The Weta Traditional Council in the Volta region has declared its support for Volta regional Council of State member, Hon. Dr. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, following recent developments involving him, his company Sesi-Edem Company Limited, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

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In a solidarity statement issued on Thursday, April 2, on behalf of the people of Weta and the larger Weta Traditional Area, the Council described Dr. Kwamigah-Atokple as “a distinguished son of Weta” who has “consistently demonstrated commitment to the socio-economic development of our community and the wider region”.

The Council further noted that his “contributions to enterprise growth and community advancement remain significant and widely acknowledged”.

While acknowledging the mandate of EOCO and other state institutions, the traditional authority stressed the importance of adherence to legal standards in handling the matter.

“While we respect the mandate of EOCO and all state institutions, we emphasise the need for strict adherence to due process, professionalism, fairness and rule of law in the handling of this matter,” the statement said.

It added: “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done without prejudice.”

The Council also raised concerns over what it described as the spread of unverified information on social media, warning that such commentary could compromise the integrity of the process.

“We express concern over the growing circulation of unverified information and commentary across social media platforms, which risks undermining due process and damaging reputations prematurely,” it stated.

The Council called for “the immediate cessation of such social media trials” and urged the public to exercise restraint.

It also appealed to EOCO to ensure that its processes are conducted in a manner that safeguards institutional credibility and avoids prejudicing the case.

“We further call on EOCO to ensure that all actions and procedures are conducted in a manner that upholds the integrity of the process and avoids creating undue public bias and malice ahead of any formal determination,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its position, the Weta Traditional Council emphasised the need to balance accountability with encouragement for individuals contributing to development.

“As a Traditional Council, we believe that individuals who contribute meaningfully to development should be encouraged within a framework of accountability and fairness. Actions that inadvertently discourage such contributions must be carefully avoided,” it noted.

The statement concluded with a firm declaration of support for Dr. Kwamigah-Atokple, expressing confidence that state authorities would act within the confines of the law.

“As a son of the land, the Weta Traditional Council solidly stands behind our subject… with the expectation that state authorities will act within the remit of the law.”

The statement was signed by Torgbuiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI, Paramount Chief and Overlord of the Weta Traditional Area, and President of the Weta Traditional Council.