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Torgbui Afede calls for compromise in 'new regions' referendum

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President of the National House of Chiefs, Ghana and the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State Torgbui Afede, XIV has urged stakeholders in the upcoming referendum for the creation of new regions across the country to come to a compromise in order to avoid threats to the peaceful coexistence of people in the affected regions.

He stated that the issue has generated controversies and it is his obligation as a leader not to stand aloof but contribute to such an important matter which might have effect on the peace, unity and development prospects of the country.

Torgbui Afede was speaking in Ho at the climax of this year’s Teza celebrated by the chiefs and people of Asogli State in the Volta region which coincided with Torgbui’s 15th anniversary of enstoolment on the Agbogbomefia Stool.

“Asogli Teza” or Asogli Yam Festival is marked annually by the chiefs and people of Asogli State in the Volta Region to hail the crop and to honour the bravery of their ancestors who were part of the Ewe migration from Notsie in the present day Republic of Togo to their present location.

The celebration is also used as a platform to converge citizens of the four divisions of the Asogli State namely, Ho, Akoefe, Kpenoe and Takla to mobilise resources towards the forward movement of the area.

This year’s celebration was focused on uniting for the cause of Asogli, the Volta Region and the country at large. It was attended by various traditional and religious leaders across the country, political figures, members of the diplomatic corps among others amidst pomp and pageantry.

Torgbui Afede disclosed that he has received petitions from the chiefs of Lolobi and Akpafu traditional areas in the Volta Region rejecting their inclusion in the proposed Oti region as well as petitions from some Voltarians who feel they are being disenfranchised because they have been sidelined in the upcoming referendum.

Whiles commending government for its prompt response to the agitation of the people in the affected area for a separate region, Torgbui Afede said if issues to be decided in such a referendum is the boundary of a new region out of an existing one, then there should be a critical look at why voting should be limited to people within an assumed boundary.

He said the concentration of the Commission of Inquiry into the creation of new region’s work on areas from which petitions came betrayed an early assumption that voting will take place in those areas only. He added that this might generate lots of requests for and promises of new regions.

Torgbui Afede who is also a member of the Council of State stressed that his opinion should not be politicised but must be a wake up call for proper stakeholder engagements for the interest of the country.

He said  that framers of Ghana’s constitution did due diligence by providing a clear roadmap for the creation of new regions and alteration of boundaries in the country which must be adhered to.

Torgbui Afede lauded his people for their support throughout the 15 years of his coronation which has culminated in achievements beneficial to the Asogli State and the country at large.

He encouraged them to rally behind him and other chiefs to provide the developmental needs of area as well as make the name of Asogli stronger.

Fraternal messages from the Council of State, National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, Ministry of Chieftaincy And Religious Affairs and the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa commended the Asogli State under the Leadership of Torgbui Afede for their immense contribution towards the growth of the country.

This include their involvement in the Sunon Asogli power plant project which generate 17 percent of the total national grid and the establishment of the Africa World Airlines which is instrumental in domestic and international air travels.

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