Traditional Chief Joins Network of Peace Ambassadors in Togo
Agbodrafo, Togo – Representatives from UPF-Togo, led by Mr. E. Augustin Amo-Teyehewa, were invited to participate in the annual family reunion festival of the Gin people, which took place at the Assiakole Royal Palace of Agbodrafo on September 13, 2026. Delegations of the Gin people from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin and Nigeria, as well as Togo, were present.
During the event, UPF-Togo held a ceremony to confer the Ambassador for Peace award on the canton chief, King Togbuigan Apétoh Mensah Assiakoley VI.
The program began with a welcome address by Mrs. Aminatou Gbedji from UPF-Togo, who greeted the Gin people in the local language and officially opened the ceremony. The 150 guests present included the minister of tourism, culture and the arts, Mr. Isaac Tchiakpé; the local mayor, Mr. Messan Anani; local village chiefs and traditional priests, as well as other notables and members of the royal family.
Mr. Amo-Teyehewa explained the background and status of UPF as an international NGO with a presence in 190 countries. He recalled UPF’s roots in Togo, where it was established in 2007 and recognized as a development NGO in 2013. He outlined UPF’s structure, with its specialized associations, and then explained the five universal principles to which every peace ambassador subscribes: the inalienable dignity of the human person, the family as the first school of love and peace, interreligious harmony, the principle of living for the sake of others, and the unity of one human family beyond borders.
Mr. Amo-Teyehewa then traced the life path of King Assiakoley, highlighting his availability to his people, his willingness to listen, and his sense of living for others. This was confirmed by the local population through their warm applause.
Next, the UPF-Togo secretary general read the statement conferring the status of Ambassador for Peace upon the king, explaining that by joining UPF he embraces the principles of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values, and commits to “living for the sake of others” through public service. The insignia and the Ambassador for Peace Certificate were then officially presented to him, to the applause of the audience. The king expressed his gratitude for the distinction received and committed to becoming a model peace ambassador.
This award ceremony, held at the royal palace of a traditional chief, was an important step in strengthening the presence and work of UPF-Togo among traditional authorities and local communities. The turnout of more than 150 participants, together with the admission of the king into the network of peace ambassadors, reflects the interest in UPF’s initiatives for peace, dialogue and social cohesion.
At the end of the ceremony, the canton chief expressed his willingness to continue this collaboration and announced his intention to invite UPF-Togo to a working session devoted to identifying and planning the activities to be carried out in his locality. This meeting will help define, in consultation with local stakeholders, concrete actions adapted to the realities of the community. Particular attention will be given to training, awareness-raising and mentoring of young people and professionals in the locality, notably on the values of peace, leadership, civic responsibility, dialogue and social cohesion.
UPF-Togo thus aims to develop, with the support of traditional authorities, peace ambassadors and local stakeholders, a program of activities to strengthen young people’s capacities, promote local skills and encourage their constructive involvement in the development of their community.
