By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR), Sept. 9, GNA – The Central Planning Committee of this year’s Anlo Hogbetsotso Festival has announced the commencement of a ban on noise making, effective Sunday, September 8 to September 27.
The ban, to be observed by all the 36 states under Anlo, would include funeral rites, church activities, and drumming, among others.
Togbi Zewu IV, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Committee, explained to the Ghana News Agency.
He revealed that the Anlo Traditional Council has designed a punishment model to deal with any individual or group of persons flouting the directive.
Togbi Zewu disclosed that the ban remained their mandatory exercise that served as part of activities towards the celebration of a successful event.
He said the period would also be used to appease the gods and to ask for forgiveness, blessing, and reconciliation.
Togbi Agbeshie Awusu II, Chairman of the Committee, earlier stated that the period would be used to perform some important rituals within the Anlo land to pave the way for a successful festival.
Other activities such as the use of loudspeakers by churches, Mosques, pubs, hotels, naming ceremonies, and others were banned during the period.
The Council also reminded the public that only their representatives with tags and the Ghana Police Service remained the only bodies to enforce the ban and no other person or group should be seen enforcing them.
This year’s ‘Hogbetsotso Festival’ was launched at Tsiame in the Keta Municipality on Saturday, August 24.
A Mini-Hogbetsotso Festival is also expected to be held at Alakple on Saturday, October 26 with Students Festival slated for Wednesday, October 30.
Anlo Hogbetsotso Festival is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of November at Anloga, the spiritual and customary home of the people of Anlo.
The festival also commemorates the escape of the Ewes from Notsie, Togo, to their current place.
The Festival is also known for its pageantry and success, which played a significant role in the cultural development including art displays, processions, cultural performances, and others.
Several activities are expected to characterized this year’s celebrations.
GNA