A 44-year-old Reverend Minister of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Rev. Richard Tagoe, has been enstooled Amanonehene of Abotakyi in the Akuapem Traditional Area of the Eastern Region, with a pledge to mobilise diaspora support and attract investment for the town’s development.
The businessman, who lives in Belgium, assumes the traditional title Nana Ohene Tagoe I.
The Amanonehene title is intended to promote the welfare of indigenes living abroad and mobilise their support for development projects in the town.
Following the traditional rites, Nana Ohene Tagoe I was carried shoulder-high and paraded through the principal streets of Abotakyi amid cheers, drumming and dancing.
At a ceremony at the Abotakyi chief’s palace on October 12, Nana Ohene Tagoe swore an oath of allegiance to the town’s chief, Nana Kwame Sakyi Ababio II.
The chief and elders said the traditional council introduced the Amanonehene title to strengthen relationships with indigenes and organisations outside Ghana and mobilise resources for local development.
The Abotakyihene said Nana Ohene Tagoe was selected because of his previous support for the town and his willingness to help raise funds from the diaspora.
“We decided to introduce such a title in the traditional area to help us mobilise the needed funds from the diaspora,” the chief said.
He added that the new Amanonehene had been recommended by someone familiar with his generosity and contributions to the community.
The chief also urged him to remain truthful in his efforts to solicit financial support for development initiatives.
“I believe that as a reverend minister, you will be truthful in all your undertakings when soliciting for financial support from the diaspora for the development of the town,” he said.
In an interview, Nana Ohene Tagoe I pledged to use his new position to promote infrastructure development and attract investors to Abotakyi.
He said he intended to connect the town with business-minded people willing to invest in projects that could create employment and improve livelihoods.
“I accept to be Amanonehene to bring in investors, business-minded people who will develop the town. I will help get the youth employed and reduce the unemployment and teenage pregnancy rate in town,” he said.
His appointment is expected to strengthen the town’s engagement with its diaspora as traditional leaders seek support for development and economic opportunities for residents.