Asogli Palace rejects gift from Ken Ayapong ahead of Yam Festival

Leaders of the Asogli Palace on Friday, denied Hon. Kennedy Agyapong entree to the Paramount Chief of the Asogli Traditioanal Area Togbe Afede XIV, as he sat in state.

The Assin Central MP was there to pay homage to the Chief, who had been receiving representatives of corporate, social, and political organisations while sitting in state at the peak of the Asogli Yam Festival.

Hon. Agyepong had earlier received a rousing welcome upon entry into the packed grounds and took a seat across the Agbogbomefia and other chiefs of the State.

However, for what seemed like an hour, cupbearers of the MP were seen engaging with the chiefs and officials of the Asogli State, as he sat waiting while other dignitaries and patrons appeared before the Chief and offered their gifts.

The Ghana News Agency reported that, after a while, the MP’s gifts were taken out of the Palace grounds by his aides, and he eventually took his leave. The gifts included drinks.

Mr Stephen Tetteh, the Secretary of the Asogli Council told the Ghana News Agency that the rejection of the items may be due to some disparaging comments the MP made against Togbe Afede while the Paramount Chief was the Board Chairman of the National Investment Bank.

Meanwhile, leaders of the New Patriotic Party in the region, who had appeared before the Agbogbomefia refused to comment on the MPs exit. They presented a ram, drinks, and cash, and said the Asogli State contributed significantly to the unity within the Party.

The Agbogbomefia sits in state on the eve of Saturday’s grand durbar to receive well-wishers and their donations in support of the Festival and the Asogli Education Fund.

This year’s theme is: “Lets Eschew Greed and Unite for the Development of our People.

Asogli Te Za, popularly known as Asogli Yam Festival is a harvest festival celebrated by the Asogli State and its surrounding areas such as Sokode, Abutia Klefe and Akrofu.

The festival is celebrated annually by the Togbewo, Mamawo and the people of Asogli State in the Volta Region.

It is celebrated in September to thank God, the gods and ancestors for a bumper harvest, and as an occasion to offer prayers for good health and prosperity.