Takla Traditional Area outdoors new Development Chief following demise of Togbe Nutefe I

Chiefs and people of the Takla Traditional Area in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region, led by Togbe Ayim Adzokoto II, Paramount Chief of the area, have outdoored Togbe Nutefe II, known in private life as Scott Gregory from Ohio City in the United States, as their new Development Chief.

According to the community, Togbe Nutefe II is a longstanding friend of the area and had visited the community on about four occasions before his installation.

His installation follows the passing of his predecessor, Togbe Nutefe I, who earned the title through his benevolent and philanthropic contributions to the community, largely undertaken through the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG).

Togbe Ayim Adzokoto II, under whose authority the installation was conducted, described the outdooring ceremony as a joyous and historic occasion for the people of Takla. He said the event marked the formal filling of a position that had remained vacant since the death of the former Development Chief, Reverend David Christensen.

Addressing a durbar of chiefs and community members, Togbe Ayim Adzokoto II led the gathering in observing a minute's silence in honour of the late Reverend Christensen. He reminded the people that their ancestors built the community on the values of unity, courage, truth, and service.

He, however, noted that the challenges confronting the community today are different, pointing to the need for modern schools, improved markets and roads, as well as skills development and employment opportunities for the youth.

The Paramount Chief explained that the role of the Development Chief is not to replace that of the traditional leadership but to serve as a bridge between tradition and modern development opportunities.

He said the new Development Chief would work under the guidance of the traditional council to mobilise resources, attract development partners, and ensure that projects are implemented transparently for the benefit of the entire community.

Charging Togbe Nutefe II to serve with dedication, the Paramount Chief urged him to remain loyal, truthful, and results oriented.

“Power without accountability is empty. Report to us, listen to the people, and never forget that you serve at the pleasure of the community,” he charged.

He also called on the people of Takla to support the new Development Chief, stressing that development is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of all stakeholders.