The Office of the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV has reacted to Graphic Online’s story on his name popping up in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) running mate nomination.
In a rejoinder dated February 13, 2024, signed by the Secretary of the Asogli Council, Stephen Tetteh, it was confirmed that Togbe Afede has been approached in relation to the selection of the running mate by a group.
“A group of people who identified themselves as “Change Makers Forum” were the latest to approach Togbe to consider joining President Mahama as his running mate for the 2024 Presidential election. Togbe responded that, as a patriotic citizen, he would not reject any opportunity to serve the country, but the choice of a running mate is the prerogative of the flag bearer who already knows him very well,” Mr Tetteh added.
It added that Togbe Afede considers it a great honour that a group of well-intentioned professionals called on him to express their trust in him, and thus their desire for him to be the next Vice President of Ghana. But Togbe has not mandated anybody or group to “lobby” for his choice as running mate.”
It said the Asogli State Council has therefore apologised to the chiefs, kingmakers and the people of Asogli, and all others “for any shock and embarrassment they may have suffered.”
Despite many names that have come up former Minister of Education, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, remains the favorite.
Publication by Graphic online
The attention of the office of the Agbogbomefia, Togbe Afede XIV, has been drawn to news items published by the Daily Graphic and other major news outlets under the captions, “NDC running mate heats up: Naana Opoku-Agyemang leads pack – Togbe Afede’s name pops up” and “Togbe Afede Is ready to abdicate his stool to become Mahama’s running mate”.
The office of the Agbogbomefia would like to state the following:
The Agbogbomefia remains very passionate about the development of Ghana. Togbe did not work for a day in the US before returning to Ghana after completing his studies at Yale, owns no properties abroad, and considers his fortunes to be inextricably linked to those of the country. These explain Togbe’s willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with government to further the cause of development.
Many people and groups have approached Togbe over the years to leave chieftaincy and get more actively involved in the political leadership of the country. Togbe’s response had always been that there are many avenues available to Chiefs and Queens in the country to legally contribute their quota to national development.
A group of people who Identified themselves as “Change Makers Forum” were the latest to approach Togbe to consider joining President Mahama as his running mate for the 2024 Presidential election. Togbe responded that, as a patriotic citizen, he would not reject any opportunity to serve the country, but the choice of a running mate is the prerogative of the flag bearer who already knows him very well.
Togbe considers it a great honour that a group of well-intentioned professionals called on him to express their trust In him, and thus their desire for him to be the next Vice President of Ghana. But Togbe has not mandated anybody or group to “lobby” for his choice as running mate.
The Asogli State Council would like to apologize to the chiefs, kingmakers and the people of Asogli, and all others for any shock and embarrassment they may have suffered. The office of the Agbogbomefia operates an open-door policy and is open to communication, feedback, and inquiries from all citizens and stakeholders. We encourage Individuals or groups to reach out directly on any matters, concerns or suggestions that require attention.
