Ho, Oct 5, GNA - Mr. James Komla Akpo, 46, Chief Executive Officer of Strategic African Securities (SAS) and a Stock Broker was on Saturday enstoolled Agbogbomefia of the Ho-Asogli State at a colourful durbar in Ho. His stool name is Togbe Afede XIV. He succeeds his late uncle Togbe Afede Asor II who died two years ago after 50 years rule. Togbe Afede took the oath of allegiance to his Divisional Chiefs, who in turn reciprocated the oath with a pledge to serve the new King "day and night".

In his inaugural address, Togbe Afede said he would work hard to expand educational infrastructure and attract investors to the Asogli State as part of his development agenda to give a new image to the people of Asogli. He told the cheering crowd that chiefs and their people should not invest in gold trinkets, rings and chains but invest in ventures, which would benefit the communities. "We should aim to serve our states rather than to be pampered and carried in palanquins. Our success must be measured by the difference we make, not by the size of our regalia", he said.

Togbe Afede said he would organise an economic and development summit next year for the people of the Volta Region both at home and abroad to provide a platform for unity and for the demonstration of a responsible citizenship. "I will try to instil into my people a new awakening so that hard wok and ambition will become important Asogli values", he said. On the future of the youth, he pledged to institute programmes to develop their character and self-appreciation to teach them to uphold the principles of true citizenship. Togbe Afede also pledged to protect the sovereignty of the Asogli State and commended the four divisional chiefs for their support and co-operation during the period of his election and enstoolment.

Ms. Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State In-Charge of Tertiary Education led a four-member government delegation, made up of Capt. Nkrabea Effah-Dartey (rtd), Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Freddie Blay, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Mr Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa, Volta regional Minister. Ms Ohene said government was apprehensive at the death of a chief as successions were generally plagued with disputes and litigations and therefore, commended the Chiefs, Kingmakers and people of the traditional area for installing a Paramount Chief in peace, pomp and gaiety.

Ms Ohene hoped that the dynamism of Togbe Afede would crown his reign and bring some enlightenment and prosperity to the people. She urged the people to unite and forge a common front towards an accelerated development of the area.

The ceremony, which showcased the pageant of history and a brilliant display of the rich cultural heritage of the Asogli State was witnessed by people from all walks of life, including, the Ambassadors of Nigeria, Mr. Danjuma Nanpon Jheni, Mr. Emmanuel Amon Tanoe of Cote d'Ivoire, Mr Philip C. Maponga of Zimbabwe and Mr Nankoum K. Djankla of Togo. Nana Asante Bedietuo, Apagyahene of Akyem Abuakwa State and Togbe Amenya Fiti, V, Paramount Chief of Aflao, also attended the installation ceremony, which took place at the OLA Girls Secondary School Park.