Retired police chief succeeds Torgbiga Addo VIII

A retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Torgbiga Addo IX, has been installed as the new Paramount Chief of Klikor in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, succeeding the late Torgbiga Addo VIII, who reigned for 44 years.

The new chief known privately as DCOP (Rtd) Dr Frank Hukporti, who retired recently from active policing, said he accepted the traditional responsibility because of his family’s longstanding ties to the throne.

His grandfather served as Torgbiga Addo III, while his uncle was Torgbiga Addo VII.

“Being rooted in this lineage, who am I to turn away from this sacred call?” he asked after his installation.

Torgbiga Addo IX was installed following the burial of his predecessor, known in private life as Abraham Yao Doe, who died at the age of 93.

The new paramount chief said he was preparing to move from his official bungalow to his private residence when five elders from Klikor visited him with the linguist staff to inform him of the late chief’s death and also his selection as successor.

He said although accepting the responsibility was difficult, he considered it a family heritage he could not turn away from.

He asked for prayers for strength, wisdom and good health to enable him to discharge his duties and continue the development legacy of his predecessor.

The late Torgbiga Addo VIII was eulogised for his contribution to education, infrastructure and unity during his 44-year reign.

As a former mathematics and science teacher, he was among scholars who authored Modern Mathematics for primary schools in the West African sub-region in 1972, following a workshop at Fourah Bay University in Sierra Leone.

He also facilitated the construction of roads, potable water systems, a clinic, schools and churches in the Klikor Traditional Area.

In a tribute read on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama by the Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu, the late chief was praised for mediating between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) founder, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, and the party’s then presidential candidate, the late former President John Evans Atta Mills, during a period of internal division.

“It was Torgbiga Addo VIII who became the bridge. When others saw adversaries, he saw brothers. He opened his doors, offered his counsel, and mediated with wisdom, patience and absolute neutrality,” the tribute stated.

The funeral attracted political figures, traditional rulers and other dignitaries, including the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, whose delegation pledged continued support for the development of Klikor.

The ceremony also witnessed the enstoolment of five sub-chiefs to support the new paramount chief, thereby marking the beginning of a new chapter for the traditional area.