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2025 La Homowo Festival ends in triumph despite unsuccessful legal challenges
In a spirited interview with the media, the La Shikitele, Nii Adjei Koofeh IV reflected on the successful conclusion of the Homowo Festival, marked by the sacred Kpleshwemor rite; a ceremony where the principal deity, La Kpa is given a bull in appreciation for its good works for the La State during the year.
The final ceremony, held with pageantry and reverence, drew widespread praise from town’s folk and traditional leaders alike.
The Kpleshwemor rite, which signals the end of Homowo, featured a vibrant performance by La’s revered priests and priestesses.
They danced to the rhythm of sacred drums, an ancient tradition culminating in the slaughter of a cow in honour of the town’s principal deity. “It’s not just the dancing,” the Shikitele explained. “It’s a spiritual offering, a cultural heartbeat that connects us with our ancestors.”
The La Shikitele emphasized that all attempts over the years to derail the festival in the law courts with the reason that it cannot be celebrated in the absence of a La Mantse have failed. He further said the festival was successful and the town’s folks were happy because they followed due process and upheld custom.
From May through to September, the festival unfolded with meticulous planning and adherence to tradition. “We put in place proper arrangements, not just for the rites but for the governance of the town, and the results are a manifestation.”
The Unshaken La Shikitele (Kingmaker) and Supreme Head of the Nmati Abonase Quarter of La also touched on the concessionary arrangement with the University of Ghana, which offers reduced cut-off points for La indigenes seeking admission. He said it’s not a scholarship arrangement but a concession.
As the Homowo Festival closes, the Kingmaker Nii Adjei Koofeh IV issued a firm message to detractors: “We shall continue to manage the La State in accordance with custom and law, and no amount of interference will distract us.”
He ended on a hopeful note, reaffirming his commitment to unity, tradition, and progress for the people of La.
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
