The 63rd edition of the Hogbetsotso Festival of the Anlo State has once again reinforced the people’s collective call for unity, self-reliance, and accelerated development. This year’s celebration, themed “Building Bridges: From a Common History to a Common Destiny,” drew thousands of citizens and dignitaries to Anloga on Saturday, as chiefs and leaders used the platform to advocate for stronger collaboration between government, traditional authorities, and citizens for national progress.
The Awomefia of Anlo, Torgbui Sri III, set the tone for the festival with a powerful call to action, urging citizens both home and abroad to channel their resources toward projects that would transform livelihoods and sustain the Anlo legacy.
“Our unity must reflect in schools built, industries established, farms irrigated, and youth empowered,” he declared. “Let our pride be seen not only in culture and regalia, but in tangible development and transformed lives.”
He appealed to government to expedite work on several key initiatives, including the Afife and Weta rice and aquaculture projects, the conversion of Ohawu Agricultural College into a University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, the UHAS School of Pharmacy in Keta, the WACA Project, the Blekusu Sea Defence, and the Keta Port development. He also urged that the Eastern Naval Base be relocated to Keta as part of efforts to enhance security and local employment.
Torgbui Sri III further expressed concern about declining educational standards in the state and called on traditional leaders to take a direct role in revitalising basic education.
“Our destiny must be shaped by our own hands. When Anlo stands united, we are stronger than any storm,” he said.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Volta Region Projects
Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, reassured the gathering of government’s commitment to the region’s development. He announced that several major road projects, including the Alakple Junction–Alakple–Kome and Abor–Atiavi roads, were currently before the Public Procurement Authority awaiting approval.
He added that engineers were already on-site for the Keta and Blekusu Sea Defence Projects, while the Keta UHAS School of Pharmacy and the upgrade of Ohawu Agricultural College were set to begin soon.
“Environmental permitting for the Keta Port is almost complete, paving the way for actual construction to commence,” he disclosed.
Historic Bonds and Cultural Pride
Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Paramount Chief of the Akwamu Traditional Area and Guest of Honour, used the occasion to highlight the deep historical ties among Anlo, Akwamu, and Asante.
“Our histories are intertwined—rooted in friendship, shared destiny, and unity of spirit. Though we differ in tongue and custom, we are united in purpose as Ghanaians,” he said, calling for the preservation of indigenous traditions as tools for national cohesion.
National Support for Anlo Progress
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff and Special Guest, commended the people of Anlo for preserving their cultural authenticity.
“Your dance, performances, and customs remain authentic and impressive. We commend you for keeping Anlo traditions alive,” he said.
Mr. Debrah also encouraged the people to rally behind President John Dramani Mahama’s Volta Economic Zone initiative, describing it as a transformative plan to turn the riverbanks into agro-industrial hubs that would boost trade, job creation, and national growth.
A Celebration of Identity and Vision
This year’s festival brought together the 36 states of Anlo, traditional leaders, and government officials in a vibrant display of drumming, dancing, and storytelling that celebrated both heritage and hope.
While the colourful pageantry reflected the strength of Anlo culture, the speeches delivered at the durbar made it clear that the future of Anlo lies not only in its traditions but also in the unity, vision, and development choices of its people.
As the drums faded and the crowds dispersed, the message from the Hogbetsotso Festival remained unmistakable — the Anlo people are ready to build bridges between their proud past and a prosperous shared destiny.
