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The President-Elect of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has thanked the Chiefs and peoples of the Volta Region for their ‘unprecedented’ support and help for him and the New Patriotic Party in the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Addressing a ceremony at Ho, on Saturday, December 17, 2016, to celebrate the election of Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, as President of the National House of Chiefs, Nana Akufo-Addo indicated that, even though the results from the region fell short of the expectations of the party, the NPP did far better in 2016 than it did in 2012.

“We even have a parliamentary seat and the votes of the NPP presidential candidate went up to almost 18% of the votes cast in this region. This is unprecedented and I thank the people of Volta for their support,” he said.

The President-Elect, in his brief remarks, recalled the statement made by Togbe Afede, during the former’s visit to the region, on October 28, 2016, where the Agbogbomefia indicated that the Volta Region was not a loyal housewife, waiting for a husband who only came home when he was hungry.

“You said the Volta Region was a beautiful bride, awaiting an appropriate suitor. The NPP has taken Togbe at his word and we shall continue to woo the Volta Region until we marry the bride. I am particularly pleased that the Volta Region has been part of the clear message that the people of Ghana gave on December 7. I promise you that I as President will never forget that message,” he added.

President-Elect Akufo-Addo assured the people of the Volta Region that his government “will always remember that the people of Ghana expect the quality of their lives to improve. We shall always remember that Ghanaians want to be treated with dignity.”

“We shall always remember that the Ghanaian people will punish impunity and corruption. We shall always remember that the Ghanaian people want the rule of law to be upheld, and strict respect for due process to be observed.”

To this end, Nana Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to fulfilling the pledges made to the people of the region during the electioneering campaign, stressing that “an election is a compact between those who vote and those they vote for. I promise you, we shall keep our side of the compact. We shall keep our promises.” 

The President-Elect, with the permission of the Agbogbomefia, used the occasion to say a “special thank you to the NPP members and supporters in the Volta Region. You have worked hard and we appreciate your dedication. It is not an easy task to operate in the stronghold of your opponents. We are proud of you and we thank you.”

Nana Akufo-Addo also saluted the peaceful and dignified manner the Ghanaian people exercised their sovereign power on December 7, explaining that “it has enhanced the image of our nation.”

He concluded that “the future of our country is bright” and encouraged all Ghanaians, from every part of the country “to put our shoulders to the wheel as a united people, work hard and we will achieve the prosperity that we all want. We can do it. Let us do it together.”

To the new President of the National House of Chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV, Nana Akufo-Addo noted that “you are in a great position to help in the modernisation of this institution. You come to the position with great credentials and I am sure you will get the support of other like-minded chiefs to help you.”

He added, “For my part, I intend to work with you at all levels – traditional councils, regional houses of chiefs and national houses of chiefs to enhance the governance of our nation, especially since my recent installation as Togbe Dunenyo Dzigbordi I, I am one of you.”

A representative of Torgbui Agorkoli, Paramount Chief of Notsie in Togo, who was also present at the ceremony, congratulated President-Elect Akufo-Addo on his victory. He invited Nana Akufo-Addo to the celebration of the Hogbetsotso festival in the coming year.

Nana Akufo-Addo, who spoke in French, thanked Torgbui Agorkoli for his kind gesture, and assured that he would do his best to be present at the festival. He also sent, through the Notsie Chief, fraternal greetings to Togolese President, His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé.