble fight, a battle against poverty, deprivation and suffering, where he will seek the support of all as he intensifies efforts to bring more development to the country.
He said the desire to help strengthen the peace and unity of Ghana was the reason why the people of Asogli embarked on fraternal visits to many other traditional areas in the country.
The Agbogbomefia said the theme for this year’s Te Za “Uniting for the Cause of Asogli, Volta Region and Ghana”, captures the Asogli State’s objective to contribute their quota towards uniting the people of the Volta Region and Ghana for the cause of development for the next five years.
He said on October 4, 2003, when he was installed as the Agbogbomefia, he expressed his belief that his installation was to mark a new beginning for all of Asogli State, and he had pledged to commit himself to the best interests of his people.
This pledge he said was in recognition of the desire among the people for development, development that creates jobs, enhances living standards and brings happiness, and emphasized that all citizens have a role to play in the unfolding history of Asogli.
He said the foundation had been out in place to effectively inform and mobilize the people of the State and to attract investment into the Volta Region.
He counted the development of a website for the Asogli State, and two publications, the “Ho Tourist and Business Guide 2009” and “The Volta Region, A Guide to Tourists and Investors”.
“The 560MW Sunon Asogli power, which is 15 percent of Ghana’s power generation capacity and Africa World Airlines which will be expanding aggressively over the next one year in order to realize its mission to make Accra the hub of aviation in West Africa. Volta Region Development Agency, which has promoted a promising friendship between the Volta Region and the Ningxia Autonomous Province of China, the Asogli Education Fund, which supported over 2,000 people across since its establishment in 2005, the Philip Akpo Memorial Roman Catholic Junior High School at Ho, built to honour the memory of my twin brother.”
Togbe Afede XIV, who is also Executive Chairman of the World Trade Centre Accra, revealed how the centre integrates Ghanaian businesses into the worldwide alliance of World Trade Centres and expands international trade flows and investment to Ghana in order to enhance Ghana’s economic growth and prosperity.
“Our vision is ultimately an African vision. That is why I have led important visits to Togo, Uganda, Liberia and more recently, Zimbabwe.”
He outlined some major developments he is currently pursuing including a 50MW Ada wind power project, in collaboration with Shenzhen Energy Group, owners of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Ltd, and the 700MW to 2,000MW coal-fired power project, in collaboration with Shenzhen Energy Group.
“Volta Fertilizer Co. Ltd to be cited in Juapong, Ghana Aviation Academy in Ho, which will train pilots at the new Ho Airport and the Phobia Academy, the first modern soccer academy in Accra. There are many other initiatives in energy, manufacturing, mining, telecommunications and financial technology, and I am counting on government’s facilitating role” he said.
Togbe Afede XIV thanked Nana Soglo Alloh, President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, the Te Za Planning Committee, led by General Martin Ahiaglo, Corporate bodies and traditional authorities and religious bodies for their support.
He extended invitations to all to join the Asogli State in the celebration of the TE ZA from August 25 to September 16, with a grand durbar slated for September 15, 2018.
Togbe Afede XIV was installed as the Agbogbomofia of the Asogli State on October 4, 2003, after nine days of confinement.
He succeeded the late Togbe Afede Asor II.
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By: GNA