The Teshie Township came alive over the weekend as thousands of residents and visitors gathered to climax this year’s Homowo Festival, which ended peacefully after a series of traditional rites and cultural activities.
The celebration, which began from dawn and continued into the evening, attracted people of all ages who joined in the festivities, marked by music, dancing and traditional ceremonies.
The peaceful nature of this year’s celebration was particularly significant for residents, following clashes that had marred previous Homowo festivities in Teshie, largely linked to chieftaincy disputes.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ledzokuku, Israel Adjetey Otchwenmah, attributed the successful celebration to heightened security measures implemented by the Municipal Security Council and the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
He commended the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda AkweleyOcloo, who chairs REGSEC, as well as the police and other security agencies for their collaboration in ensuring peace throughout the festivities.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank my Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, who is the Chairperson of REGSEC, the police team led by the District Commander and all the security heads within Ledzokuku,” he said.
“It was a collaborative effort. Knowing what happened last year, we started our security planning very early to ensure a successful Homowo celebration.
“We also had REGSEC to fall on in times of difficulty. The visibility of personnel from the various security agencies was heightened across Teshie.”
Residents who spoke about the celebration expressed relief and excitement over the absence of violence, describing the peaceful atmosphere as a welcome departure from previous years.
Joseph Martey said violence had previously characterised the festival, but noted that this year’s celebration was markedly different.
“Previously, violence used to occur during the festival, but this year, nothing of the sort happened,” he said.
Ezekiel Amoah, who has lived in Teshie for close to seven years, also described this year’s festivities as one of the most peaceful celebrations he had witnessed.
“I have lived here for close to seven years and this year’s event has been peaceful,” he said.
For Hajia Fati, the unity and understanding demonstrated by residents during the festivities were particularly encouraging. “I came here because of the unity, peace and understanding. I pray the same spirit continues into next year,” she said.
Mickey Rasta also rated this year’s celebration highly, saying it represented an improvement over previous editions.
“This year’s celebration is better than previous ones, and I would rate it seven out of 10. We have fought and killed ourselves for far too long,” he said.
The climax of the festival featured Kpaashimo, a traditional cultural and social celebration of the Teshie people that brings together music, dance, storytelling and satire.
The festivities concluded with the traditional Tsese-Bumo rite, performed as part of efforts to purify the land and its indigenous people while seeking blessings, peace and the fulfilment of wishes in the coming year.
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