The Tema West Municipal Assembly (TWMA) has donated assorted food items, beverages and an undisclosed amount of money to traditional authorities in the Nungua Traditional Area to support preparations for this year’s Homowo Festival.
The donation, led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Ludwig Totimeh, was made at the Nungua Palace as part of the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with traditional leaders and supporting the preservation of the Ga people’s rich cultural heritage.
Mr. Totimeh said part of the Tema West Municipality falls within the Nungua Traditional Area, making it appropriate for the Assembly to identify with the traditional authorities as they prepare for one of their most significant annual festivals.
“We are here today because the Homowo Festival is approaching. Part of the Tema West Municipality is situated on Nungua land, so it is only right that we come to support our traditional leaders as they prepare for the celebrations. We also ask them to remember the municipality in their prayers, just as we continue to remember them,” he said.
He noted that the Assembly values the role of traditional authorities in promoting peace, unity and development and believes their prayers and guidance are essential to the continued progress of the municipality.
The donation included sacks of maize, cartons of both local and foreign alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, palm oil, other assorted items, and an undisclosed amount of money to support the Homowo Festival celebrations.
The delegation presented the items and cash donation to Wor-Lumor Nuumo Borketey Lawey Tsuru XXXIII, Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse and Overlord of the GaDangme State, as well as Oboade Notse King, Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity ahead of the annual festival.
The delegation also included the Greater Accra Regional Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mrs. Felicia Mekpoi Bortey, who is also Naa Kai Mantse, Shika Yoo, Katamanso Akotiampong.
Mrs. Bortey said it was important for her to accompany the Assembly to the palace, both as a politician and a queen mother, to demonstrate support for the traditional authorities during the Homowo season.
She noted that the Nungua Homowo Festival is one of the longest celebrations in the Ga State, running from May to July. According to her, the festival includes the traditional ban on drumming and noise-making, community clean-up exercises, sporting activities between Nungua and Teshie, and other customary rites leading to the climax of the celebrations.
Mrs. Bortey commended the unity among the chiefs, describing it as a key driver of peace, development and progress. She urged residents to maintain that unity and extend hospitality to visitors who will participate in the festival.
She also advised the youth to stay away from drug abuse, bad company and all forms of criminal activity during the festivities. She warned that security personnel would be on duty throughout the celebration and that anyone found engaging in criminal activities or abusing illicit drugs would be arrested and prosecuted.
Mr. Totimeh also encouraged the youth to avoid social vices and continue promoting peace, unity and mutual respect before, during and after the Homowo Festival, stressing that the development of the municipality depends on harmonious coexistence among its residents.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
