By Ewoenam Kpodo
Anloga (VR), Nov 04, GNA- The Hogbetsotsoza, a celebration of the Anlo people’s exodus from Notsie in present-day Togo, has taken a dramatic turn this year, becoming campaign grounds for Ghana’s two major political parties.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at a durbar Saturday to climax the 2024 festival of the people at Anloga, both campaigned for votes in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
The durbar had President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice Presidential Candidate of the opposition NDC, past and present Ministers of State under both NDC and NPP including Madam Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Mr. Alex Percival Segbefia and Madam Zita Sarba Okaikoi.
Also present were Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, Members of Parliament for Anlo, Keta, Ketu North and North Tongu, Municipal and District Chief Executives of Anloga, Keta, Ketu South, Ho and North Tongu and, Regional and Constituency Executives of both the NDC and the NPP along with their members.
Traditionally, the weeks-long festival, also known as Hogbeza has an array of activities and ceremonies including “dodede” (removal of diseases and expulsion of evil spirits) and “nugbidodo” (reconciliation), making it a time for peace-making, purification ceremonies, and general cleaning, culminating in a grand durbar of chiefs and people.
Also preceding the grand durbar on every first Saturday in November are Children’s Hogbeza for Basic Schools in the 36 Anlo states; Mini Hogbeza, best described as dress rehearsal for the grand durbar, and “glimetoto”, an enactment of the departure, all featuring a display of rich tradition and culture with patrons treated to variety of drumming and dancing including the ever popular “agbadza”, “atsia” and vehicle for the departure, “misego or husago.”
However, this year’s festival had seen both political parties vying for attention and support from the Anlo Dukor (State), each using various strategies to win over voters, from colourful campaign regalia to campaign messages on placards with spirited musical performances.
While the parties made their presence felt at the durbar grounds, pulling out all the stops to secure support towards victory in the December polls, they also showcased their commitment to the festival’s true spirit – unity and celebration as there was no rancour but a show of camaraderie.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang, who deputised for former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC’s Flagbearer at the durbar, called on all stakeholders to ensure peace as the country approached the December elections, saying there was so much to hinge on for peace including understanding and respecting one another, and the subject of identity.
“We plead for peace. But peace is realised when the processes are so transparent. That nobody feels disrespected, cheated, disenfranchised, and worse, that nobody feels gerrymandered. Let the appellation of Ghana as a hospitable, peaceful country be restored.”
Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, Central Region and Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, Eastern Region; Guest of Honour and Special Guest respectively, considered it a great honour to be with Togbi Sri III, the Awoamefia of Anlo and his people on the momentous occasion.
They said the 2024 theme: “Strengthening Bonds and Embracing Our Shared Heritage” was not just fitting but essential and a reminder of the power in unity noting, “Ghana’s beauty and strength lie in her diversity.
“As Ghana prepares for yet another chapter of its democratic journey with the upcoming general elections, let us all be guided to celebrate this same trend of unity and peaceful co-existence. Let us commit to a peaceful electoral process where each of us respects the diversity of choices and contribute to a successful election,” Daasebre Boateng appealed.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo promised a transparent, fair and peaceful process as he neared the end of his Presidency, assuring that he would peacefully transfer power to the winner of Ghana’s upcoming Presidential election on December 7.
“Like Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, the Awadada of Anlo rightly put it in his address to us, Hogbeza is more than just a festival for the Anlo people. It has over the years, established itself as a national platform for unity, bringing together people from various parts of Ghana. And with the unity I’ve seen from the political parties today, I feel so proud,” a patron spoke to Ghana News Agency.
GNA