Around 11:30 am, as late morning and overcast sky, gave way to blaring sunshine and temperatures hovering close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with associated high humidity, the Asantehene’s procession in three broad sections, and riding in palanquin emerged from North East of the Anloga town.
As priests, physicians, medical corps, and spiritual advisors to the Asantehene, the Nsumankwaafoɔ were the first of the Advance Groups to emerge.
The sumptuous and colorful cloths, bodily adornments including gold headgear, necklaces, armbands, beads, bracelets as well as the fontomfrom sound producing, is a sight to behold, as they reaffirm the magnificence of Asante and Anlo’s political power, identity, and culture in all its manifestations.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II who rode in a palanquin was seen to be in a escalitic mood entered the Hogbe Park as he was welcome by scores from the crowd present during this august occasion. His entry was met by the firing of musketry. He greeted Torgbe Sri III and other dignitaries while he was still in the Palanquin with a symbolic dance with his musketery. He was seated after a while and received homages from dignitaries present. Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was accompanied by servants from the Palace and Paramount chiefs and Queen mothers from the Kingdom.
Dignitaries present were Ga Mantse Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Representative of the Omanhene of Kwahu Daasebre Akuomoah Boateng, Nana Akwasi Poku Minita II, Kwahu Tafohene, Ewe Fiaga Togbe Agorkoli IV of Notsie. Togbe Yepre Hodo IV, President of Volta Regional House of chiefs, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, Ministers of State and Members of Parliament.
The name of the Hogbetsotsoza festival is derived from the Ewe language and translates as, the festival of exodus or “coming from Hogbe (Notsie )”. This Hogbetsotsoza is celebrated by mostly by People of Anloga to remember their escape of the Tyrannical rule of Togbe Argokoli which was led by the Founder and leader of the Anlo state Togbe Amega Wenga.
This year’s Hogbetsotsoza festival was used to mark 60th anniversary since its inception by Togbe Adeladza II, the late Awomefia of Anlo.
However, we present a handful of Nananom and dignitaries who participated in this year Hogbetsotoza Festival.
The pictures of Nananom and dignitaries are randomly selected while the order of appearance is not based on rank or the hierarchical structure of chiefs.
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
