The SkyPlus Hotel in Ho was filled with reverence and reflection as distinguished guests from across the Volta Region gathered for the 2nd Annual Memorial Lecture in honor of the late Togbega Noagbesenu III, Fiaga of the Awate Traditional Area.
Hosted by the Togbega Noagbesenu III Foundation, the event brought together traditional leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders to celebrate the life and legacy of a leader who remains a beacon of hope and integrity.
In her heartfelt welcome address, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Ephraim, underscored the significance of the occasion.
“Today, we gather here to remember and celebrate the life and legacy of a great traditional leader who was not only a beacon of hope and inspiration to his people but also a symbol of wisdom, integrity, and good governance,” she stated.
Distinguished Guests and Their Role in Upholding Tradition
The event saw the presence of high-profile dignitaries, including His Lordship Justice Jones Dotse, Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana; representatives of the Volta Regional Minister and the Volta Region House of Chiefs; and leaders from various traditional councils.
Also in attendance were government officials, national representatives, patrons of the Foundation, and members of the Awate Traditional Council. Their collective presence highlighted the continued importance of traditional leadership in fostering peace and development.
Elizabeth Ephraim emphasized the critical role of traditional leaders in contemporary governance, saying, “Your presence here today underscores the significance of traditional leadership and the crucial role it plays in promoting good governance, peace, and development in our society.”
Celebrating the Legacy of Togbega Noagbesenu III
Togbega Noagbesenu III was remembered as a leader who embodied wisdom and dignity, dedicating his life to serving his community.
His influence extended beyond his immediate jurisdiction, setting a standard for traditional governance across Ghana. The lecture aimed to honor these contributions while creating awareness about the importance of maintaining traditional values and principles in leadership.
“This memorial lecture serves as a platform for fruitful discussions, constructive dialogue, and mutual learning among all participants,” Ephraim noted. She called for collective efforts to uphold the ideals of good governance, unity, and progress that Togbega Noagbesenu III championed.
A Platform for Dialogue and Learning
The event provided a crucial space for dialogue among chiefs, queen mothers, and leaders from both governmental and non-governmental sectors.
Discussions focused on the role of traditional leaders in addressing contemporary challenges, fostering unity, and promoting sustainable development. Ephraim expressed hope that the gathering would inspire collaborative efforts to strengthen traditional leadership structures.
A Tribute to Community Service and Integrity
Throughout the ceremony, speakers paid tribute to Togbega Noagbesenu III’s unwavering commitment to his people.
His leadership style, characterized by integrity and a deep sense of duty, continues to resonate within the Awate Traditional Area and beyond. “His leadership qualities continue to inspire us to this day,” Ephraim reflected, urging attendees to carry forward his legacy.
Looking Forward
As the lecture concluded, there was a renewed sense of purpose among participants to uphold traditional leadership values and integrate them into modern governance frameworks. The event also emphasized the role of foundations like the Togbega Noagbesenu III Foundation in preserving cultural heritage and promoting development.
In closing, Ephraim expressed her gratitude to all attendees, saying, “Your continued support and commitment to the ideals of traditional leadership and good governance are not taken for granted. Let us honor the memory of Togbega Noagbesenu III by continuing to uphold these principles in our communities.”
Conclusion
The 2nd Annual Memorial Lecture not only honored the life of a remarkable leader but also served as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of traditional leadership in Ghana’s socio-political landscape. As attendees left the SkyPlus Hotel, the legacy of Togbega Noagbesenu III echoed in their hearts—a call to unity, integrity, and progress for the Volta Region and beyond.