Some of the gifts
THE OVERLORD of the Asogli State in Ho, Togbe Afede XIV, has served notice that any politician that disrespects him, will not be welcome in his palace or any activity associated with his stool.
This notice was made evident when he and his retinue of chiefs rejected the homage and associated gifts being presented by the Assin North Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, during the Asogli Yam Festival.
The incident happened last Friday, September 9, 2022 when Togbe Afede, surrounded by his chiefs and elders sat in state at the forecourt of the Asogli Palace in Ho-Bankoe to acknowledge the homage and pleasantries of his subjects, partners, corporate and social organisations, stakeholders, politicians and other well-wishers.
Mr. Agyapong, who has expressed interest in the presidential primaries of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), had earlier received a rousing welcome by the crowd that had gathered to witness the sitting in state.
However, after a pickup full of gifts including water and assorted drinks were unpacked, the chiefs entered into conclave to decide whether or not to receive the homage of the MP.
After internal deliberation, some of the chiefs acting as intermediaries between Togbe Afede and well-wishers communicated with the team of Mr. Agyapong that the Agbogbomefia cannot receive his homage.
Shortly after, the gifts of the MP were packed from the grounds. He then waved the crowd and left.
Mr. Stephen Tetteh, Secretary of the Asogli Council, is reported to have explained that the rejection of the items may be due to some disparaging comments the MP made against Togbe Afede while the former was the Board Chairman of the National Investment Bank (NIB).
Other reports from the palace also indicated that the Asogli Palace had also not forgotten about some unpalatable comments Mr. Agyapong had made against Ewes and Gas some years back.
Meanwhile, the Regional Executives of the NPP who had also come to pay homage to the eminent chief had their well-wishes and gifts received by the palace. They had presented a ram, water, assorted drinks and cash.
The Regional Chairman, Makafui Woanyah, who led the delegation, commended Togbe Afede for his outstanding contribution towards the development of the region and the country. He prayed that the relationship between the party in the region and the Asogli Palace will be strengthened for mutual interests.
The team, who had been sitting together with the Assin North MP, refused to comment on the incident. The MPs team has also refused to comment on the incident.
The incident has so far received mixed reactions in town and on social media. There are claims that the MP was invited. Conflicting claims indicate that he was not. Whereas some have commended Togbe Afede for the rejection of the MPs homage, others believe it was a missed opportunity to foster unity.
This year’s Asogli Yam Festival (Te Za) is themed; “Let’s Eschew Greed and Unite for the Development of our People.” The month-long celebration had a plethora of activities; including An Anti-Corruption Conference, Youth Summit, and Conference of Ewe Chiefs in Ghana, Togo and Benin among others.
On the eve of the grand durbar of the festival, the Agbogbomefia sits in state to receive well-wishers and their donations in support of the festival and the Asogli Education Fund. This year’s grand durbar, which was on Saturday, September 10, 2022, had former President John Mahama as a guest of honour.
From Fred Duodu, Ho (k.duodu@yahoo.com)