The Greater Accra Regional Minister and Chairperson of the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has urged residents and visitors in Teshie to celebrate this year’s Homowo festival peacefully and responsibly.
The Minister extended her greetings to the traditional authorities, religious leaders, residents, visitors and other stakeholders participating in the annual cultural celebration of the Ga people.
Ahead of the celebrations, REGSEC convened to review security, safety and operational arrangements to ensure a peaceful and orderly festival.
The meeting brought together relevant security and emergency-response institutions to assess preparedness and put measures in place to safeguard lives and property during the festivities.
Mrs Ocloo said the collective objective was to create an environment where everyone could participate freely and peacefully, urging individuals and groups whose activities or interests might intersect during the celebrations to exercise restraint and mutual respect.
She described Homowo as more than a festival, saying it represents the identity, heritage, resilience and enduring spirit of the Ga people.
According to her, the celebration also serves as a reminder of the importance of community, solidarity and the collective responsibility to preserve peace for present and future generations.
The Regional Minister urged residents to approach the celebrations with love, tolerance, understanding and unity, stressing that cultural, social, political or personal differences should not become grounds for confrontation or violence.
She called for disagreements to be resolved through dialogue, traditional leadership and the appropriate state institutions.
Mrs Ocloo also appealed to motorists, pedestrians, revelers, event organisers, traders and other participants to comply with security directives and exercise caution throughout the celebrations.
Parents and guardians, she added, should take particular responsibility for the safety of children and other vulnerable persons during the festivities.
She assured the public that the security services and relevant state institutions would continue to work with traditional authorities, the Teshie community and other stakeholders to maintain public safety.
However, she stressed that maintaining security was not solely the responsibility of the state, urging every citizen to contribute to a peaceful celebration.
“A successful Homowo is one in which our traditions are celebrated with dignity, our differences are managed with maturity, and everyone returns home safely,” she said.
Mrs Ocloo further urged residents to ensure that the peace maintained during the festival extends beyond the celebrations, calling for stronger bonds of friendship, unity and community among residents.
She wished the chiefs, queen mothers, elders and people of Teshie a peaceful, joyous and successful Homowo celebration.
“Afi oo, Afi!” she said, while expressing hope that the festival would bring renewed peace, prosperity, good health and unity to Teshie and the Greater Accra Region.
