Celebrating “Independence Day” in Volta Region was an inclusive decision- Chiefs to Akufo-Addo

The Chiefs and Elders of the Volta Region have commended President Akufo-Addo and his government for their decision to select the Volta Region as host of the 66th Independence Day celebration, describing same as an inclusive step.

They made this known when they paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House today Thursday 23 March 2023, to essentially register their appreciation to the President for choosing their region to host the national event.

The venue for the 66th Independence Day celebration was announced on Friday 20 January 2023, by Lord Commey, the director of operations at the Office of the President during his visit to the region to formally inform the chiefs and elders of the decision of the President.

The city of Adaklu in the Volta Region on Monday 6 March 2023, subsequently hosted the celebration and it has been described as one of the most successful Independence Day celebrations since the Akufo-Addo administration decided to rotate the annual national ceremony.

Momentous occasion

Togbe Tepre Hodo, Paramount Chief of Anfoega Traditional area, in the North Dayi District, and President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs speaking on behalf of the delegation noted that the granting of the hosting rights to the Volta Region has deepened the region’s sense of relevance in the country as a whole.

“It was indeed a momentous occasion as it gave us the opportunity to see at first hand the parade of our security services and indeed, in line with the theme of the celebration which emphasized unity, it was a joy to see the various cultural displays from all other regions of Ghana” Togbe Tepre Hodo said.

“We are extremely grateful for the honour that was done to our region. It is our hope and expectation that the inclusiveness that has been emphasized by this celebration will be carried further for the good of our country” the President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs added.

Youth resource centre

In his address, Togbe Tepre Hodo, called on the government to ensure that it completes the ongoing construction of the Volta Regional Youth Resource Centre in Adaklu Tsrefe in the Adaklu District of the Volta Region.

The government broke grounds for the construction of the 5,000 Volta Regional Youth Resource Centre in March 2018, alongside 9 others across the country.

Construction works on the multipurpose sporting facility stalled for about two years due to the government’s directive to put on hold five out of 10 of the Youth Resource Centre projects under construction nationwide.

“I will like to make a special appeal to Mr. President about the completion of the youth resource centre. I have just been informed this morning that work has resumed and that is very encouraging” Togbe Tepre Hodo pointed out”.

“We hope and pray that it will be completed in no time and serve its purpose for the good of our region and indeed for the good of our country Ghana” he added.

Every part matters

President Akufo-Addo welcomed the delegation from the Volta Region to his office, noting that he welcomes very much, the assertion by the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs that the decision to celebrate the 66th Independence Day anniversary in the Volta Region painted a strong picture of inclusiveness in the Country.

“I began this process of rotating the Independence Day celebration specifically for that reason to be able to make it clear to our people that each part of the Ghana fabric is part of the nation-state, Ghana.

“All segments of the population should feel the presence of Ghana, especially on this critical day of our Independence celebration. So, to hear this very distinguished President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs identifying that as the main or key takeaway is very refreshing and encouraging to me” President Akufo-Addo said.

Stalled projects

Commenting on the youth resource centre currently under construction in the Volta Region, President Akufo-Addo said he is happy that the construction works has resumed. He added that the current financial constraints are obviously making it difficult to continue several projects in the country.

He noted however that his administration is committed to completing ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as soon as practicable which then will pave way for several stalled projects to resume and be completed.

“It is our determination to do so. We don’t want to leave office with several projects still standing. The ones that I am committed to doing, we will make sure that they are done” President Akufo-Addo said.