Making his first pronouncement on the political stalemate in Ghana’s immediate neighbour, the President said, “I cannot be idle.”

He recounted that 10 days ago, the President of Togo had visited him while he was on a tour of the Northern Region in Tamale, saying they had a length and productive discussion.

The President said similarly, he was in touch with other political players in Togo towards finding solutions to the situation.

A plea by Togbega Fiti

President Akufo-Addo made the remarks when the paramount chief of the Aflao Traditional Area, Togbega Amenya Fiti V, led a delegation from the area to pay a courtesy call on him at the Flagstaff House on Monday.

Togbega Fiti had appealed to the President to use his vast experience and knowledge to help restore calm in Togo.

The President said he shared the same sentiments as those of the chiefsand people of Aflao, and that his plea had fallen on “sympathetic ears”.

He said while efforts were underway towards the restoration of peace and order in that country, there was the need for all to keep praying that a peaceful settlement was found for the situation so that the people of that country could go about their lives normally.

The President also called on Togbega Fiti to support the government in ensuring that the 24-hour opening of the Ghana-Togo border was not abused by criminals and smugglers.

Mobilise people against smugglers

When that happened, President Akufo-Addo said, the purpose for openingthe border for 24 hours would not benefit the ordinary people.

“Mobilise the population to act against syndicates and criminals who will want to use the border for smuggling activities,” the President urged.

On the creation of a new municipality out of Ketu South for the people of Aflao, the President said he had done some work on that proposal and that the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development was ready to meet with the chiefs of Aflao towards ensuring the creation of the new municipality.

President Akufo-Addo stressed the government’s commitment to working hand in hand with traditional leaders to deliver good governance to the people of Ghana.

Aflao people grateful

For his part, Togbega Fiti expressed the gratitude of the people of Aflao to the President for the directive that the border be opened for 24 hours for the free movement of people and goods.

He was also appreciative of the number of initiatives that had been implemented by the President, saying already, the President was going down in history as one of the best individuals to have ruled the country.

Togbega Fiti appealed to the President to help quicken the creation of the Aflao Traditional Council, saying the autonomy of the Aflao Traditional Council was non-negotiable.