The Paramount Chief of the Asogli Traditional Area, Togbe Afede XIV, has called on Ghanaians, including politicians, to demonstrate high level of patriotism by considering the national interest first.
According to him, when political party interest is valued more than that of the nation, it overrides national interest, which would in turn create problem for the country.
To him, an honest politician should ensure that the interest of his or her political party was consistent with that of the country.
Togbe Afede made the call in Ho at a durbar to climax the 2023 Yam Festival organised by the chiefs and people of Asogli.
The festival, which was themed: ‘20 Years of Selfless and Inspiring Leadership’, also coincided with the 20th anniversary celebration of his enthronement.
According to Togbe Afede, as the 2024 general election approaches, political tension has started rising and implored the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure fairness by calling for dialogue with all the political parties to ensure that the decision it (EC) takes is accepted by all.
Togbe Afede contended that apart from the economic challenges facing the country, one important thing Ghanaians must deal with is peace, which investors would look out for before making any attempt to invest in the country.
He, therefore, asked chiefs, youth, military, police and political party leaders to defend the peace of the country at all times.
The Dormaahene, Oseadeayor Agyemang Badu lauded the sterling leadership of Togbe Afede, which made it possible for him to bring development to his people over the past 20 years.
He presented GHC5,000 to Togbe Afede on behalf of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and GHC2,000 on behalf of the Dormaa Traditional Council as customs and tradition demand to support the festival of Asogli and the 20th anniversary celebration of Togbe Afede.
Meanwhile, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) has reported that thousands of people have attended the grand durbar of the 2023 Asogli Yam Festival held at the Jubilee Park in Ho.
Shops were closed in the Regional capital and traffic disrupted as a long procession of chiefs spent the Saturday morning leading a mammoth crowd to the Jubilee Park.
The celebration also marked the 20th anniversary of the installation of Togbe Afede and several dignitaries were in attendance, including Mr. Kofi Dzamesi, CEO of Bui Power, who represented the Vice President of the Republic.
There were also Ambassadors from Barbados, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. The Dormaahene, Osaegyefo Agyeman Badu was the special Guest of Honour. Ewe Chiefs from Ghana, Togo and Benin were also present.
Political party heads and parliamentarians were in attendance at the heavily packed durbar. The Police and other security agencies helped to manage the heavy traffic, whilst scores of businesses and petty traders cashed in at the venue.
Several cultural troupes also delivered impressive performances and acrobatic displays.
The Dormaahene made a great entry with an entourage of close to 100 people.
