By Michael Foli Jackidy
Dzodze (V/R), July 2, GNA – Torgbui Adzenu III, the Divisional Chief of Dzodze Afeyeme-Agorgorme-Sreme in the Ketu North Municipality, has congratulated Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II, the Awadada of Anlo, on his successful graduation with a Master of Arts degree.
Togbe Awusu graduated with a Master’s in Gender, Peace and Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra.
The graduation ceremony, held on Friday, brought together traditional rulers, family members, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the Awadada’s academic achievement and his commitment to peacebuilding and inclusive leadership.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the ceremony, which he attended with Mr Emmanuel Zilevu, the Stool Father of Torgbui Dey III, Torgbui Adzenu described the achievement as a remarkable milestone that demonstrated the value of lifelong learning and service to humanity.
He said the Awadada’s decision to pursue postgraduate studies at the age of 75 should inspire traditional authorities, public servants and the youth to embrace continuous education, stressing that age should never be a barrier to acquiring knowledge.
“The Awadada has shown that learning is a lifelong journey. If a traditional leader at the age of 75 can pursue higher education in Gender, Peace and Security, then our young people have every reason to remain committed to education, discipline and national development,” he said.
Torgbui Adzenu noted that the specialised programme would further equip the Awadada with advanced knowledge and practical skills to strengthen peacebuilding, conflict resolution, gender inclusion and social cohesion within the Anlo State and beyond.
The Divisional Chief, who chaired the 2023 Mini Hogbetsotso Festival at Anlo Afiadenyigba, said the experience had deepened his appreciation of the rich cultural heritage, unity and enormous development potential of the Anlo State.
He appealed to the youth to desist from the abuse of hard drugs and other harmful substances, saying drug abuse continued to undermine the health, productivity and future of many young people.
“The future of Anlo depends on its young people. They must protect their health, pursue education, work hard and avoid drug abuse so they can contribute meaningfully to the development of our communities,” he stated.
Torgbui Adzenu also urged citizens of the Anlo State, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite behind a common vision for development, noting that peace, unity and collective action remained indispensable for sustainable progress.
He said Anlo possessed the human and cultural resources to become one of Ghana’s most vibrant traditional areas if its people worked together in harmony and remained committed to the common good.
Expressing confidence in the leadership of the Awadada, he said the knowledge acquired through the master’s programme would strengthen traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, promote peaceful coexistence and contribute to the socio-economic development of the Anlo State, the Volta Region and Ghana.
“The future of Anlo and the Volta Region depends on united people. Peace, unity and education are indispensable ingredients for sustainable development, and every citizen has a responsibility to uphold them,” he added.
Torgbui Adzenu also commended the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre for building the capacity of traditional leaders and other stakeholders in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and security governance across Africa.
He wished the Awadada continued good health, wisdom and success in his traditional leadership, expressing the hope that his academic accomplishment would inspire many others to pursue lifelong learning in the service of peace, unity and national development.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah