By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Anloga (V/R), Oct. 20, GNA – The Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, is expected to attend this year’s Hogbetsotso Za festival in Anloga on November 7 as Special Guest of Honour, in a move aimed at strengthening cultural relations between the Gonja and Anlo traditional areas.
The Yagbonwura is expected to address the grand durbar, which will bring together traditional rulers, government officials, residents and other dignitaries to celebrate the history, identity and cultural heritage of the Anlo people.
His participation is expected to deepen the longstanding relationship between the two traditional kingdoms, promote mutual understanding, and encourage greater cooperation in the pursuit of peace, unity, and development.
The Ghana News Agency gathered that the invitation was extended to the Yagbonwura at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo by a delegation led by Togbui Amey Zegu II, Dufia of Alakple, on behalf of Togbi Sri III, Awoamefia of Anlo Dukor.
The visit formed part of preparations to secure the participation of prominent traditional rulers and dignitaries in the annual festival.
Togbui Zegu said the festival offered an important opportunity for the Anlo people to reflect on values that had sustained their identity through generations, including unity, resilience, courage, discipline, communal responsibility and respect for tradition.
He said the celebration would also feature activities aimed at attracting tourists, supporting local businesses, and encouraging wider community participation.
“The activities are expected to create opportunities for cultural exchange and showcase the historical significance and hospitality of the Anlo people,” he said.
Togbui Zegu said a major highlight of the celebration would be the traditional sitting-in-state of the Awoamefia and his paramount chiefs, followed by the grand durbar at Anloga.
He said the events would feature traditional displays by the various states of Anlo Dukor as well as the participation of national dignitaries and invited guests.
Togbui Zegu assured the Yagbonwura and his entourage of adequate protocol and hospitality arrangements and wished the Overlord success in promoting peace, prosperity and development among the Gonja people and the country at large.
The GNA further gathered that the Yagbonwura had accepted the invitation and described the festival as an opportunity for the Gonja and Anlo kingdoms to renew their relationship and deepen collaboration.
He noted that the two traditional areas shared historical ties dating back centuries and expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen their bond and promote greater cultural understanding.
Hogbetsotso Za commemorates the historic migration of the Anlo-Ewe people from Notsie in present-day Togo to their present homeland after escaping the oppressive rule of King Agorkorli I.
The festival serves as a reminder of the courage, resilience, and determination associated with the people’s migration and settlement.
The 2026 Hogbetsotso Za is expected to attract chiefs, elders, citizens of Anlo and visitors from within and outside Ghana to celebrate the community’s heritage and reflect on the relevance of traditional values in contemporary society.
The expected attendance of the Yagbonwura is anticipated to add a significant inter-kingdom dimension to the celebration, reinforcing the view that preserving distinct cultural identities can complement national unity and contribute to a peaceful and prosperous country.
This year’s festival is on the theme: “Anlo, Our Heritage and Our Values: Striving to Build One Ghana for a Better Tomorrow.”
The theme highlights the importance of preserving cultural identity while promoting national unity, shared responsibility and peaceful coexistence among Ghana’s diverse ethnic groups.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah