The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has called on Ghanaians to reject corruption and actively speak out against it. He urged people to stop glorifying wealth that is acquired through dishonest means, emphasizing that true wealth should be the result of hard work. In an effort to restore Ghana’s reputation as a nation of integrity and prosperity, the Agbogbomefia stated that citizens should embrace honesty, patriotism, and diligence.
Speaking at the grand durbar of the 2025 Te Za (Yam Festival) held at the Ho Jubilee Park on Saturday, October 4, 2025, under the theme “Together in Honesty and Purpose, We Build a Just and Prosperous Nation,” he underscored the importance of honesty and respect for the truth for the progress of the nation. Togbe Afede expressed concern that Ghana’s abundant resources have been mismanaged by “a few dishonest educated elites and politicians” over the years, whose self-serving interests often take precedence over the welfare of the state.
“Those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the country have instead chosen to exploit it,” he stated. He also linked the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, to unchecked corruption and called for a united national effort to address this challenge. Referring to a recent health report indicating that 134 suicides occurred in Ghana last year, he noted that this alarming figure reflects the despair stemming from a corrupt society.
Togbe Afede also called for a constitutional review to make corruption unattractive and swiftly punishable, urging members of the Operation Retrieve All Loot (ORAL) team to work diligently to expose and prosecute offenders.
He further encouraged the government to make the declaration of assets by public officials a hallmark of good governance, adding that Ghana could become a land of great joy if its leaders, chiefs and citizens cherished the truth. The guest of honour, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, commended the people of Asogli for upholding their rich tradition and values.
She said the yam festival represented patience, fertility, renewal and community wealth, while also serving as a reminder of the duty to build a prosperous future. “In the Volta Region, yam has been a source of sustenance, a symbol of renewal and a sign of community wealth,” she noted.
The Vice President said the government had prioritised food security and agricultural transformation under its Feed Ghana programme, which includes deploying 5,000 agricultural and veterinary graduates across the country to support farmers with modern techniques and research.
She announced that special attention would be given to vegetable farming in the Volta Region through greenhouse technology and irrigation projects to boost production for local consumption and export.
The Awafiaga of Asogli, Togbe Adzie Lakle Howusu XII, who is also the Dufia of Ho-Dome, called on traditional rulers to be fair and honest in their judgments, describing honesty as a vital foundation for peace and progress. He also urged the government to intensify efforts against illegal mining before it engulfed the nation.
Among the dignitaries present were the Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Laura Ranalli, members of the Diplomatic Corps, chiefs from Ghana and Togo, and visitors from across the world.
Source: Felix Anim-Appau
