Ghana’s Ningo Chief reaffirms peace efforts at Homowo rituals
In April when the Paramount Chief of Ningo Traditional Area, Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, was enstooled as the rightful heir to the stool, he pledged to unite the various factions to push for development for the traditional area.
Ningo is a fishing town in the Ningo Prampram District on the east of Accra, the Ghanaian capital. A little over four months after that promise, he is confident the town is gradually picking up the broken pieces to make it a whole, which eventually leads to desperately needed development.
Speaking to journalists earlier this month after the sprinkling of the kpoikpoi, the festival’s ritual meal, as part of this year’s Homowo festive celebration, Nene Djangmah XII talked about the last 20 years without a chief.
He mentioned the negative impact it had on the growth of the town, including the sacred celebration of the Homowo festival. The festival, rooted in the history of the GaDangme people of Accra, was established in pre-colonial Ghana when the people endured a severe famine.
After overcoming the famine, the Ga people experienced an abundant harvest of corn, and celebrated by “hooting at hunger,” which gave the festival its name. The ritual meal Kpokpoi is made from grinded corn which is mixed with red oil and served.
For the first time in 20 years, with the support of bitter rivals now working together in peace, Ningo’s chief told the jubilant crowd the town has “turned the corner,” and thus, appealed to Ningo natives to come together and “work for the growth of the town.”
“The existing peace has become a key ingredient to our growth, and we therefore wish to invite everyone to join hands with us to push for the greater good of Ningo” he said.
He explained that Ningo is going through an acute water shortage that has persisted for the past five years. He said the situation has compelled the majority of the residents to fetch water from unhygienic streams for their home chores and other related activities, “the streams are even drying up,” he emphasized.
According to him, those who can afford water tankers are equally feeling the pinch. He therefore appealed to the government to step in and help address the situation.
On the situation of the community clinic, Nene Djangmah XII said that although it is 70 percent completed, it is still not at the disposal of the community. He therefore appealed to the government to ensure its completion. He also mentioned the deteriorating nature of the secondary school infrastructure, and called for an urgent attention to it.
During the sprinkling of the kpokpoi, the chief was accompanied by Naana Dugbakuor Dugba II, the Queen Mother of Ningo, alongside elders and spiritual heads, to perform the sacred rites.
Written by Aaron Akwetey Botchwey and Harrison Martey of PramCitiTV
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in articles and content by our contributors are those of their’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our publication. We make every effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, while holding contributing authors solely responsible for their contributions.
