Tema: Ewulu Nii Adjei Klu, Senior Manager of Radio at Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), has urged Ga natives to participate fully in the annual Homowo festival, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the traditions and customs of their native towns. Ewulu Nii Klu, who is also a Ga historian and author of the Ga book 'Kusum Gboo', clarified that the festival's celebration is not fetish but rather a reflection of the traditions and the historical experiences of their ancestors.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Senior Manager made these remarks as a guest speaker during the 2025 Tema Homowo lectures organized by the Tema Youth Association in collaboration with the Tema Traditional Council. The lectures, themed 'Honouring Tradition, Strengthening Togetherness to Foster Growth,' highlighted the significance of the Homowo festival in reconnecting natives with their roots and community.
Ewulu Nii Klu explained that attending the Homowo festival allows natives working elsewhere to assure their relatives of their well-being, while also serving as a time for reconciliation and receiving blessings from elders. He stressed that it is essential for Ga natives to return home for such cultural gatherings, drawing a parallel to the Israelites' return for Passover festivals, as the Ga people also trace their origins to biblical Israel.
The professional broadcaster urged natives to save funds throughout the year to facilitate their participation, noting that the Homowo period, traditionally known as 'Yakany?', implies that no work should be done during this time. He advised Ga native workers to schedule their leave during this period to join in the festivities and remember their origins, as their names reflect their heritage and serve as a traditional address.
Ewulu Nii Klu recounted the journey of the Ga-Dangme ancestors from Israel, through various locations including Sudan, Nigeria, and Togo, to their current settlement in Ghana. The Homowo festival holds great significance, commemorating the overcoming of hunger and serving as a time for town purification and seeking ancestral blessings.
The Ga historian also called on residents and non-natives living on Ga lands to respect the traditions and culture of the people, promoting peaceful coexistence and avoiding labeling them as 'fetish.' Mr. Abraham Adjei Tawiah, President of the Tema Youth Association, noted that the lecture aimed to educate both natives and non-natives on the importance of the Homowo festival, fostering unity and development for the town's future.
Mr. Isaac Ashai Odamtten, Member of Parliament for the Tema East Constituency, remarked that festivals have historically chronicled customs and traditions, protecting social support systems and enhancing lives through tourism. He expressed that the lecture inspired a renewed commitment to honoring culture and advancing youth development and empowerment.