A display of royal grandeur and cultural pride unfolded at the durbar grounds of Anloga in the Keta Municipality last Saturday as the Anlo State climaxed its 64th Hogbetsotso Festival.
The usually serene coastal town was transformed into a vibrant sea of colours, as thousands of indigenes and culture tourists thronged the venue to witness the momentous occasion that was attended by President John Dramani Mahama.
The atmosphere was electric, charged by the rhythmic beating of drums, alongside traditional warrior dances that echoed the historic exodus of the Anlo people from Notsie.
Royal encounter
The highlight of the grand durbar was the presence of the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Jira Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, as Special Guest of Honour of the Awoamefia of Anlo Dukor, Togbi Sri III.
President Mahama, a son of the Gonja Kingdom, drew thunderous applause when he approached the dais to greet the Yagbonwura, going down on one knee, a sign of utmost respect and cultural submission to the Gonja Overlord.
The crowd erupted in cheers, acknowledging the President’s humility and the deep ties binding the two traditional areas.
"His journey all the way from the Gonja Kingdom to celebrate with the Anlo people demonstrates the friendship and mutual respect that bind all our communities together," the
President said, acknowledging the Yagbonwura’s presence.
"As a son of the Gonja Kingdom myself and President of our Republic, I am especially pleased to witness this fellowship,” he added.
The President said the theme for the festival: "Anlo, Our Heritage and Our Values: Striving to Build One Ghana for a Better Tomorrow", perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the festival.
Economic Reset
President Mahama used the platform to declare that his government had largely achieved its objective of stabilising the economy within 22 months of taking office.
He announced that the next phase, investing in opportunities, would be unveiled by the Finance Minister at the delivery of next year’s budget statement to Parliament this week.
He outlined the "New Economy" policy, a bold initiative aimed at investing over $9 billion in job-rich sectors between 2027 and 2030.
The Volta Region, he said, was set to be a major beneficiary in textiles, garments, commercial agriculture, hospitality and tourism.
Coastal erosion, Keta Port
Responding directly to the concerns raised by Togbi Sri III regarding the devastating tidal waves, the President announced a massive financial intervention.
He revealed that GH¢685 million had been allocated under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA) to commence coastal protection works, including breakwaters and revetments.
"An additional amount of GH¢250 million has been allocated in the 2027 Budget for the continuation and completion of the Blekusu Phase Two Project," the President said.
On the Keta Port, President Mahama disclosed that 47 companies had expressed interest, with seven shortlisted to proceed to the design and financing stage.
He also announced that the administration block would be completed by the first quarter of next year, while the sod for the Volivo Bridge over the Southern Volta River would be cut in the first quarter of 2027.
"Our patience has been tested"
Earlier, Togbi Sri delivered a stirring address that balanced commendation with firm demands.
Welcoming the Yagbonwura, he said traditional leadership remained the custodian of national unity.
While commending the government for the improved Common Fund allocations, which had seen the construction of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, classroom blocks, and the Anloga 24-hour market, the Awoamefia was frank about the existential threats facing the Anlo State.
"We have been peaceful, we have been patient, and we have been supportive, but our cooperation must not be mistaken for complacency," Togbi Sri said.
He reminded the President of his visit to the area five months ago, where the devastation of the sea was witnessed firsthand, and demanded clear timelines for the Keta Port and the Blekusu Sea Defence project.
The Awoamefia also called for the establishment of the University of the Blue Economy and Coastal Ecosystems in Anlo, the upgrade of the Volta Regional Hospital into a teaching hospital, and the conversion of the Ohawu Agricultural College into a fully fledged university.
