The chiefs and residents of the Aflao Traditional Area have been told by the former president John Dramani Mahama that they will receive a fair share of development projects if the NDC is elected to power in 2024.
He admitted that the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration was aware of the region’s and, consequently, the Ketu South Municipality’s development limitations and promised to remedy such shortfalls when re-elected.
This was addressed by Mr. Mahama on Saturday during the grand durbar of the chiefs and people of Aflao as part of events to conclude this year’s Godigbe Festival.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a two-year postponement of the festival.
The occasion this year was the 25th anniversary of Torgbuiga Amenya Fiti V’s coronation as the Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Area.
The most significant border town in Ghana, according to Mr. Mahama, Aflao, needed a makeover for a better image.
When I was in government, I spoke with Torgbuiga Amenya Fiti, a notable Paramount Chief. In reality, we had agreed that there should be a contemporary market on the Aflao side, much like with our colleagues on the other side in Lome, due to the strategic location of Aflao as the most important border town in the country,” he stated.
The town’s roadways, particularly the Aflao-Diamond Cement Road and the Komla Dumor Road, which lead to the Chief’s Palace, were in a terrible situation, according to the former president.
He asserted that the current government must give the Ho-Aflao Road significant attention as well.
Mr. Mahama emphasized the crucial role the chieftaincy institution plays in advocacy and the development of the country as a storehouse of Ghana’s traditions and customs.
He congratulated Torgbuiga Fiti on being chosen as the Forum of Kings and Traditional Rulers of Africa’s President and advised him to make the most of this prestigious position by doing more for his community and the nation.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-representative, Addo’s Mr. Ambrose Dery, stated that the government is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of every Ghanaian.
He claimed that the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war caused the country to experience some obstacles in its efforts to speed up growth and improve the situation of the majority.
“These brought to countless hardships all across the world, but the Ghanaian government is optimistic that things would improve thanks to its sensible economic policies and initiatives. We promise Ghanaians that brighter times are coming,” he stated.
The celebration was sponsored by Torgbuiga Fiti, who urged the government to carry out pro-poor programs to raise people’s standards of living.
He argued that some young people “engage in smuggling and other unorthodox activities just to earn a living” as a result of the lack of work possibilities and urged for a change in the existing quo.
He expressed gratitude to all Aflao natives, including his divisional and sub-chiefs, for their steadfastness over the years and urged unity as “we strive together for the forward march of our beautiful traditional area.”
He expressed gratitude to all businesses and well-intentioned people that sponsored the festival.
“25 Years of Inspirational Leadership and the Restoration of the Rights and Privileges of the Aflawuawo” was the festival’s theme.