Hohoe, May 25, GNA-Togbega Gabusu VI, Paramount Chief of Gbi Traditional Area on Sunday called on African leaders to move away from rhetoric and expedite action on regional integration towards the rapid socio-economic development of the continent.

He said attempts at integration would never crystallize if platforms for dialogue on Africa's forward match were reduced to discussion on whether the process should be immediate, gradual or later. Togbega Gabusu, was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Africa Union (AU) Day celebration, at Hohoe, which coincided with his enthronement 19 years ago.

He asked African leaders to demonstrate that they had the people of the continent at heart warning that posterity would not forgive them if they failed to actualize the dreams of the forebears of Africa. Togbega Gabusu also the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, said when the "big boys" are uniting their political and economic forces, building bridges on the sea and romancing the moon, "Africa is still battling with leadership, famine, disease and how to commission a pit latrine". "How then do we resolve or mitigate the escalating global oil prices and looming food crisis," he asked. Togbega attributed Africa's problems to the lack of political will, hypocrisy, corruption, greed and "attempt to call spade a big spoon," and suggested that there should be a time frame the continent's integration.

He appealed to the media to educate adequately educate Ghanaians on the role of chieftaincy in contemporary times. Togbega Gabusu congratulated flagbearers of the various political parties that would be contesting the 2008 Election. He appealed to Ghanaians to learn from the post-political crises in Kenya and Zimbabwe and ensure free, fair and peaceful polls. Togbega Gabusu advised chiefs to avoid engaging in active party politics to preserve the country's peace and stability.