By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Anloga (V/R), Oct. 30, GNA- Schools in the Anlo Traditional Area of the Volta Region have begun preparations towards the celebration of the Children’s Hogbetsotso Festival, scheduled for November 4, 2026, at various circuit zones.
The festival would bring together schoolchildren from different circuits to celebrate Anlo culture, history and traditions.
Torgbui Hatsu III, a member of the planning committee, said the initiative formed part of efforts to involve children in the annual Hogbetsotso Festival, which commemorates the historic migration of the Anlo people from Notsie in present-day Togo to their current settlements.
“The participation of schoolchildren was important in ensuring that the younger generation understood the significance of the festival and appreciated the cultural heritage of the Anlo state,” he said.
He noted that the celebration would provide an opportunity for pupils to learn about the history, customs, traditional practices and values that had shaped the identity of the Anlo people over the years.
Togbui Hatsu said holding the activities at various circuit zones would make it easier for schools within the different educational circuits to participate and showcase their cultural knowledge and talents.
“The festival is expected to promote unity, cooperation and interaction among pupils from different schools while creating an atmosphere for cultural exchange and learning.”
Torgbui Hatsu said the celebration would also complement classroom education by exposing children to practical aspects of their history and traditions and would further help them develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
He called on teachers and school authorities to support the preparations and encourage pupils to participate actively in the activities, stressing that schools had an important role to play in preserving indigenous culture.
He urged parents and guardians to support their children’s involvement in the festival and help them appreciate the importance of learning and practicing positive cultural values.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen collaboration between traditional authorities, education stakeholders and communities in promoting cultural education and ensuring that Anlo traditions are passed on to future generations.
The Hogbetsotso Festival, celebrated annually by the Anlo people, is one of the major cultural festivals in the Volta Region and features activities that highlight the history, unity and identity of the people.
The Children’s Hogbetsotso Festival is expected to provide a platform for schoolchildren to connect with their cultural roots as preparations continue towards the November 4 celebration at the various circuit zones.
Schools such as Anloga Avete Basic School, Bright Future Basic School, Tetekope Global Evangelical Presbyterian School, among others that the Ghana News Agency visited saw teachers guiding students as they prepared for this year’s children’s Hogbetsotso Festival.
The 64th Anlo Hogbetsotso Festival would be marked on Saturday, November 7 at Anloga Togbi Sri III Astroturf Park on the theme: “Anlo, Our Heritage and Our Values: Striving to Build One Ghana for a Better Tomorrow.”
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah