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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
The Dzidula Pink Foundation, a new organisation dedicated to cancer awareness, early detection, and patient support, has been officially launched in Accra, with a passionate call for national commitment to fighting the disease. The launch event, held last week Friday, carried the theme: “Beyond the diagnosis: A future of restoration, care and courage.”
Speaking at the event, Madam Abena Brigidi, founder and CEO of Nimed Capital Limited, emphasised that cancer remains one of the most devastating health challenges facing families across the country. “Cancer does not discriminate—it affects mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons. It drains families emotionally and financially, and behind every statistic is a human story and a future suddenly thrown into uncertainty,” she said.
Sharing her personal encounters with cancer, having lost both her husband and father to the disease, Madam Brigidi highlighted the emotional, financial, and physical scars left behind. “I stand here not just as a speaker, but as a witness to what cancer can take away,” she stated. “I have watched loved ones fight bravely, and I have felt the deep pain that loss leaves behind.”
She stressed that awareness and early detection are critical to reducing deaths, noting that many Ghanaians still lack access to proper screening, reliable information, and adequate treatment. She appealed to healthcare professionals, corporate institutions, policymakers, the media, and the general public to join hands in the fight. “Early detection saves lives. Your support today can lead to someone’s healing tomorrow,” she said.
Madam Brigidi further called for collective responsibility to sustain the foundation’s mission. “To our medical professionals, we need your expertise. To corporate partners, your resources. To the media, your voice. To policymakers, your support. And to the public, your compassion,” she urged. She also insisted that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to annual campaigns, saying, “Breast cancer awareness must not be seasonal.”
Mrs Diana Fafa Gozo, founder of the Dzidula Pink Foundation, shared her own cancer journey, describing the shock of diagnosis, the fear that followed, and the difficult path through treatment. Her experience transformed her pain into purpose and inspired her to create a foundation to ensure no cancer patient walks alone.
Mrs Gozo explained that many patients struggle not only with treatment costs but also with emotional resilience. She outlined the foundation’s initiatives, which include awareness and early detection campaigns, patient support funds, community outreach, and survival support circles. “This foundation is my offering of gratitude, courage, and compassion and a reminder that no one should walk the cancer journey alone,” she concluded.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) says it will deploy teams of Public Health Officers, members of its Sanitation Taskforce, and labourers, including sweepers and janitors, across all sub-metros to support the third National Sanitation Day exercise.
It explained that these teams will be equipped with waste collection trucks, tippers, and other tools to help with desilting, refuse collection, and transporting waste to approved disposal sites.
The AMA reminded residents that failing to comply with the sanitation directive or refusing to participate in communal labour is an offence.
It said offenders risk a fine of up to 100 penalty units, imprisonment between 30 days and six months, or both, with repeat offenders liable to additional daily penalties.
It urged all residents, traders, transport operators, market women, shop owners, landlords, tenants, and businesses to actively participate in the exercise.
The AMA said it counts on everyone’s collective responsibility to keep Accra clean, liveable, and resilient, especially as the city approaches Christmas and the New Year.
By: Jacob Aggrey
