Last Saturday 10th September was the climax of Ho’s annual Te Za (Yam festival) which brought together indigions  of Ho all across both home and abroad. These brought ewes from neighboring Togo and Benin with their chiefs, queen mothers and cultural troupes.

 

Also in attendance were business entities, other traditional leaders from different tribes, religious leaders, and performing cultural groups especially the Zibo group from Ho Bankoe and the Asogli State Asafo group.



In attendance was the Ex Prez. John Dramani Mahama and his party entourage which includes some dignitaries like the Gen. Secretary of the opposition NDC Johnson Aseidu Nketia, North Tongu member of Parliament Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ho municipal member of Parliament Hon. Benjamin Komla Kpodo and others.

 

During the speech of the Ex Prez, he praised Togbe Afede XIV for his courage in speaking truth to power.

He stated that Togbe Afede XIV speaks truth regardless of who is involved.

He commended the traditional ruler for adding up his voice to critical economic issues. He also asked others to learn from his exemplary lifestyle which is wealthy of emulation.

 

He also stated these words, “as people in authority and leadership, we must not massage the truth. But we must always be bold and fearless  in speaking the truth and I must say one traditional leader who has always spoken the truth no matter who is hurt by that truth is Togbe Afede XIV”, Mr Mahama said.

“Togbe you’re a man of conviction and we all admire you for that. And so don’t change, just continue being yourself” he further stated.

 

Togbe Afede's prior action to return a gratuity that he believed he did not earn, according to Mr. Mahama, merits praise rather than derision.

Recall that Togbe Afede XIV, the Paramount Chief and Agbogbomefia of Asogli, made headlines when he turned down more than 365,000 in ex-gratia for serving on the Council of State from 2017 to 2020.

He received accolades as a result for guarding the public coffers and considering the expansion and development of the nation.

 

A part of the people, however, accused the traditional ruler of being political in his gesture amid the plaudits.

 

Paul Adom Otchere, a renowned broadcaster, was among them.

 

But he emphasized that this should not have been the case while speaking to a group of chiefs and citizens in the Volta Region over the weekend.


In conclusion, Mr. Mahama emphasized that, "When a traditional leader and former member of the Council of State returns a gratuity that was given to him because he believes it was unnecessary and he did not deserve to receive that money, he should receive acknowledgements and thanks rather than insults."