Hundreds of people joined the people of Edina (Elmina) for the lifting of the ban on fishing activities in the Benya lagoon, Bakatue festival on Tuesday.
Many traveled from various areas in Ghana and beyond to participate in the festival, which will be climaxed with a durbar on Saturday, July 8, 2023.
A delegation from Aneho in Togo believed to have roots in Elmina was also present for the festival.
Rites were performed at the banks of the Benya lagoon to traditionally lift the ban on fishing in the lagoon.
The lifting of the ban will allow for fishing in the Benya Lagoon.
There was a display by mostly women groups on canoes with the traditional colorful Tekua, a traditional head style on the lagoon, and a regatta that added excitement to the occasion.
The annual Bakatue is the festival of the people of Elmina and would be climaxed on Saturday.
The theme for the festival this year is, “Eat what we grow and grow what we eat”,
The rites
A net is cast three times by traditional priests after traditional rituals to signify the lifting of the ban after which the fish caught is presented to the Omahen, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI.
There was enough fish caught which was presented to a visibly elated Nana Kodwo Condua VI which signified a bumper fishing season.
Meaning
Bakatue, which in Fante, translated to English means “the opening of the lagoon.”
The history
According to history, the founder of Amankwakrom, which became the Edina State, Kwa Amankwa, migrated from the Savana-based Walata Empire and settled at Techiman for some time before moving to Eguafo near Elmina.
In search of drinking water, he discovered a small stream and exclaimed “Be-enya” which means “I have found or got it”.
He erected a hut near the lagoon.
History indicates that after finding the lagoon Kwa Amankwa bowed and worshipped solemnly, the god of the Benya Lagoon self-manifested and was with him for eight days, after which a covenant was concluded between him and the deity.
The festival date is said to be the celebration of that meeting as agreed by Amankwa and Nana Benya, the deity.
Some activities mapped out for this year’s celebration include the ‘All colors carnival’ and a state dance.
