Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has said government cannot develop Ghana alone, noting that development is a shared responsibility.
He says traditional authorities, local government institutions, religious organisations, the private sector, civil society and citizens alike, must all play their part in ensuring a holistic development for the nation.
Speaking at the 2026 Asogli Yam Festival, also known as Asogli Teza, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Ayariga said this year’s theme speaks directly to the aspirations of government and the country.
“This year’s theme, Unity in Purpose, Investing in People and Infrastructure for Sustainable National Development, is therefore very appropriate and speaks directly to the aspirations of this government and our country as a whole,” he said.
Touching on the first part of the theme, he said it is a call for collective action, stressing on the role of the traditional authority in realising the vision of unity and the critical role they play in the development partnership..
“The first part of the theme, Uniting in Purpose, reminds us that development is a shared responsibility. Government cannot develop Ghana alone,” he stated.
“We need the active participation of traditional authorities, local government institutions, religious organizations, the private sector, civil society, and citizens as a whole. Our traditional leaders have a particularly important role in this partnership,” he added.
According to him, unity and peace are non-negotiable for development. “Togbewo, Mamawo, Nananom, unity and peace remains the cornerstone of development. Without unity and peace, our dreams of prosperity cannot be realized,” he said.
He said festivals like Teza offer lessons in coexistence, sharing how it spells the shared responsibility of both the State and traditional authority in dispute resolution.
“Festivals such as the Yam Festival reminds us of the importance of unity, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence. It is our shared responsibility as government, as traditional leaders, and as citizens to ensure that disputes are resolved amicably,” he added.
This year’s celebration also marked the 23rd Anniversary of the ascension of Togbe Afede XIV, as Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State.
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