The Anlo Dukor Council, in collaboration with the Mafi Traditional Council, has celebrated a Mini Hogbetsotso festival at Adidome in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region, to strengthen unity among Ewe-speaking communities and promoting cultural preservation and development.
The annual event, held on the theme: “Building Bridges: From Common History to a Common Destiny,” brought together traditional authorities, cultural groups, government officials, opinion leaders, and residents from across Anlo and Mafi, to reaffirm the shared ancestral bond that ties Ewes together as one people.
Professor Ferdinand Makafui Ahiakpor, the Chairman of the event said the celebration served as a platform to revive the spirit of togetherness among Ewes and to promote collective socio-cultural and developmental aspirations.
He called on all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at sustaining unity and peace.
Togbe Agbesi Awusu II, the Awadada of Anlo, who represented the Awomefia, Togbe Sri III, commended the people of Mafi for their warm reception and hospitality.
He said the unity between the Anlo and Mafi people remained strong and must be protected for future generations.
Togbe Awusu said the Mini Hogbetsotso was not only a remembrance of the historic escape from Notsie but also an opportunity to celebrate and preserve Ewe cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, cuisine, and symbols of identity.
He however expressed concern about lingering chieftaincy disputes within some communities, urging traditional leaders to use culture as a tool for conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence.
Togbe Buatri Asafo IV, Acting President of the Mafi Traditional Council, said hosting the festival further affirmed the enduring bond of kinship and mutual respect between the two traditional areas.
He said the collaboration presented an opportunity to promote cultural exchange and scale up partnerships in trade, education, tourism, and community development.
Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo Agyemang V, the Dufia of Adidome, stated that the diversity of Ewe communities across different traditional jurisdictions should be viewed as a strategic asset for strengthening regional influence and development.
He said the celebration demonstrated the unity that when nurtured, could inspire progress and enhance the voice of the Ewe people in national discourse.
“As hosts, we consider this event both a privilege and a responsibility. It gives us the opportunity to showcase our shared cultural identity, hospitality, and our willingness to support initiatives that advance unity and development among all Ewes,” he said.
He further appealed for sustained youth engagement in cultural programming to prevent erosion of indigenous values.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister and Guest of Honour, expressed delight at the renewed efforts to unify Ewes across traditional boundaries.
He said unity among Ewe communities would promote coordinated development planning, cultural tourism, and mobilization for grassroots economic empowerment.
He urged chiefs to work collectively and avoid divisions that weaken traditional authority and derail development efforts.
“When our leaders stand together, the people stand stronger. Let us protect our heritage and make the Ewe identity stand tall wherever we find ourselves,” he said.
Mr Gunu also called on residents to support their traditional leaders with loyalty and cooperation to drive the development of the region.
Mr Alexander Roosevelt Hotordze, the Member of Parliament of Central Tongu, said the Mini Hogbetsotso would help dismantle long-standing traditional boundaries that slow developmental collaboration.
He said unity among Ewes remained key to harnessing shared strengths for educational, agricultural, and economic advancement.
The event featured traditional drumming and dancing, cultural displays, performances by Asafo groups, and reaffirmation of inter-clan and inter-state ties.
GNA
