Adidome, Saturday, 24th October 2025 – The Paramount Chief of the Agave Traditional Area, Torgbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV, led a distinguished delegation of six wing chiefs to join his counterparts from the Central Tongu Traditional Council and the Anlo State in launching this year’s Mini Anlo Hogbeza at Adidome.
The Hogbeza durbar, held under the auspices of the Mafi Traditional Authority, was a colorful and historic gathering of traditional rulers, elders, dignitaries, and cultural troupes. The celebration highlighted the unity and shared ancestry among the Ewe-speaking people of Mafi, Agave, Tongu, and Anlo, reflecting the festival’s resonant theme – “Building Bridges – From a Common History to a Common Destiny.”
Unity Through Shared Heritage
In his remarks, Torgbega Gadagbe Hlitabo IV expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people of Mafi for their hospitality and for hosting such a culturally significant occasion. He underscored the importance of unity among Ewe traditional areas, reminding the gathering that the common heritage shared by their ancestors must continue to guide their progress.
“Our river may flow between us, but it does not divide us — it connects us,” Torgbega Hlitabo said. “The bloodlines of our ancestors bind us together as one people with one destiny. Let us continue to build the bridges that history began.” He encouraged collaboration across traditional councils to promote education, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, agriculture, and trade, describing such efforts as “the new bridges that must link our common destiny.”
A Call to Build Bridges
Delivering the keynote address, Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, Awadada of Anlo, urged the gathering to rekindle unity and cooperation among all Ewe communities. Quoting from his speech, he emphasized that “building bridges” is not only a metaphor but a mission.
“When we speak of building bridges, we speak of hearts connecting, hands working together, and histories reuniting,” he said. “The bridge from history to destiny is not built in books — it is built in action.”
Togbi Awusu further called on the chiefs to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and education, making the Volta Basin “a corridor of opportunity and prosperity.”
Culture, Color, and Celebration
The festival grounds were adorned in vibrant colors, kente cloths, and traditional regalia as cultural groups thrilled the audience with Agbadza, Borborbor, and Atsiagbekor dances. The display of unity, drumming, and dance symbolized the spirit of togetherness among Ewes across the Volta Region. Traditional leaders exchanged greetings, reaffirming friendship and cooperation.
The event was also attended by government representatives and citizens from both near and far, many of whom praised the occasion for strengthening inter-community ties.
Looking Ahead
As the celebrations drew to a close, the prevailing message was clear: the destiny of the Ewe people lies in unity, cooperation, and shared progress. The 2025 Mini Hogbeza not only commemorated a proud history but also renewed a collective commitment to building bridges that will connect generations to come.
“If history gave us kinship,” Togbi Awusu concluded, “destiny demands cooperation. The future we dream must be walked together.”
