Author: Sammy Heywood Okine
The Okataban Mantse, Nii Shika Sowah Gborbilor II, has extended warm wishes to all Ga people for a peaceful, prosperous and successful 2026 Homowo Festival, urging families and communities to use the annual celebration to strengthen unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
Delivering his annual Homowo message, the traditional ruler acknowledged that this year’s celebration would be observed differently in the La Traditional Area following the passing of the La Mantse and the absence of an installed successor.
According to him, while the unfortunate development has affected the scale of festivities in La, it should not prevent the people from observing the important cultural festival in a dignified and modest manner.
He explained that Homowo remains one of the most significant festivals of the Ga people and serves as a symbol of their history, resilience and collective identity, making it important for every traditional area to commemorate it in one way or another.
Nii Shika Sowah Gborbilor II noted that although celebrations in La would be subdued, the traditional area could not be excluded from the Homowo calendar, especially when Ga Mashie, Osu and other Ga traditional areas are celebrating the festival.
He observed that the demise of the La Mantse has created a unique situation, saying that until a successor is installed, the people must celebrate in moderation while respecting traditional customs and protocols.
The Okataban Mantse pointed out that failing to observe the festival altogether could have far-reaching cultural implications, stressing that tradition requires the festival to be marked even under such exceptional circumstances.
He therefore encouraged the people of La to celebrate with dignity, restraint and mutual respect while praying for peace and stability within the traditional area during the transitional period.
Touching on the development of his own traditional jurisdiction, Nii Shika Sowah Gborbilor II stated that Okataban, located in Adenta and formerly known as “New Site,” has regained its original traditional identity as Okataban.
He explained that the area has experienced significant physical development over the years, resulting in the emergence of several new settlements and expanding communities within the traditional enclave.
The traditional ruler further highlighted the extensive jurisdiction of the La Traditional Council, mentioning communities including Adentan, Bawaleshie, Madina, Oyarifa, Paprah, Ashiay, Amanyira, Maaledjor and Ayi Mensah as traditional villages under the council.
He said the Homowo Festival continues to serve as an important platform for promoting unity among families, preserving Ga cultural heritage and encouraging peaceful coexistence among residents regardless of their backgrounds.
“It is through the festival that families reconnect, resolve differences and appreciate their shared heritage. We should therefore use this period to deepen peace and strengthen our relationships,” he said.
Nii Shika Sowah Gborbilor II added that although La’s celebration would be modest this year, residents should still make merry in a solemn and peaceful atmosphere while observing all traditional customs with respect. “Although we are not celebrating the Homowo Festival in La in the usual way, we have to make merry in a solemn mood and peaceful atmosphere,” he stressed.
He concluded by urging all families, particularly those of La heritage and the people of Okataban, to embrace unity, pursue success in their businesses, support one another and work collectively towards maintaining lasting peace and harmony throughout the Homowo season and beyond.
