Anloga, May 31, GNA - The Regent of Anlo, Torgbui Sri III, has asked the youth of the three gates of the royal Adzovia clan to rally behind the elders to help promote the socio-economic development of the Anlo state.

He said to be able to do that effectively the youth must eschew rancour and divisiveness and instead forge ahead in unity, which was essential for promoting understanding among all members of the royal clan.

Torbui Sri III said this in address read for him at an inaugural meeting of the youth of the three gates at Anloga on Saturday. The meeting also marked the official launch of the Adzovia Youth, a grouping of members of the three gates scattered in over 36 towns of the Anlo state.

The group aims to promote solidarity and harmony among the Yorxoenu, Deti and Alagbati gates of the clan, preserve the Awoamefia stool and properties of the clan as well as arbitrate and resolve differences among members at all levels.

Regent Sri III said to be able to achieve extensive co-operation among the members of the Adzovia clan, it was necessary for all to abandon stereotypes that had for far too long had a restraining effect on traditional politics.

"It is not worthy to evoke old arguments but to note the bonds that link us. We are very interested in joining the exchange of opinions about ways of lessening the tension in Anlo," he said.

He said the friendly atmosphere within which the meeting was held was enough demonstration of goodwill and solidarity of the will to foster peace, development and progress.

"We need more of these interactions among all royal family members to strengthen our leadership qualities and exhibit high sense of responsibility for the rapid growth of Anlo".

He pledged the elders' support for the interim national executives of the Adzovia Youth, asking them to move with speed to ensure that all Adzovia royals throughout Ghana and abroad were aroused to their roots. Mr Vifa Adonu Ladzekpo, the Interim Chairman of the Adzovia Youth said the group would help to bridge the gap among all the clans and ensure that peace and harmony prevailed.

He said the executives would take their work seriously and ensure that members of all communities that make up the Anlo state got the recognition that they were bound together through oneness and unity of purpose.

Mr Napoleon Agboada, Stool Secretary said the inauguration should be seen as a starting point for bringing together others to understand the development needs of the area. 31 May 04