Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia joined the chiefs and people of Ga Mashie (British Accra) to celebrate the Homowo festival over the weekend. 

He watched with delight, as scores of people pour onto the streets of Jamestown and surrounding areas to observe the celebrations.

This was when he paid courtesy calls on the Ga Mantsɛ, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru; the Gbese Mantsɛ, Nii Ayibontey; Sempe Mantsɛ, Nii Adote Otintor; Nii Ahene Nunoo III, Abola Mantsɛ; and the Asere Mantsɛ, Nii Nikoi Olai Amashi II.

Everywhere he went, Dr Bawumia was received with applause and cheers from the crowd.

Speaking at the Sempe Manstɛ's palace, an obviously excited Dr Bawumia said: “It is a beautiful festival and our chiefs are the custodians of our tradition and this is why on behalf of the government and our party I'm here to pay homage to all the key chiefs in the Ga state.”

He encouraged the traditional leadership headed by the Sempe Mantse to keep up with the good initiatives being undertaken in the area, with a pledge to be a partner in that regard.

“Please continue to do all the things you're doing to develop the Ga state. I want to assure you that we will be by your side to support you to continue to do the good work for the Ga state”, Dr Bawumia pledged.

He gave meaning to that pledge by making a cash donation to support the reconstruction of the Sempe Mantse's palace, and also presented assorted drinks to support the festivities.

The occasion was also graced by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, and some members of the Diplomatic Corps.

The traditional priest of Sempe later prayed for the Vice President, asking God to grant his heart's desires.

Homowo

The Ga people celebrate Homowo which is translated as 'hooting at hunger' in remembrance of a devastating famine arising from a drought that occurred in their history in precolonial Ghana. The festival starts in the month of August with the planting of crops (mainly maize and yam) before the rainy season starts.

During this period, noise-making is prohibited or banned since it is believed that it will hinder the maturity of the crops.

Even though it is a Ga traditional festival, many other ethnic groups also partake in the celebrations.