十四世·托比·阿菲德大酋长

据口述记载，加纳东部沃尔塔地区阿索勾力王国的子民是从多哥 Notsie 地区迁徙而来，英雄 Asor 是阿索勾力王国建立者，他带领 Dogbos 族人及邻国人民凿穿 Notsie 厚壁，逃离了暴君 Togbe Agorkorli 的统治，直至 Mamattah 1976年，他的丰功伟绩仍被世代传颂着。

英雄 Asor 的后代十四世·托比·阿菲德（Togbe Afede XIV），现如今继承并统领着阿索勾力王国的发展和进步。

托比阁下众多成就之一，是将一年一度丰收节（当地被称为 “Yam Festival” 或 “Teza”）定位为加纳最棒的节日之一，阿索勾力王国更成为加纳乃至世界的一颗璀璨之星。所有这些都离不开这位现代权力之凳（Agbogome Stool）的所有者 -- 托比阁下的引领，阿索勾力王国诸酋长、长老们的愿景和目标重塑了他们的王国，2004 年至今为霍城（Ho）人民的丰收节注入新的亮点。

丰收节每年都带着黄金色彩和厚重的历史走来，节庆期间，人们从四面八方来到这片土地，共同纪念一位传说中发现山药的猎人，人们通过众神和祖先们向全知全能的神致谢，感恩这一年的丰收，并祈求神在之后的农耕季节中赐予更多祝福。

节日的宗旨是通过宽恕与和解来增进团结，动员阿索勾力王国的人力与物力资源，创造就业机会和财富。同时也是阿索勾力王国所有首领及其子民 “权利之凳 ”（Agbogbome stool）一年一度的献礼。

丰收节在阿索勾力王国境内所有地区共同举行，其中包括 Bankoe、Have、Ahoe、Dome、Hliha 等地区、也包括霍城传统理事会。丰收节于每年 9 月开始，今年主题为 “让我们确保所有人的自由和正义” 的节日于 9 月 10 日星期六在酋长宫殿前盛大开幕，好戏连台，活动不断。

从盛大的启动仪式，到来自加纳和邻国的酋长们的论坛活动、招商会、 “teyruyru” 和旅游篇，整个沃尔特首都向商业开放。活动还包括：人才招聘，社交互动，心灵净化，选美大赛，阿索格里王国酋长与子民，以及国内外政要参与的盛大结束晚宴（Durbar）。

丰富的文化展示、文物艺术品展览，以及 “asafo” 团体的神奇力量展示，是体现阿索勾力王国人民传统和文化之美的又一大看点。

从历史上看，无论你是谁，来自哪里，都不能否认 “Te” 是埃维语的一个名字，是那位加纳古代伟大猎人所描述阿索勾力（Asorgli） 的词，意为 “鼓起、充实”。

传说这位猎人在一次狩猎探险中，于一片茂密森林发现此种块茎植物，虽然时值干旱饥荒，他并没有用它果腹，反而令其生长发芽，开花结果... ... 直至今日，它仍然是沃尔特地区阿索格里王国，及其周边百姓的主要商业作物，是农民的主要收入来源。

只要我们所有人都能像那位伟大的猎人一般无私，像阿索勾力王国 “权力之凳” 的现任领导者这样无私，加纳就一定会走得更远。

在过去的日子里，猎人、牧师和草药师主要是大多数艾维族部落的领导人。这就是为什么大多数有 “战争之凳” 和 “祖先之凳”，其中，他们的祖先要么是猎人，牧师，要么是草药师。因为他们在过去领导了战争，而 “凳仙（神）” 神秘地成就了他们。

如果一个加纳人的名字中有 “Te”，或者继承了这种文化，那么他便是这传统的见证人，证明阿索勾力人民年年庆祝丰收节，庆祝山药的发现是有理有据的。这种块茎作物给他们的民族带来生命力，带来经济发展。在埃维人更加久远的家园，Notsie 的 Ewes 地区，以及尼日利亚的 Igbos 族人之中，也非常重视山药这种作物。尽管种植它需要大量劳动，但祖先们仍精心保存，让后代继续传承。

这就是为什么尽管加纳今天面临着所有的经济困难和挑战，这一代人必须共同努力为下一代保护这个国家。此外，丰收节是加纳最伟大和最受受欢迎的节日之一，受到青年和老年，富人和穷人，酋长和政治家的庇护，使人们相信君主制或皇室传统比民主更古老。

人们承认，皇室永远不会被现代民主所玷污，现代民主已经侵蚀了人民的道德尊严。十四世·托比·阿菲德阁下的角色和遗产给皇室注入新鲜血液，庆祝像丰收节这样的历史文化瑰宝将永不被遗忘。自2018年5月8日起，作为品牌重塑过程的一部分，节日的名称改为 “Teza”，以反映人民的历史和文化。

回顾过去，2003 年 10 月，按照习俗要求，阿索勾力王国的造王者为阿索格利人民任命了上帝赐予的酋长。新任酋长十四世·托比·阿菲德阁下就职演说极其鼓舞人心，他的努力让丰收节步到今时今日此番种种，也就不足为奇了。

