The Dodome Traditional Area in the Ho West District of the Volta Region has installed five new chiefs and linguists at a colourful ceremony held at Dodome Avexa.
The event brought together traditional leaders, queenmothers, elders, clergy, youth, and residents from the six Dodome communities that make up the traditional council, which are: Dodome Avexa, Dodome Tsikor, Dodome Teleafenu, Dodome Doglome, Dodome Awuisu, and Dodome Awlime.
Togbe Kpakpatriku IV, the Paramount Chief and President of the Dodome Traditional Council, expressed great joy at the occasion and charged the newly installed chiefs to remain steadfast in their service.
“Leadership is not always smooth. There will be good days and bad days. You must be wise, patient, and steadfast to overcome challenges,” he told the new leaders.
He cautioned them not to be deceived by the cheers and excitement of the moment, saying “Today you hear people shouting your names, but that will not always be the case. When the difficult days come with their ugly faces, you must hold firm.”
Togbe Kpakpatriku also urged the kingmakers not to distance themselves from the new chiefs, stressing that they would need guidance and support in carrying out their duties.
He further called for unity among the Dodome communities, to drive development in the area, stressing that “If we remain divided, progress will be slow. Those who oppose development must advise themselves so that Dodome can move forward.”
The Paramount Chief appealed to the government to prioritise road infrastructure (the Big push) in the area, noting that better roads would help the people of Dodome to tap into the national 24-hour economy policy.
The newly installed leaders were: Togbe Kodzani III, the Chief of Dodome Teleafenu; Togbe Dokpo VII, Dufia of Dodome Doglome; Mama Nyamadzorse V, Queenmother of the Tokor Clan; Tsiami Yiboe, Linguist of Dodome; and Tsiami Amenuvor, Linguist of the Adzivivi Clan.
Apostle Newton Kwame Dzator of the Christian Assembly Church, who delivered an exhortation at the event, advised the new traditional leaders and linguists to serve with humility.
“Submit yourselves to the Paramount Chief, the Queenmother, the elders, and the people you lead. Leadership is about service, not pride. May God bless your reign,” he said.
Mamaga Enagbe III, the Paramount Queenmother of the Dodome Traditional Area, also urged the youth to unite and contribute to the growth of the area.
She said no son or daughter from the area could work in isolation, but they must work together for the development of Dodome .
The ceremony, marked with drumming, dancing, and traditional rites, reaffirmed the importance of unity, humility, and service in traditional leadership.
Residents expressed optimism that the new chiefs and linguists would foster peace and development in Dodome while preserving the customs and values of their forebears.
The installation added a renewed sense of hope and responsibility for the Dodome Traditional Area as it seeks progress through unity and strong leadership.