By Edward Williams
Hohoe (V/R), Nov. 17, GNA – The 2024 Gbidukor Festival, celebrated by the people of Gbi Dzigbe (Hohoe) and Gbi Nyigbe (Peki) was celebrated on Saturday with a call for a peaceful general election.
The re-united Peki and Hohoe is known as Gbidukor (the Gbi State).
The festival, which rotates annually between the two towns, was on the theme: “Election 2024: The Role of Gbidukor in ensuring Peaceful Election for National Development”.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, represented by Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, said the festival was a vibrant celebration of the rich culture, collective identity and the enduring spirit of the two communities after reuniting.
It transcended mere celebration and served as a powerful platform for fostering unity and understanding among communities.
He said the festival sought to re-emphasise the importance of unity and creat platforms that enabled the youth to participate and contribute to the preservation of the cultural heritage.
Dr Bawumia said the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry was working around the clock to restore the Chieftaincy Act 2008 (Act 759) to give chiefs the power to settle disputes in their localities.
The Ministry was also doing all it could to ensure that there was peace nationwide.
Dr Bawumia called on traditional rulers to be resolute and work with government and all stakeholders to keep the peace of the nation before, during and after the 2024 general election.
Togbega Gabusu VII, Paramount Chief of Gbi Traditional Area, touched on the essence of the theme, which reminded citizens of their collective responsibilities to promote peace and unity in their communities and beyond.
“As we mark this significant occasion, let us reflect on our history and values that have defined us as one people, and our ancestors’ bravery and resilience in escaping the Notsie Kingdom and settling in our present-day locations,” he said.
“The bond between all remains so strong that not even the distance between them can be a deterrent from collectively inspiring and striving for greatness.”
Togbega Gabusu said the Gbidukorza was a testament to their ability to come together, reconcile and forge a common path.
He urged all citizens of Gbi to prioritise peaceful coexistence, tolerance and civic engagement.
He said the festival must be recognised as an opportunity to promote constructive dialogue, education on electoral process, and encouragement to the people to exercise their democratic rights.
Activities included inter-school quizzes, community football competitions and cultural displays, which reminded the people of the rich heritage and the importance of preserving traditions and culture for future generations.
Nene Sakite II, Konor of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, and President, Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, said it was commendable that the two communities (Hohoe and Peki), separated due to their migration, reunited and built on each other’s strengths.
He called on Parliament to overcome its impasse and resume sitting irrespective of political ideologies and affiliation to ensure efficient operation of the House.
Nene Sakite said the current development could not only affect people’s voting patterns but further thwart Parliament’s authority and autonomy in so many ways.
He urged the parliamentarians to build consensus to enable the House to function effectively.
The festival saw the display of the rich indigenous culture of the Gbis with procession on the principal streets of Hohoe.
Chiefs from both Peki and Hohoe displayed spectacular dance moves in their palanquins as they graced the occasion.
Deiga Kwadwo Dei XII, Paramount Chief of Peki Traditional Area, led the Pekis to co-mark the festival, while waiting for their turn in 2025.
Awards and citations were presented to students, deserving individuals and chiefs for their contributions to the Gbi State.
GNA