The Dufia of Alakple in the Anlo District of the Volta Region, Togbi Amey Zegu II, has appealed to the government to, as a matter of urgency, dredge the Keta lagoon in order to revive economic activities of the people.
According to him, the entire Keta Basin, which formed the Lagoon, had become so “silted and salty” that fish species that were previously in the lagoon had become extinct, thus rendering the people permanently redundant.
“The livelihood of my people who are mostly fisher folk and others in adjoining communities who depend on the lagoon for survival are in danger as it can no longer hold water for fishing, hence the urgent call for help to restore their business in order to stop the rural-urban migration faced in other parts of the country,” he added.
Togbi Zegu made the call at the Mini Hogbetsotso festival celebration, last Saturday, at Alakple on the theme: ‘Strengthening Bonds and Embracing Our Shared Heritage.’
The Mini Hogbetsotso, which precedes the main festival slated for Saturday November 2, 2024, at Anloga, attracted chiefs and people from adjoining communities, religious leaders, politicians and government officials.
Togbi Zegu stated that apart from fishing, the dredging of the lagoon could unlimitedly improve tourism potentials in the enclave, and thereby create jobs to boost the local economy.
He also appealed to the government to improve the road network in the Kome-shime area, which has become a major headache for motorists and businesses.
Togbi Zegu, who described the occasion as a “Great Homecoming”, stated that the history of Anlo could not be written without the name Alakple as it was the oldest community in Anlo, and the originators of the Hogbetsotso festival, an idea muted by the 8th Dufia of Alakple Torgbi Awudzega III, in April 1962.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, in a speech read on his behalf, urged the people to remain steadfast as the 2024 elections approach.
He said the election was not merely about seeking political power, but to secure the future for the children as well as create an enabling environment, and equitable development to propel the country to a status acceptable to all.
The Member of Parliament of Anlo, Richard Kwame Sepe, urged the youth to distance themselves from the rumors circulating that they were being recruited into the invisible forces.
He warned that the traditional authorities would not intercede on anyone’s behalf when caught at the wrong side of the law.
The District Chief Executive for Anloga, Seth Yormewu, charged the electorate to eschew violence before, during and after the December 7 polls, adding that it was their civic responsibility to elect leaders of their choice in a peaceful and orderly manner.
The Awadada of Anlo, Togbi Agbesi Awusi II, commended the chiefs and people of the area for a peaceful celebration, and urged other communities to emulate their example to promote the development of the Anlo state.
FROM LAWRENCE VOMAFA AKPALU, ALAKPLE
