History of the Hogbetsotso Festival

The Anlo people trace their origins to Notsie, a town in present-day Togo. Before settling in
their current location, they embarked on a remarkable migration journey. Here are the key
historical details:

 Migration Route:
 The Anlo people migrated from southern Sudan through various regions, such as Oyo
(Nigeria), Ketou (Benin), and Adja Tado (Togo).
 Their journey eventually led them to settle in Notsie
 During this period, they lived under the rule of a tyrannical king named Togbe
Agorkoli (also known as Agor Akorli.

 Escape from Notsie:

 To escape King Agorkoli’s oppressive regime, the Anlo people devised a clever plan.
 They instructed women in the village to pour their wastewater at a specific spot on
the thick earthen wall surrounding Notsie.
 Over time, this spot softened, allowing the town’s people to break through the wall
and escape through the resulting mud.
 To confuse their pursuers, they walked backward with their faces toward the town,
making their footprints appear as if they were going into Notsie.

 Naming the Festival:

 The festival’s name, Hogbetsotso, is derived from the Ewe language:
 ”Ho” means to uproot.
 ”Gbe” means day.
 ”Tsotso” means crossing over.
 Collectively, it translates to “the day the people rose up and moved” from Notsie.

 How Hogbetsotso Is Celebrated

The Hogbetsotso festival is a vibrant and multi-faceted celebration that brings the Anlo
community together. Here are the key elements of the festivities:

1. Peace-making Ceremony:

 The festival begins with a period of peace-making.

 All disputes are resolved through amicable solutions.
  The Anlo people believe that their ancestors lived in harmony during their escape
from Notsie, and this harmony contributed to their successful journey.

2. Purification (“Dodede”):

 Ceremonial stools, believed to house ancestral spirits, are cleansed through libations.
 Pouring of libations and prayers connect the living with their ancestors.

3. General Cleaning:

 Villages across the Anlo traditional area undergo thorough cleaning.

 Rubbish is burnt, symbolizing the removal of impurities.
 This cleaning process extends from the Volta River to the Mono River in the
Republic of Togo.

4. Durbar of Chiefs and People:

 The climax of the festival involves a grand durbar.

 Chiefs dress in colorful regalia, including traditional kente cloth.
 They receive homage from their subjects, reinforcing their leadership roles.
 Various forms of dancing, singing, and merry-making characterize the entire
celebration.

 Significance of the Hogbetsotso Festival

 The festival serves as a powerful reminder of freedom, peace, and longevity.
 It reinforces the importance of living in harmony with one another.
 By celebrating Hogbetsotso, the Anlo people honour their culture, roots, and the
resilience of their ancestors.

In summary, the Hogbetsotso festival is not only a commemoration of historical events but
also a vibrant expression of unity, cultural identity, and shared values within the Anlo
community and Ghana at large.