The 64th Hogbetsotso Festival in Anloga, Ghana, was celebrated in grand style with President John Dramani Mahama in attendance. The festival, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Anlo people, was marked by a display of royal grandeur and cultural pride. The event was attended by thousands of indigenes and culture tourists who thronged the durbar grounds of Anloga in the Keta Municipality. The festival's theme, "Anlo, Our Heritage and Our Values: Striving to Build One Ghana for a Better Tomorrow," was highlighted by President Mahama as perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the festival.
The highlight of the grand durbar was the presence of the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Jira Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, as Special Guest of Honour of the Awoamefia of Anlo Dukor, Togbi Sri III. President Mahama drew thunderous applause when he approached the dais to greet the Yagbonwura, going down on one knee, a sign of utmost respect and cultural submission to the Gonja Overlord. The crowd erupted in cheers, acknowledging the President's humility and the deep ties binding the two traditional areas.
President Mahama used the platform to declare that his government had largely achieved its objective of stabilising the economy within 22 months of taking office. He announced that the next phase, investing in opportunities, would be unveiled by the Finance Minister at the delivery of next year's budget statement to Parliament this week. He outlined the "New Economy" policy, a bold initiative aimed at investing over $9 billion in job-rich sectors between 2027 and 2030.
The Volta Region, he said, was set to be a major beneficiary in textiles, garments, commercial agriculture, hospitality and tourism. President Mahama also announced a massive financial intervention to address the concerns raised by Togbi Sri III regarding the devastating tidal waves. He revealed that GH¢685 million had been allocated under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA) to commence coastal protection works, including 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. On the Keta Port, President Mahama disclosed that 47 companies had expressed interest, with seven shortlisted to proceed to the design and financing stage. He also announced that the administration block would be completed by the first quarter of next year, while the sod for the Volivo Bridge over the Southern Volta River would be cut in the first quarter of 2027.
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.
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. President Mahama's visit to the area was seen as a demonstration of the friendship and mutual respect that bind all communities together.
Key points
- President Mahama announces GH¢935m for coastal protection at the 64th Hogbetsotso Festival in Anloga, Ghana.
- The "New Economy" policy aims to invest over $9 billion in job-rich sectors between 2027 and 2030.
- President Mahama and the Gonja Overlord, Jira Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, show mutual respect and cultural submission at the festival.
