Unity, Development And Cultural Renewal: Council Of State Member Calls For New Dawn In Anlo State

By Christian Ahodie Yaw

The Volta Regional Representative on the Council of State, His Eminence Gabriel Tanko Kwamegah Atokple, has urged the people of Anlo State to renew their commitment to unity, visionary leadership, and sustainable development to drive progress across the Volta Region.

He made the call at Anloga during the grand durbar marking the 25th Anniversary celebration of Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, the Awadada of Anlo Dukor, where he served as chairman of the event attended by chiefs, queen mothers, dignitaries, and thousands of citizens.

A Call for Reflection and Renewal

In a stirring address, His Eminence Atokple described the Awadada’s silver jubilee as more than a ceremonial festivity. He said it should serve as a “moment of deep reflection, a call to unity, and a vision for the future of the Anlo people.”

He commended Togbi Agbesi Awusu II for his steadfast and disciplined leadership over the past 25 years, noting that his reign has preserved the dignity of the Kakaklu Stool and upheld the pride of the Anlo State in the face of modernization and social change.

“Leadership that lasts this long and remains unshaken is a rare gift,” he said. “History will remember this era as one that gave strength to tradition while preparing the way for renewal.”

From Spears to Skills — A New Battle for the Anlo State

Drawing from the traditional role of the Awadada as the warlord of the Anlo Kingdom, the Council of State Member emphasized that the battles confronting modern society are no longer fought with spears but with ideas, skills, and enterprise.

“If our ancestors fought with spears, today we must fight with unity, with education, with enterprise, and with vision,” he declared.

He expressed concern over lingering divisions among the 36 states of Anlo, warning that internal rivalries undermine collective progress.

“Our communities with divided hands cannot lift a heavy load. When chiefs pull in different directions, the people suffer,” he said, calling on Togbi Awadada to lead a renewed covenant of peace and cooperation among traditional authorities.

Investing in Youth and Agriculture

A renowned farmer and development advocate himself, His Eminence Atokple stressed the urgent need to empower the youth through vocational training, modern agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

“Our youth are not a burden; they are our greatest resource,” he said. “We must equip them with modern education and practical skills to become job creators, not job seekers.”

He called for increased investment in national agricultural programmes such as Feed Ghana and AgriNext, and appealed to chiefs and landowners to release lands for large-scale farming to boost food security and stimulate local industry.

“Unity Builds Nations” — A Vision for the Next 25 Years

The Council of State Member challenged the Anlo leadership to translate their communal spirit into tangible development outcomes.

“If our communities can build magnificent churches through unity and sacrifice, why can’t we use the same spirit to build schools, hospitals, and enterprises?” he asked.

He proposed a ten-year development blueprint for the Anlo State, including the establishment of vocational training centres, healthcare facilities, and scholarship schemes in every major town, to serve as a living legacy of Togbi Awadada’s reign.

“Let us be remembered not for disputes over land or succession, but for uniting to build,” he declared. “Our only war today is against poverty, underdevelopment, and hopelessness — and this war, united, we will win.”

Celebration of Culture and Leadership

The 25th Anniversary celebration was marked by colourful displays of Anlo culture, traditional drumming, dancing, and rich expressions of unity among chiefs and citizens.

Concluding his remarks, His Eminence Atokple delivered a resonant message of hope and purpose:

“The future is calling us, and it will not wait. The Anlo State has no war to fight against other tribes — our war is against poverty, disunity, and underdevelopment. And united, we shall overcome.”

The event not only honoured Togbi Agbesi Awusu II’s enduring leadership but also reignited a collective vision for a stronger, united, and prosperous Anlo State grounded in cultural pride, peace, and progress.