Anlo schools celebrate mini Hogbetsotso festival

Basic schools across the 36 Anlo states in Ghana's Volta Region recently marked their mini Hogbetsotso festival, preceding the main event slated for Saturday, November 7. The festivities saw students adorned in vibrant traditional attire, displaying their cultural heritage through drumming, dancing, and performances that recounted the historic journey of their ancestors from Notsie, Togo, to their current settlements.

Held under the theme "Anlo: Our Heritage and Our Values, Striving to Build Ghana for a Better Tomorrow," the event took place in Keta Urban, where six schools participated: Anlo State School, Keta Roman Catholic Mixed and Girls Basic Schools, Vodza Basic School, Keta EP Basic School, and Adzido M/A Basic School. The ceremony was presided over by Togbi James Ocloo, the Dufia of Keta, with Togbi Dr Kissi Avuablatsi as the guest of honor, while Mama Wii Amegashie III delivered the address.

Other local chiefs and queen mothers also attended to support the young performers, whose displays garnered enthusiastic applause from parents and spectators. In his remarks, Togbi Avuablatsi praised the students for their dedication to preserving their ancestral legacy, urging them to prioritize their education and acquire vocational skills in demand worldwide.

He also appealed to parents to ensure regular school attendance for their children, emphasizing the importance of responsible citizenship and community contribution. Togbi Avuablatsi acknowledged the efforts of teachers and the education department in organizing the festival and pledged to facilitate counseling sessions for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates to aid their exam preparations.

Mama Amegashie III cautioned the youth, especially young women, to enjoy the main festival responsibly, steering clear of actions that might hinder their future prospects. Togbi James Ocloo expressed worry over societal indiscipline and appealed to parents and law enforcement to tackle the issue. In Anloga District, the Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbi Sri III, addressed the pupils via speech delivered on his behalf, emphasizing the importance of respecting elders, maintaining discipline, and avoiding social vices.

He encouraged the students to remain committed to their education, uphold cultural values, and steer clear of violence, including sexual violence. Togbi Sri III urged the youth to celebrate Hogbetsotso responsibly, fostering peace, love, and unity, and stressed the significance of the festival as a time for introspection, renewed hope, and dedication to Anlo State's development.