19/08/2023
I am NAA, I was not born in Ghana, but rather, Ghana was born in me. I am a proud mix of three clans - Ga, Akwapem, Fante.
As our beautiful Angel stated in our reel, the Ga-dangme are descendants of Kush. We migrated north from Egypt through Sudan, Ethiopia, Ife (Nigeria) and finally settled at Ayi-wa-soo (Ayawaso) Opa village in Ghana. Ayiwasoo was a booming kingdom through trade, and became very prosperous, but after a great fire, a lot of the Ga's migrated closer to the coast of Akra (Accra).
Every year, starting from April to August, the Ga-dangme hold their festive celebrations, which includes Krobo Festival, Awutu Awubia Festival and more, but the most popular festival is Homowo (hooting at hunger). The Homowo tradition started with a period of hunger leading to famine due to failure of the seasonal rains needed for the growth of the crops.
The celebration begins with the planting of maize, which will be used in preparing the food for Kpokpoi (Kpekple). During this period, noise making is banned as it is believed that the noise disturbs the gods. The traditional leaders or Wulomo (Priests) sprinkle the meals within the towns and doorsteps of houses as blessings. The Wulomo perform a kusum (prayers) to call on the gods and ancestors to bless the people for the coming new year and throughout eternity.
The festival is very similar to the passover, and it's believed to have a lineage from the Jewish tribe.
Being spiritually aware and knowing where one comes from is a must for future generations. Religion is a choice, but tradition is a way of life. One can be religious and still follow tradition as it is the core foundation of which one was born into.
We must not forget where we came from.
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