The 2024 edition of the vibrant and culturally rich Hogbetsotso festival has been officially launched in Tsiame, a community in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region.

This year's festival, which brings together the chiefs and people of the Anlo State, is centered around the theme "Strengthening Bonds and Embracing Our Shared Heritage."

Key Social and Cultural Activities

The Hogbetsotso festival, locally known as Hogbe’za, is renowned for its blend of social, cultural, and traditional events. Among the key social activities planned for this year are an awards night, various games and sports competitions, pageants, and music festivals. These events are designed to foster unity and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Anlo people.

On the cultural front, notable traditional activities include the Nugbidodo (reconciliation rituals), a ban on drumming and noise-making, and various cleansing ceremonies. These rituals are integral to the festival, reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural significance of the event.

Grand Durbar and Other Events

The highlight of the Hogbetsotso festival will be the grand durbar, scheduled for November 2, 2024, in Anloga, the traditional capital of the Anlo State.

This grand celebration will be preceded by a mini Hogbe festival in Alakple in the Anloga District, and the Children’s Hogbe, which will take place across various communities in the greater Anlo region and beyond.

Speeches from key dignitaries

The launch event featured speeches from several notable figures, including Ing. Dr Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications. In his keynote address, Dr Ashigbey urged all Anlos, both at home and abroad, to embrace the traditions passed down by their forefathers.

He stressed the importance of halting the sale of ancestral lands and called for a renewed commitment to the time-tested values, norms, and practices that have long been the foundation of the Anlo State. He reminded the audience that Anlos are known globally for their hard work, humility, and honesty—traits that he noted are becoming increasingly scarce in modern times.

Ambassador Dr Samuel Dotse, the Chief Executive Officer of the HATOF Foundation, also addressed the gathering as the guest speaker. He emphasized the need for job creation within the Anlo enclave, particularly for the youth, and highlighted the importance of protecting the region’s natural resources in the face of climate change.

He noted that the Anlo lands are particularly vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, making environmental stewardship a critical priority.

Other notable attendees

The event was graced by other dignitaries, including Awadada Agbesi Awusi II, the Paramount Chief of Anlo, some Members of Parliament and parliamentary candidates. Their presence underscored the importance of the festival to the Anlo people and their cultural heritage.

Inauguration of the Hogbe Planning Committee

In a significant development, Ambassador Dan Abodakpi, the Aworme Zitor (Stool Father of Awormezi), inaugurated the Hogbe Planning Committee for the 2024 festival. In his remarks, he highlighted the critical role of the youth in shaping the future of the Anlo State.

As a testament to this belief, the Anlo Dukor Council has entrusted the organization of this year’s Hogbetsotso festival to the Anlo Youth Council (AYC). Ambassador Abodakpi commended the AYC President and his team for the exceptional work done so far and expressed optimism that the youth-led planning of the festival would set a new standard for future celebrations.

Historical significance of Hogbetsotso

The Hogbetsotso festival is deeply rooted in the history of the Anlo people. It commemorates their exodus from Notsie, in present day Togo, under the leadership of Amega Wenya and Tɔgbi Sri I.

The Anlo people fled from the tyranny of Tɔgbi Agorkoli, the then-ruler of Notsie, and eventually settled in their current locations in the Volta Region. Today, the Anlo people are spread across several constituencies, including Keta, Anloga, Ketu North, Ketu South, Akatsi North, Akatsi South, and parts of the Tongu areas.

As the 2024 Hogbetsotso festival unfolds, it promises to be a celebration of unity, culture, and shared heritage, drawing Anlos from across the globe to honour their past and look forward to the future.