The Divisional Wing Chiefs and people of the Agave Traditional Area in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region have sent a petition President John Dramani Mahama, seeking his intervention in what they describe as “systematic and unlawful interference in Agave Chieftaincy affairs by the Woyome brothers and their associates” by the Woyome brothers and their associates.
In an unusual move for a Traditional Council, the Chiefs staged a peaceful demonstration from Dabala – the residence of the late Torgbega Degenu Azaxie III – through major streets to Sogakofe, citing more than a decade of unresolved disputes and obstruction.
Demonstrators carried placards highlighting concerns about the roles allegedly played by Alfred Agbesi Woyome, Kwabla Mensah Woyome (former MP), the Attorney-General, the Police Service, and Tepre Hodo – President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs.
A principal banner stated:
“Agave Cheifs Stand United Against Impunity, fraud, abuse of political authorities by the Woyome brothers. Woyome brothers leave our Traditional Council alone”.
Images of the Woyome brothers and Koffi Adiabo—the interdicted Dzodze-Penyi Headmaster—featured prominently.
Several placards bore bold questions and accusations, including:
“Torgbega Xedihor: Certificate or Cement Dealer?”
“Hedihor Hlitabo IV your certificate is fake”
“AG/Police: Where is Agbeti’s docket?”
“Fake Chiefs: Woyome is installing puppet sub-chiefs to create an illusion of legitimacy”
“Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Key Concerns Raised
The Chiefs contend that the installation and gazetting of Edward Allan Agbeti (Prince Koffi Adiabo) as Paramount Chief was conducted in violation of legal and traditional processes. They accuse Tepre Hodo, in his capacity as President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, of facilitating the process despite a court injunction.
According to Togbe Boatre VII, who addressed the protest:
“The Woyome brothers along with Tepre Hodo of the Regional House of Chiefs, have installed and gazetted a self-styled Paramount Chief in Agave …. This was done despite Tepre Hodo being served with an injunction against the process”.
The Chiefs further allege that the Woyome brothers have started “to install a cohort of puppet Chiefs who will swear allegiance to their chosen Paramount Chief, creating a facade of legitimacy with Mr. Kwabla Mensah Woyome also pronouncing Bans on drumming and noise making which is the sole duty of the Chief Priest ‘Adzemunor”.
The leadership of Agave maintains that these actions, if unchecked, poses risks to public order and the stability of the Traditional Area.
Reliefs Requested
In a petition submitted through the South Tongu District Chief Executive, the Chiefs outlined several requests:
- Recovery of the keys to the Agave Traditional Council building from the Woyome brothers, enabling the Volta Regional House of Chiefs to operationalize the council.
- Immediate cessation of the use of the Woyome residence as a palace for outdooring chiefs.
- Release of the investigative docket concerning Prince Koffi Adiabo for possible prosecution.
- Revocation of the gazette of Prince Koffi Adiabo and a formal investigation into how the gazetting occurred.
- Investigation of Holy Kofi Ahiabu regarding alleged incitement and threats against the Chiefs and people of Agave.
- Provide full support and protection of the current Paramount Chief, who has been rightfully installed based on customs and traditions of Agave along with all the legitimate Wing Chiefs and Divisional Chiefs operating with him.
- Protection of Agave citizens from alleged intimidation linked to powerful individuals and compromised security officers.
- Support for the District Police Commander, commending him for adherence to due process.
- Directive to Alfred Agbesi Woyome and associates to cease actions that may further inflame tensions in the Traditional Area.
