Accra: The 4th edition of the Summit of Ewe Chiefs from Ghana, Togo, and Benin, has renewed calls for unity, cultural preservation, and stronger collaboration among Ewe-speaking communities across the three countries. The event, held in Ho, formed part of this year’s Asogli Te Za celebrations. It brought together chiefs, queen mothers, scholars, and cultural advocates to deliberate on the future of Ewe identity and heritage.
According to Ghana News Agency, Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, called for ‘total unity’ among Ewes, emphasizing that the people shared one destiny and must work together to shape their future. He highlighted the importance of language as a unifying tool, describing Ewe as ‘complex yet rich,’ and urged scholars to simplify it for younger generations to learn to write and speak easily. Togbe Afede revealed that they are working with the Ghana State Books Authority to rewrite Ewe textbooks and record their history, rites, and rituals for posterity.
He further advised parents to teach their children the richness of the Ewe language, stating, ‘We must give our children the gift of our heritage.’ The Agbogbomefia also emphasized the role of chiefs in ensuring progress, asserting that as leaders, they must guide the development of their communities. Expressing gratitude to chiefs from Togo, particularly from the King Agorkoli kingdom, Togbe Afede acknowledged their presence as a demonstration of commitment to unity and peace. He pledged to convert his residence into a museum to preserve indigenous artifacts and called on citizens holding cultural items to release them for educational purposes.
Addressing challenges, he warned against greed among chiefs and citizens and urged the adoption of values such as tolerance, love, humility, and mutual respect. ‘These societal values are what will drive our progress as Eweland,’ he stated. Togbe Afede proposed the formation of an ‘Ewe Chiefs Union’ and suggested that a constitution, standing orders, and election of executives could be established, with project agendas to follow. He pledged seed money to launch the union’s activities, adding that chiefs should meet more frequently, not just once a year.
The summit also saw the introduction of a book for the Africa Traditional Leadership Institute (ATLI), a platform aimed at documenting indigenous governance systems. Professor Kodzo Gavua, an archaeologist and ethnographer, stated that language and false historical accounts were used by colonial powers-Denmark, Germany, France, and Britain-to divide the Ewes. He lamented that colonial education replaced Ewe identity with English and French. Prof Gavua noted that German colonial records deliberately portrayed King Agorkoli as wicked to weaken Ewe unity, and he urged the restoration of true Ewe history and recognition of the contributions of Ewe queen mothers.
Dr. John Cliff Afele, a development specialist, called for a strong foundation of collective leadership among Ewe chiefs to drive the unity agenda forward. Mr. Mawuli Klu, Co-Chairperson of the Sankofakuumba Pan-Afrikan Reparations Community of Practice, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need for Africans to reclaim knowledge, protect the environment, and uphold rituals. ‘The Whiteman will only respect us when we know ourselves,’ Mr. Klu declared. On reparations, he suggested that the process must focus on correcting the destruction caused by colonialism through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Representing Togbuiga Agorkoli, Togbe Dzidzorli Detu X of Togo, commended the summit’s speakers for their insights and called for concrete plans to implement the proposals. The gathering drew chiefs and queen mothers from various locales, including Takla, Bator, Vakpo, Kpando, Akoefe, Peki, Togo, and Benin, as well as Nene Nuer Keteku IV, Paramount Chief of the Agotime Traditional Council. In a symbolic gesture, Togbega Awuku Anipati, Paramount Chief of the Mefe Traditional Area, made a special presentation to Togbe Afede XIV, underscoring the shared bonds of unity.