By Frederick Nortey
Ohawu, Volta Region — The serene town of Ohawu came alive last Saturday as drumming, dancing, and the sweet scent of tradition filled the air during the official launch of the 2025 Hogbetsotso Za Festival of the Anlo people. This year’s festival, themed “Building Bridges: From Common History to a Common Destiny,” promises to be more than a celebration — it is a call to unity, development, and shared progress.
Held in the Ketu North Municipality, the launch drew together chiefs, elders, dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts, and citizens from far and near, marking the beginning of what many anticipate to be a historic edition of the Hogbetsotso Za.
A Festival Rooted in History
The Hogbetsotso Festival, which commemorates the Anlo people’s historic migration from Notsie in present-day Togo to their current settlements in Ghana, is a deeply spiritual and cultural event. It is a time for reflection, reconciliation, thanksgiving, and the celebration of heritage. This year, however, the festival’s theme takes on a new dimension — one that looks forward just as much as it looks back.
A Call for Educational Transformation
Speaking at the launch, the Awadada of Anlo, Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, made a heartfelt appeal to the government: expedite the transformation of the Ohawu Agricultural College into a fully-fledged university. He stressed that such a move would not only honour the legacy of agricultural knowledge in the region but would also “promote agricultural innovation, enhance food security, and provide much-needed employment for the youth.”
“Our history teaches us resilience, but our future demands innovation,” he said. “We must build bridges not just across our communities but across generations — through education, skills, and opportunity.”
Cultural Richness and Unity
The launch event was rich with traditional performances — including the majestic Agbadza dance, spiritual libation ceremonies, and symbolic displays of the Ewe people’s ancestral journey. Local artisans also displayed beautifully crafted Kente cloth, pottery, and beadwork, reminding all present of the enduring creativity of the Anlo people.
Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, and several development partners pledged their support for the festival and the region’s growth agenda.
Key Events to Look Forward To
As anticipation builds, the organizers have released an exciting lineup of key events that will span the coming weeks:
