By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Tema, March 19, GNA – Nii Amarh Soumponu II, the Tema Shipi (Traditional Army Commander) and Stool Secretary, has explained that the annual Kplejoo Festival of the people of Tema is a significant cultural event that marks the beginning of the farming season and promotes unity among residents.
Nii Soumponu said the festival served as a planting season, particularly for corn, ahead of the Homowo Festival, which symbolises harvest.
“The people of Tema celebrate Kplejoo as a period to begin farming activities, especially the cultivation of corn cultivation towards Homowo, which is a harvesting festival,” he stated.
He recounted that in ancient times, the Tema people experienced severe famine when crops failed due to unfavourable weather conditions.
Nii Soumponu noted that traditionally, farming was done in groups or cooperatives, leading to large-scale farms, but success depended largely on favourable weather.
He said the Kplejoo period is therefore used to pray to the gods for good weather and a successful farming season.
He explained that during this period, the Wulomei (traditional priests) perform rituals and prayers, requiring a calm and serene environment, which necessitates the ban on drumming and noisemaking.
“We believe that one cannot harvest without sowing; that is why Kplejoo is very important to us,” he added.
Nii Soumponu emphasised that cooperative farming encouraged unity and increased productivity, and that spirit of oneness was celebrated through the Kple groups.
He said during the festival, the Tanon drum is played at the Sakumo Wulomo shrine in the evening, symbolising unity and reconciliation.
“When the sound of the the drum is heard, it reminds us of togetherness; people embrace one another. Even those who have differences settle disputes immediately,” he said.
Touching on environmental conservation, he noted that fishing in the Sakumo Lagoon is banned annually between September and October of the previous year, during peak marine fish season, to allow fish stocks to replenish.
He said the lagoon, which was closed in September, would be reopened on March 28, 2026, to help make up for shortages during the lean season.
He explained that the Kple groups also use the festival period to compose songs that commend good behaviour and criticise negative conduct, especially among community leaders.
Nii Soumponu called on residents to use the festival period to promote unity, peace and development in the area.
He further urged individuals, religious institutions and corporate bodies to comply with the ban on noisemaking, which will be in force from Friday, May 1 to May 23, 2026.
He said affected areas include Tema Manhean and its surrounding communities such as Ashaiman, Zenu, Kubekro, Adigon, Saasabi, Klagon, Adjei Kojo, Sakumono and Adjeiman.
Some activities lined up for the festival include Gbε Jee/Gbatsumli Tsukɔmɔ (paving way/purification of shrine), Kplejoo Kpojee, Faahεlε ((fishing in the lagoon clean-up exercises) Lala Kanemɔ (reading of Kple song lyrics (Sakumo Kple, Tsaade Kple, Hɔgbaa Kple, Otsi Kple, Dudɔmli Nu Woo (putting water in traditional pots), as well as the observance of a curfew.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah