Ho, June. 15, GNA – Club 50, a social club in Ho, has delved into the issues surrounding the return of the Ex-Gratis by Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State by responding to Mr Paul Adom Otchere.
Mr Adom Otchere, an Accra-based Journalist, according to the Club, is said to have launched scathing attacks on Togbe Afede on Metro TV.
The Club said, “Agbogbomefia’s only crime for which he was being crucified by Mr Adom Otchere was Togbe’s bold decision to return his ex-gratia of GH¢365,000 to the State, which in his principled opinion, was not well deserved after he had already been paid salaries and other allowances for the services rendered as a Member of Council of State.”
A statement signed by Mr D. K. Pi-Bansah, the Secretary of the Club in a signed statement noted that Togbe Afede is a “self-made man.”
It noted that Togbe was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth but by dint of hard work, tenacity of purpose and self-discipline, made it to this pinnacle.
“It is common knowledge that our revered Togbe owns a lot of businesses and very successful ones for that matter. So, it would be outrageous for someone like Adom Otchere to spite Togbe Afede for returning the amount.”
The statement said it was Togbe’s principle that one should not enjoy what he does not deserve and to him, he does not deserve the ex-gratia paid him.
“To add to that, Togbe has not prevented any other person from taking the ex-gratia so where lies Paul Adom’s peeve?
“The Agbogbomefia is after all not oblivious to the fact that there are numerous challenges confronting the Asogli State and the Volta Region as a whole but because he is not selfish, he has returned the money to the government chest to be used for the benefit of all Ghanaians.”
He asked, “is Paul Adom aware that Togbe Afede XIV the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State and his partners contributed to the COVID-19 fund, the Appiatse fund and recently donated some funds for the rebuilding of those communities in the Volta Region that were destroyed by tidal waves?”
It said it was on record that Togbe was not the first person to return money to the government chest nor is he the first to make sacrifices for the national good.
“Paul, what has changed? And where lies the hypocrisy in what Togbe Afede XIV the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State has done as you claim?.”
He said it was clear that Mr Adom Otchere was only out to tarnish the image and hard-earned reputation of the Agbogbomefia for reasons best known to him and his paymasters.”
The statement admonished Mr Otchere to immediately stop his vicious lies and vituperation of the revered chief.
“The entire people of Asogli have resolved to condemn your arrogance and vicious utterances but you should learn to respect and give honour to the selfless in society.”
It asked Mr Otchere to “swallow the humble pie and render an apology to Togbe Afede XIV the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, the people of Asogli State and the Volta Region.”
The release advised Mr Otchere to abide by principles and eschew stomach politics, always offer realistic suggestions on how to improve the dying economy to rescue impoverished Ghanaians and remember posterity judged humans by their words, deeds, and actions.
GNA