The Agbogbomefia of Asogli Traditional Area, Togbe Afede XIV, has expressed concern about the treatment being given to some of the chiefs in the country whilst others appear to be receiving red carpet treatment. He noted that when he led a delegation from the Asogli Traditional Area to China sometime ago to look for investors, the Ghana mission in Beijing did not grant him and his team audience.

Togbui Afede, who was speaking at the durbar of chiefs to climax the Asogli Yam Festival under the theme: “Jubilee Yam Festival, Attitudinal Change for Development in the Next 50 Years” at Ho over the weekend, regretted that the same Ambassador who refused to grant him audience was willing to go round with another chief from Ghana who also went on a visit that country. Togbe Afede also pointed out that whilst some chiefs pursued foreign investment drive as ordinary Ghanaians with no assistant from diplomatic missions, others are given full support and are even issued with diplomatic passport.

“We need to establish the ground rules and work towards a fairer society,” he said, adding that everything must be done to avoid tribal sentiments in the country.

Togbui observed that the country needed visionary leadership to champion the cause of the nation, noting that this could be achieved through good governance, right policies and equity.

“Sincere commitment to the cause of our nation will require that we change our attitude to work and become more responsible and accountable,” the chief said.

Togbe Afede explained that poverty was not God’s desire for any nation. Therefore as a nation,we must work hard to succeed. “Our leadership over the next 50 years must show that good example,” advised the chief.

The Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, on his part, said government was doing everything possible to ensure that land acquisition did not become a hindrance to making Ghana the gateway to the Sub-region in terms of investments.

He noted that land was vital in the socio-economic advancement of the nation, hence traditional authorities would be fully involved in efforts that sought to modernise land administration in the country.

Alhaji Aliu Mahama expressed concern about problems associated with land acquisition in Ghana, with particular reference to difficulties associated with the Agbogbomefia Togbe Afede’s effort to establish an energy plant at Kpone in the Greater Accra region.

“As custodians of the land on behalf of the people, their cooperation is very important in the success of any initiative,” He stressed.

The Vice-President remarked that the Ghanaian society ought to be matured enough to focus on togetherness, noting that cooperate Ghana is above any individual or ethnic grouping.

Alhaji Aliu Mahama observed that the development agenda of the NPP government was on track and no effort would be spared in consolidating the solid macro-economic foundation laid for accelerated economic growth. The challenge to government is how to continuously improve upon the quality of life of our people.”

The Vice-President also used the occasion to emphasise the need for stakeholders to ensure that the New Educational Reforms became successful. He said determination to ensure its success led to the inclusion of kindergarten, ICT and the new role of districts and municipal assemblies in providing monition.

The Okyehene, Amotia Ofori Panyi, who graced the occasion, commended the Agbogbomefia for his distinguished efforts in supporting development efforts in the country, which, he noted, called for support.

He urged Ghanaians to market their rich cultural values and be proud to be in what he called a rich country with rich talents because the country could boast of numerous resources. Present at the function included the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, a Member of the Council of State, Togbe Kpangbatriku III; King Agorkoli from Togo ; MP for Ho-Central, Capt. (Rtd) George Nfodjo; General Joshua Hamidu, former Security Chief and Ho MCE Mr. Mawutor Goh.