Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I to attend 2026 Hogbetsotso Festival

The Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, has accepted an invitation to attend the Hogbetsotso Za festival in Anloga as the Guest of Honour. Scheduled for November 7, 2026, the visit marks a significant cultural milestone intended to deepen the relationship between the Gonja Kingdom and the Anlo people. This high-profile engagement reflects a broader effort to strengthen inter-ethnic bonds and celebrate the shared history of Ghana's traditional states.

The formal invitation was extended by Togbui Amey Zegu II of the Anlo Dukor during a visit to the Yagbonwura at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo. Accepting the invitation, the Yagbonwura emphasized the historical ties and the spirit of collaboration that exists between the two kingdoms. He noted that such interactions are vital for promoting peace and stability across the country, serving as a bridge between the northern and southern traditional leaderships.

The 2026 festival is set to be held under the theme, "Anlo, Our Heritage and Our Values: Striving to Build One Ghana for a Better Tomorrow." Hogbetsotso Za is an annual event that commemorates the historic migration of the Anlo-Ewe people from Notsie in present-day Togo to their current settlements in the Volta Region. The celebration typically features grand durbars, traditional drumming and dancing, and various rites that showcase the rich cultural identity of the Anlo people.

Organizers expect the presence of the Gonja Overlord to enhance the festival’s prestige, attracting tourists and dignitaries from across the sub-region. The event will also provide a platform for community engagement and development discussions. By hosting the Yagbonwura, the Anlo traditional area aims to reinforce the values of heritage and unity, showcasing how traditional festivals can be leveraged to foster a sense of national belonging and progress.