Let The Elegance Of Adowa And Energy Of Agbadza Blend To The Music Of Peace; To The Glory Of Our Nation Ghana – Asantehene
“As we prepare for Brother to bid Brother goodbye, I ask, in the spirit of the moment, to let the elegance of Adowa and Fontomfrom, and the energy of Agbadza blend to the music of peace to the glory of the one nation we proudly call GHANA”, these were the exact words of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to Torgbui Sri III as he called for continues peace and unity between the people of Anlo and the Asantes.
The King made this peaceful call yesterday, November 5, in his speech at the 2022 Hogbetsotso festival in the Volta Region of Ghana.
The call was made due to the political and tribal tension that has engulfed the two tribes for years since the introduction of party politics in the history of Ghana. Many believe these tribes have exhibited some level of intolerance towards one another since time immemorial and the same energy has been passed on to generations by word of mouth.
Otumfuo, therefore, called for debunking such myths and “learn to separate the machinations which drive the conduct of individual politicians from the roots of their birth or their religious orientation”. He also prayed for harmony since there were no qualms between the two parties.
The Asantehene also esteemed the Awoamefia of Anlo State, Torgbui Sri III for remaining true to the ideals of their forefathers. He applauded Torgbui Sri III, Mamaga, and Elders for their loyalty and good counsel with which they have served their proud state. And also thank them for their hospitality.
The Asantehene in his speech also called for a process that will purge themselves of past contaminants of all types, flush out the sources of unwarranted discord and encourage the growth of a healthier climate for public discourse and social and even political interaction.
“By the wisdom of our forefathers, the celebration of Hogbetsotso appropriately provides for a period of reflection and soul-searching for the settlement and resolution of discord within families and among the people. Today, the Awoamefia, Togbuiwo, Mamagawo Agbotaduawo of Anlo State can set a beautiful example for our nation by extending the process of discord resolution beyond the limited family and traditional environment”.
The Hogbetsotso Festival is celebrated by the chiefs and people of Anlo in the Volta Region of Ghana. Some major Anlo towns include Anloga (capital), Keta, Kedzi, Vodza, Whuti, Srogboe, Tegbi, Dzita, Abor, Afiadenyigba, Anyako, Konu, Alakple, Atsito , Atiavi, Deʋegodo, Atorkor, Tsiame and many other villages. The festival is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in November at Anloga which is the customary and ritual capital of the Anlo state.
The name of the festival is derived from the Ewe language and translates as, the festival of exodus. or “coming from Hogbe (Notsie)”. The celebration of the festival was instituted about four decades ago. It is celebrated to portray the escapement of the Anlo people from their wicked king, King Agorkoli in Notsie.
Source: Opemsuo.com/ Emmanuel Owusu Anti
