Ho, April 26, GNA - Two permanent members of the Volta Region House of Chiefs were introduced and inaugurated into the House on Wednesday bringing the permanent members to 13 instead of 15. The two new permanent members are Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Ho Asogli and Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, Fiaga of Anfoega Traditional Area. Two other vacant seats to be filled are for Anlo and Hokpe (Avatime).

Other permanent members of the 32-member House are Gbi, Ve, Buem, Nkonya, Krachi, Peki, Santrokofi, Awudome, Likpe, Akpini and Tepa. The remaining members of the House are appointed on rotational basis from 103 traditional areas in the region.

The permanent seat for Anfoega became vacant following the death of Tepre Hodo III in 1998 followed in 2002 with the death of Togbe Afede Asor VI leaving the Asogli permanent seat unoccupied. The inauguration ceremony presided over by Togbega Gabusu VI, President of the House was festive and characterized by elaborate display of Ewe culture and tradition as women from both sides shouted themselves hoarse with ululation and praise singing of the two chiefs amidst firing of musketry and traditional drumming.

Togbega Gabusu administered the oath of membership while Mr Justice G.K. Adzagli Volta Regional Supervising High Court Judge administered the judicial oath.

Togbega Gabusu observed that the House had been enriched with the membership of the two chiefs known in private life as James Akpo, 52-year-old Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Strategic African Securities (SAS) as Agbogbomefia and Mr Charles Hayibor, a 51-year-old distinguished Lawyer as the Fiaga of Anfoega.

He described the occasion as "symbolic" because of their long absence and their tortuous journey into the House and significantly that for the first time in its history, the House had to admit two permanent members at the same time.

Togbega Gabusu observed that the House was undergoing an epoch making era as new, young, intellectual, distinguished and dynamic personalities were assuming the chieftaincy mantle and membership of the House.

He was optimistic that the new entrants would bring their rich backgrounds to bear on the deliberations of the House and its role in facilitating development of the Volta region.

Nana Mprah Besemuna III, Krachiwura and Togbe Sasraku of Tsrukpe spoke in similar vein of the two chiefs and their potential value to the House and the region.

Togbe Tepre Hodo on behalf of Togbe Afede commended the House for the sacrifices made for their admission. He paid tribute to their predecessors and other previous permanent members of the House and pledged their commitment to step into their shoes.