Volta Regional House of Chiefs rejects recognition of Torgbui Samlafo IV as Paramount Chief
The Volta Regional House of Chiefs has voted to disapprove the recognition of Torgbui Samlafo IV as the Paramount Chief of Atsiame in the Avenor Traditional Area, following the submission of a Chieftaincy Declaration Form from the National House of Chiefs.
At its meeting in Ho on Thursday, September 4, 33 members voted against the approval, two voted in favour, 15 abstained, while six 6 were absent.
The declaration form, which originated from the National House of Chiefs, had listed Torgbui Samlafo IV as Paramount Chief of Atsiame and sought the endorsement of the Regional House to formally admit him as a member.
However, during deliberations, Torgbui Dorglo Anumah VI, Paramount Chief of the Avenor Traditional Area, raised strong objections to the approval.
Remarks of Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, on the matter sparked extensive debate among members.
After the discussions, the House proceeded to vote, ultimately rejecting the approval of Torgbui Samlafo IV.
The House is now expected to officially communicate its decision of disapproval to the National House of Chiefs.
Ghana News Agency (GNA) has gathered that an application was submitted to the National House of Chiefs seeking to elevate Torgbui Samlafo to the status of Paramount Chief.
The National House subsequently approved the application and issued a Chieftaincy Declaration Form designating him as the Paramount Chief of Atsiame.
The form, after securing approval from both the Research Committee and the Standing Committee of the Regional House, was later rejected by the full House following a vote.
Speaking in an interview with GNA, Torgbui Dorglo Anumah VI, Paramount Chief of the Avenor Traditional Area, expressed opposition to the declaration.
He explained that Atsiame was one of 13 clans within the Avenor Traditional Area, adding that “there is no such thing as a clan chief in the Volta Region.”
According to him, Torgbui Samlafo and his supporters were attempting to carve out Atsiame from the Avenor—an act he said he would fiercely resist.
Source: GNA