Togbe Afede, Torgbui Sri and Awadada Awusu
For the first time in the history of the celebration of the Hogbetsotso Festival, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State in Ho, the Volta Regional capital has graced the occasion hosted by the Awomefia of the Anlo State, Torgbui Sri III.
The visit which many said was long overdue has been described as a royal visit which sent good signals of the unity being touted by many citizens of the respective traditional areas, all of whom are of Ewe descent.
The Oti Factor
Whereas many have praised the visit, others suspect that the visit is to press home the demand for some Chiefs in the Southern part of the Volta Region led by Togbe Afede to request that the referendum to create the proposed Oti Region out of the Volta Region be made open to all and not the proponents alone.
The organisers of the festival have rebutted this point saying it is a mere coincidence as the theme of the festival which was agreed upon long ago before the durbar, was on unity. For them, Togbe Afede’s visit resonates with the theme; “Shoring-Up our Cultural Capital: Uniting in Commonwealth and Resolve.” They also believe the visit will go a long way to unite the Ewe people and the Volta Region at large.
Torgbui Sri, Togbe Afede on Oti
Meanwhile the statements of the two traditional leaders and the Awadada of the Anlo State contradicts the assertion of coincidence as they all spent time to make strong points on the creation of the Oti Region.
The Awoamefia of Anlo State, Torgbui Sri III is reported to have said in his written speech that “we strongly believe that the division of the Volta Region has the potential of resulting in tribal conflicts among the peace-loving people of the region rather than the rapid development they need”.
He therefore called on the President to allow for broader consultation with guidance from the Chieftaincy Act 759 instead of “what possibly looks like a rushed agenda to divide peaceful and law abiding residents of the great Volta Region of Ghana”.
The Awadada of Anlo, Awadada Awusu II also supported the point by adding that despite the differences existing among chiefs in the region, creation of a new region out of the existing one was not necessary.
To this end “We the chiefs and people of Anlo are not in favour of the re-demarcation of the Volta Region. It is our fervent hope that our suggestion is considered for the peace and development of the region and Ghana at large”.
Torgbe Afede XIV challenged the legal basis for allowing only the proponents to decide on the creation of the region, which in his opinion will affect all citizens of the region
From Fred Duodu, Ho (k.duodu@yahoo.com)