Accra turns red as 2019 Homowo begins with sprinkling of 'Kpokpoi'

It was red everywhere, particularly in the coastal areas of the capital as the biggest traditional festival in Accra took off Saturday.

After a month-long ban on drumming and noise-making, the Gas hit the streets with their leaders to celebrate and mark the start of the annual ‘Homowo’ festival.

Several persons, youth, aged, children all alike from Gbese, Ga Mashie, Otublohum, Sempe, Akamajen, Asere, Abola and Ngleshie Alata, all clad in red joined the celebrations in Jamestown.

This celebration which was spearheaded by the Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi Bonte II begun with the sprinkling of the traditional food, 'kpokpoi' through the streets of these areas.

After the recitation of some incantations at the Gbese forecourt and the pouring of libation, serving of the food began for some elders in the palace and some members of his entourage.

'Kpokpoi' is made from steamed, fermented cornmeal, mixed with palm oil, topped with smoked fish and mostly served with palm soup.

Homowo, which means 'hooting at hunger' is celebrated to remember how the Ga ancestors survived severe famine and hunger that plagued them at the time they were migrating to Ghana. During the celebrations, people usually wear ‘red’ to signify the historical ‘hoot at hunger’.

It is also celebrated annually to express the cultural value of being industrious, creative and resourceful.

The whole day celebration is backed with drumming and dancing.