Flag of Togo
Togo Celebrates Independence 27 April 2023
By Joy Osiagwu.
Togo is situated on a strip of land in Western Africa between Benin in the east and Ghana to the west, bothering Burkina Faso in the north. The tropical country has a population of 7.9 million people with Lomé as the capital and largest city. Togo is known for its multilingualism with the populace speaking about 40 African languages, some of the prominent dialects are Gbe, Gur, Ewe, and Kabiye. The official language of the nation is French. More than half of the population are Christians, predominantly Catholics while 36%practice traditional religion with Voodoo playing a key role.
The Fete-traditionnelle-Keran Togo
Togo was formerly known as Togoland, a region between the military powers of Ashanti and Dahomey known as a big center of the slave trade. Germany took possession of the territory in 1884 and share it between France and Britain after World War 1. But in 1946, the United Nations took over the area as a trusted territory. While the western part under the British connected with Ghana at Independence in 1957, the eastern region under the French Togoland became independent on April 27, 1960.
Syvanus Olympio from Ewe in the south became the first president after he won the first general elections. He was assassinated in January 1963 by some rebellious officers.
Syvanus Olympio from Ewe in the south became the first president. (1961-1963)
An unstable system of governance held sway under the leadership of President Nicolas Grunitzky. Gnassingbé Eyadéma took over the mantle of leadership from 1967-2005 after he overthrew Grunitzky in a bloodless coup. He died in February 2005 on board a plane in Tunisia after suffering from a heart attack. He was known as a brutal dictator with a lack of respect for humanity.
President Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo (1967-2005) Photo credit: African Exponent.
His son, Faure Gnassingbé, won the subsequent election and has continued to serve in the capacity for the fourth term
President of Togo, H.E. Faure Gnassingbé (photo credit AFP)
Current Governance Structure.
Togo operates a presidential republic. PresidentFaure Gnassingbé is both head of state and head of the government. The government is also in charge of Executive power while the Legislature is controlled by both the parliament and the government.
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Canadian business delegation explores opportunities in Togo.
The government of Togo’s initiative tagged “Promoting the Togo destination” is yielding meaningful results. A group of private investors in Canada is in Togo to see the business opportunities the country has to offer. Led by Gaëtan Thomas, President, and General Manager of the Economic Council of New Brunswick, the team visited the IFAD-Building in Adidogomé, the Industrial Platform of Adétikopé (PIA), and the Autonomous Port of Lomé (PAL).
The group announced an upcoming investment in Togo’s mining, port, and energy sectors after a series of meetings with Togolese government officials and members of the private sector in Togo.
The Canadian Business delegation from New Brunswick to Togo. (Photo credit: Togo First)
Both Canada and Togo are optimistic that the investments drive will bolster the relationship between both nations. The bilateral trade between Canada and Togo was $ 65.2 million in 2021. Canada according to Global Affairs Canada exported $51.5 million worth of goods to the west African country and imported $13.8 million y in 2021.
Togo Connections in Ottawa.
Togolese Embassy in Ottawa is located at 12 Range Road, Ottawa, ON K1N 8J3, Canada. Ambassador Paneysesse Alli is the Charge of affairs’ a.i.
Phone: 613 235 6425.