By Bubu Klinogo.
The Chiefs and People of Anlo-Afiadenyigba in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region have out-doored a new traditional ruler, Torgbui Kadzahlo IV, after 24 years without a substantive Dufia.
Since 1997 when the last Dufia, Torgbui Kadzahlo III transitioned to his ancestors (died), Anlo Afiadenyigba had been without a Dufia.
The outdooring of Torgbui Kadzahlo IV on September 11, 2021, happened just two weeks after he was captured during the funeral of his father, Midawo Dawuso Divine Kadzahlo who was the regent, confined and taken through the rites of passage in accordance with the chieftaincy customs.
He was out doored along with his Deputy, Agbotadua Wordi Agboado as well as one other Sub Chief Torgbui Dziekpor II and his Deputy Agbotadua, Alorgbordzi Gakpey, and Mamaga Dziewornu Ablewor II, Queen Mother of Anlo-Afiadenyigba.
The colourful ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries including Dan Abodakpui, Zikpuitor of Awoamefia Torgbui Sri III, Godwin Edudzi Effah, Municipal Chief Executive for Keta and the MP for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey as well as Chiefs and representatives of political parties and the Clergy who were treated to indigenous Ewe music and dance performances like “Agbadza, Gadzo, Atsiagbekor and Babasiko”.
In a welcome address, one of the Senior Divisional Chiefs of Anlo Afiadenyigba, Dutor Torgbui Salu III outlined some of the pressing needs of the town and called for assistance from the government. He touched on the deplorable road network in the town, particularly from the Anlo Afiadenyigba Junction to Havedzi. He also appealed for supply of electricity meters to Tengekope, one of the major divisions of the town so that residents in that part can enjoy the national electricity grid.
On the alleged sale of the Keta lagoon to foreign investors, Torgbui Salu III said the decision must be reversed immediately if that is the case. According to him, the entire life of the people depends on the lagoon and it will be disastrous if they are deprived of the lagoon.
The Anlo-Afiadenyigba Development Council in a solidarity message declared their commitment to working in harmony with all stakeholders, including the chiefs to bring development to the town.
Chairman of the Development Council Martin Amenyedzi, believes that with an all hands-on deck, pooling resources and with God’s guidance, “a brighter future awaits Anlo-Afiadenyigba”.
The Chairman of the Anlo-Afiadenyigba Youth Council, Bubu Klinogo mentioned the critical role played by the youth towards the successful installation and outdooring of the new Dufia. He said the absence of a substantive Dufia had done an unmitigated and irreparable damage to their development efforts saying, though there were some development projects, projects which would have leapfrogged the quality of life of the people never materialised or stalled, hence their resilience in ensuring that the Dufia was installed. He expressed the hope that the installation of the new Dufia signals a new dawn for the community.
Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, Member of Parliament for Keta and native of Anlo-Afiadenyigba, pleaded with the chiefs and elders to live in unity, peace and harmony to improve lives of the people saying, “Anlo-Afiadenyigba are renowned ‘kete’ weavers, so we know and understand too well how true it is for ‘detika’ (cotton thread) to say ‘hamee wonona tsoa kpe’ (it is through cooperation that set goals are achieved).
He spoke of his development efforts which included lobbying to get an ongoing modern Kindergarten block in town, embarking on jobs and skills training for youths in the Constituency and working to have works resumed on the bad Anlo Afiadenyigba Junction-Havedzi Road and the dredging of the Keta Lagoon.
He noted that the installation of the Dufia with the power to lobby and bring development projects to the town would make his (Mr Gakpey’s) work easier.
Torgbui Kadzahlo IV, the new Dufia thanked all for the trust reposed in him and promised to do everything within his authority and with the help of all indigenes to accomplish the onerous tasks of harnessing the natural resources and channelling them towards the development of the people stressing, “my success or failure depends on the quality of support and followership you, my subjects offer me”.
He promised to be a father for all and provide servant leadership; asked for the people’s support to instil discipline especially among the youth, take good care of the environment and avoid inappropriate fishing methods, while urging parents to send their wards to school to guarantee their future and that of Anlo-Afiadenyigba.
The 41-year-old Torgbui Kadzahlo IV, is known in his private life as Apostle Daniel Fly Kadzahlo and holds a BSc Business Administration (Accounting and Finance) from EPUC, Ho as well as a Diploma in Christian Education from Trainers Bible College, Hohoe.
The Central Planning Committee for the installation of the new Dufia was chaired by Torgbui Ahorlu II. The President of the E.P. University, Ho, Prof. Edem Bakah chaired the Finance and Fundraising subcommittee with assistance from Azi Ganyo Sadaco. The Presiding Member of the Keta Municipal Assembly, Amos Kwesi Ametsimey was the chairman of the Publicity and Protocol subcommittee. Rev. E.W.K. Denoo, Moderator of Southern Presbytery of the E.P. Church headed the Christian Rites subcommittee with assistance Pastor Enoch Babanawo, Chairman of the Local Council of Churches.
Other members of the Central Planning Committee were the youth leader, Bubu Klinogo and his vice Edwin Nuworza Denoo, Martin Routrock Normeshie, Nyatefe Azumah and John Abofla, all members of the Youth Council. The committee was highly commended for pulling through a very successful installation and outdooring in less than two months since it was inaugurated, even with an expanded scope of work along the line, with the addition of the Agbotadua to the dufia, the Queen mother, the sub chief and his Agbotadua.