Agbogbomefia of Asogli State Togbe Afede XIV, has envisaged that Ghana-Togo relations would be above the artificial colonial partitioning and protocols to demonstrate stronger and practical socio-economic linkages.
He observed that Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols are preventing easy trade and movement of people, goods and services.
Togbe Afede, also the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs was speaking at the 2013 Agbogboza (festival) of the chiefs and people of Notsie in the Republic of Togo, at the weekend.
He urged political leaders in the sub-region to be assertive and show commitment to the measures that would facilitate integration and accelerated development to the people.
�You know what to do. Refrain from paying lip-service to the people�s aspirations,� he said.
He said Ghana and Togo should redefine their socio-economic ties and strike strategic partnership with the traditional authorities to facilitate a borderless movement of people, goods and services.
Togbe Afede said the European Union is making colossal benefits from regionalisation and Africa must take a cue from it.
He said he intends to forge collaboration with Ewe-speaking traditional authorities in Ghana, Togo and Benin to exploit chieftaincy as a catalyst for socio-economic growth and change.
Togbui Agokoli IV, Paramount Chief of Notsie asked political leaders to resolve to tackle the problems of the masses especially the teeming youth by engaging them in fruitful ventures.
President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe of Togo commended Togbe Afede and Togbui Agokoli, for using chieftaincy as an institution to accelerate socio-cultural and economic integration of the two sister countries.
He pledged to strengthen Togo-Ghana relations.
Present at the function were Mr Aetheme Ahoomey-Zunu, Prime Minister of Togo, Mr Gilchrist Olympio, main opposition leader for the Union of Forces for Change, Togbi Amenya Fiti V, Fiaga of Aflao, Togbui Sri III, Awoamefia of Anlo State and chiefs from Benin.
More than 500 delegates on pilgrimage accompanied Togbe Afede to the ancestral home at Notsie, where history says the Ewe�s migrated in the 12th Century to their present abode.
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