Homowo: Cultural catalyst for unity, community mental health

The Ga people, indigenous to the Greater Accra Region, trace their origins to present-day Nigeria before settling along the Gulf of Guinea and founding Ga Mashie — Accra’s historic heart.

Songs such as "Wogb3 jek3-woj3shon" echo the origins of the Ga people.

Between the 1500s–1600s, they endured a devastating famine.

Late rains and failed harvests left many without food, threatening not only survival but also the social bonds that held the community together.

When the rains finally came, a bountiful harvest followed, ending their famine.

The Ga people celebrated with "Homowo," or "hooting at hunger," a festival now symbolising unity and resilience.

Below are three themes derived from the Homowo festival that serve as catalysts for unity and mental well-being among the Ga people. 

Identity, social unity

"Understanding one's cultural heritage is fundamental to self-discovery and identity formation.

In Accra, the increasing multicultural interactions have led to a sense of disconnection among young people, resulting in a loss of traditional identity. 

Homowo festival offers a unique opportunity for young people to learn about the rich history and cultural traditions of the Ga Adangbe people, including their arrival in Ga Mashie and the representation of various clans.

The sense of belonging and identity is paramount for one's well-being, as it addresses fundamental human needs.

Beyond its socio-cultural relevance, the Homowo traditions foster authenticity, self-acceptance, and the cultivation of meaningful relationships, resonating with the African philosophy that asserts: “I am because we are" – Ubuntu. 

The festival engenders multifaceted influences, uniting families, clans and the broader Ga community.

These interactions offer a vital platform for forgiveness and the clarification of misunderstandings among individuals and groups known as Ny)wala.

The communal preparation of the traditional food, "Kpokpoi", epitomises unity and togetherness. Indeed, unity is strength i.e., "Ekomifemo", and being at peace with others is paramount for attaining mental wellness.

Homowo festival promotes cultural heritage, social cohesion and individual well-being."

Homowo is more than a feast — it’s a mirror that reflects who we are as a people.

Spiritual restoration

The theme of spiritual restoration is a crucial component of overall wellness, involving healing, renewal and rejuvenation through reconnecting with values, beliefs and purpose.

The spiritual rituals intrinsic to Homowo possess profound metaphysical significance, accompanied by a notable impact on mental health. 

The celebration commences with" Nmaa dumo" (sowing of seeds), then a traditional prohibition on drumming and noise-making throughout the Ga communities.

This injunction is enforced by the Wulomo (clan priest) and formally proclaimed by the Ga Mantsε (King). 

This time-honoured tradition stands out particularly in the bustling city of Accra, renowned for its cacophony and the Ga people's propensity for elaborate ceremonies.

The transient cessation of noise pollution during Homowo is likely to exert a beneficial influence on mental well-being, as tranquil environments are recognised for promoting serenity, facilitating reflection and mindfulness and enhancing sleep quality. 

Once the ban is lifted, preparations by families commence with fervour.

The streets of Accra come alive with a vibrant procession of drumming, dancing and traditional competitions-as kpanshimo.

Central to this celebration are spiritual acts: libation pouring, sprinkling of “kpokoi”, and the clan priest's prayer recitation, which goes as follows:

..As this season turns, may life renew, Unity unbroken, bad luck depart from view.

May our labour bear fruit, success be our guide when we dig deep, may fresh waters flow.

Quenching our thirst, refreshing our hearts, As this season passes, may another bring new starts.

May blessings abound, and love forever stay.

This act highlights the importance of spiritual practices in the Homowo tradition, invoking blessings and prosperity, which serve as a protective factor for the mental well-being of the community.In the silence before the drums, the mind finds its calm.

Hope, resilience

Homowo epitomises the spirit of hope and resilience for the Ga people, serving as a powerful reminder of their ability to overcome adversity and thrive through this cultural celebration.

This mental outlook is a motivational state that fosters hope and positivity. 

The festival features traditional leaders (Asafoitse) and priests offering prayers and libations to ancestors, thanking them for the harvest and asking for continued blessings. This spiritual practice promotes a sense of hope and positivity, acknowledging the good things in their lives.

The festival also provides an opportunity for community business owners to sell their wares to visitors and tourists.

This economic activity brings hope for improved livelihoods and financial stability.

While hope and resilience are interconnected, both empower individuals to surmount challenges and reframe setbacks as manageable obstacles.

Thus, cultivating hope and resilience helps the Ga people navigate life's challenges and achieve their goals.

As the African proverb says: "A tree that withstands storms will stand for a thousand years".

Homowo festival is a testament to the enduring power of hope and resilience.

Homowo teaches us that no season of hunger lasts forever.

Call, traditional preservation

The influx of diverse cultures in Accra, adoption of Western religions, modernisation and urbanisation threaten the survival of Ga traditions.

There is evidence of young people's shifting values leading to identity loss and isolation. 

This overshadows the festival's deeper cultural and emotional significance.

Advocates of mental health highlight the benefits of festivals generally in fostering mechanical solidarity and collective effervescence.

However, mental illness stigma remains a concern in Ga communities. 

There is a crucial need to further explore Ghanaian festivals as a conduit to promote mental wellness and social cohesion.

Practices such as open dialogues, drama shows and traditional storytelling can focus on emotional well-being, resilience and unity, serving as an essential tool for merging tradition with awareness creation and promoting mental health.

In conclusion, Homowo provides profound therapeutic value, emotional grounding, psychological resilience and a sense of hope that bridges generations.

As a cultural asset, Homowo festival nurtures mental health, unity and heritage preservation in the Ga community, benefitting its youth and overall well-being.
Preserve homowo, preserve our roots.

The writer is an Advanced Community Mental Health/Psychiatry Rehabilitation Specialist,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Hospital.