The Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbi Sri III, addressed an eager crowd at the 2024 Hogbetsotso Festival in Anloga, bringing together thousands to honour the indomitable spirit of the Anlo people.

The annual festival, marking the Anlo ancestors' historic escape from Notsie, serves as a celebration of cultural identity and a rallying call for progress.

Togbi Sri III urged his people to carry this legacy of resilience and cohesion, emphasising that "Hogbetsotso is more than a tradition; it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to drive the growth and prosperity of Anlo and Ghana."

With dignitaries, government officials, and leaders in attendance, the festival set the stage for a renewed commitment to community empowerment, economic development, and national unity.

Honoring Leadership and Youth

The Awoamefia began his address by praising the contributions of Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, the Awadada of Anlo, whose dedication ensured the festival's success and strengthened Anlo's traditions.

Special commendation was also extended to the Anlo Youth Council, whose commitment and energy have reinvigorated efforts to advance Anlo’s development.

Togbi Sri III expressed his hopes for the youth to take the lead in improving the quality of basic education in Anlo, emphasising that education is the cornerstone of progress.

Development Goals for Anlo: An Integrated Vision

As the custodian of Anlo's welfare, Togbi Sri III committed to fostering a development agenda targeting key sectors: fisheries, tourism, agriculture, agribusiness, and sports.

An essential aspect of this vision includes transformational projects in aquaculture and rice production. Supported by the International Leadership Foundation, these initiatives promise to harness Anlo’s resources, create jobs, and establish Anlo as a thriving economic hub.

Togbi Sri III urged all local and diaspora citizens to invest in these sectors to achieve collective prosperity.

Acknowledging the crucial role of government, he called on officials to create policies that would enable Anlo’s economic pillars to flourish, particularly through a conducive environment for aquaculture, tourism, and agricultural advancements.

A Unified Chieftaincy for Anlo’s Stability

Togbi Sri III addressed challenges to the unity within Anlo’s chieftaincy affairs, urging a cohesive structure that has withstood the test of time for over 600 years. He announced recent elevations of certain “Gbortawo” chiefs to paramount status to enhance governance and decentralization.

However, he cautioned against any misinterpretation of these elevations as equalizing positions with the Awoamefia’s traditional authority. Togbi Sri III requested President Akufo-Addo’s support to amend the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), to better reflect Anlo’s unique leadership structure.

The Citizens' Manifesto for Anlo: Priorities for Development

With a call to action, Togbi Sri III presented a “Citizens' Manifesto for Anlo,” identifying key developmental priorities:

Protection of the Anlo Coastline: With severe coastal erosion endangering communities from Fuveme to Aflao, Togbi Sri III stressed the need for comprehensive coastal protection projects. He expressed gratitude to the government, World Bank, and other partners for their efforts under the WACA Project and urged ongoing support for climate resilience.

Dredging of Keta Lagoon: Togbi Sri III called for dredging efforts to prevent flooding and unleash the lagoon's economic potential for tourism and fish farming, providing jobs and boosting growth.

Conversion of Ohawu Agricultural College into a University: With nearly 30 secondary schools in Anlo, Togbi Sri III advocated for the transformation of Ohawu College of Agriculture into a university to promote higher education and reduce youth migration.

Keta Harbour Project and Relocation of Eastern Naval Base: The Awoamefia urged the government to prioritize the Keta Harbour Project, noting its transformative potential for the Volta Region. He also requested the relocation of the Eastern Naval Base to Keta, further enhancing the region’s strategic importance.

Construction of a Jerry John Rawlings Museum: Honouring the legacy of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, Togbi Sri III called for a museum in Keta to promote tourism and pay tribute to his contributions to Anlo and Ghana.

Investment in Sports Infrastructure: Recognising the abundance of athletic talent in Anlo, Togbi Sri III urged the government to build a stadium in the region, supporting youth development and contributing to national teams.

Inclusion in National Programs: Togbi Sri III called on the government to ensure Anlo's inclusion in major national programs, highlighting that equitable access to infrastructure, healthcare, and education is essential for the region’s growth.

Promoting Peaceful Elections and Environmental Protection

As Ghana heads toward elections, Togbi Sri III urged for peaceful, transparent, and fair elections, reminding all political actors and institutions of their roles in maintaining Ghana’s democratic reputation. He emphasized that beyond political differences, the collective goal remains the building of a prosperous Ghana.

On the matter of environmental degradation, Togbi Sri III condemned illegal mining (galamsey), calling it a “national crisis” that threatens natural resources and future generations.

He called on the government to take decisive action to combat this destructive practice and ensure environmental sustainability.

Gratitude and a Call to Unity

In closing, Togbi Sri III expressed deep gratitude to the Anlo people, festival organizers, and attendees from across Ghana and beyond.

He thanked the government for its inclusion of Anlo’s District Assemblies in the Agenda 111 healthcare initiative, a critical step toward providing quality healthcare for Anlo communities. He celebrated the vibrant displays of Anlo’s cultural heritage, which serve as a bridge between generations, preserving the stories and wisdom of Anlo's ancestors.

As the Hogbetsotso Festival draws to a close, Togbi Sri III’s address stands as a powerful reminder of Anlo’s commitment to unity, resilience, and progress. His vision for Anlo’s future reflects a harmonized balance of tradition and development, laying the groundwork for a prosperous tomorrow.