NDC, NPP Vie for Votes at 2024 Hogbetsotso Festival.

Anloga: The Hogbetsotsoza, a celebration of the Anlo people's exodus from Notsie in present-day Togo, has taken a dramatic turn this year, becoming campaign grounds for Ghana's two major political parties. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at a durbar Saturday to climax the 2024 festival of the people at Anloga, both campaigned for votes in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.According to Ghana News Agency, the durbar was graced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice Presidential Candidate of the opposition NDC, and past and present Ministers of State under both NDC and NPP, including Madam Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Mr. Alex Percival Segbefia, and Madam Zita Sarba Okaikoi. Also present were Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, Members of Parliament for Anlo, Keta, Ketu North, and North Tongu, Municipal and District Chief Executives of Anloga, Keta, Ketu South, Ho, and North Tongu, along with Regiona l and Constituency Executives of both the NDC and the NPP and their members.Traditionally, the weeks-long festival, also known as Hogbeza, features activities such as 'dodede' (removal of diseases and expulsion of evil spirits) and 'nugbidodo' (reconciliation), making it a time for peace-making, purification ceremonies, and general cleaning, culminating in a grand durbar of chiefs and people. Prior to the grand durbar, events like the Children's Hogbeza, Mini Hogbeza, and 'glimetoto' take place, showcasing a display of rich tradition and culture with patrons enjoying drumming and dancing like 'agbadza', 'atsia', and 'misego or husago.'However, this year's festival saw both political parties vying for attention and support from the Anlo Dukor (State), employing various strategies to win voters over, from colorful campaign regalia to campaign messages on placards accompanied by spirited musical performances. Despite the political presence, the festival maintained its spirit of unity and celebration, as both parties demonstrated camaraderie without any rancor.Prof Opoku-Agyemang, representing former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC's Flagbearer, emphasized peace as the country approached December elections, urging transparency in election processes to avoid feelings of disrespect, disenfranchisement, or gerrymandering. She advocated for restoring Ghana's reputation as a hospitable and peaceful nation.Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, and Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, expressed honor to celebrate with Togbi Sri III, the Awoamefia of Anlo. They noted the theme for 2024, 'Strengthening Bonds and Embracing Our Shared Heritage,' as essential, reminding of the power in unity and urging for a peaceful electoral process with respect for diverse choices.Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo assured a transparent, fair, and peaceful electoral process, promising a peaceful power transfer to the election winner on December 7. A patron expressed pride in the unity displayed by the political parties at the festival, reinforcing Hogbeza as a national platform for unity across Ghana.