The Anlo State is set to mark this year’s Hogbetsotso Za (Festival) with a week-long of cultural, social and developmental events under the theme: “Building Bridges: From a Common History to a Common Destiny”.
Though the festival activities commenced officially a few months ago after the grand launch at Ohawu on August 30, 2025, the main festival activities, scheduled from October 25 to November 3, 2025, are being organised by the Anlo Dukor Council in collaboration with Ghana Exim Bank.
The festival is featuring a rich blend of traditional rituals, educational forums, entertainment, and thanksgiving activities.
According to the official programme outline made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the celebrations commenced on Saturday, October 25, with a mini Hogbe durbar, held at Adidome in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region.
The following days will see various community-centered events, including a Children’s Durbar across the Anlo Dukor and a quiz competition in Keta and Anloga on October 29, 2025.
On October 30, several symbolic and unifying activities will unfold including the community casting of net from Fuveme to Keta at dawn, the Nugbidodo (Reconciliation Rites) at Agorwowornu, and a unity concert in Anloga in the evening.
The day will also feature a vibrant Agbadza street carnival and a procession from Atorkor to the Hogbe Park, showcasing the energy and cultural rhythm of the Anlo people.
October 31 will be packed with major events beginning with a Health Walk from Jubilee Radio premises in Keta at 5 a.m., followed by the Awoamefia Sitting in State at his residence in Woe to welcome visitors, and the Volta Economic Forum at Reddington Hotel, Whuti, at midday.
The evening will feature the Glimetoto (Historical Exodus Reenactment) at Anloga, reminding citizens of the ancestral journey from Notsie to their present homeland.
Other parallel activities on the same day include a blood donation exercise and indoor games events at Keta and the maiden Hogbetsotso inter-community regatta at Vodza.
The grand durbar of the chiefs and people is set for Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Hogbe Park, Anloga, where Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, the Akwamuhene, will serve as the guest of honour.
The evening of the same day will feature the Mama Hogbe Beauty Pageant at the Jubilee Radio Premises in Keta, celebrating womanhood, culture, and social impact.
The festivities will continue on Sunday, November 2, 2025, with a beach party at Emancipation Beach, Keta.
The celebrations will conclude with an Inter-Faith Thanksgiving and Post-Festival Activities across various towns from November 3rd to 9th
Speaking on the theme, Kennet Kpedor, a member of the Central Planning Committee, said this year’s celebration aims to “strengthen cultural ties, deepen inter-ethnic understanding, and promote collective development among Ghana’s traditional communities.”
He noted that the lineup reflects not only the vibrant heritage of the Anlo people but also their commitment to peace, unity and progress.
Over the years, Hogbetsotso Za has evolved into one of Ghana’s most prestigious festivals, attracting visitors from across the nation and the diaspora.
The 2025 edition is expected to consolidate its legacy as a bridge between generations and a symbol of Ghana’s cultural strength.
