President Akufo-Addo bids emotional farewell at Anlo Hogbetsotso Za

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo bid an emotional farewell to Ghanaians, expressing gratitude for the support and trust given to him during his eight-year tenure. 

Speaking at a grand durbar in Anloga, Volta Region, on Saturday to conclude the 2024 Hogbetsotso Za celebrations, the President assured citizens of a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process in the upcoming general elections.

“I will leave office as the President as required by the Constitution and I will hand over the baton to whoever the people of Ghana choose to lead them,” affirmed Nana Akufo-Addo. He further highlighted the strong measures in place to ensure a smooth and transparent election.

The event, themed “Strengthening Bonds and Embracing Our Shared Heritage,” saw President Akufo-Addo commend the people of Anlo for preserving their rich cultural heritage. He acknowledged the Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbe Sri III, for his exemplary leadership, which he said has played a significant role in maintaining peace in the region. 

Nana Akufo-Addo expressed appreciation for the love and guidance Ghanaians have shown throughout his administration, noting that such support had been instrumental to his government’s achievements.

Commitment to Anlo’s development

Togbe Sri III, in his remarks, thanked the President for his commitment to development projects in Anlo. He expressed hope for the timely completion of key projects, including the Keta Harbour, coastal protection for Anlo, and the dredging of Keta Lagoon. 

He also encouraged the people of Anlo to live in peace as the elections draw near, urging them to fulfill their civic duties with patriotism and unity.

Calls for unity and peaceful elections

The War Lord of Anlo, Awadada Agbesi Awusu II, emphasized Hogbetsotso’s role in renewing unity among the people of Anlo. He noted that the presence of chiefs from various regions at the festival underscored the national cohesion Hogbetsotso promotes. Awadada Agbesi Awusu joined other leaders in calling on Ghanaians to shun violence in the upcoming elections.

Special guests at the event included the New Juabenhene, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, and the Omanhene of Oguaa and President of the Oguaa Traditional Council, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II. Both leaders urged Ghanaians to cherish national unity above all else.

The celebration also welcomed chiefs and queens from neighboring Togo, as the people of Anlo honored the historic exodus of their ancestors from Notsie in Togo centuries ago, fleeing the oppressive rule of King Agorkoli to settle in their current home.