The Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, has voiced strong concerns over the growing tribalism, extreme political partisanship, and rising lawlessness in Ghana.
Speaking at the 2024 Asogli Te Za Grand Durbar in Ho, he lamented, “While real leaders are committed to uniting their people, here in our country, everything is tribalised or politicised.”
Togbe Afede XIV pointed to recent tribalistic and partisan reactions to natural disasters, such as the tidal waves in southern Volta, as evidence of a troubling trend.
He remarked that a lack of respect for truth and an over-politicised society have created fertile grounds for greed and corruption, “which I believe have been the biggest obstacles to our development.”
He decried the focus of leaders on personal wealth rather than national progress.
“While other leaders are focused on development, ours have been focusing on property ownership. They have replaced our colonial masters in the reckless scramble for the national resources that belong to all of us.”
Describing Ghana’s democracy as desecrated, he said, “Our democracy has become an enterprise that benefits a few.
“Ghana has become like an orphan child raped by the very people who have obtained our mandate to take care of her. Corrupt officials are like termites at the woodwork, eating at the very foundations of our development.”
Togbe Afede XIV criticised many political office seekers as self-serving, likening them to wolves in sheep’s clothing. Nevertheless, he expressed hope, saying, “By the grace of the good Lord, we shall recognise the bad ones in their disguise.”
He highlighted lawlessness and indiscipline as major societal challenges. Increasing armed robbery, lynching of innocent individuals, and recent violent incidents, including the killing of students and a prison officer, were all cited as the consequences of poverty and a lack of accountability.
“These are all the results of suffering, of poverty, and consequential lawlessness.”
Togbe Afede XIV emphasised that Ghana has the potential for greatness, with a young and growing population and generally peace-loving citizens. However, he warned that dishonesty, a lack of transparency, and partisan politics are endangering the country’s stability.
“We have been fed with so many lies that it has become very difficult for us to know what is true and what is not true.”
He recounted his personal experience of being vilified after returning undeserved ex-gratia payments.
“I have been a victim of this myself recently when I returned money paid to me as ex-gratia, that I thought was not deserved. Unfortunately, with the complicity of the Council of State secretariat, the impression was given that I was an absentee member of the Council.”
Togbe Afede XIV noted that such dishonesty could deter foreign investments.
“Investors do not see themselves welcomed except to places where the law works, and where there is discipline.”
He concluded with a call for leadership rooted in truth, justice, and the rule of law to rescue the nation from its precarious state.
