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Pres Akufo-Addo, traditional rulers grace 2024 Hogbetsotso

Some of the women display their cultural at the Hogbetsotsoza.
A portray of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage was mounted at the 2024 Hogbetsotso Za festival on Saturday, November 2, in Keta in the Volta Region.
Themed “Strengthening bonds and embracing our shared heritage,” it drew numerous figures including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, government officials and Members of Parliament, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, running mate of Mr John Dramani Mahama of the NDC in the December election, among others.


The event was also graced by the Overlord of the Anlo state, the Awomefia Togbe Sri III, the Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II; and a host of other traditional rulers, with representatives from almost every paramount chief in the country.
The grand durbar showcased the vibrant culture of the Anlo people amidst drumming, singing, and dance performances.
‘Hogbetsotso’ is derived from the word ‘Hogbe’ or ‘Hohogbe,’ translated to mean the day of exodus.
![President Akufo-Addo[right]exchanging pleasantries with Togbui Sri III.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/President-Akufo-Addorightexchanging-pleasantries-with-Togbui-Sri-III-1024x682.jpg)




It marks the moment in time when the Ewes in the Dogbo quarter of the walled city of Notsie in Togo, escaped from the tyrannical ruler Agorkorli by walking backwards.





In order to commemorate the exodus and the bravery of their traditional rulers who led them on the journey, the people created the annual festival now referred to as ‘Festival of the Exodus.’
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Diaspora Affairs Office hosts African diaspora delegation ahead of citizenship conferment

The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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Ghana signs debt restructuring agreement with Belgium

Ghana has signed a debt restructuring agreement with the Kingdom of Belgium as part of efforts to restore the country’s economic stability after the financial crisis that hit the nation in 2022 and 2023.
The Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, today disclosed that he signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Ghana.
He explained that Ghana experienced a very difficult period during the crisis, which forced the government at the time to declare a debt default.
However, he indicated that the country is now recovering and witnessing a significant economic turnaround.
According to him, stronger systems are also being put in place to ensure that Ghana does not return to such a situation again.
Dr Forson noted that the agreement with Belgium is the eighth deal Ghana has concluded with countries under the Official Creditor Committee as part of its external debt restructuring programme.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Belgium for its support and partnership with Ghana during the process.
The Finance Minister thanked Carole van Eyll, Ambassador of Belgium to Ghana, for her role in strengthening relations between the two countries.
The agreement forms part of Ghana’s broader effort to restructure its external debts and stabilise the economy following the crisis.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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