The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has appealed to traditional leaders across Ghana to take proactive steps in addressing chieftaincy disputes to promote peace and national development.

Speaking at the grand durbar of the 2025 Hogbetsotso Festival in Anloga in the Volta Region, Mr. Asiedu Nketia emphasised that the substantial amounts of money the government allocates to maintain security personnel in conflict-prone traditional areas could instead be channelled into vital development projects.

He noted that peaceful coexistence among traditional authorities remains crucial for fostering unity and accelerating socio-economic progress.

He therefore urged chiefs to strengthen dialogue and traditional arbitration mechanisms to resolve lingering disputes within their jurisdictions.

The Hogbetsotso Festival, celebrated annually by the Anlo people, commemorates their migration and rich cultural heritage. This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Strengthening Bonds and Embracing Shared Heritage,” highlighted the enduring unity, resilience, and common ancestry of the Anlo State.

Representing the Awomefia of Anlo, Torgbui Sri III, Torgbui Haomene expressed concern over the decline in the quality of basic education in the area and called for renewed community involvement to address the situation.

The Akwamumanhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, also urged the Anlo people to remain united, reminding them that unity is strength and that their cultural traditions are treasures that must be safeguarded for future generations.