Hot!
Niger coup: Why commit our limited resources to a war we may not win – Togbe Afede
Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has joined the chorus urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) not to resort to force in reinstating constitutional rule in Niger.
He emphasised that a diplomatic approach should be favoured over the option of military intervention being contemplated by the regional body.
Togbe Afede XIV shared, “Wars are not easily won; what is happening in Ukraine should provide valuable lessons for us. Diplomacy should be our path. I have no doubt that… we should avoid committing our limited resources to a war that’s unlikely to yield victory.”
Speaking at the launch of the 2023 Asogli Yam Festival in Accra, Togbe Afede XIV also encouraged traditional leaders to contribute to the resolution of chieftaincy disputes in Ghana.
He underlined that resolving such disputes necessitates honesty from traditional authorities, highlighting that disputes often arise when someone isn’t truthful.
“Wherever there are disputes, somebody is not telling the truth so, I will encourage our chiefs to hold to the path of strictest honesty so, we can establish peace on the chieftaincy front and also fight the cause of peace across our country and our continent,” he said.
The event, which also marked the 20th Anniversary of Togbe Afede’s reign as Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, brought together traditional leaders from the Volta Region, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area in the Western Region, members of the diplomatic corps, the clergy, and other dignitaries.
In his address, Togbe Afede highlighted the crucial role of peace in national development. He emphasized the Asogli State’s commitment to “working together” to bolster peace, underscoring his determination to address lingering chieftaincy disputes in the country. “Between peace and anarchy, there is no choice,” he firmly stated.
The upcoming festival, themed “20 Years of Selfless and Inspiring Leadership,” is scheduled to take place from September 2, 2023, to October 8, 2023, with a series of activities in Ho, the Volta Regional Capital. Nana Kobina Nketsia praised Togbe Afede’s qualities and leadership, noting his positive impact in various sectors over his years as Agbogbomefia.
Nana Kobina Nketsia praised Togbe Afede for consistently exhibiting sound judgment, emphasizing that leaders must possess the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
He emphasised that true leadership involves humility, selflessness, and truthfulness, qualities Togbe Afede exemplifies.
Other members of the Asogli Traditional Council also lauded Togbe Afede for upholding the traditions and customs of the people over the years.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Hot!
Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
Hot!
Focus on more pressing issues like Galamsey, not hate speech – Ellen Ama Daaku to Mahama
An aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,Ellen Ama Daaku has advised President John Dramani Mahama to shift his attention from social media hate speech to more urgent national issues such as illegal mining.
Speaking in an interview, she noted that the President’s recent comments about tracking the IP addresses of people who spread hate speech were unnecessary.
According to her, President Mahama must first define what he considers to be hate speech before seeking to punish people for it.
Ms. Daaku argued that the President himself had benefitted from hate speech and social media attacks in the past when he was in opposition.
She said even during his time in government, he described his opponents and their tribesmen in unpalatable terms, which later drew complaints from former President Nana Akufo-Addo to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
She stressed that harsh criticism of leaders on social media should not automatically be considered hate speech, adding that former leaders, including former President Nana Akufo-Addo had all been subjected to it.
“He is only feeling what Nana Akufo-Addo went through for eight years,” she remarked.
While acknowledging the need to regulate misconduct online, Ms. Daaku insisted that going after social media activists should not be a priority.
She noted that many political activists, including herself, had been insulted and attacked online but never called for arrests.
She concluded that President Mahama should focus his energy on solving pressing problems such as galamsey and the economy instead of concentrating on critics on social media.
By: Jacob Aggrey
