By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Kpedze, Sept. 18, GNA – The Chiefs of the Kpedze Traditional Area in the Ho West District have smoked the peace pipe to formally end 15 years of tension and acrimony and to restore unity among traditional leaders.
The reconciliation was marked on Wednesday, at Kpedze, where chiefs representing Kpedze Todze, Awlime, Salama, Sreme and Anoe exchanged pleasantries with Togbega Kpekpematsor Atsrimdom V, the Paramount Chief of Kpedze, in a symbolic demonstration of renewed peace.
The ceremony followed mediation by the District Security Council (DISEC), led by Mr Francis Dussey, the Ho West District Chief Executive, which facilitated engagements among the traditional leaders and other stakeholders to resolve the longstanding differences.
As part of the reconciliation process, a traditional ritual was performed to revoke an oath reportedly sworn by some chiefs not to engage with Togbega Kpekpematsor Atsrimdom V in any form.
The chiefs subsequently participated in the peace-pipe ceremony following an appeal by DISEC for reconciliation, unity and renewed cooperation among the traditional leaders.
Among the Chiefs present were Togbe Okumka V of Kpedze Todze, Togbe Kekrebesi VI of Kpedze Anoe and Fiator Senyo Buatsi of Kpedze Sreme, alongside other traditional leaders and stakeholders.
The reconciliation was also attributed to sustained efforts by youth leaders from the four Kpedze communities and other eminent citizens who worked behind the scenes to promote dialogue, understanding and peaceful resolution of the differences.
With calm restored, the chiefs are expected to return to the traditional enclave and continue engagements towards addressing outstanding issues amicably and advancing the development interests of Kpedze.
Traditional rites performed during the ceremony symbolised the renewal of unity and restoration of bonds among the traditional leaders.
Reacting to the development, Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, the Member of Parliament for Ho West, said: “To God be the glory; this is what they have been praying for all these years. Thanks to all who made this possible. God bless you all.”
Togbe Duneyo I, the Development Chief of Kpedze, also expressed joy at the restoration of peace, saying he was happy that “at long last peace has returned and we can all celebrate together.”
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah