Anloga: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has committed to a peaceful transfer of power to the winner of Ghana’s upcoming presidential election scheduled for December 7. This promise underscores Ghana’s dedication to upholding democratic principles and ensuring a smooth transition of national leadership. Mr. Akufo-Addo gave the assurance at this year’s Hogbetsotsoza, the traditional festival of the chiefs and people of Anlo at Anloga, attended by notable figures including Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, and Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the President noted that he is committed not only to the peaceful transfer of power but also to a peaceful and transparent electoral process to maintain the country’s prevailing peace necessary for development. “I want to assure the people of Anlo, the people of Volta
Region, and the people of Ghana that the forthcoming elections in December are going to be free, fair, transparent, and peaceful. And on the 7th of December, I will hand over the baton of national leadership to whoever the people of Ghana choose,” Akufo-Addo stated.
President Akufo-Addo also assured Togbi Sri III, the Awoamefia of Anlo, that his concerns for the completion of ongoing projects in the Anlo area would be addressed. “These last few months of my government, I will do my best. But I want to assure that even after I go, they will be dealt with,” he said. He expressed his gratitude to Togbi Sri, whom he referred to as his “good friend,” noting, “For this being the last Hogbetsotso of my Presidency, I felt it necessary to come today to pay my respect to Awoamefia.”
Togbi Sri, the Awoamefia, thanked the President for including Municipal and District Assemblies in Anlo without district hospitals in the ambitious Agenda 111 project, which aims to improve healthcare access across the country. He also hi
ghlighted ongoing efforts to secure the Anlo coastline under the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project, the proposed Keta Port Project, and the dredging of the Keta Lagoon, among other initiatives, to foster development in the area.
Various speakers at the festival, including Prof Opoku-Agyemang, Osabarima Atta, and Daasebre Boateng, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace before, during, and after the December 7 elections. Some patrons at the celebration expressed their delight with the messages at the durbar, particularly the President’s pronouncement concerning the elections. “We can rest assured that our President is dedicated to upholding the country’s democratic traditions. The transfer of power is a critical aspect of any democratic system, and President Akufo-Addo’s promise sets a positive tone for the election’s outcome,” one attendee, identified only as Perfect, stated.
The festival, also known as Hogbeza, commemorates the legendary exodus of the Ewe-Dogbo folks from Notsi
e in present-day Togo and is celebrated every first Saturday in November at Anloga. It attracts chiefs and people from across Eweland, other parts of the country, and the diaspora. The 2024 edition, organized for the first time by the Anlo Youth Council, the umbrella body of the youth of Anlo, was held on the theme: “Strengthening Bonds and Embracing Our Shared Heritage.”