By Jacob Aggrey
As Ghana marked its first Republic National Thanksgiving Day on July 1, the President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Hon. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, used the occasion to reflect on the country’s peaceful democratic journey—and to issue a strong appeal to ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) over rising political tensions in neighboring Togo.
Speaking to the media after the thanksgiving ceremony, the NALAG President described Togo as a “nation bleeding silently,” warning that delays by regional bodies could once again pave the way for military coups.
“ECOWAS must not only act when the gun is fired; they must speak when the pen rewrites constitutions to suit power, not the people,” he stated.
Reflecting on Ghana’s democratic stability under the Fourth Republic, Hon. Asiedu Adjei referenced the historic 2001 transition when former President Jerry John Rawlings peacefully handed over power to John Agyekum Kufuor, despite widespread skepticism.
“Many thought Rawlings would never hand over, but he did. That singular act saved Ghana from uncertainty and preserved our democratic institutions,” he recalled.
Since then, Ghana has seen five peaceful transitions of power, including handovers between rival political parties—an achievement still rare in many parts of Africa.
“This is our national miracle,” he said. “It didn’t happen by accident. It happened because the people demanded it, and our leaders responded with maturity.”
Turning his focus to Togo, Hon. Asiedu Adjei expressed deep concern over recent constitutional amendments designed to extend President Faure Gnassingbé’s grip on power.
“Togo is sliding into authoritarianism under a democratic disguise. This is not democracy—it is manipulation,” he asserted.
He criticized ECOWAS and the AU for their continued silence, arguing that waiting until after a coup to respond makes their institutions reactive rather than proactive.
“Do we only recognize democracy after it’s been violently overthrown? Must soldiers march into the palace before we act? The signs are there. The people are restless. Institutions are weakened. The time to act is now.”
In a direct message to President Gnassingbé, the NALAG President urged him to prioritize legacy over power.
“Greatness is not defined by how long you rule, but by what you leave behind. Legacy is not built on power, but on principle.”
He also addressed the Togolese public, encouraging peaceful resistance and civic awareness.
“Be strong, but be wise. Be bold, but be peaceful. Africa’s youth are rising—not with guns, but with knowledge and clarity. Let no one hijack your frustration. Let your pursuit of freedom be louder than any propaganda.”
Issuing a broader appeal to ECOWAS, the AU, and global diplomatic actors, he said:
“The relevance of ECOWAS and the AU is on trial. Leadership is not protocol and titles—it is action, conviction, and courage. If you remain silent now, you are not neutral—you are complicit.”
He called for immediate diplomatic missions to Togo, clear statements of concern, and mediation efforts to prevent a repeat of crises seen in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
In conclusion, Hon. Asiedu Adjei reminded Ghanaians and Africans alike that peace is both a responsibility and a reward.
“As we give thanks for Ghana’s democracy, let us also work to ensure that the same peace we enjoy becomes a reality for our brothers and sisters in Togo, Sudan, Congo, and beyond. Africa must rise not just with slogans, but with systems.”
