The Chief Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akomfra III has assured residents of Teshie and all Homowo enthusiasts that the 2026 Teshie Homowo Festival will be held in an atmosphere of peace with stronger security and unity.
Nii Akomfra III, who is also the President of the Teshie Traditional Council, said the festival would be elevated to a new level, with greater national recognition and improved organisation.
He made the remarks during the official launch of the 2026 Teshie Homowo Festival at the Traditional Council Hall in Accra last Friday (July 24).
The well-attended event featured speeches, music and dance performances, poetry recitals and a re-enactment of the historic Katamanso War between the Asantes and the Ga-Dangme State.
Reflecting on the 2025 festival which was marred by violence, the Teshie Mantse mentioned that extensive efforts had been made to promote peace, with commitments from the military, police, religious leaders, the Member of Parliament, traditional authorities, business leaders and other stakeholders.
Determined to ensure a different outcome this year, the Paramount Chief declared: "I wish to reassure all Teshimei and every Homowo fan that we are taking Homowo to a new level this year."
He said lessons had been learned from the previous year’s experience and that measures had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful and successful celebration.
Katamanso War
Nii Akomfra III said August 7, 2026, would mark the bicentenary of the Katamanso War, explaining that the commemoration was intended to underscore the devastating consequences of war.
He paid tribute to the heroic Teshie warriors Anteh and Afutu Dzani, whose bravery contributed to the defeat of the Asante army during the historic battle.
He urged residents to honour their legacy by embracing peace and unity, stressing that a peaceful Homowo celebration would be the most fitting tribute to their sacrifice.
Festival visibility
Nii Akomfra III highlighted a major milestone for the festival, announcing that the Parliament of Ghana had, for the first time, formally recognised the cultural and economic significance of the Teshie Homowo Festival.
He also disclosed that the Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, had committed to working with the Teshie Traditional Council, the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly and other community stakeholders to enhance the festival's visibility and organisation.
He announced the official festival calendar, with the Gbemlilaa ceremony scheduled for August 10, the sprinkling of Kpokpoi on August 25, the Annual Football Harvest on August 29, the Kpashimo for flags and group activities beginning on August 30 and the grand finale, the Tsesebumo Street Carnival, on September 5, 2026.
Beyond the festival, Nii Ashitey Akomfra III expressed appreciation to the Church of Pentecost for renovating the Teshie Traditional Council Hall, describing the project as an exemplary act of corporate social responsibility that would benefit the Teshie community.
Security
Dzasetse Nii Kwabotswe II urged the security services to collaborate only with gazetted chiefs, as required by law, to prevent unauthorised persons from causing disturbances.
He further called on all stakeholders to work with the appropriate authorities to ensure a peaceful and successful festival, and prayed for protection from all evil.
Representatives of the security services, in separate speeches, assured the gathering of their preparedness to provide adequate security to ensure a peaceful and memorable celebration.
We will work closely with the Traditional Council, Asafo Groups and other stakeholders to provide adequate security before, during and after the festivities," Tema Regional Police Commander, DCOP Eric Asamoah Asiedu said.
"The command is going to support me so we will provide the necessary security to ensure that this year's Teshie Homowo takes place successfully," Kpeshie Divisionsl Commander, ACP Dede Koshie said.
Attendance
The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the security services, religious leaders, political parties, clan heads, chiefs and queenmothers from satellite towns, Asafoatsemei, and schools.
Notable among the attendees were the Queenmother of Teshie, Naa Ogbedei Srawa I, Dzasetse, Nii Kwabotswe II, Shikitele, Nii Adjetey Okpey III, Wulomor, Nuumo Adjei Sankuma III, Pantang Mantse, Nii Kotey Afutu Brempong III, Kweiman Mantse, Nii Amartey Kwei III and Damfa Mankralo, Nii Laryea Brenya I.
Also present were Command Operations Officer of Southern Command, Colonel Lawrence Seddoh Agbedoawu, Tema Regional Police Commander, DCOP Eric Asamoah Asiedu, Kpeshie Divisionsl Commander, ACP Dede Koshie, LEKMA Fire Service Head of Training, DOIII Ebenezer Ayi Mensah, Teshie Municipal Chief Imam, Sheikh Ibrahim Amartei, Representative from Global Network of Churches, Apostle Prof. Jerry Adjei Adjetey, retired Area Head of Church of Pentecost, Apostle Wilberforce Nkrumah Agyman, and current Area Head, Church of Pentecost, Dr Dela Quampah.
