Kwamigah-Atokple calls for unity among Anlo’s 36 traditional states; Togbui Nyaho Tamakloe VI urges government to fast-track Keta Port

By Christian Ahodie Yaw

The Volta Regional Representative on the Council of State, Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, has called on traditional rulers, political leaders, youth and other stakeholders in Anlo to unite and support ongoing reconciliation efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and accelerate development in the area.

He made the appeal at the 2026 Whuti Tɔtrɔyɛye Festival, where he served as Special Guest of Honour. The celebration also marked the fifth anniversary of the enstoolment of Togbui Nyaho Tamakloe VI as Paramount Chief of the Kome Shime Traditional Area, Dufia of Whuti and Miafiaga of the Anlo Kingdom.

Mr Kwamigah-Atokple said although Anlo’s 36 traditional states shared a strong historical and cultural identity, there was a need for the various traditional councils to deepen their relationships, understand their common historical foundations and work together in pursuit of their collective interests.

He expressed concern about divisions and rivalries among some traditional institutions, warning that such disagreements could undermine the unity needed to advance development in the area.

Referring to the recent Nugbedodo reconciliation proceedings, he said discussions involving some chiefs and young people had brought the need for unity among Anlo’s traditional institutions into sharp focus.

He urged stakeholders to support the reconciliation process through dialogue, mutual understanding and a willingness to address difficult issues in the interest of future generations.

The Council of State member said the development challenges confronting the present generation differed from those faced by their ancestors, arguing that the current priorities should include tackling poverty, unemployment, poor road networks and inadequate infrastructure.

He stressed that the achievements of previous generations should inspire the current generation to address contemporary development challenges rather than rely solely on historical victories.

Mr Kwamigah-Atokple also underscored the importance of traditional leadership in preserving customs, maintaining peace, promoting reconciliation and contributing to community development.

He said the festival’s theme underscored unity as a foundation for growth and innovation as a means of responding to changing societal needs.

Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief of the Kome Shime Traditional Area, Dufia of Whuti and Miafiaga of the Anlo Kingdom, Togbui Nyaho Tamakloe VI, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the government to fast-track the proposed Coastal Belt Development Project to address developmental challenges confronting communities along the coast, particularly Anloga and its surrounding areas.

He said timely implementation of the project would improve living conditions, address the challenges facing coastal communities and help protect lives and livelihoods.

Togbui Nyaho Tamakloe VI also called for accelerated efforts towards establishing the proposed Keta Port, describing it as a potential catalyst for employment creation and economic growth across Keta, Anloga and other communities within the southern coastal zone.

He said the port, when established, could expand trade opportunities and contribute significantly to the socioeconomic development of the area.

The traditional ruler further urged the youth to uphold traditional values, maintain discipline and avoid illicit drug abuse and other social vices that could jeopardise their future.

As part of activities marking his fifth anniversary on the throne, he called on the people of Whuti and Anlo to remain united, embrace peace and work collectively towards development.

He disclosed that proceeds from the festival would be channelled into community development initiatives, including the establishment of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre, an educational block and a health centre.

He said the fifth anniversary was not only an opportunity to reflect on his years of traditional leadership but also to renew the community’s commitment to improving living conditions.

Feed Ghana Coordinator calls for agriculture-culture partnership

The National Coordinator of the Feed Ghana Programme, Bright Kwadzo Demordzi, has called on traditional authorities to integrate agriculture into cultural and tourism activities to promote local production and stimulate economic development.

He said cultural festivals should serve as platforms for showcasing Made-in-Ghana products, agricultural commodities and traditional foods, creating markets for local farmers while supporting the domestic economy.

Mr Demordzi said patronage of locally produced goods and agricultural commodities was important to strengthening Ghana’s agricultural value chain.

He also announced that communities within the southern coastal zone, particularly Keta, Anloga and surrounding areas, were expected to benefit from a proposed commodity storage facility under the agricultural development agenda.

According to him, the facility would provide storage support for farmers, particularly tomato producers and other crop farmers who frequently suffer post-harvest losses because of inadequate storage infrastructure and limited access to ready markets.

He explained that the facility would enable farmers to preserve their produce and release it onto the market when demand increased, instead of being compelled to sell immediately at unfavourable prices or risk losing their harvest.

The intervention, he said, was expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmers’ incomes, strengthen agricultural marketing and support socioeconomic development in the coastal communities.

The 2026 Whuti Tɔtrɔyɛye Festival brought together traditional rulers, political representatives, government officials, religious leaders, community stakeholders and other dignitaries from the Volta Region and beyond.

The event was chaired by Emmanuel Ketaman Evortepe, Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Fafa FM, Dzodze.

The celebration also attracted representatives of various political parties and dignitaries from the northern parts of Ghana and other regions.