托比阁下在他的就职演说中明确表示，"通过我的宣言，我将为阿索勾力王国缔造一个崭新的开端，教育、卫生基础设施的糟糕状况是我们这个时代的问题，它们应该在我们这个时代得到解决！"

在托比的领导下，阿索勾力王国得到巨大的发展，投资和教育奖学金，一个个鲜活的见证，他对就职宣言承诺的兑现，使得阿索勾力王国独有的丰收节一直是焦点，霍城和周围其他社区同样庆祝这个节日。

12 年前，也就是 2012 年 7 月，笔者在加纳几个主要媒体发表过一篇关于托比阁下的文章，其中包括“十四世·托比·阿菲德阁下是献给沃尔特地区人民和整个加纳的伟大礼物”。我很自豪，因为托比阁下取得的成就甚至超出了我的期望，那也正是 12 年前年轻时的我所预见。

这不是以往阿索勾力王国丰收节节庆祝活动。托比阁下赋予了这个节日生命，它是加纳最好的节日之一，每个人，包括外国人，都崇拜它。这个节日促进了旅游业和经济活动，使每年的 9 月成为阿索勾力王国及其周边地区每一个人的欢乐节日。剩下的几个月对人们来说是美好的。

托比阁下确实是这一代人和其他酋长们的榜样。这就是为什么当 Dormahene, Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II（另一族的首领）在去年的演讲中明确表示托比阁下为他们自由谈论国家问题打开了大门时，我并不感到惊讶。

这才是真正的领袖。对托比阁下而言，观点受到一系列信念的影响，成功不仅应该由一个人达到的水平来衡量，还应该由一个人在试图成功时必须克服的障碍来衡量。托比阁下认为，困难是生活的一部分。

过去的阿索勾力丰收节庆祝活动并非如此，是 Togbe 阁下赋予了它新的生命，使其成为加纳最受期待的节日之一，包括外国人在内的每个人都翘首以盼。节日极大地推动了旅游业和经济活动，使得每年的 9 月成为阿索勾力州及其周边地区每个人的欢乐时光。

对托比阁下来说，“一个新的障碍只是另一个的挑战，未经考验的生活不值得过。” 托比阁下的经营理念态度积极，他关注的是机遇，而不是困难。托比阁下认为，成功需要努力工作、想象力、诚实、利他主义，以及对自己选择的事业的绝对承诺。” 这些都在丰收节的发展中有所体现。

托比阁下是一位伟大的酋长，他坚信阿索勾力王国和沃尔塔地区的进步和发展，并希望加纳不惜一切代价取得成功，他必须得到全力支持。

十四世·托比·阿菲德阁下万岁！阿索勾力王国的“王”。愿他的国永世留存！！！

Togbe Afede XIV’s Factor in Uplifting the Image of Asorgli State’s Yam Festival

According to oral tradition, the good people of the Asorgli State are known to have migrated from Notsie in Togo. And the leadership traits of the great Asor, the founder of the Asorgli State who cut through the thick walls of Notsie for the escape of the Dogbos and their neighbors from the tyrant ruler, Togbe Agorkorli, (Mamattah, 1976), are still reflected.

The same leadership traits adorned with modern regalia his descendant Togbe Afede XIV has assumed and led the way in the development and progress of his people.

Among his numerous achievements, Togbe has positioned the annual "Teza" or Yam festival as one of the best festivals in Ghana and beyond. The Asorgli State is one of the shining stars of Ghana and the world in general. In all these, the credit goes to the able leadership of Togbe Afede XIV, the current occupant of the "Agbogbome Stool" and his Chiefs and elders, whose visions and goals have reshaped the Asorgli State and given a new light to the Yam festival of the people of Asorgli in the Ho Municipality of the Volta region since 2004 till today.

The Yam festival, which is yearly given a golden and historic touches is an annual festival celebration that brings people from far and near to the Asorgli State to commemorate the discovery of yam by a legendary hunter. And to give thanks to the almighty God through the smaller gods and Ancestors for a bumper harvest and ask for more blessings throughout the next farming seasons.

Also, the festival aims to foster unity through forgiveness and reconciliation, to mobilize both human and material resources of Asorgli for jobs and wealth creation. And to serve as an annual re-affirmation of allegiance by all Chiefs and their subjects in the Asorgli State to the great "Agbogbome stool".

The Yam festival is celebrated by all the divisions of the Asorgli State; Bankoe Division, Have Division, Ahoe Division, Dome Division, Hliha Division, Ho Traditional Council, among others. It is celebrated annually in September and this year's, which is on Saturday, September 10, 2024, will be held under the theme, "Let's Ensure Freedom and Justice for All". The grand durbar of Chiefs is always preceded by many activities.

From the magnificent launching, great seminar for Chiefs from all over Ghana and neighbouring countries, intellectual discussions, developmental activities, bringing of investors, "teyruyru" and tourism activities opening the entire Volta capital to the business.

