2024 elections: Togbe Afede breaks silence on Mahama running mate reports

The office of the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State has revealed that Togbe Afede XIV has been approached by a group urging him to consider becoming a running mate to former president John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In an official rejoinder to clarify Togbe Afede's stance on major headlines circulating in the last few weeks, the office stated that Togbe Afede remains committed to the development of Ghana, and as a result, would not reject any opportunity to serve the country.

“The attention of the office of the Agbogbomefia, Togbe Afede XIV, has been drawn to news items published by the Daily Graphic and other major news outlets under the captions, "NDC running mate heats up: Naana Opoku Agyemang leads pack-Togbe Afede's name pops up" and "Togbe Afede is ready to abdicate his stool to become Mahama's running mate".

“The office of the Agbogbomefia would like to state the following.

“The Agbogbomefia remains very passionate about the development of Ghana. Togbe did not work for a day in the US before returning to Ghana after completing his studies at Yale, owns no properties abroad, and considers his fortunes to be inextricably linked to those of the country.

“These explain Togbe's willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with government to further the cause of development.

“A group of people who identified themselves as "Change Makers Forum" were the latest to approach Togbe to consider joining President Mahama as his running mate for the 2024 Presidential election.

“Togbe responded that, as a patriotic citizen, he would not reject any opportunity to serve the country, but the choice of a running mate is the prerogative of the flagbearer who already knows him very well,” part of the rejoinder said.

It clarified that Togbe Afede has not authorized anyone or any group to lobby for his selection as a running mate. However, he considers it an honour that well-intentioned professionals trust him for such a significant role.

The Asogli State Council extended an apology to the chiefs, kingmakers, and people of Asogli for any shock or embarrassment they may have experienced due to the speculations.

Find the full rejoinder below:

ASOGLI STATE COUNCIL

REJOINDER

"NDC RUNNING MATE HEATS UP" & "TOGBE AFEDE IS READY TO ABDICATE..." The attention of the office of the Agbogbomefia, Tegbe Afede XIV, has been drawn to news items published by the Daily Graphic and other major news outlets under the captions, "NDC running mate heats up: Naana Opoku Agyemang leads pack-Togbe Afede's name pops up" and "Togbe Afede is ready to abdicate his stool to become Mahama's running mate".

The office of the Agbogbonefia would like to state the following

The Agbogbomefia remains very passionate about the development of Ghana. Togbe did not work for a day in the US before returning to Ghana after completing his studies at Yale, owns no properties abroad, and considers his fortunes to be inextricably linked to those of the country. These explain Togbe's willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with government to further the cause of development.

2. Many people and groups have approached Togbe over the years to leave chieftaincy and get more actively involved in the political leadership of the country. Togbe's response had always been that there are many avenues available to Chiefs and Queens in the country to legally contribute their quota to national development

3. A group of people who identified themselves as "Change Makers Forum" were the latest to approach Togbe to consider joining President Mahama as his running mate for the 2024 Presidential election. Togbe responded that, as a patriotic citizen, he would not reject any opportunity to serve the country, but the choice of a running mate is the prerogative of the flag bearer who already knows him very well.

4. Togbe considers it a great honour that a group of well-intentioned professionals called on him to express their trust in him, and thus their desire for him to be the next Vice President of Ghana. But Togbe has not mandated anybody or group to "lobby" for his choke as running mate

5. The Asogli State Council would he to apologize to the chiefs, kingmakers and the people of Asogli, and all others for any shock and embarrassment they may have suffered.

The office of the Agbogbomefia operates an open-door policy and is open to communication, feedback, and inquiries from all citizens and stakeholders. We encourage individuals or groups to reach out directly on any matters, concerns or suggestions that require attention

Stephen Tetteh

Secretary, Asogli State Council

AM/SARA

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