Tema celebrates end of 'Homowo' festival

Tema, Aug. 13, GNA - The Chiefs and people of Tema Manhean, on Saturday celebrated Homowo, a festival of thanksgiving that commemorates the end of 'Hunger'.

The people, clad in red and black and chanting songs were led by their chief, Nii Adjei Kraku II to sprinkle 'Kpoikpoi', the traditional festive dish in the streets and sacred places to mark the day. Nii Kraku later sat in state and received homage from townsfolk, visitors and well-wishers.

Speaking to journalists, Nii Adjei Kraku advised citizens of the area to use the occasion to be at peace with one another and come together to develop the area.

He stressed on the importance of education to national development and urged parents to send their children to school, saying it is the best investment they could also made in them.

He touched on the Vice President's campaign against indiscipline and advised the youth not to engage in any social vices, saying, "if you have education and everything but not disciplined, you cannot contribute to the nation's development".

The Shipi of Tema, Nii Shipi Armah, explained that because the festival signifies the end of hunger the traditional food is sprinkled on the streets for even birds in the air to enjoy some. The sprinkling is also to open way for the people to start eating the food, he added.

Another significant aspect of the festival is to settle all pending family problems and quarrels.