Ebi bright unveils plans to revamp Tema Homowo

METROPOLITAN Chief Executive (MCE) of Tema, Ms Ebi Bright, has announced an plans to revitalise the city’s festivals, ensuring they reflect the rich cultural heritage of the entire Tema metropolis. 

She noted that the current format of the Homowo and Kplejoo festivals has largely been confined to Tema Manhean, limiting their reach and impact. 

To address this, her administration is adopting a fresh approach aimed at promoting cultural export across the broader Tema community. 

The MCE disclosed  this on Friday, August 1, 2025 during a presentation of cash and other items including bags of maize, cartons of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, packs of bottled water to the Tema Traditional Council towards this year's Homowo celebrations.

The event also saw Ms Bright join a procession from Community Seven to the historic ancestral baobab tree at the Meridian Hotel site. Known as ‘Shajotso’ or ‘Teeshi’, the 400-year-old tree is revered as the spiritual heart of Tema, symbolising the original settlement of the Tema people before their relocation for the harbour project. 

Ms Bright said by revamping the Homowo festival and promoting the  cultural heritage of Tema, her office was seeking  to transform Tema into a sustainable, inclusive, and dynamic urban hub, aligning with President John Dramani Mahama's 24-hour economy initiative.

To ensure effective execution, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has established a Cultural and Religious Affairs Desk, tasked with promoting festivals, reclaiming heritage sites, and preserving the city’s identity.

Additionally, the MCE highlighted plans to develop the Tema Meridian Enclave, enhancing its significance as a cultural landmark. 

Nii Amarh Somponu II, Stool Secretary of the Tema Traditional Council, expressed gratitude to the MCE and lauded her efforts to preserve and promote the culture of Tema.

"The Council appreciates your initiative to renovate the Meridian Enclave, where the ancestral tree is preserved, and also for acknowledging the importance of preserving ourcultural heritage”, he added

He said because Tema in its current state had become a multi-ethnic society, people tend to forget that Tema possesses rich cultural heritage and historical past and expressed gratitude to  Ms Bright's efforts to develop the metropolis and promote its culture.

Writer’s email

Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh