Sokpoe set for Tortsogbeza festival
The people of Sokpoe traditional area in the South Tongu district of the Volta Region are set to celebrate their annual Tortsogbeza(River Crossing) festival in commemoration of their migration from Notsie in the 17th century from tomorrow, April, 14-17.
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Like the Biblical story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea during the escape from captivity in Egypt, the people of Sokpoe will re-enact their migration story during the festival which is under the theme “Harnessing the socio-cultural uniqueness of Tortsogbeza for development” this year.
A group of people enacting the crossing of the river
According to Mr George Asafo, chairman of the festival planning committee, the theme is aimed at mobilizing available resources for development adding that the people had sought sponsorship from several quarters to make their dream come true.
Mr Asafo said the people had identified water sports as an alternative viable investment to substitute the dwindling fortunes on farming and fishing attributed to the construction of the hydroelectric dam upstream.
He revealed that patrons to the festival will be treated to a variety of activities. “There will be water sports such as diving from the bridge, regatta, swimming, beach volley, canoe expeditions in addition to traditional performances such as dancing and singing.
Mr. Asafo, chairman of the planning committee
Recalling the migration story and the essence of the festival, ex-District Chief Executive, Mr Mawuko Eworyi said from Notsie, the people first settled at Penyi then to Anaglime of Fevie and later crossed the river to their present settlement at Sokpoe.
He said apart from resources of the Volta River there were good hotels such as Hotel de Cisneros, Shekinah Glory Hotel, Volta View, Holy Trinity SPA, Eden Volta Paradise, Hapovers and appreciable number of guest houses for tourists and patrons.
