This year’s Homowo festival in Hamburg Germany was of a different dimension, gracing the occasion was The Ghanaian Minister of Works and Labour Relations, Hon Nii Ashietey Armah.The celebration was held in Dulsburg- Hamburg, Saturday, the 10th of August. In his a brief flawless speech he delivered at the gathering, said it was important for the chiefs, elders and citizens of the Ga State to reflect on their activities in the past year and settle any pending disputes among themselves as they celebrated Homowo.
I am glad to finally honor this invitation, to be with you and celebrate with you as one people with one destiny. He stressed the need for the Gas not only to love each other, but their friends and neighbors’ and also be law abiding. Endeavour to promote peace and unity, in the course of merry making. According to the Minister, Homowo Festival is an occasion to feed the world's hungry and poor people. This we must however continue to do even after the festivity.
He appreciated the countless efforts of the Ga Dangme Club, of the numerous hospital equipments they shipped home in aid of the needy. You are your culture and your culture is you, it is our sole responsibility to adhere to it, whilst respecting other cultures. He pleaded to Ghanaians around the world to put partisan politics aside, for the supreme interest of the nation. We can all point to only one country, and that is Ghana our mother land. Hon Nii Ashietey Armah, noted that the increasing celebration of Ghanaian festivals abroad, could put the Nation on the 'International Cultural Map'.The Homowo festival, which is celebrated by the people of Ga in the Greater Accra Region, begins with the sowing of millet by the traditional priests in May. After that, a 30-day ban on drumming and noise making is imposed on the people of the Ga community by the high priests.
Celebrations for the festival is highlighted at varying times by the various quarters of the Ga tribes which include the Ga Mashie, Osu Klottey La, Teshie, Nungua, Tema and Ada. The Homowo festival is also celebrated to mark the migration of the Gas from Nigeria to their present state Accra and also reveal their agricultural success in their new settlement.
Whilst we commend the organizers of a peaceful event, rich and free Ghanaian dishes, they must work on their time schedules. Many people, especially our German friends had to go home before the show starts. We want to portray our culture to others.
Town Hall Meeting
Unlike most African Ministers, who even on a state sponsored visit would not meet their people! Hon Nii Ashitey Armah is meeting the entire Ghana Community today Sunday, 11 August, 2013 at 17.00 at the same venue. (Alter Teich Weg 200) Hamburg.
We need to dialogue with our people and update them on day to day administration our beloved country.God Bless The Gas, Ghana and Germany
Kwadwo Yeboah BREMAN / Desmond John Beddy
Homowa Festival in Hamburg was Great
