How Ga Mashie celebrated the 2019 Homowo

For the first time in many years, the acrimony, bitter squabbles and confusion that usually marred the celebration of Homowo, the traditional festival of the Ga people, gave way to peace, glamour and fanfare by Ga Mashie indigenes in this year’s celebration that was climaxed at the weekend.

The traditional processes began in the early hours of Saturday with the preparation of the festival food; kpokpoi, prepared from corn with palm nut soup and fish to go with it.

The ceremonial meal signifies the essence of Homowo, which literally means, hooting at hunger.

The aroma from the palm nut soup filled the air as each household was busy preparing the traditional meal while awaiting the arrival of the Ga Mantse, who, together with other sub chiefs, clan and family heads, are vested with the responsibility of sprinkling the meal.

And by midday, the Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, led some clan and family heads to move from one traditional house to the other ‘We,’ as well as historical monuments such as the Usher Fort, to sprinkle Kpokpoi as a sign of appreciation to the gods in line with the rich custom of the Ga people.

That symbolic exercise paved the way for a Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsusu II, and his subjects to also sprinkle the kpokpoi on the streets of Ga Mashie in the full glare of the hundreds of people from all walks of life who had lined up the streets to witness the memorable occasion which essence was to show gratitude to the ancestors of the land for their blessings in providing the people with food after a long famine.

Other sub chiefs, traditional houses, clans and family heads also did same to evoke the spirits of the land while asking for the protection of the gods in the coming year.

Key moments

The entire Ga Mashie was literally lit in red as the chiefs and people were clad in red apparel and regalia, with the former sporting beautifully woven beads around their necks to mark the occasion.

The festival was also characterised by rich cultural display of drumming and the singing of traditional songs to which the celebrants, mostly women, gracefully danced to.

The warriors of the various clans also fired several rounds of muskets as a show of force and warning to all enemies of the land.
Some youth groups also took to the streets amid singing and dancing to what is known as “Aashi’ jama.”

Many drinking spots were busy with celebrants who had gathered to celebrate and share in the joy of the people of Ga Mashie.

The former President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, who graced the occasion, visited some of the houses to pay homage to the chiefs and clan heads.

Some natives who had returned home for the festival were also seen making merry and discussing family issues. Disputes within families are expected to be settled during the period.

Messages

Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II called for love and unity among the people, particularly the chiefs of Ga Mashie.

“Let us put the past behind us and love one another. The strength of the broom lies in its togetherness and so are we as a people. Unity is strength and it is the surest way to build a nation and to ensure sustainable development,” he added.

The chief also asked for God’s blessings and wished the people good health, long life and prosperity.

Nii Ayi Bonte II also expressed joy for the “smooth” celebration and asked that such serenity continues in future festivals.

For his part, the chief of Abola, Nii Ahene Nunoo III, said: “Accra plays a major role in the country’s development.