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| Togbi Kporku |
Togbi Kporku III, Dufia of Alakple has noted that in spite of
the erosion of the authorities of traditional institutions as a result of
socio-political changes over the years, traditional institutions still remain
relevant for accelerated development of the country.
“Traditional institutions still retain very important duties
as social leaders of the various political communities for the mobilization of
resources and people for development’’.
According to Togbi Kporku, traditional institutions provide
the first point of contact between the people and their government, hence the
need for political institutions to complement rather than to compete with traditional
institution in moving the country forward.
He said “As traditional rulers we do not have any panacea or
quick-fix solutions to the great dilemma that faces our nation… But collectively we can all find answers to
our problems” and called for respect for traditional authority and cultural
values to give these values a strong leverage above foreign ones.
Togbi Kporku was speaking at a lecture to mark the 10th
anniversary of the enthronement of Torgbe Afede XIV, agbogbomefia of Asogli state
which also coincides with this year’s Asogli Yam Festival celebrations.
Redefinition of
Traditional Leadership
Speaking on the theme: “Agbogbomefia and the redefinition of
traditional leadership”, Togbi Kporku described Togbe Afede as the “shooting
star” of the Volta Region, who have brought “new life, new vigour and new vision”
into the traditional leadership of the region and Ghana as a whole.
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| Togbe Afede |
He noted that during the 10 years of Togbe Afede’s enthronement,
he has, championed people-centred development in “opening new vistas in commerce,
business and industry”.
Recounting Togbe Afede’s contributions to national
development within the 10 years of his installation Togbi Kporku stated that “In
the last 10 years, Togbe Afede has demonstrated that chieftaincy is not a
romantic outpouring of wealth and status and that leadership is substance, not
ornaments”.
He also described Togbe Afede as a person who epitomises
positive virtues of voluntarism, honesty, humility, industry, hard work,
integrity and accountability, which are the “the hallmarks of the voltarian”.
Togbe Kporku recalled the first ever Volta Congress organized
by Togbe Afede, a year after his installation and collated development plans of
the region into a single document and led some chiefs and businesspersons to
the People’s Republic of China to explore opportunities.
He commended Togbe Afede for his effort in the establishment
of the Sunon-Asogli Power Plant which is one of the outcomes of the China trip.
Togbe Kporku said the achievements of Togbe Afede indicated
that with collaboration, chiefs could find answers to problems facing the
region and Ghana.
“There has never been
shortage of good intentions and plans when we talk of the development of our
dear region. What we lack is ...tenacity and singleness of purpose… We fail to
walk the talk. To forge ahead as a people, we must convert our strengths in
diversity into unifying forces with the same aspirations, a common and
purposeful voice and singleness of purpose.” He said.
Togbe Afede XIV called for attitudinal change, unity and
purposefulness among Voltarians and urged chiefs to do more to bring good
health, quality education and prosperity to the people. He called.
Togbe Afede also commended the indigenes for their support in
the past 10 years and pledged to continue to work for the accelerated
development of Asogli State, the region and Ghana and called for support.
Born as James Akpo, on 23rd April 1957 in Ho, he was installed
Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli in 2003 and he is currently the
President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs.
He was a co-founder of Databank Financial services before founding
Strategic African Security (SAS) Finance Group in 1994. Togbe Afede also co-founded
Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Ltd and He now chairs the board of Ghana’s oldest
Sporting Club, Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club Ltd, which he is the highest
share holder.
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