Hon. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), commended the remarkable unity prevailing between the Anlo State, the Dagbon Kingdom, and the Ashanti Kingdom during an exclusive interview with InsiderGH.com at this year’s Hogbetsotso Festival in Anloga on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
Highlighting the beauty of the burgeoning camaraderie among these historic kingdoms, Mr. Gunu pointed to the significance of the previous year’s historic visit by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and his entourage to the Hogbetsotso Festival.
He expressed his joy regarding this year’s historic visit of the Overlord of Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II, to this year’s Hogbetsotso Festival, underscoring the depth and importance of these cross-cultural interactions.
Mr. Gunu emphasized the consistent efforts of Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II and Torgbui Sri III in not only establishing but also continually demonstrating the warmth and cordiality between the two states, setting an example for others to follow.
He particularly highlighted an anecdote, noting that during the funeral of his grandmother last year at Atiavi, Yaa Naa had sent a delegation to pay respects and support him during the mourning period, exemplifying the solidarity between their regions.
In his remarks, Gunu emphasized the significance of such relationships, lauding the mutual support and shared celebrations between these kingdoms, asserting that these interactions serve as a beacon of unity and cooperation among different cultural entities.
Hogbetsotso Festival
The Hogbetsotso festival is celebrated by the chiefs and people of Anlo in the Volta Region of Ghana.
Some major Anlo towns include Anloga (capital), Keta, Kedzi, Vodza, Whuti, Srogboe, Tegbi, Dzita, Abor, Afiadenyigba, Anyako, Konu, Alakple, Atsito , Atiavi, Deʋegodo, Atorkor, Tsiame and many other villages.
The festival is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in the month of November at Anloga which is the customary and ritual capital of the Anlo state.
The name of the festival is derived from the Ewe language and translates as, the festival of exodus, or “coming from Hogbe (Notsie)”.
The celebration of the festival was instituted about four decades ago.
Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II’s Presence
Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II, captivating the audience with his distinguished royal presence, adorned this year’s Hogbetsotso Festival as the esteemed guest of honor.
The revered leader of Dagbon arrived accompanied by an entourage of more than 500 individuals.
His arrival was a spectacle of grandeur and symbolism, drawing in crowds of thousands who eagerly gathered to extend a warm welcome at the Zion College park in Anloga. From there, he continued his journey to Torgbui Sri’s Palace and proceeded to the Durbar grounds, making a majestic entry while mounted on a horse, leaving an indelible mark on the festival’s proceedings.
