The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has urged Ghanaians to safeguard their national identity and uphold cultural values, emphasising that no nation can achieve true development by neglecting its heritage. He made this appeal during the commissioning of the refurbished Awudome Traditional Council building at Anyriawase in the Volta Region on March 3.
“No nation has ever developed by despising its culture, heritage, and traditions,” he declared, adding that “culture is worth more than gold and oil.” Mr. Bagbin explained that his support for the renovation and expansion of the Traditional Council building was inspired by his conviction that Ghana’s chieftaincy institution must be strengthened to build upon the solid foundations laid by the forebears.
“My resolve to assist Togbega and the Council in renovating the building stemmed from my belief in the need to reinforce the chieftaincy institution and advance the legacy of our forebears,” he noted. In his opening remarks, Togbega Addai Kwasi Dzani XIII, Paramount Chief of the Awudome Traditional Area, recounted the history of the nearly 70-year-old council building and highlighted the urgent need for its expansion due to population growth and increasing responsibilities. He expressed gratitude to the Member of Parliament for the area, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, and Speaker Bagbin for their collaborative support in transforming the ageing structure into a modern traditional council complex.
The original building was constructed in 1956, served as an administrative office for the Traditional Council, and also as a traditional court. As part of the day’s activities, Mr. Bagbin also cut the sod for the construction of an eight-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities for the Anyriawase E.P Basic School. He emphasised that education remains a cornerstone of national development and urged parents to guide their children wisely in the digital age.
“Do not allow technology to destroy the future of your children,” he appealed. “Help them become better versions of themselves.” The event brought together chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, and residents, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of tradition and the advancement of education within the Awudome Traditional Area. The Awudome Traditional Council, established in 1956, was founded under the leadership of Torgbe Addai Kwasi X to serve as the central authority for traditional governance in the area.
By Faisel Abdul-Iddrisu
