Tanko Atokple Urges Ewes To End Rivalries And Speak With One Voice

Member of Ghana’s Council of State, H.E. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, has issued a strong call for greater unity among the Ewe people, warning that internal rivalries could undermine efforts to advance the interests of the Volta Region.

Addressing the ongoing 2026 CEANA Conference in Maryland, Mr Kwamigah-Atokple said greater cooperation among traditional leaders, political actors and the wider Ewe community is necessary if the people are to maximise their collective strength.

He said divisions and petty rivalries must give way to togetherness, mutual support and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for the people.

According to him, the Ewe community has significant numbers, human resources and international networks, but the full strength of those assets can only be realised when the people work together.

He particularly challenged Ewe leaders and institutions to create an environment where they can “support one another, speak for one another and create opportunities for one another.”

Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple also connected the call for unity to the need to attract meaningful investment into the Volta Region.

He said the region has significant opportunities in agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare and technology, alongside a young population ready to work and establish businesses.

But he cautioned that attracting investors should not be reduced to simply announcing that an investor has arrived in Ghana.

He said the critical questions should be whether an investment will create jobs, transfer skills, develop local suppliers, introduce technology, increase production and open markets for Ghanaian businesses.

The Council of State Member said young people across communities including Anloga, Ho, Keta, Kpando, Aflao and Abutia need practical opportunities rather than repeated assurances that Ghana has potential.

He challenged CEANA and the Ewe diaspora to help connect international investors, universities, professional networks and businesses to opportunities in the Volta Region.

He also urged participants to judge the success of the CEANA Conference by what happens after the gathering not merely by the speeches delivered or the number of people present.

He asked participants to consider which partnerships would begin, which investors could be introduced to Ghana, which institutions could establish collaborations, which young people could receive mentorship, and which businesses could be established to create employment.

Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple said his vision is for the diaspora, government, academic institutions, the private sector and international partners to work together to transform ideas into tangible opportunities.

He concluded with a message that captured the central theme of his address: the distance between Maryland and the Volta Region should not prevent people living abroad from contributing to development at home.

For him, the relationship with the homeland should ultimately be measured by the opportunities, institutions, businesses and sustainable development that the connection produces.