The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has added his voice to calls on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to adopt a diplomatic approach rather than military intervention to restore constitutional rule in Niger following the recent military coup.
Togbe Afede maintained that a diplomatic approach would be more effective than the "option of war" being considered by ECOWAS. He stated: "Wars are not easily won; what is happening in Ukraine should be good lessons to us. Diplomacy should be the way. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind... We are too poor to begin to commit resources to a war that we cannot win."
Togbe Afede XIV made these comments while speaking at the launch of the 2023 Asogli Yam Festival in Accra, Ghana. He also urged traditional leaders in Ghana to help resolve the many chieftaincy disputes that plague the country.
He said honesty on the part of traditional leaders is key to resolving chieftaincy disputes, stating: "If all chiefs thread the path of strictest honesty, there will not be disputes. Wherever there are disputes, somebody is not telling the truth." He encouraged Ghana's chiefs to maintain integrity and honesty in order to establish peace within the chieftaincy system and fight for peace across the country and continent.
The occasion also marked the launch of the 20th anniversary of Togbe Afede's reign as Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State. Traditional leaders from the Volta Region, the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area in the Western Region Nana Kobina Nketsia V, members of the diplomatic corps, clergy, and other dignitaries attended the event.
Togbe Afede emphasized the importance of peace for national development, stating that the Asogli State believes in "working together" to strengthen peace. This is why he is determined to help resolve outstanding chieftaincy issues in Ghana. He noted: "Peace and stability in Ghana have been magnets that have, and continue to attract investors to the country so, let us remember that between peace and anarchy, there is no choice."
The 2023 Asogli Yam Festival will take place from September 2 to October 8 in Ho, the regional capital of the Volta Region. In his address, Nana Kobina Nketsia extolled Togbe Afede's virtues and impactful leadership over the last 20 years, championing development across sectors. He praised Togbe Afede for exercising good judgment, stating that leaders should have the conscience to discern right from wrong. "You cannot lead with arrogance, you cannot lead if you're full of impunity...Selflessness, humility, truthfulness are the mark of this very honourable man," he said, adding that Togbe Afede's leadership is celebrated across Africa.
Other traditional leaders and members of the Asogli Traditional Council also praised Togbe Afede for sustaining the traditions and customs of the Asogli people over the years. Renowned surgeon and poet Prof. Lade Wosornu, who was in attendance, encouraged Togbe Afede to continue promoting peace and maintaining integrity at all times.
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