By Jones Anlimah
The Chiefs and People of the Asogli Traditional Area in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region, have launched this year’s Yam Festival, locally known as Teza. The festival, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage and the harvest of yams, will be held under the theme “Let’s Ensure Freedom and Justice for All.”
The planning committee of the 2024 Teza during the launch emphasized the importance of unity and justice within the Asogli Community and urged all indigenes and well-wishers to actively participate in the festival to ensure its success.
The Asogli Yam Festival locally known as ‘Teza’ is a deeply rooted tradition in the Asogli Traditional Area which attracts thousands of people from across the country and beyond. This year’s theme “Let’s Ensure Freedom and Justice for All.”, reflects the traditional area’s ongoing commitment to fostering a just and equitable society, where every individual’s rights and freedoms are respected.
The festival, which is one of the most anticipated cultural events in the Volta region, is expected to feature a series of traditional rites, drumming and dancing, and other activities that showcase the rich heritage of the Asogli people.
According to the planning committee for this year’s Teza celebration, the significance of the festival is not just as a cultural celebration but as an opportunity to reinforce the values of freedom and justice in the society.
The chairman of the 2024 Teza planning committee, Squadron leader Evaristus Dargbe, expressed hope that this year’s celebration would be marked by unity, peace, and a collective commitment to the principles of freedom and justice.
He appealed to all stakeholders, including the government and corporate entities and well wishers to support the festival to make it a memorable and successful event. ” The objectives of the Teza are Thanksgiving to God and to our ancestors for the bumper harvest and as an occasion to offer prayers for good health and prosperity for all.”, he said.
He added ” It also is to forster unity through the forgiveness and reconciliation for all and to mobilize both human and material resources of Asogli for job and wealth creation”.
This year’s Teza will be characterised by a variety of activities including Traditional Rites and Yam hailing, Cultural Performances, Health and Educational Campaigns, Women and Youth empower sessions, Thanksgiving and Religious Services, Honoring Distinguished Citizens and a Durbar of chiefs and people to be held on 5th October, to climax the festival celebrations.