TEGBI, VOLTA REGION — October 1, 2026:
The official media launch of Hogbetsotso Za 2026, the annual celebration of the chiefs and people of Anlo, has been held at the Eli Beach Resort at Tegbi in the Volta Region, marking the beginning of activities leading up to this year’s festival.
The launch, organised under the auspices of the Hogbetsotso 2026 Local Planning Committee, brought together traditional leaders, representatives of local government and security institutions, members of the media, community stakeholders and other distinguished guests.
The event was held by Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, Awadada of Anlo Dukor, and forms part of preparations for the 2026 edition of Hogbetsotso Za, one of the major cultural celebrations in the Anlo traditional area.
Among those present were His Excellency Hon. Dan Abodakpi, Awoamezitor, Togbi Gbodzi III, Dusi Fiaga of Anlo Dukor, Togbi Nyaxo Tamakloe VI, Mia Fiaga of Anlo Dukor, Togbi Zewu IV, Chairman of the Hogbetsotso 2026 Local Planning Committee, as well as traditional leaders, Fiawo, Mamawo and Agbotaduawo of Anlo Dukor.
Also represented were Municipal and District Chief Executives, Divisional Police Commanders, the District Commanders of the Ghana Police Service in Keta and Anloga, members of the media and other invited guests.
Addressing the gathering, the organisers emphasised the important role of the media in preserving and projecting Anlo’s history, culture and traditions.
The media were described as a bridge between Anlo’s rich cultural heritage and the wider global community, with journalists, broadcasters, photographers, videographers and digital content creators urged to use their platforms to tell authentic stories about the people and heritage of Anlo.
The organisers noted that Hogbetsotso is more than a festival of drumming, dancing and entertainment, describing it as a living expression of the history, resilience, unity and liberty of the Anlo people.
At the heart of the celebration is the historical account of the migration of the Anlo people from Notsie, following their escape from the rule of Togbi Agorkoli. The festival therefore provides an opportunity to reflect on the historical experiences of the Anlo people and the values that have shaped their identity over generations.
According to the organisers, the 2026 celebration will seek to ensure that this history reaches a wider audience while highlighting the values of triumph, strategic courage, unity and historical innovation associated with the Anlo story.
The 2026 Hogbetsotso Za will be celebrated under the theme:
“Anlo, Our Heritage and Our Values: Striving to Build One Ghana for a Better Tomorrow.”
The theme, according to the organisers, is intended to draw attention to the continuing relevance of Anlo’s history, culture and traditional values to contemporary Ghana.
It also seeks to position the festival not only as a celebration of Anlo identity but as an avenue for reflection on how cultural values can contribute to national cohesion, peaceful coexistence and development.
The organisers encouraged Anlo citizens, residents, friends and well-wishers to participate actively and peacefully in the various activities associated with the festival.
They further called on stakeholders to use the occasion to strengthen community bonds, support local development initiatives and inspire the younger generation to appreciate and preserve their cultural heritage.
The launch also carried a broader message of unity and national development.
The organisers urged all participants and stakeholders to make the 2026 celebration a peaceful and impactful one, while using the festival as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of Anlo people and their friends to building a united, peaceful and prosperous Ghana.
The Local Planning Committee formally declared Hogbetsotso Za 2026 launched, setting the stage for the activities and programmes that will lead to the main celebration.
In the closing message, the organisers expressed the hope that the festival would be successful, peaceful and impactful, while wishing continued prosperity for the Anlo Dukor and peace, unity and progress for Ghana.
The event ended with a call for collective responsibility in preserving Anlo’s cultural heritage and ensuring that the historical significance of Hogbetsotso continues to be passed on to future generations.