Osu celebrates Homowo

Accra, Aug. 20, GNA - The chiefs and people of Osu began their annual Homowo celebration with the sprinkling of "kpokpoi", the traditional food of the Gas, at the various traditional gates. Nii Kobina Bone IV, Mantse of Osu Alata, followed by a crowd clad in red and yellow apparel and dancing to the tune of traditional songs, went to the Osu Castle Gate, where they were met by a government delegation headed by the Chief of Staff, Mr Kwame Mpianim.

Other members of the delegation were Mr Yaw Barimah, Minister of Manpower Development and Employment and Nii Adu Mante, MP Korle-Klottey constituency.

Nii Bone explained that they were at the Castle Gate to sprinkle 'kpokpoi", prepared with maize and palm fruits, because they believed that their God was present in the Castle also.

Mr Mpianim asked the chiefs to hold consultations with the government to discuss development plans for the community and also to fashion out ways of creating employment for the youth. Homowo, which means, "hooting at hunger" is a thanksgiving festival symbolising the end of famine.

It is a period for family reunion when outstanding issues are discussed and amicable solutions found to problems All the four traditional gates of Osu observed the occasion. Prayers were said for prosperity, long life and special protection in the coming years.

The Mantse of Ashanti we, Nii Ako Nortei II also sprinkled "kpokpoi" at the various traditional gates under his jurisdiction. Nii Ako noted that the various gates had been separated over the years and that efforts were being made to bring all of them together, adding that the absence of unity was hampering the development of the area.