Author: Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee / Freelance Journalist
The Tema Homowo 2023 Regatta has been held on Saturday, July 29, at the landing beach at the Tema Fishing Harbour.
The Regatta, also known as canoe-racing, is the first-ever to be held in the town as part of the lined-up activities to spice this year’s Homowo festival celebration by the people of Tema.
It was organised by a youth group called Obaagbo-Oshi Parliament in collaboration with the Tema Traditional Council (TTC).
In an interview, the Majority Leader of Obaagbo-Oshi, Joshua Owula Mantey Tetteh, asserted that the event was organised with the aim of highlighting the identity of Tema and the hard work nature of its fisherfolks.
He noted that over the years, the only event held in Tema for the purpose of unity ahead of Homowo, was an inter-clan football competition, therefore, Obaagbo-Oshi introduced introduce the regatta this year as an addition.
“For many years, the football competition between clan houses is what has been there. We thought that we should have new activities introduced. We decided on the regatta so that our fisherfolks will not feel left out. We want them to know that their work plays a crucial role in the festival and in the lives of everyone,” the Majority Leader said.
He disclosed that the regatta will be a regular activity of Tema Homowo celebration and that it will get bigger and better in the coming years.
Participants, winners, and prizes
In all, eight fishing groups participated in the maiden canoe racing. They were made up of 5 fishermen on each canoe. The race continued until the final three groups carried the day.
The winner of the maiden edition of the Tema 2023 Regatta is ‘Kpo Ha Bo Fitelor’ group, which took home a cash prize of GHS1,000. ‘Aayalolo’ group came second with a cash prize of GHS600. The third place was secured by Ada City, with a cash prize of GHS300.
The winners and all participating groups were also given some supplements to help boost their vitality.
Aside from the fisherfolks, patrons of the event, including the Tema Mayor, Yohane Amarh Ashitey, went on a cruise.
About Obaagbo-Oshi Parliament
Obaagbo-Oshi Parliament is an all-male youth group devoid of political colours.
It was formed in 2022 with Heshibalor Nii Amarh Ashitey Prince as its Speaker, Joshua Owula Mantey Tetteh as the Majority Leader, David Annang Tawiah as the Minority Leader, and Okoe Oninku Henry as one of the many members of parliament.
It is an apolitical group with the main aim of projecting the traditions and culture of Tema, which they believe have not been given the necessary prestige it deserved over the years.
Their hype ahead of, and individual participation in the 2023 Kplejoo Festival made it one of the most-talked about in many years since the inception of Kplejoo.
The group also has the mandate to spearhead dialogues and initiatives that enhance the development, unity, and well-being of the people of Tema Newtown in particular.
The Obaagbo-Oshi Parliament also keeps community leaders in Tema on their toes, acting as watchmen to ensure that there is proper accountability and fairness.
Meanwhile, in a related development, two fishermen had been killed by alleged ‘marine police’ of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GHPA), as earlier published by amaghana.online.com
