Accra: The Anlo Bate Clan and families of the late Togbi Adeladza II have renewed calls for Anlo Technical Institute's upgrade into a degree-awarding Technical University. The appeal was made at the 28th anniversary commemoration of Togbi Adeladza II, the 15th Awoamefia of Anlo Dukor, held at his residence in Anloga.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Alex Adzinku, son of the late Awoamefia, lamented the lack of higher education facilities in the southern belt of the Volta Region, saying the situation continues to disadvantage young people in the area. He highlighted that apart from Ho Technical University and the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho, there are no such institutions in the region. Mr. Adzinku stressed the need for a Technical University in the Anlo-Keta area to train the skilled workforce necessary for national development, which would also alleviate pressure on Ho-based institutions and expand access to quality higher education.
Mr. Adzinku further warned of a 'brain drain,' as young people are forced to migrate to larger cities like Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Winneba, and Ho for higher education opportunities. Togbi Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VI, Bate Fiaga and Dufia of Anyako-Konu, who delivered the keynote address, emphasized the potential economic transformation a Technical University would bring to the area. He noted that such a project would create jobs, provide accommodation opportunities, and stimulate commerce and industry throughout the Anlo-Keta region.
Togbi Gligui VI also called on traditional leaders in Anlo State to unite and support development projects of this nature. He stressed that without unity, traditional authorities could not lead meaningful advocacy for initiatives of this scale.
The commemoration gathered chiefs and queen mothers, including respected leaders from various regions, to honor the legacy of Togbi Adeladza II. Togbi Adeladza II, born Mr. Fred Kofi Adinku, ascended the Awoamefia stool in 1957 and ruled for 40 years until his passing in 1997. He is remembered for instituting the Anlo Hogbetsotso Festival in 1962 and advocating for significant infrastructural projects like the Keta-Anloga-Dabala highway, Anlo Technical Institute, Anlo Secondary School, and the Anlo Health Centre.
Mr. Adzinku mentioned to the GNA that the family, in collaboration with the Anlo Dukor Council and stakeholders, is planning a grand 30th anniversary celebration in 2027. He expressed optimism that by then, progress would be made towards elevating ANTECH into a Technical University.
