Deputy Minister Rita Naa Odoley Sowah Urges Greater Accra Queenmothers to Ensure Peace Ahead of Homowo Festival

The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has called on queenmothers across the Greater Accra Region to leverage their traditional influence to safeguard peace during the upcoming Homowo festival celebrations. Speaking at a strategic meeting designed to strengthen ties between the government and traditional authorities, the Deputy Minister underscored the urgency of maintaining order, particularly following the tragic events of the previous year’s festivities. The 2024 celebrations were marred by violence in certain areas, which resulted in six fatalities and left a stain on the cultural observance.

Addressing the gathered traditional leaders, Sowah emphasized that dialogue and mediation must take precedence over conflict. She noted that as custodians of culture and influential community figures, queenmothers are uniquely positioned to intervene in disputes and foster a spirit of reconciliation among their subjects. The Ministry is advocating for a collective responsibility approach, involving various stakeholders to ensure that the Ga community can celebrate its rich heritage without the fear of insecurity or civil unrest that has plagued recent years.

In response to the Minister's appeal, the queenmothers highlighted the critical role they play in the social fabric of the region but pointed out that their impact is often limited by a lack of formal involvement in decision-making processes. They utilized the forum to advocate for greater empowerment within local governance structures, arguing that inclusive leadership is essential for both regional stability and national development. By integrating traditional female leadership into formal administrative frameworks, the queenmothers believe they can more effectively address the root causes of communal tensions before they escalate.

This engagement reflects an ongoing effort to stabilize traditional areas and promote local peace-building initiatives. As preparations for Homowo intensify, the collaboration between the Ministry and the queenmothers is expected to serve as a vital mechanism for conflict resolution. The success of this year's celebrations will likely be seen as a significant indicator of the effectiveness of local mediation strategies and the government's ability to partner with traditional leaders to maintain public safety during high-profile cultural events.