Togbe Afede, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli, has emphasized the need for Ghana’s next government to prioritize economic recovery and development as the nation prepares for its upcoming elections.
Speaking at the grand durbar of the 2024 Asogli Yam Festival, he highlighted the importance of addressing the country’s economic challenges and environmental issues, which have been a growing concern.
With rising inflation, unemployment, and economic instability plaguing Ghana, Togbe Afede called on political leaders to implement strong policies that would boost investor confidence and create a business-friendly environment. He noted that economic reforms must be at the forefront of government efforts to reverse negative trends and put the country back on a path of growth.
“Our next government has a challenge to reverse all the negative trends. As we go into elections this year, we should all bear that in mind. We need development, and that should be our guide as we exercise our franchise,” he stated, urging the electorate to make informed choices.
Togbe Afede also underscored the need for constitutional reforms to strengthen governance structures, which in turn would create a more transparent and accountable system. This, he argued, would foster an environment where businesses can thrive, free from corruption and inefficiency, further driving the nation’s development.
In addressing the environmental challenges posed by illegal mining (galamsey), Togbe Afede stressed the economic implications of the ongoing destruction of Ghana’s natural resources. He pointed out that industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, which rely on natural resources, are at risk due to the environmental degradation caused by these illegal activities.
He called for immediate action to end illegal mining, saying, “The galamsey menace is a general concern, owing to the destruction of the country’s natural resources,” and appealed to the incoming government to take strong measures to halt it.
Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, the special guest of honor at the event and a notable advocate in the fight against illegal mining, also echoed these concerns. He urged the President to take decisive action to stop the destruction of water bodies, farmlands, and forests, which are crucial to the country’s economic and environmental sustainability.
Togbe Afede also reminded the Electoral Commission (EC) of its responsibility to ensure free and fair elections. He called upon the EC to ensure conditions that ensure that the people’s mandate and choice are respected for the sake of peace and tranquility, stressing that political stability is key to economic progress and investor confidence.
This year’s Asogli Yam Festival, themed “Let’s Ensure Freedom and Justice for All,” brought together dignitaries from various sectors, and other prominent figures from the economic and social spheres.
