Anlo State celebrated the grand finale of its 64th Hogbetsotso Festival last Saturday with a spectacular display of royal splendour, cultural heritage and tradition at the durbar grounds in Anloga, Keta Municipality. The usually quiet coastal town was transformed into a colourful celebration ground as thousands of indigenes and cultural enthusiasts gathered to witness the historic occasion, which was graced by President John Dramani Mahama.
The durbar was marked by an electrifying atmosphere, with the rhythmic sounds of traditional drums and captivating warrior dances recreating the historic migration of the Anlo people from Notsie. A major highlight of the celebration was the presence of the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Jira Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour at the invitation of the Awoamefia of Anlo Dukor, Togbi Sri III.
President Mahama attracted loud cheers from the gathering when he approached the dais to greet the Yagbonwura, kneeling in a gesture of deep respect and reverence for the Gonja Overlord. The gesture drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd, with many celebrating the President’s humility and the longstanding bonds between the two traditional areas.
In acknowledging the Yagbonwura’s presence, President Mahama said his journey from the Gonja Kingdom to celebrate with the Anlo people reflected the enduring friendship and mutual respect among communities. “His journey all the way from the Gonja Kingdom to celebrate with the Anlo people demonstrates the friendship and mutual respect that bind all our communities together,” the President said.
“As a son of the Gonja Kingdom myself and President of our Republic, I am especially pleased to witness this fellowship,” he added. The President said the theme for the festival, “Anlo, Our Heritage and Our Values: Striving to Build One Ghana for a Better Tomorrow”, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the festival.
President John Dramani Mahama used the occasion to announce that his administration had largely achieved its target of stabilising the economy within 22 months of assuming office.
He disclosed that the government was preparing to move into the next phase of its economic agenda, which focuses on investing in opportunities. The Finance Minister is expected to formally outline this phase when he presents the 2027 Budget Statement to Parliament this week. The President also highlighted the government’s proposed “New Economy” policy, an ambitious initiative designed to channel more than $9 billion into sectors with high job-creation potential between 2027 and 2030.
He identified the Volta Region as one of the major beneficiaries of the initiative, particularly in the areas of textiles and garments, commercial agriculture, hospitality and tourism. Addressing concerns raised by the Awoamefia of Anlo Dukor, Togbi Sri III, over the devastating impact of tidal waves on coastal communities, President Mahama announced significant funding for coastal protection interventions.
He revealed that GH¢685 million had been committed under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA) to support coastal defence works, including the construction of breakwaters and revetments. “An additional amount of GH¢250 million has been allocated in the 2027 Budget for the continuation and completion of the Blekusu Phase Two Project,” the President announced.
Touching on the proposed Keta Port project, President Mahama disclosed that 47 companies had expressed interest, with seven shortlisted to advance to the design and financing stages. He further indicated that the administration block was expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027, while construction preparations for the Volivo Bridge across the Southern Volta River would begin with a sod-cutting ceremony in the first quarter of the same year.
“Our patience has been tested”
Earlier, Togbi Sri delivered a stirring address that balanced commendation with firm demands. Welcoming the Yagbonwura, he said traditional leadership remained the custodian of national unity. While commending the government for the improved Common Fund allocations, which had seen the construction of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, classroom blocks, and the Anloga 24-hour market, the Awoamefia was frank about the existential threats facing the Anlo State.
“We have been peaceful, we have been patient, and we have been supportive, but our cooperation must not be mistaken for complacency,” Togbi Sri said. He reminded the President of his visit to the area five months ago, where the devastation of the sea was witnessed firsthand, and demanded clear timelines for the Keta Port and the Blekusu Sea Defence project.
The Awoamefia also called for the establishment of the University of the Blue Economy and Coastal Ecosystems in Anlo, the upgrade of the Volta Regional Hospital into a teaching hospital, and the conversion of the Ohawu Agricultural College into a fully fledged university.