Hunting for talents, social activities, cleaning activities, beauty pageants, and a grand durbar of Chiefs and people of the Asorgli State and dignitaries from home and abroad.

Rich cultural displays and artifacts, as well as an exhibition of the magical powers by the "asafo" groups, are the side attractions epitomizing the beauty of tradition and culture of the people of Asorgli.

Historically, irrespective of who you are and where you come from, you can't dispute the fact that 'Te' is an Ewe name in general and Asorgli word that was coined out of the description given by a great hunter in the olden days. "Te", loosely translates as "to become turgid".

It was narrated that a hunter on a hunting expedition discovered the tuber in a thick forest and though it was a dry and famine season, he was not selfish to consume it alone. Rather, he left it to germinate and till today it is a viable source of income for many in and around the Asorgli state of the Volta Region.

If only all of us can be that selfless like that great hunter and selfless like the current occupant of the Agbogbome Stool of the Asorgli State, Ghana will surely go far.

In the olden days, Hunters, Priests, and Herbalists were mostly the leaders of most Ewe tribes. That is why most of the people that have war Stools and ancestral Stools, among others, their forefathers were either hunters, priests, or herbalists. Because they led wars in the past and Stools mystically created for them, (Ameevor, 1994).

If the name "Te" and cultivation are historically attributed to your forebears, then there is no doubt that the people of Asorgli owe it a duty to always commemorate and celebrate this tuber crop that brought life and economic power to their people. It is also celebrated by the Ewes in Notsie, their ancestral home and a very valuable crop among the Igbos of Nigeria. Despite being highly labour intensive, the forefathers meticulously and dutifully preserved this tuber crop for our generation to carry on with.

That is why despite all the economic difficulties and challenges Ghana is facing today, this generation must work hard together to preserve this Country for the next generation. Further, the Yam festival or 'Teza' is one of the greatest and most patronized festivals in Ghana. Patronized by the young and old, the rich and the poor, Chiefs and Politicians, giving credence to how Monarchy or Royalty is older than Democracy.

And citizens acknowledge the fact that Royalty can never be dusted by the modern-day democracy that has eroded the moral decency of the people. Togbe Afede XIV's role and legacy of giving a new life to royalty and celebrating historical legacies like the Yam festival will never be forgotten. Since May 8, 2018, as part of the re-branding processes, the name of the festival was changed to 'Teza' (Yam Festival) to reflect the history and culture of the people.

Going down memory lane, in October 2003, as customs demanded, the Kingmakers, of Asogli State, installed the God-given Chief for the people of the Asogli. The texts of the inaugural address delivered by the new Chief, Togbe Afede XIV, are very inspirational. And is no surprise that his efforts have brought the Yam festival this far.

Togbe made it clear in that speech that, "through my oath, I have marked a new beginning of Asogli state, for, the deplorable state of our education and health infrastructure are problems of our time and they deserve solutions during our time".

As a living witness, the Asorgli State has witnessed tremendous development, investment, and educational scholarships under the leadership of Torgbi Afede XIV. And his commitment to his oath of office is reflective of how the "Teza" of the people of Asorgli is always topical, though other communities in and around Ho also celebrate the same festival separately.

12 years ago, in July 2012, I personally wrote on Togbe Afede XIV, which was published on myjoyonline.com, ghanaweb.com, and modernghana.com, among others on the great gift that Togbe Afede is to the people of Volta in particular and to the country in general. And I have no regrets because Togbe has even achieved many things beyond my expectations and what my younger self foresaw 12 years back.

This is not how the Asorgli Yam festival celebration was in the past. Togbe has given life to this festival and it is among the best in Ghana that everyone, including foreigners, looks up to. The festival has boosted tourism and economic activities making September each year a joyous one for everyone in and around the Asorgli State. And the rest of the months are great for the people.

Togbe is truly a role model to this generation and to his colleague Chiefs. That is why it wasn't surprising to me when Dormahene, Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II in his speech last year made it clear that Togbe has opened the door for them to freely talk about national issues irrespective of what.

That is a true leader. To Togbe Afede, "outlook is influenced by a set of beliefs, he believes that success should be measured not only by the level one has attained but also by the obstacles one had to overcome while trying to succeed. Togbe sees difficulties as part of life".

To him, "a new obstacle is only another challenge and a life that is not tested is not worth living". Togbe has a positive attitude in the conduct of his businesses; therefore, his focus is on the opportunities, not the difficulties. He believes that success requires hard work, imagination, honesty, altruism, and absolute commitment to one's chosen career". And all these are reflected in the success and progress of the celebration of the "Teza" or Yam festival of the good people of Asorgli State.

He is a great Chief, who seriously believes in the progress and development of the Asorgli state, and Volta Region and wants Ghana to succeed at all costs irrespective of what, and he must be supported at all costs.

Long live Togbe Afede XIV, the "Agbogbomefia" of Asorgli state, and may his reign remain forever.

来源：GhanaWeb

文：By Charles Atsyatsya

编译：无尽夏

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