Gov't present assorted food items, beverages, cash donation to Ga Traditional Council shead of Homowo 2026 celebration

The Government of Ghana has presented assorted food items, beverages and a cash donation to the Ga Traditional Council in support of the 2026 Homowo Festival, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Ga people while promoting peace, unity and development.

The presentation was made on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama by a delegation led by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, during a courtesy visit to the Ga Traditional Council ahead of this year's annual Homowo celebration.

The delegation included the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey; the Member of Parliament for the Odododiodio Constituency, Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie; and the Municipal Chief Executive for Korle Klottey, Hon. Alfred Allotey-Gaisie.

The donation, valued at GH¢100,000, comprised 119 sacks of maize, 119 gallons of palm oil, 81 cartons of Guinness, 130 cartons of beer, 83 cartons of malt and assorted soft drinks, which will be distributed among the various clans under the Ga State to support the successful organisation of the annual festival.

Receiving the items and speaking on behalf of the Ga Traditional Council, Nii Adote Otintor, Sempe Mantse expressed appreciation to the government for its continued support towards the celebration of one of the Ga State's most significant cultural festivals.

Addressing the gathering, Greater Accra Regional Minister Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo reiterated government's commitment to preserving the customs and traditions of the Ga people, describing the donation as a demonstration of the administration's dedication to strengthening its partnership with traditional authorities.

She noted that the Homowo Festival remains an important symbol of unity, resilience and cultural identity, and expressed optimism that this year's celebration would be peaceful and successful.

The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, called on residents to celebrate responsibly and maintain peace throughout the festivities.

He also used the occasion to announce the strict enforcement of the upcoming National Sanitation Day exercise scheduled for Saturday, August 1, warning that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) would not tolerate any acts of non-compliance.

"We will show no mercy to anyone who flouts the National Sanitation Day exercise directive," the Mayor declared.

He urged residents, traders and business owners to suspend commercial activities between 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to participate fully in the clean-up exercise, stressing that environmental cleanliness is key to a successful Homowo celebration.

Mr. Allotey warned that shops found operating during the sanitation exercise would be locked, while goods seized during enforcement operations would be donated to orphanages.

The Mayor further appealed to the youth to celebrate responsibly by staying away from marijuana, tramadol and other harmful substances, while urging traditional leaders and sub-chiefs to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation for the continued progress of the Ga State.

"I pray that through this Homowo Festival, peace will prevail in the Ga State. This celebration belongs to all of us, so let us celebrate in peace and unity," he stated.

Also speaking at the event, the Member of Parliament for the Odododiodio Constituency, Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, wished the chiefs and people of the Ga State a peaceful and successful Homowo Festival and encouraged Ghanaians and visitors from across the world to participate in the celebrations and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Ga people.

He disclosed that the Ghana Police Service had put in place adequate security arrangements for the festivities, assuring residents that security personnel would be deployed before, during and after the celebrations to protect lives and property.

Hon. Kotey Ashie cautioned that anyone who engaged in criminal or disorderly conduct during the festival would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He also threw his support behind the National Sanitation Day exercise, stressing that the Ga people could not celebrate their most cherished festival in an unclean environment.

According to him, maintaining clean homes, markets, streets and public spaces is a shared responsibility that will not only improve public health but also create a befitting atmosphere for the Homowo festivities.

He expressed confidence that this year's festival would strengthen peace, unity and solidarity among the various Ga communities while promoting harmonious coexistence.

The Homowo Festival, one of Ghana's most celebrated traditional festivals, commemorates the resilience of the Ga people following a historic period of famine.

The annual celebration is marked by traditional rites, drumming, dancing, cultural performances and the sharing of the symbolic kpokpoi meal, attracting thousands of residents, tourists and dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith