Rich culture on display at Hogbetsotso Festival • President assures Volta Region of development

On Saturday, the vibrant culture and heritage of the Anlo people took center stage as thousands gathered at Hogbe Park in Anloga, the capital of Anlo State in Ghana's Volta Region, to commemorate the annual Hogbetsotso Festival. Among the distinguished attendees was the Yagbonwura, Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, King and Overlord of Gonja State, who journeyed over 700 kilometers from Damongo to participate in the festivities.

Other notable figures present included President John Dramani Mahama, chiefs, queens, government officials, diplomats, and figures from the entertainment world.

The event showcased a re-enactment of the Anlo people's historical migration from Notsie to their current location in southeastern Ghana, accompanied by traditional drumming and dancing. Dressed in colorful kente, guests from the Volta Region mingled with attendees from Gonjaland, who donned their traditional fugu attire and shared their customs.

President Mahama, addressing the audience, pledged his commitment to improving the living standards of the people in the Volta Region through ongoing development initiatives. He assured that the region would continue to receive a fair share of the nation's resources. In response to a request from the Anlo State's regent, the King, he pledged that the region would consistently receive its fair share of the national benefits.

King Sri III, representing the Anlo State, appreciated the government's investments but urged the government to allocate more resources, especially for the protection of coastal communities. His spokesperson conveyed that the Anlo State had maintained peace, patience, and support, and expected a clear roadmap to tackle the region's development challenges.

President Mahama indicated that, following the stabilization of the economy during his first 22 months in office, the government would launch a US$9 billion New Economy Programme spanning 2027 to 2030.