As Ghana marked its 1st Republic National Thanksgiving Day on July 1st, the President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Alfred Asiedu Adjei, used the occasion to reflect on Ghana’s peaceful democratic journey and issue a stern warning to ECOWAS and the African Union over brewing political tensions in neighbouring Togo.

‎Speaking to the media after the Thanksgiving ceremony, the NALAG President described Togo as a "nation bleeding silently", warning that delayed action by regional bodies could once again open the door to military coups.

‎‎“ECOWAS must not only act when the gun is fired; they must speak when the pen rewrites constitutions to suit power, not the people,” he declared.

‎‎Reflecting on Ghana’s journey under the Fourth Republic, Mr. Asiedu Adjei pointed to the historic transition in 2001 when former President Jerry John Rawlings peacefully handed over power to John Agyekum Kufuor, defying widespread scepticism and setting a democratic precedent for the continent.

‎“Many thought Rawlings would never hand over, but he did.

That singular act saved Ghana from uncertainty and preserved our democratic institutions,” he recalled.

‎Since then, Ghana has experienced five peaceful transitions of power, including handovers between rival political parties — something still rare in parts of Africa.

“This is our national miracle,” he said. “It didn’t happen by accident. It happened because the people demanded it, and our leaders responded with maturity.”

‎‎Turning his attention to Togo, Mr. Asiedu Adjei expressed grave concern about recent constitutional amendments aimed at allowing President Faure Gnassingbé to continue in power indefinitely.

‎“Togo is sliding into authoritarianism under a democratic disguise,” he said. “This is not democracy. It is manipulation.”

‎‎He criticised the continued silence of ECOWAS and the African Union, arguing that waiting until after a coup to issue condemnations renders their institutions ineffective and reactive rather than proactive.

‎“Do we only recognise democracy after it’s been violently overthrown?

Must soldiers march into the palace before we act? The signs are there. The people are restless. Institutions are weakened. The time to act is now.”

‎‎In a direct message to the Togolese President, Asiedu Adjei appealed for statesmanship over self-preservation.

‎‎ “Greatness is not defined by how long you rule, but by what you leave behind. Legacy is not built on power, but on principle.”

‎‎He urged the President to reflect on the long-term damage that political manipulation can do, not just to a country’s reputation, but to its future stability.

‎‎The NALAG President also had words for the Togolese citizens.

‎‎ “Be strong, but be wise. Be bold, but be peaceful,” he urged. “Africa’s youth are rising — not with guns, but with knowledge and clarity. Let no one hijack your frustration. Let your pursuit of freedom be louder than any propaganda.”

‎‎He made a passionate appeal to ECOWAS, the AU, and global diplomatic institutions:

‎‎ “The relevance of ECOWAS and the AU is on trial. Leadership is not protocol and titles — it is action, conviction, and courage. If you remain silent now, you are not neutral — you are complicit.”

‎He called for urgent diplomatic visits to Togo, official statements, and mediation efforts to prevent a repeat of the tragedies witnessed in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

‎‎In his closing remarks, Hon. Alfred Asiedu Adjei reminded all Ghanaians and Africans that peace is both a responsibility and a reward.

‎ “As we give thanks for Ghana’s democracy, let us also work to ensure that the same peace we enjoy becomes a reality for our brothers and sisters in Togo, Sudan, Congo, and beyond. Africa must rise not just with slogans, but with systems.”