Niger coup: “We are too poor to devote resources to a war that we cannot win” – Togbe Afede
Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, has joined the demands for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to refrain from using force to restore constitutional government to Niger.
He insisted that rather than the possibility of “war” being explored by the regional body, a diplomatic approach should be taken to deal with the military takeover in the North African country.
“Wars are difficult to win; the situation in Ukraine should serve as a valuable lesson for us. The path should be diplomatic. I am positively certain of this. We are too poor to even start devoting resources to a war we cannot win, he declared.
Speaking at the 2023 Asogli Yam Festival’s opening in Accra, Togbe Afede XIV called on traditional authorities to assist in resolving chieftaincy concerns in Ghana.
He emphasized that if all chiefs “thread the path of strictest honesty, there will not be disputes” then there won’t be any chieftaincy problems in the country, according to him.
I will urge our chiefs to follow the path of absolute honesty so that we may establish peace on the chieftaincy front and also fight for peace across our country and our continent, he said. “Wherever there are disputes, someone is not telling the truth,” he said.
The event included traditional leaders from the Volta Region, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area in the Western Region, members of the clergy, and other dignitaries. It also marked the beginning of Togbe Afede’s reign as Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, which will last for 20 years.
In his speech, Togbe Afede emphasized the significance of peace to the advancement of nations. He claimed that the Asogli State believed in “working together” to strengthen peace, which is why he was determined to work toward addressing the nation’s unresolved chieftaincy concerns.
Let’s keep in mind that there is only one of two options: peace or anarchy, he said. “Peace and stability in Ghana have been magnets that have, and continue to, attract investors to the country,” he said.
From September 2 to October 8, 2023, a festival with the theme “20 Years of Selfless and Inspiring Leadership” will be held in Ho, the regional capital of the Volta people. In a speech, Nana Kobina Nketsia commended Togbe Afede’s virtues and leadership abilities, showing that the Agbogbomefia’s reign had had an impact over the years as he continued to promote progress in all areas.
He commended Togbe Afede for always using excellent judgment, suggesting that leaders had to have the moral fortitude to distinguish right from wrong. “You cannot lead with haughtiness or with a spirit of impunity…This highly honorable individual is marked by selflessness, modesty, and truthfulness, the speaker added, adding that Togbe Afede’s leadership was praised all around Africa.
Togbe Afede has received accolades from other traditional leaders and members of the Asogli Traditional Council for maintaining the culture’s traditions over the years.
Prof. Lade Wosornu, a renowned poet and surgeon who was present, exhorted Togbe Afede to always uphold honesty and promote peace.
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