Veep reassures chiefs & people of Asogli

Vice President Amissah-Arthur on Saturday joined a durbar of chiefs and people of Asogli to climax this year’s Asogli Yam Festival in Ho.

The celebration was on the theme: “Let’s make our nation great and strong,” and attracted Ewes from the Republic of Togo, led by Togbe Agokoli IV, Ewe fiaga. It also attracted local and foreign tourists, chiefs and some members of the diplomatic corps.


Addressing the gathering, Vice President Arthur underscored the importance of the celebration of festivals and expressed happiness that such festive occasions provide new ways of improving the livelihood of the populace.


He said the theme for the celebration summed up the intentions of Togbe Afede to the traditional area and the country.


Vice President Amissah-Arthur says the Eastern corridor road has been re-packaged and that government is commitment to see to the completion of the project and other projects in the region.


He also reassured the gathering of government’s commitment to completing work on the Ho-Adaklu-Accra road, the Ho library and Centre for National Culture projects.


On Ebola and cholera, the Vice President said government is ensuring best standard in public health and urged the citizenry to be guided by proper environmental health practices.

The durbar was characterised by cultural displays and could be described as an exhibition of kente.


The festival is celebrated mainly as thanksgiving to God, and also to the gods and ancestors for bumper harvest and to offer prayers for good health and prosperity for all.


It is also serves an annual stocktaking event for all occupational endeavours, used in mobilising human and material resources of Asogli State for job and wealth creation and serves as an annual re-affirmation of allegiance by chiefs and their subjects in the Asogli State to the Agbogbome stool.


Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State for his part, observed that Ghana could “bounceback” as a strong nation should the “right system and spirit” be developed.


“Notwithstanding our current difficulties as a nation, if we can develop the right system and the right spirit, our situation will correct itself, and we shall bounce back and forge a path towards greatness, as envisaged by our founding fathers,” he added.


Togbe Afede said building a great nation is a process, which involves the construction of “right systems” using the power of the State to unite and inspire the people, to contribute towards the building of a politically and economically stable and viable nation.

He said politics must re-focus on development instead of its preoccupation being winning elections, saying, “those in government must have the good of the country before them continually”.


He charged the government to intensify its battle against corruption and create opportunities for all, consistent with provisions in the country’s constitution, adding, “all ethnic groups must be convinced about government’s commitment to fairness in the allocation of limited opportunities and resources available”.


Togbe Afede called on the citizenry not to let down their guard because of the relative peace in the country but expose “subversive elements in our midst.”


“The people must care about government and about elections. The people must know what their leaders are up to, and demand accountability,” he said.