Atsiame: The elders and people of the Atsiame Clan in the Volta Region have publicly declared their rejection of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs' (VRHC) decision regarding Togbi Samlafo IV's qualification as the Paramount Chief of Atsiame. They argue that a committee established by the National House of Chiefs has already accepted and upheld Togbi Samlafo IV's elevation to this position.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Atsiame Clan conveyed their stance through a letter, expressing that the VRHC's decision 'could not stand.' This letter, signed by Mr. Samuel Davor, urged the public to 'disregard' the decision on Togbi Samlafo IV's 'disqualification.' The process for his elevation, along with 12 other chiefs, was initiated in 2015 by Togbi Sri III, the Awoamefia of Anlo State, but experienced delays due to misunderstandings.
The letter cited a communication from the VRHC dated February 28, 2024, which involved applications for paramountcy from Atsiamedukor, Viepe, and Sreme. The Registrar of the VRHC, acting under the President's directive, acknowledged Togbi Samlafo's position that the National House of Chiefs holds the mandate to investigate and approve paramountcies. Consequently, a three-member committee was formed by the National House of Chiefs to examine the matter, ultimately recommending Togbi Samlafo IV's elevation.
The National House of Chiefs, operating within its legal mandate, accepted and endorsed the committee's recommendation, affirming Togbi Samlafo IV as the Paramount Chief of Atsiame Traditional Area. Mr. Davor questioned the VRHC's decision to make a determination on a matter that had already received unanimous approval from the National House of Chiefs. He asserted that the VRHC's decision from September 4, 2025, should be disregarded for contradicting established records and due process.
The letter emphasized that the National House of Chiefs' report from July 2025 resolved all matters related to Togbi Samlafo IV's qualification. The issue arose after the Ghana News Agency reported on September 10, 2025, that the VRHC disapproved of Togbi Samlafo IV's recognition, following a vote where 33 members opposed, two supported, and 15 abstained.
During the VRHC meeting, objections were raised by Togbi Dorglo Anumah VI, the Paramount Chief of the Avenor Traditional Area, leading to a vote that resulted in the rejection of Togbi Samlafo's Chieftaincy Declaration form. Togbi Anumah explained that Atseame is one of the 13 clans within the Avenor Traditional Area, asserting that there is no provision for a clan chief in the area.
