Watch as Ga Mantse leads Homowo Festival celebration with sprinkling of Kpekple, drumming and dancing

The streets of Ga Mashie in Accra came alive on Saturday August 16, 2025, as the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, led this year’s Homowo Festival with the traditional sprinkling of Kpekple, accompanied by drumming, dancing and musketry firing.

The centuries-old celebration, which translates as “hooting at hunger,” commemorates the Ga people’s triumph over a historic famine and has evolved into a vibrant expression of unity, resilience, and cultural pride.

Sankofa Series: Exploring the events, unique practices of Homowo Festival

Festivities began with the Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, performing the sacred sprinkling of Kpekple, a traditional cornmeal dish along the streets from Usher Fort through Ga Mashie.

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, followed with ritual sprinklings at several Ga stool houses, reaffirming the cultural bond between the clans of the Ga State.

Residents and visitors clad in colourful traditional regalia joined the celebrations, filling the air with drumming, spirited dancing and ceremonial gunfire.

The festival atmosphere drew not only indigenes but also tourists and members of the diaspora eager to connect with the richness of Ga heritage.

Speaking at the event, the Paramount Chief of the Abola Traditional Council and Atofotse (Advisor) of the Ga State, Nii Ahene Nunoo III, emphasised the need for unity within Ga Mashie.

Addressing the festival on the theme “Deepening the Unity Within Abola,” he urged community members to embrace inclusiveness and work collectively for progress.

“Unity is not merely a concept; it is a lived experience. It is what binds us together as brothers and sisters, irrespective of our backgrounds, beliefs, or interests. In times of joy, we celebrate as one; in times of challenge, we rally together,” he said on August 16, 2025.

The Paramount Chief outlined strategies such as regular community dialogue forums, inclusivity across gender and age, and youth mentorship to prepare the next generation of leaders.

He also called for stronger partnerships with local organizations, NGOs, and businesses to enhance development and resolve conflicts.

Beyond rituals and parades, Homowo also served as a period of family reunions, communal meals and peace-promoting rites.

AM/AE

Meanwhile, watch below the trailer for GhanaWeb’s upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures: