Six members of the annual Anlo Hoghetsotso Za planning committee have been sued for their failure to account for funds accrued during the festival celebrations between 2011 and 2022.

The defendants are Awadada Agbesi Awusu II, Torgbi Zewu II, Cilas Aidam, Dan Abodakpi,
Gas Ladzekpo, and Agbotadua Kumasah.

They were hauled to court by Ahialengor Albert and Atsu Tetteh who are leaders of the Anlo Progressive Youth For Accountability and Development.

A writ of summons sighted by Myjoyonline.com stated that the plaintiffs accused the defendants of “lack of transparency and accountability” during the 11 years period in the realm of affairs of organising the Hogbetsotso Za and managing funds generated from the festival celebration.

“Plaintiffs also contend that the defendants' tenure has also been characterized by misappropriation of funds belonging to the Anlo Kingdom/State; resources which should have been channeled into projects in the Kingdom have found their way into defendants private pockets”, the writ stated.

The plaintiffs indicated that the defendants were adamant in responding to several appeals to render accounts for their stewardship, even after press conference preceded by a demonstration by the Anlo Progressive Youth For Accountability and Development..

“Plaintiffs state that the reluctance on the part of the defendants compelled him and his group to
stage a demonstration last year to demand accountability from the Defendants. However, the call which included a press conference in front of the Anlo Traditional Council was disrespectfully
rebuffed by the 4th Defendant”.

Mr. Ahialengor and Mr. Tetteh also stated that the defendants failed to redeem a pledge of accounting for proceeds from the 2022 Hogbetsotso Za with an excuse that the accounts was ridden with errors.

“Plaintiffs say that despite the fact that defendants have failed or refused to render accounts for the proceeds of the previous years' celebrations, the defendants have recently sent out letters to corporate organizations as well as individual sponsors for the celebration of the 2023 annual Hogbetsotso Za.

Plaintiffs contend that the attitude of the defendants is in breach of their fundamental human rights as Anlo citizens entitled to the fair administration of the affairs of the Anlo public by the Defendants.

Plaintiffs contend that defendants are just trustees and fiduciaries of funds raised in the name and on behalf of the Anlo Kingdom/State and its people including the plaintiffs”, the writ stated.

The plaintiffs have, therefore, asked the court to declare that the defendants as trustees and fiduciaries of funds raised annually in the name and on behalf of the Anlo Kingdom or State.

They also want the court to place an order for full disclosure of all accounts opened and operated in the name of Hogbetsotso Za and its affiliates from 2011 till date.

They are also praying for the court to order full disclosure of all accounts opened or operated in the name of Hogbetsotso Za and its affiliate from 2011 till date, and order for the account of the proceeds of the 2022 Hogbetsotso Za celebration.

The Plaintiffs further want the court to order for a forensic audit of the income and expenditure accounts of the 2022 Hogbetsotso Za celebration from a reputable auditing firm, order for the refund of all monies which may be found as misappropriated as a result of the audit, and any ancillary orders.