By Seraphine Nyuiemedi
The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli state, Togbe Afede XIV has known as for unity amongst Ghanaians to sort out escalating financial hardships and restore justice and freedom. He emphasised that true growth can solely happen when residents have entry to fundamental requirements, jobs, and lifestyle.
Reflecting on alarming statistics, Togbe Afede famous the stark rise in youth suicides, with 81 younger people tragically taking their very own lives within the first half of 2024 in comparison with 48 all through 2023. He cited unemployment and excessive inflation as contributing elements, highlighting the desperation felt by many younger Ghanaians.
“We must prioritize development that addresses the basic necessities of life and provides jobs for our youth,” he urged.
The Agbogbomefia who was talking at this 12 months’s Asogli yam pageant in Ho, the Volta Regional capital additionally expressed concern over rising lawlessness and violent incidents, such because the lynching of a younger jail officer at Kasoa and the tragic deaths of scholars.
“These are all the results of suffering, of poverty and of consequential lawlessness. But we don’t deserve this as a country. As I said, we are so well endowed by nature, and even more importantly for me, my young and growing population and generally very peace loving people. I believe that we owe our peace to the patience of the Ghanaians, their patience is what has allowed our Fourth Republic to survive. I am very worried for our country, because we find ourselves in a very poor situation,” he mentioned.
In his handle, he highlighted the necessity for freedom and justice as important ideas for nationwide growth. “Development is not possible anywhere unless people have freedom and justice,” he asserted. He lamented that many Ghanaians don’t benefit from the dividends of peace and sources, describing the economic system as having collapsed whereas residents endure from excessive costs and a scarcity of alternatives.
Togbe Afede pointed to systemic points throughout the nation’s management, criticizing a tradition of corruption and the prioritization of political pursuits over the wants of the folks.
“Corrupt officials are like termites eating at the foundations of our development,” he said.
He expressed optimism that with the fitting management and a dedication to justice and fact, Ghana might overcome its challenges. As the nation approaches elections, Togbe Afede urged Ghanaians to view the upcoming vote as a defending second for the long run. He known as on the Electoral Commission to make sure free and honest elections and for residents, particularly the youth, to unite in defending freedom and justice.
“Let us accept that we need each other as we progress as one people and one country,” he mentioned. Togbe Afede concluded by encouraging residents to be fearless in demanding accountability from their leaders, insisting that leaders should serve the folks fairly than search energy for private acquire.
“Let’s recognize the pretenders and give them a bitter blow on election day,” he urged, and emphasise the necessity for a collective effort to construct a brighter future for Ghana.