The 49th edition of the Somètutuza or Somè Festival, celebrated by the people of the Somè Traditional Area in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, is scheduled to take place from September 13 to 28, following a successful launch in Denu in July this year.
The festival will be celebrated under the theme “Consolidating Peace and Unity for Socio-cultural and Economic Development in the Somè Traditional area”
The festival will showcase a rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture and heritage, while honouring the sacrifices of ancestors who helped secure peace and unity in Somè.
The 2 week-long celebration will feature a variety of activities, including clean up exercise, prayers by all religious bodies towards the celebration, visit to tourist sites in Somè for rituals, football gala, student’s durbar, health walk and health screening, Borborbor night, street carnival, youth summit, boxing night, paying courtesy call on Makorsor, Kete cloth fest, artist night before the grand durbar on Saturday September 27, beautiful pageant and thanksgiving service on Sunday
Torgbuiga Adama III, the Makorsor and president of the Somè Traditional Council, at the launch, said the festival reaffirms the enduring values that have guided the Somèwo through the generations.
According to him, the Somètutuza is not only to build Somè but also serves as a reminder that peace is hard-won, justice must be actively pursued, and unity across all the Somè communities and generations.
He emphasized, “Let us be peacemakers in our homes, on our farms and in our workplaces, resolving conflict with empathy and intention.”
He further urged, “Let us also demand transparency and fairness in both traditional and civic governance, ensuring equal opportunities for all while welcoming our brothers and sisters from within and beyond in our warm embrace.”
Looking to the future, he called for a shared commitment to building Somè into a premier traditional Area in the Volta Region and the country as a whole.
The guest of honour for the celebration will be His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the president of the Republic of Ghana.
Other dignitaries, including ministers, Members of Parliament, the MCE, chiefs, and people from all walks of life, are expected to grace the occasion
Report by Courage Edwin Amenuda
