By Selasi Aklotsoe Mensah.
The Agave Traditional Area, a suburb of South Tongu in the Volta Region, has outdoored Torgbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV as Paramount Chief after 16 years.
The event took place on 14th April, 2025 at the Palace of the Late Togbega Degenu Azaxie III in Dabala.
Torgbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV in his opening speech felt humbled but understands the responsibility of leading a Traditional Area, he said; ‘ I stand before you today, humbled and grateful, as I accept the sacred responsibility of leading Agave Traditional Area. I am deeply thankful for the trust you have placed in me, and I pledge to work tirelessly to promote the welfare and prosperity of Agave”
He added that his vision is to see to the unity amongst the people of Agave with a focus on the youth: “As your newly installed Paramount Chief, my vision is to promote unity among our people, for it is through unity that we can achieve greater development.
“We must recognize that our strength lies not in our individual achievements but in our collective efforts. We must strive to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity, where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute. By working together, we can overcome challenges, tap into our diverse skills and expertise, and create opportunities for growth and progress
“Let us create opportunities for our youth, support our vulnerable members, and promote peace and harmony within our community” Torgbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV added.
Togbe Agbete Gbiedzi Boatrie VII, Domefiaga of Agave and Divisional Chief of Goloe Clan; Torgbe Kavi VI, Miamefiaga of Agave and Divisional Chief of the Tsivie Clan; Togbe Yelu Keteni Vi, Ngorgbefiaga of Agave and Divisional Chief of Tsiala Clan; Togbe Vigbedor Agah V, Dusifiaga of Agave and Divisional Chief of Kudzragbe Clan; Togbe Anorba Sasraku IV, Divisional Chief Agormidro Clan; Togbe Abordor VIII, the Divisional Head Chief Of Anyigbe Clan were all present and took the oath of allegiance to Togbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV.
Profile Of Torgbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV
Known in private life as Mr. Joseph Akakpo Awuye, Togbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV is a seasoned professional engineer with over 50 years of experience in both private and public sectors, he possesses a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership skills.
He has undergone extensive training in Ghana and internationally.Including institutions like Beijing Metropolitan Assembly Training (2010); Carl Bro International University, Copenhagen (2000); Certificate Course on Plant Maintenance for Engineers, Kitukushu Technical University, Japan (1997), Management Development for Engineers Certificate, Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), Accra (1984); and a Full Technological Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Institution of Plant Engineers, Britain (1977).
Togbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV who was born on 14th June, 1951, is currently the Technical Director of Meskworld Company Limited. He was the Chief Technical Engineer at Accra Metropolitan Assembly from 1980-2014 and the Mechanical Foreman of the State Gold Mining Cooperation from 1976-1979.
His father is Mr. Dumah Awuye Kpobi son of Awuye Kpobi from Kpekorfe Agave Goloe village and his mother Mad. Amenyeku Fiagbenu from Mafi Adidome Kpogede and from Toh/Tovie Clan.
Background
The Paramountcy has been vacant since the passing of the late Togbega Degenu Azaxie III in 2009.
However, the name Prince Koffi Adiabo appeared to the people of Agave as the Paramount Chief, a few years after the unfortunate demise of Togbega Degenu Azaxie III.
His position was vehemently challenged by the Chiefs and some close members of the Adiabo family. This is captured in a suit *NO: VRP.4/2013* filed against Prince Koffi Adiabo.
In 2016, a request was made to the then Minister of Chieftaincy And Traditional Affairs at the time signed by the then Member of Parliament for South Tongu, Hon. Woyome to assist in resolving a chieftaincy conflict to make way for the installation and outdooring of a Chief, Prince Koffi Adiabo who had allegedly been installed and outdoored in 2012.
On 16th October, 2021 another ceremony was reportedly held at Dabala at the residence of Mr. Godfred Agbesi Woyome for the installation and outdooring of Mr. Prince Koffi Adiabo.
This event was rejected by some Chiefs including Togbe Abordor VIII which nearly resulted in civil unrest for the Agave State.
Later, a gazette was circulated with the names Edward Allan Agbeti or Edward Agbeti as Togbega Xedihor Hlitabo IV.
The names raised concerns but there was no basis until another person with the same names Edward Allan Agbeti filed a complaint to the Ghana Police Service and Ghana Education Service for forgery of official documents and impersonation against Mr. Prince Kofi Adiabo for the unauthorised use of his names and credentials.
Mr. Edward Allan Agbeti (also known as Prince Koffi Adiabo) is the Headmaster of Dzodze-Penyi Penyi Senior High School (DZOSEC).
Following the complainant, the Ghana Education Service (GES) interdicted him and has since been invited but has not shown up.
Subsequently the family of Mr. Prince Koffi Adiabo made a public statement, represented by Mr. Wise Adiabo, and reprimanded the behaviour of the Headmaster of DZOSEC and the embarrassment his actions has brought the family; declaring that the names Edward Allan Agbeti is not part of their family lineage.
Next, Divisional Wing Chiefs of Agave declared the Paramountcy vacant and have since installed and outdoored Torgbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV as Paramount Chief of Agave.
Togbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV has gone through rituals which took place at Avegagome (the foundation or founding village of Agave) and the first rituals performed in Afedome, Kpogede at Deli’s Shrine.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are not that of the newspaper but that of the writer. Contact: selasiaklotsoe@gmail.com
