The Anlo State has officially unveiled the 2025 edition of the Hogbetsotso Festival with a colourful launch event held on Saturday, August 30, in Ohawu, Volta Region.
The launch ceremony, steeped in culture and dance, highlighted the resilience, heritage, and unity of the Anlo people under the theme: “Building Bridges from Common History to a Common Destiny.”
The day began with a Morning Cultural Prelude featuring traditional drumming, dancing, and an exhibition of indigenous crafts and historical displays.
At about 1:00 p.m., the Official Launch commenced with the arrival of dignitaries, the performance of national and Anlo anthems, libation, and prayers.
Speeches were delivered by Togbi Adrakpanya V (Chairman) and Togbi Kordor III (Host Chief of Ohawu), alongside solidarity messages from community leaders and government representatives.
The highlight of the ceremony was the formal declaration by the Minister of Education, Guest of Honour, who officially launched Hogbetsotso 2025.
The event climaxed with vibrant Agbadza drumming and dancing, media interactions, and a communal celebration that carried into the evening.
Upcoming Activities for the festival
The Hogbetsotso Festival, one of Ghana’s oldest and most iconic cultural celebrations, commemorates the migration of the Anlo-Ewe people from Notsie in present-day Togo.
This year’s calendar is packed with activities leading to the grand climax in November:
October 7–27: Ban on drumming and noise across Anlo Dukor
October 8–10: Leadership training, Anloga
October 25: Mini Hogbe, Adidome
October 29: Children’s durbar across Anlo Dukor & Quiz competition (Keta/Anloga)
October 30: Nugbidodo reconciliation rites, Agorwornu, Anloga; Unity Concert, Anloga
October 31: Awoamefia sitting in state, Anloga; Volta Economic Forum, Reddington Hotel, Whuti; Glimetoto (historical exodus enactment), Anloga; Mamaga Pageant, Jubilee Radio premises.
November 1: Grand durbar at Hogbe Park, Anloga
November 2: Beach party, Emancipation Beach, Keta
November 3–9: Interfaith thanksgiving and post-festival activities across towns
This year’s festival is expected to draw chiefs, dignitaries, and Anlo indigenes from across Ghana and the diaspora, making it not just a cultural showcase but also a platform for unity, dialogue, and development.
