The Council of State Member for the Volta Region, Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, has advised one of the two chiefs in the Weta Traditional Area who is not gazetted to seek legal redress through the courts, rather than causing misunderstanding within the community.

Dr Kwamigah-Atokple made this statement on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM, during the Duamenefa Programme hosted by Abaas Seidu, when he was called to address the public on events that transpired during the Weta Morluza Festival (Rice Festival).

It was alleged that two chiefs had organised separate celebrations of the same festival, even though it was supposed to be a unified traditional event.

The Council of State member explained that two persons are currently laying claim to one paramount chieftaincy stool title, Torgbiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI.

According to him, one of the claimants has been officially gazetted, while the other has not yet received such legal recognition.

Dr Gabriel Kwamigah-Atokple, therefore, urged the chief without the gazette to challenge the decision through the law courts if he believes he has legitimate grounds, rather than causing conflict and division within the Weta Traditional Area.

He emphasised that any such challenge should be done peacefully and lawfully, stating that the court is the proper place for redress.

He further advised that until a final decision is made, all parties and their followers should respect and support the one currently holding the gazetted title and focus on the development of the Weta Traditional Area.

In citing an example, Dr Kwamigah-Atokple recounted a troubling incident that occurred at the Weta Council, where a site designated for community work was deliberately blocked with truckloads of sand.

According to him, one of the chiefs had tipped ten truckloads of sand at the venue, claiming that no one should use the place.

He said he had to personally arrange for an excavator to remove the sand before the activity could proceed, describing the act as “very unfortunate and uncalled for.”

He further disclosed that during the recent festival, he had invited special guests of high standing to witness the celebration and explore possible ways to assist in the development of the Weta Traditional Area.

However, just hours before the event, he said he received calls from the guests informing him that they had decided not to attend after hearing reports of misunderstandings and tensions at the festival grounds.

Despite his efforts to convince them otherwise, they maintained their decisions not to come.

Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah—Atokple lamented that while some of them are working tirelessly — even beyond Ghana’s borders — to attract investors for the development of their communities, others are busily fighting over titles, which only bring setbacks and disunity.

He bitterly expressed disappointment over the situation and urged the chiefs and people of Weta to exercise patience, focus their energies on development projects, and “fight for progress, not positions.”

He also emphasised that true leadership is shown through service and unity, not conflicts and divisions.

Dr Kwamigah-Atokple also revealed that, while speaking live on Fafaa 100.3 FM, he had before him an official letter from the Regional House of Chiefs in Ho.

He read the letter live on air, which listed the officially-recognised paramount chiefs in the Ketu North Municipality, including their private names, but which he did not disclose publicly out of respect for traditional norms.

He concluded that if anyone believes they have a rightful claim, they should proceed to court for justice, rather than causing misunderstanding in the community.

He further emphasised that, “We must all understand that we are governed by laws, and as traditional leaders and citizens, we must respect the law.”