Ban on fishing in lagoon lifted to herald Fetu Afahye

Cape Coast, Aug. 29, GNA- Traditional Priests of Oguaa area, on Tuesday performed rituals to lift a month-long ban on fishing in the Fosu lagoon, to herald the celebration of this year's 'Fetu Afahye' of the chiefs and people of the area.

Singing and dancing to traditional songs, the priests and priestesses, arrived in a procession at the banks of the lagoon, where they offered libation to the gods.

This was followed by the firing of musketry and the burying of a calabash filled with some concoctions in the lagoon, after which the 'Omanhene's' net was cast three times to signify the lifting of the ban. Three crabs, were caught when the net was first cast, and one of the priestesses, explained that it signified hope and prosperity for the future.

According to her, the last time crabs were caught in such rituals was ten years ago. The Oguaahene, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, was among those who witnessed the ceremony.

Earlier, nine groups located at the various beaches in the township, competed in a regatta to precede the lifting of the ban, sponsored by Continental Christian Traders (CCT) Ltd, based in Accra. The 'Nkum and Ola' groups tied up for the first position and won cash prizes of GH=A2100 each, 'Abrofo' group, second, with GH=A250, while the remaining six groups were presented with consolation prizes of GH=A2 15 each.

In an address, Nana Kodwo Addae II, Chief of Abura and Chairman of the 'Afahye' planning committee, reiterated the need for the people to keep the municipality clean to portray its status as an important tourist attraction.