The Awomefia, Torgbui Sri III, has reminded Ewes living outside the Volta region to always bear in mind that “we are one people bound together by our shared history and origins”, and no matter where “we live, our connection to each other remains strong”.
He said the shared heritage calls for unity in purpose, progress and in peace and, therefore, “wherever we find ourselves, we must never forget that our strength lies in our ability to work together”.
The Awomefia emphasised that “Our ancestors worked hand in hand to build strong communities and we must follow in their footsteps.
We must support one another, stand together and lift each other up. Let us never allow divisions to weaken the bonds that unite us as Ewe people”.
These were contained in a speech read on his behalf by Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II, Paramount Chief and Awadada of Anlo Dukor (State), at the climax of the celebration of ‘Eweza’ last Saturday, at Oforikrom in Kumasi, in Ashanti region.
Organised by the Council of Ewe Chiefs in Ashanti, Ahafo and Bono regions, in collaboration with the Manhyia Palace, EWEZA is an annual gathering of people from the Volta region living in Ashanti, Ahafo and Bono regions to socialise and deliberate about issues that affect them as a people.
Torgbui Agbesi Awusu said there are more than 500,000 Ewes living in the Ashanti, Bono and Ahafo regions, which should be “a powerful reminder of our vast presence and the important role we play in the socio-economic fabric of these regions.
“Our numbers carry significance, not only in terms of population, but also in terms of cultural relevance and contributions”.
He said the Ewes are known for the natural values of hard work and integrity, which have carried them through generations and must continue to be “our guiding principles in everything we do. Whether in business, education or family life, let us strive for examples of diligence and honesty”.
Touching on the upcoming December elections, the Paramount Chief and Awadada urged Ewes to come out and vote when the time comes, saying “Let your voice be heard and let us do so with peace in our hearts.
“Remember, the decisions we make today will shape the future of our children and generations to come”.
Torgbuiga Mawufeame Fugah, President of the Council of Ewe Chiefs advised politicians to be conscious of the consequences of their public pronouncements and focus on issue-based campaigns by explaining their manifestos.
He said “political parties are not rivals, but partners for progress and development of our nation”, and power is given to the elected party through the ballot and citizens who vote “look up to them for progress, economic development, provision of good healthcare, good education for their children and citizens, employment opportunities and above all peace”.
Torgbuiga Fugah also lamented that “our children are gradually being influenced by other cultures such as the LGBTQ+ and others and our local cuisine, food, dance, dress and conduct are fading away”
He called for a deliberate effort to recapture our values and safeguard them because people “without culture and cultural values are considered as lost people”.
Nana Adubofour Kwaw II, Otumfuo Gyaasehene, who represented the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, advised the youth from the Volta region resident in Ashanti, Bono and Ahafo regions to accord their leaders back home and in the regions the due respect and also strive to maintain peaceful coexistence with other ethnic groups.
He said the Eweza is a good opportunity for Ewes in the three regions to group and deliberate, and encouraged them to organize the festival every year.
Prof. Joshua Alabi in a speech read on behalf of Former President and flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama, thanked the Ewe communities in various parts of the country outside the Volta region for their continued support and dedication to the NDC.
He stressed that John Dramani Mahama has a record of delivering on his promises and would not promise what he cannot do, emphasising that it is the reason all NDC’s campaign messages are promises that can easily be achieved as compared to the NPP.
From Thomas Agbenyegah Adzey, Kumasi
