-Togbi Sri lll, the ‘Awoamefia’ of ‘Anlo Dukor’ in the Volta Region has appealed to the government to ensure that Anlo State receives its fair share of national resources to uplift the status of the area.
He said the Anlo state must be fully integrated into all major national programmes, which include infrastructure, education, healthcare, sports, and creation of jobs.
Togbi Sri made the call during the grand durbar of Anlo Hogbetsotso festival at Anloga Hogbe Park and charged the government to construct a museum in Keta to honour the legacy of the late former President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, a native of Anlo, to promote tourism and lasting tribute to his contributions to Anlo, Volta and Ghana.
“As we look towards the future, the people of Anlo have a key concern that we believe must be addressed by the government. These concerns form the citizens Manifesto for Anlo, which outlined the critical areas for development,” he stated.
He further charged the government to as a matter of urgency dredge the Lagoon in the area to prevent persistent flooding and develop the potential for fish farming and tourism which would create jobs, drive economic growth, and protect the coastal belt “since the Keta Lagoon is a valuable resource that remains underutilized.”
Togbi Sri urged the government to expedite works on the Keta Harbour Project to transform the Volta Region and the entire country as well as relocating the Eastern Naval Base to Keta to further enhance the area’s strategic importance.
“With nearly 30 secondary schools in Anlo, we believe our region deserves a full University. We urge the government to convert the Ohawu College of Agriculture into a University. This will provide higher education opportunities and reduce youth migration.”
He also appealed to the government to build a modern Sports stadium within Anloland to unearth and nurture many talents which would contribute to the pool available for various national teams to curb poverty in the area.
He said that government must also fight against Galamsey to stop the practice that caused immense environmental degradation and threatened the lives of many Ghanaians and the future of the natural resources.
He also called on all political actors, the Electoral Commission, and the security agencies to ensure that the election processes are transparent and fair to ensure peaceful election which was foundation of stable and prosperous nation.
He said that “we celebrate our heritage, we must also address issues that threatened the unity and stability of Anlo, and any attempt to distort our history and usurp power undermine the cohesion of our leadership structure which has been the bedrock of our land for more than 600 years.”
The festival was highly attended by dignitaries, including President Nana Akufo-Addo, Dr Yao Archibald Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, Heads of Political parties, Chiefs, Queen mothers, among others.
The 2024 Hogbetsotso festival was on the theme, “Strengthening Bond and Embracing Our Shared Heritage.”
GNA