Boi Township Marks Homowo Festival in Style

The historic township of the village of Osu, Boi came alive on Tuesday 26th of August as residents and visitors gathered to celebrate the annual Homowo festival with pomp, colour, and unity. The celebration, deeply rooted in Ga tradition, was led by community leader Mr. Joseph Naaku Dowuona, who guided the festivities with grace and a strong sense of cultural pride.

Homowo, which literally means “hooting at hunger,” is one of the most important festivals of the Ga people, commemorating their ancestors’ victory over famine through perseverance, hard work, and divine providence. It also serves as a celebration of harvest, thanksgiving, and communal renewal.

This year’s edition in Boi township was particularly significant, as it drew not only the residents of the community but also guests from neighbouring towns and traditional leaders who came to witness the vibrant showcase of Ga culture.

Colourful Processions and Rituals

The day began with traditional drumming and dancing through the streets of Boi, as residents, dressed in red, white, and other traditional cloths, joined in the lively procession. The beating of the drums, accompanied by chants and songs, echoed through the community, calling everyone to partake in the festival.

At the heart of the ceremony was the sprinkling of kpokpoi, a special dish made from maize and palm oil, symbolising thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Mr. Joseph Naaku Dowuona, surrounded by elders and family heads, performed the sacred rite of sprinkling kpokpoi at various points in the township, invoking blessings for peace, fertility, and prosperity.

Residents and guests followed the procession to cheer, sing, and dance as the ritual unfolded, while younger generations were keenly reminded of the values of unity, resilience, and reverence for ancestral heritage.

Leadership and Unity

Addressing the gathering after the rituals, Mr. Naaku Dowuona emphasised the importance of Homowo not just as a festival of merrymaking, but also as a reminder of the community’s responsibility to uphold traditions and live in peace.

“Homowo teaches us that hunger, hardship, and disunity can only be overcome if we work together as one people,” he said. “Today, as we hoot at hunger, let us also hoot at division, at neglect, and at anything that stands in the way of development for Boi.”

His words resonated strongly with the people, who applauded his call for collective effort in addressing local challenges such as youth unemployment, sanitation, and infrastructure needs.

A Festival of Culture and Tourism

The celebration also highlighted the growing potential of Homowo as a cultural tourism attraction. Visitors, including people who were not Gas, were treated to energetic dance performances, traditional drumming displays, and cultural storytelling sessions. Food vendors served a wide variety of Ga delicacies, from kpokpoi to kenkey with fish.

For many, the Boi Homowo festival was not just a local affair but also a window into the rich cultural heritage of the Ga people. “I came here for the first time, and I am amazed at the spirit of togetherness and the beauty of the rituals,” said a visitor from Accra. “It makes me proud to be Ghanaian.”

Celebrating the Youth and Women

One unique feature of this year’s Homowo in Boi was the deliberate involvement of the youth and women’s groups. Cultural contests, football matches, and clean-up campaigns were organised in the days leading up to the festival. These activities, according to Mr. Naaku Dowuona, were meant to instil in young people a sense of belonging and responsibility towards their community.

Women also played a central role in preparing kpokpoi and other meals, adorning the festival with vibrant colours and traditional songs passed down through generations. Their presence was hailed as a sign of the resilience and continuity of the Ga heritage.

Looking Ahead

As the festival drew to a close with an evening of music and dancing under the open sky, the mood in Boi township was one of hope and determination. Elders praised the leadership of Joseph Naaku Dowuona for guiding the community in preserving their traditions while also pointing towards development and unity.

“The celebration has brought joy and peace to our community,” said an elder of the town. “We are proud that even in modern times, we still honour the ways of our ancestors. This gives us strength to face the future.”

For the people of Boi, Homowo is not only a cultural celebration but also a spiritual and social anchor that continues to remind them of their shared history, their struggles, and their triumphs. Under the leadership of Naaku Dowuona, the township reaffirmed its commitment to carrying forward the legacy of the Ga people with pride and dignity.

As the sound of drums faded into the night and families returned to their homes, the message of Homowo remained clear: hunger and hardship may come, but with unity, hard work, and faith, the people will always rise above.