Students in Anlo in the Volta Region have celebrated the 2025 edition of Children’s Hogbetsotso durbar with immense pride and enthusiasm at Keta-Dzelukope Roman Catholic Basic School in the Keta Municipality.
The vibrant celebration was an integral part of the 63rd edition of the Anlo Hogbetsotso festival which focused on promoting cultural heritage among young generations.
The durbar also played a significant role in instilling a sense of pride and identity in children for the continuation of Anlo’s rich cultural legacy.
Madam Charity Gomado, a Basic school teacher at Keta, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said that the Children’s Hogbetsotso durbar helped children to learn about their history, cultural values, and traditional practices.
“The celebrations showcase the traditional regalia of the Anlo people, and children are taught how to dress up in vibrant attire that reflects their cultural heritage,” she said.
She explained that the festival did not only exhibited the rich cultural traditions and practices of the Anlo people but also provided an opportunity for the younger generations to appreciate and connect with their roots and learn more about the forefathers.
Madam Gomado emphasised that other objective of the festival was to inculcate in the children the rich culture and tradition of Anloland and commended all teachers and parents for their contributions and efforts in preparing the children for the beautiful durbar.
“Almost all basic schools within Anloland have been able to participate in the children’s durbar which l know that this is not just about celebration but a platform to showcase the rich culture of our land through children.”
She said the event served as a reminder of the Anlo people’s rich cultural heritage and their journey to freedom which commemorated the exodus of the Ewe people from Notsie in Togo to their present settlement of Anloland in Ghana.
Some teachers and students the GNA interacted with expressed excitement over the festival and thanked the organisers for a smooth and successful children’s durbar, which always educated the public about the historic culture of Ewe people.
Children’s Hogbetsotso durbar is an essential event that preceded the main Hogbetsotso Za festival and it provided an opportunity for children to experience and appreciate their cultural roots while also showcasing their talents and creativities.
The festival emphasised on cultural heritage and tradition that are important in preserving Anlo’s rich cultural legacy for future generations and enable children to connect with their ancestors and appreciate the struggles and triumphs of their people.
The celebration is full of traditional drumming, music, and dance practices which teaches children the significance of unity, cultural preservation, and community involvement and development.
The main Hogbetsotso festival will be held on Saturday, November 1, at Anlo Hogbe part of the theme, “Building Bridges: From common history to common destiny.”
GNA
