Homowo Is About Unity, Not Blame-Dr. Daniel Lartey Jnr Tells Ghanaians

Story by Fada Amakye

Dr. Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr* says the *Osu Homowo Festival* is a celebration of unity, food security and togetherness, and not a time for politics or blame.

Speaking during this year’s celebration on Oxford Street, Dr. Lartey Jnr said Homowo, which means hooting at hunger reminds Ghanaians of the need to grow what you eat and eat what you grow.

We of the Osu clan, when it comes to celebrating Homowo, it is to put it bluntly, hooting at hunger. Hunger cannot kill us, he said.

He noted that the festival brings people together regardless of religion or background.

Homowo brings Muslims, Christians and non-Christians. We all come together and celebrate and praise the Lord Almighty. This is not a ritualistic festival. It has been tested by time, he added.

Dr. Lartey Jnr said the festival is celebrated not only by Osu people but also by Ga Mashie, Teshie, Nungua and Tema communities. He invited all Ghanaians to join in the celebrations, come to our houses, eat with us, drink with us, pray with us.

On national issues, he called for unity and problem-solving instead of finger-pointing.

What we learn out of the tradition is that we don’t point fingers, we solve problems. All we have to do is fix Ghana, have a better Ghana, enjoy Ghana. he said.

He added that while Ghanaians may not yet be feeling economic recovery _in their pockets he believes _“in due time, we will all be laughing.

The event attracted high-profile guests including the Vice President, His Excellency Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang*, the Mayor of Accra*, and the Greater Accra Regional Minister*. Police were also on ground to provide security.

Dr. Lartey Jnr said President *John Dramani Mahama* could not attend due to other engagements.

The Osu Homowo Cultural Festival* is celebrated every August and is one of the major traditional festivals of the Ga people.