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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
Massive celebrations were recorded countrywide as the Black Stars opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto on Wednesday.
Midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi scored the only goal of the match late in the game as he shot in a decent cross from substitute Brandon Asante.
The win gave Ghana a positive start in the competition, placing them in second position behind England, also with three points but with a superior goal aggregate.
After the final whistle, the streets and other viewing centres were turned into partying grounds as fans, mostly clad in the team’s paraphernalia, danced to several World Cup-themed music.
Others blew the vuvuzelas in joyous mood with others putting up a spirited ‘jama’ session.
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Adentan Constituency, Akosua Manu, has urged party members to move away from what she describes as an “entitlement mentality” and focus on unity, sacrifice and hard work as the party prepares for the 2028 general election.
In a statement titled “Is Loyalty a Queue?”, and posted on facebook, Ms. Manu argued that loyalty to the NPP should not be judged by how long a person has been in the party but by their contributions and commitment to its growth.
According to her, the NPP’s history shows that many of its leaders faced significant opposition from within the party before eventually leading it to electoral success.
She cited former President John Agyekum Kufuor as an example, saying he had to overcome resistance from influential figures within the party before winning power for the NPP in 2000.
Ms. Manu noted that after the party lost power in 2008, former President Kufuor faced criticism and accusations from some party members.
However, she said supporters eventually put their differences aside and worked together to rebuild the party.
She pointed to the experience of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who, according to her, faced opposition from some factions within the NPP despite his long service to the party.
“His trials were ten times what Kufuor endured,” she stated, adding that Akufo-Addo eventually overcame the challenges and became President of Ghana.
Turning to the NPP’s current flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ms. Manu said he also faced resistance from different groups within the party while seeking leadership.
She praised Dr. Bawumia for contributing to policy-based political discussions in Ghana and for remaining composed following the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections.
According to her, party members must now rally behind him in the same way they supported former Presidents Kufuor and Akufo-Addo.
Ms. Manu, however, warned that internal divisions and a sense of entitlement remain major threats to the party’s future.
She argued that some party members place too much emphasis on how long individuals have belonged to the NPP rather than on their contributions and capabilities.
“This entitlement does not question impact. It does not ask what you sacrificed or what you built. It asks only how long have you been here,” she said.
The former parliamentary candidate cautioned that such attitudes could discourage committed members and prevent the party from selecting the best people for leadership positions.
She further called on the party’s incoming national executives to strengthen the NPP’s core values of sacrifice, honesty, integrity and dedication to national development.
Ms. Manu addressed the concerns of young party supporters, many of whom she said became discouraged following the NPP’s electoral defeat in 2024.
According to her, many young people remain eager to see the party return to power but are unwilling to support internal conflicts driven by personal ambitions.
She urged party elders to place the interests of the NPP above their individual goals and to demonstrate leadership that attracts rather than alienates members.
“The NPP is bigger than any one of us. It always has been. Our collective responsibility is to act like it,” she stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey
