The La Traditional Council has officially lifted the ban on noise-making, signalling the beginning of preparations for this year’s Homowo Festival.
The announcement was made on August 12, 2025, following the performance of a sacred rite that marks the community’s unified commitment to the festival.
“This rite is not just ceremonial,” said Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, La Shikitele, and Supreme Head of Nmati Abonase. “It is a declaration that what we have started will be carried through in one accord, as one people.”
In an interview with Happy Kasiebo, the chief noted that the festival’s next major event, Afio, will be held on Monday night. It is a mini vigil that spiritually prepares the way for Pangpa, the full vigil where the community awaits the presence of the La deity.
According to tradition, if the deity appears during Pangpa, it is a sign of divine favour. If not, the community looks to Asolimo, the climax of Homowo on Wednesday, for the deity’s arrival. Should the deity remain absent, further rites are performed to understand and address the cause.
Responding to critics who question the legitimacy of celebrating Homowo in the absence of a La Mantse, Nii Koofeh clarified that the festival is deeply rooted in custom and spiritual guidance.
“We did not simply decide to celebrate Homowo after the passing of the La Mantse,” he said. “We consulted the deities, and the La deity gave us permission to proceed before the burial of the Mantse. No one is assuming his role. If he were present, we would perform the rites together. Homowo belongs to the entire town, not to one individual.”
He also addressed ongoing legal challenges from factions opposing the festival’s organization, noting that three court cases have already been dismissed.
“It’s time they learn the customs and stop wasting energy on frivolous litigation,” he said. “They should support the community instead.”
On the issue of public safety, Nii Koofeh emphasized that firearms are not part of the main Homowo rites. Their use is strictly limited to specific stool and deity rituals performed before the ban on noise-making and drumming.
“Now that the ban has been placed, we do not expect anyone to discharge firearms,” he stated.
As the community enters a celebratory mood, the Shikitele urged the youth to remain respectful and disciplined.
“We call on all to engage in the rites responsibly. Respect is part of our theme this year, and we expect everyone to uphold it”, he advised.
The Homowo Festival, celebrated by the Ga people, commemorates a historic triumph over famine and is marked by rituals, feasting, and communal unity.
