Ho, April 30, GNA - Youths of Asogli, dressed in traditional battle dresses, on Thursday marched through the principal streets of Ho to show loyalty to the Agbogbomefia, Togbe Afede XIV, who was criticized in certain circles over a statement he made during a recent visit of President John Evans Atta Mills to Ho. Placards and a statement issued by the youths were largely critical of Mr Kenwuud Nuworsu, Volta Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over comments regarding Togbe Afede's statement. Some of the placards read, "Togbe spoke for us, no party can play with us and Kenwuud you cannot insult our chief," among others. The statement signed by Mr Korsi Asor, Coordinator of the group, said they "would have treated these attacks with contempt" but not when they came from people "whose motivation in politics is greed." It said Togbe Afede "has always pledged his support for the government of the day, and did so on many occasions, including the visit of former President John Agyekum Kufuor to the Asogli Palace." The statement noted that during such visits including those of leading members of the NPP, the thrust of Togbe Afede's speeches had been on the need "to promote the ideals of transparency, of equity, fairness and justice".

"So, his speech at the durbar in honour of President Mills contained nothing new", the statement said. It said those castigating Togbe Afede should rather "focus on how to render accounts of their stewardship."