Togbi Sri III (2nd from right), the Awomefia, in the company of Togbi Agbesi Awusu II (3rd from right), the Awadada (Warlord), and some sub chiefs arriving at a durbar during a recent Hogbetsotso Festival

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People and Places: Anlo Kingdom

Douglas Anane-Frimpong Features Nov - 02 - 2024 , 09:56 2 minutes read

Located in the southeastern part of Ghana, in the Volta Region, lies the Anlo Kingdom.

This ancient kingdom boasts a captivating history, marked by remarkable migration stories, courageous wars, and vibrant cultural festivals, all of which attest to the remarkable resilience and strength of its people.

The Anlo people's origin dates back to Southern Sudan from where they migrated to Notsie in modern-day Togo before settling in Ghana in 1474.

According to legend, mythical heroes Sri and Wenya led the Anlos to the current location.

The word "Anlo" is said to come from Wenya's exclamation "Menlo", which means "I can go no further" in Ewe. This ancestral heritage forms the foundation of the Anlo identity.

Throughout their history, the Anlos have faced significant conflicts that have shaped their character.

Notably, the 1792 war with the Keta people resulted in Keta's destruction, while the Sagbadre War saw the Anlo form an alliance with the Danes against rival tribes. Unfortunately, the Danes abandoned the Anlos when victory seemed close.

These experiences have instilled in the Anlos, a sense of resilience and determination.

The Anlos commemorate their migration with the annual Hogbetsotso festival, which is held in the first week of November. The name

"Hogbetsotso" is derived from Ewe words: "ho" (to move), "gbe" (day), and "tsotso" (crossing over) which means the ‘day of exodus’. This celebration serves as a reminder of their ancestors' journey and the kingdom's rich cultural heritage.

The capital of the Anlo Kingdom is Anloga, which is the seat of the paramount chieftaincy. The name "Anloga" literally means "big Anlo" in Ewe.

Other notable settlements include Keta, a former port, and Aflao, a thriving cross-border exchange centre. These towns play vital roles in the kingdom's economic and cultural landscape.

The Kingdom of Anlo is one of the largest of the Ewe coastal tribes in Ghana. It consists of 36 states headed by the Awoamefia, ruler or overload of the kingdom. The current Awoamefia, Togbi Sri III, has held the position since February 23, 2011.