The coastal town of Anloga was awash with colour, rhythm, and royal grandeur as thousands gathered for the 2025 Hogbetsotso Festival — one of Ghana’s most enduring and spiritually symbolic cultural celebrations.

Held under the theme, “Building Bridges: From a Common History to a Common Destiny,” this year’s event transcended traditional pageantry, emerging as a rallying platform for unity, progress, and national partnership.

Presiding over the celebrations, the Awoamefia of Anlo, His Royal Majesty Torgbui Sri III, was joined by the Awadada of Anlo, Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II, and dignitaries including Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Akwamuhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.

Delivering a stirring keynote, Torgbui Sri III invoked the spirit of the Anlo people — “a nation built on kinship, not conquest.”

He called for investment in youth, education, and local industry, stressing that true pride lies not in pageantry, but in progress.

“Our forebears built a federation of equals — where Aflao, Avenor, Dzodze, Some, and Wheta stood not as rivals, but as brothers and sisters,” he said.

“Let our pride as Anlos be measured not only in dance and regalia, but in tangible transformation — in lives changed, communities developed, and hope restored.”

The Awoamefia outlined six key development priorities, including:

Conversion of Ohawu Agricultural College into a University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

Establishment of a UHAS School of Pharmacy in Keta.

Acceleration of the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project to address tidal erosion.

Completion of the Blekusu Sea Defence and Keta Port projects.

Relocation of the Eastern Naval Base to Keta.

Expansion of secondary school infrastructure across Anlo.

“Our destiny will not be written by others — it must be shaped by our own hands, guided by our ancestors, and strengthened by unity,” he declared to thunderous applause.

Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II, Awadada of Anlo and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, described Hogbetsotso as a movement of renewal — not just a festival.

“The bridges we must build today are not of concrete and steel, but of understanding, cooperation, and shared purpose,” he said. “If we work together, as one people with one vision, our challenges become easier to solve.”

He also hailed the Anlo–Akwamu relationship, noting that historical ties between the two states continue to inspire unity and diplomacy.

Representing former President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Anlo development agenda.

He revealed plans to strengthen collaboration between the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and small and medium enterprises in the Volta Region.

“Next year, when we gather again, I expect tangible progress in linking our regional businesses to national funding and export opportunities,” he said.

He also highlighted Mahama’s proposed Volta Economic Zone, an integrated development initiative to transform the Volta Basin into a hub for agriculture, processing, and river transport.

NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah described Anlo as “the spiritual cradle of our political movement.”

He commended the chieftaincy institution and cautioned against its politicisation.

“Before the Europeans came, we were governed by our chiefs. They could not erase that institution,” he said. “Chiefs must remain above partisan politics to serve as peacemakers.”

He urged traditional leaders to help resolve local disputes to save national resources for development.

Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Exim Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting indigenous enterprises and cultural development.

“At Ghana Exim Bank, we remain deeply committed to building bridges — connecting enterprise with opportunity, promoting Made-in-Ghana excellence, and empowering businesses to compete globally,” he said.

Local Leaders Emphasise Grassroots Development

Hon. Sandra Seyram Kpedor, DCE for Anloga, hailed Hogbetsotso as a reminder that “our past is not just memory, but a guiding light.”

She reiterated her administration’s focus on education, agriculture, and youth empowerment.

Hon. Wisdom Bondieu Seade, MCE for Keta, echoed her sentiments, calling for stronger collaboration between traditional authorities and development partners.

Anlo Dukor: Heritage as a Foundation for Progress

The Anlo Dukor (Anlo State) — a confederation of traditional areas stretching from Aflao to Dzodze, Wheta, Some, Ave, and Avenor — continues to embody unity, discipline, and cultural resilience.

This year’s celebration rekindled the Anlo–Akwamu alliance, symbolising renewed peace and partnership across Ghana’s cultural landscape.

The Anlo Youth Council underscored this spirit of renewal:

“Our ancestors built bridges with courage; now it is our turn to build new bridges — of enterprise, education, innovation, and leadership.”

A Festival Beyond Celebration

From the sacred Nugbidodo purification rites to the pulsating agbadza and kinka dances, Hogbetsotso 2025 captured both the cultural and developmental heartbeat of the Anlo people.

With support from sponsors including Exim Bank, GNPC, MTN, ADB, BOST, and NPA, Anloga was transformed into a stage for national unity and investment dialogue.

From History to Destiny

Ultimately, Hogbetsotso 2025 stood not just as a festival of remembrance, but as a national call to action — reminding Ghanaians that culture, leadership, and vision must work together to shape an inclusive and prosperous future.

“The Anlo story is still being written,” declared Torgbui Sri III. “And every generation must take up the pen.”