The Paramount Chief of Teshie and President of the Teshie Traditional Council, Gbetsoolo Nii Ashitey Akomfra III, has reaffirmed the unifying spirit and cultural richness of the Homowo Festival, while cautioning against acts of indiscipline that mar its sanctity.
Addressing media and guests at the official launch of the Teshie Homowo 2025 calendar of events on Friday, August 8, the Chief described this year’s theme, “One Culture, One People, One Heritage”, as “very appropriate and relevant” for reinforcing the festival’s deep-rooted values of togetherness and tradition.
“Homowo means hooting at hunger,” the Chief said, offering a reminder of the festival’s historical origins.
“It is a commemorative season of love, togetherness and merry-making after an extended period of famine among the Ga people during their migration to the Accra Plains.”
The sharing of Kpokpoi, the ceremonial delicacy eaten communally with bare fingers, symbolises unity among the Teshiemei and the wider GaDangme people.
The Paramount Chief emphasised how this simple but meaningful act strengthens bonds across families and communities, reinforcing a collective destiny.
However, reflecting on events from the previous year, the Chief did not shy away from addressing challenges faced during the 2024 celebrations.
“A handful of disgruntled community leaders tried to create confusion over the timing of Homowo events,” he noted, while expressing disappointment over the public’s apathy towards the annual clean-up campaign and mosquito spraying exercises.
“It is a criminal offence to refuse to participate in communal labour,” he warned. “Those who dodge the exercise this year will be sanctioned.” The Chief urged every Teshiemei to take civic responsibility seriously in the lead-up to the festival.
Nungua Boycott and Accra Great Olympics Adoption
In a more controversial note, the Chief touched on last year’s boycott by Nungua Traditional Authorities, who withdrew from the highly anticipated Teshie-Nungua Football Harvest, citing “non-existent” security threats.
“In order to dodge the pain of an imminent defeat,” he said, “they failed to honour their commitment.”
Nonetheless, the embarrassment was salvaged by Accra Great Olympics Football Club, which stepped in to rescue the event.
The Chief proudly announced that, as of March this year, the club has officially adopted Teshie as its home grounds a move he welcomed “with open hands.”
Ban on Drumming and Noisemaking
One of the most spiritually significant aspects of Homowo the Annual Ban on Drumming and Noisemaking will commence on Monday, 11th August, and end on Saturday, 6th September, 2025. The Chief reiterated that this sacred period calls for quiet meditation, fasting, and prayers to the ancestral spirits for rainfall, bountiful harvests, and national peace.
“All temples, shrines, and customary courts must be shut during this period,” he declared. “There is also a total ban on funerals, mourning and excessive noise-making in the entire Teshie Traditional Area.”
In a respectful appeal to Christian and Muslim communities, the Chief urged them to “religiously observe this year’s Ban by abating noise levels during religious services and meetings.”
Gbemlilaa Ceremony Dispute
Touching on a contentious issue from last year, the Chief addressed the unresolved dispute over the rightful performer of the Gbemlilaa ceremony.
In a bid to prevent further division, he announced that both claimants had been asked to step aside, allowing the Ashiawe people to perform the ritual “in line with Teshie Customary Law and Practice.”
He called on media partners to widely publicise the decision to avoid further misunderstanding.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Highlighting the growing popularity of Kashimo, the Teshie Street Carnival, the Chief described it as “the biggest cultural event in Ghana, comparable only to the Street Carnival of Brazil.” He encouraged industries particularly those in textiles, garments, footwear, skincare, food and beverage, telecommunications, and entertainment to seize the marketing and sales opportunities the festival offers.
He also appealed for greater corporate social responsibility from businesses profiting from the festivities, so that benefits “trickle down to our people.”
Gratitude and Partnerships
The Chief extended his heartfelt gratitude to corporate sponsors and partners including Papilion, Calabash Festival, Miniplast, and Azar Paints, the latter of which has pledged to beautify the streets of Teshie with its signature Azar Shines.
The Paramount Chief welcomed all patrons to the 2025 edition of the Homowo Festival, inviting them to embrace the spirit of peace, unity, and cultural pride that defines the celebration.
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