Aflao: The Anlo Youth Council (AYC), representing the youth of Anlo, has made a call for unity among the 36 states of Anlo Dukor to ensure the region's development. The council emphasized the importance of collaboration in overcoming challenges such as economic hardship, cultural erosion, and youth unemployment, urging people to "build bridges, not walls."
According to Ghana News Agency, the statement from AYC was in response to Torgbui Amenyo Degbedzanyi III, the Akormefia of the Aflao Traditional Area. He had publicly denied any historical or constitutional ties between Aflao and Anlo, asserting that Aflao was a sovereign state with its own settlement and divisions. In a press release issued by Mr. Kenneth Kpedor, President of AYC, the council urged the people of Aflao to avoid statements that distort history and promote disunity.
The AYC highlighted the importance of recognizing Aflao as part of the larger Anlo family, describing unity as a powerful tool for addressing developmental challenges. The council criticized the divisive tendencies introduced by past political regimes, which have exploited differences for short-term gain while undermining collective strength. The council advocated for unity to harness cultural, intellectual, and economic resources for community transformation.
The press release, consisting of five points, referenced the Anlo Constitution of 1944, which includes Aflao as a constituent of Anlo Dukor. It argued against the claim that Aflao's ancestors migrated separately from other Anlo people, citing multiple scholarly works on Ewe history. The release also pointed out that Aflao shares genealogical and cultural ties with other Anlo divisions and that British colonial reports recognized Aflao as part of the Anlo coastal settlements.
The AYC affirmed that Aflao is an integral part of Anlo, based on history, constitution, and practice, while respecting the dignity and heritage of Aflao's people. The statement concluded with a call to honor the legacy of their ancestors who migrated together from Notsie and established the heritage celebrated in the Hogbetsotso festival.
