The Chiefs and People of the Anlo State on Saturday celebrated the 63rd edition of the Hogbetsotso Festival on the theme: “Building Bridges: From a Common History to a Common Destiny.”
The grand durbar, marked with rich cultural displays, attracted thousands from the 36 states of Anlo, as well as government officials, Members of the Council of State, former and current Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, and other dignitaries.
Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff and special guest, commended the people of Anlo for preserving the authenticity of their cultural heritage.
“I am always happy to visit the Volta Region because I consider it a strong home of our political tradition,” he said.
“Your dance, your performances, and your culture remain authentic and impressive. We truly commend you for keeping the Anlo customs alive,” he added.
He urged the people to continue praying and supporting President John Dramani Mahama in his quest to implement the proposed Volta Economic Zone initiative.
“Just as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah believed in the Akosombo Dam vision despite doubts, President Mahama also believes that developing the riverbanks into agro-industrial zones will create major opportunities for trade, job creation and economic transformation,” Mr. Debrah stated.
Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, Paramount Chief of the Akwamu Traditional Area and Guest of Honour, highlighted the historical bonds between Anlo, Akwamu and Asante.
“Our histories are intertwined—rooted in friendship, shared destiny, and unity of spirit,” he said.
He added: “Though we differ in tongue and custom, we are united in purpose as Ghanaians.”
He called for the safeguarding of indigenous traditions as a tool for development and national cohesion.
Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, acknowledged the people for their support and assured them of ongoing efforts to complete key development projects.
He disclosed that several road projects in Anlo, including Alakple Junction–Alakple–Kome and Abor–Atiavi Roads, are currently before the Public Procurement Authority awaiting approval.
“All promises—including the Keta and Blekusu Sea Defence Projects—are progressing steadily, and engineers are already on the ground,” he noted.
Mr. Gunu further assured that the Keta UHAS School of Pharmacy project and the upgrade of Ohawu Agricultural College into an Agricultural University would soon commence.
He also confirmed that the environmental permitting processes required for the Keta Port are near completion, paving the way for construction works to begin.
In his address, Torgbui Sri III, Awomefia of Anlo State, urged citizens—home and abroad—to invest in projects that improve livelihoods and enhance the socio-economic fortunes of Anlo.
“Our unity must reflect in schools built, industries established, farms irrigated, and youth empowered,” he emphasised.
“Let our pride be seen not only in culture and regalia, but in tangible development and transformed lives.”
The Awomefia appealed to government to expedite support for key priority projects including:
Rice and aquaculture development in Afife and Weta; Conversion of Ohawu Agricultural College into a University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences; Establishment of UHAS School of Pharmacy in Keta; Fast-tracking the West Africa Coastal Area (WACA) Project; Completion of the Blekusu Sea Defence and Keta Port Projects; Relocation of the Eastern Naval Base to Keta
He also raised concerns over declining basic education standards in the state and tasked traditional leaders to help restore excellence in learning outcomes.
“Our destiny must be shaped by our own hands,” he said.
He added: “When Anlo stands united, we are stronger than any storm.”
Source: GNA
The post Anlo State marks 63rd Hogbetsotso Festival appeared first on Ghana Business News.
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