General News of Saturday, 24 September 2011

Source: GNA

Togbe Afede Slams Propensity Of Politicians To Lie

Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State has expressed concern about the propensity of politicians to lie to the people.

He said politicians twist facts to correspond with the position of their political parties even if that stance is discounted by logic. Togbe Afede was addressing a grand durbar in Ho on Saturday to climax the Yam Festival of the chiefs and people.

The festival, a month-long programme, was on the theme: “Our Politics Must Bring About Peace, Unity and Development.”

Togbe Afede, said it appears that politicians don’t respect the truth, forgetting that the truth cannot be varied.

He slammed politicians who ride on the wings of promises to work in the interest of the people, but only scramble for personal gains when elected. Togbe Afede said even though the 2012 General Election is about 15 months away, the political atmosphere is so tense, giving cause for concern. He said insults are flying from the airwaves at opponents; dogmatic positions are being loudly and unashamedly forced on the people as politicians struggle for the ears of the people.

Togbe Afede called for the moderation of language and circumspection to bring some sanity into politicking in Ghana.

He blamed the phenomenon on bad leadership across Africa, leading to social upheavals against greedy and self-interest politicians.

Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Minister of Local Government who represented President John Evans Atta Mills promised that government would keep faith with the people of the Volta Region, which is a store house of support for the National Democratic Congress.

Togbe Agokoli IV, Chief of Ewes in Togo who presided over the event commended Togbe Afede for building bonds of friendship among people within and outside Ghana.

The ceremony was characterised by mystical performances, traditional dances and conviviality among the thousands of local and visiting revellers.