The La Nmati Dzarase Manye Naa Ofamota Otsejen I on Thursday August 1, 2024 joined thousands of people to welcome fisher folks who went to sea to fish for the sacred fish for the performance of rites to mark this year’s Homowo.
The traditional fishing activity called “La Nshɔbulemɔ” is one of the many activities that herald the celebration of Homowo.
The event, a traditional fishing rite has immense significance to the people of La and draw participants, mostly indigenes, festival goers, tourists and spectators across the country who converge at La to be part of the rites.
It is also an event mainly dominated by the various asafoiatsemei who are tasked to protect the fisherfolks and march them to where the fishes are kept.
The rich culture and heritage signifies the beauty of the La culture and its importance to the people and roles it plays in heralding the Homowo festival.
Naa Ofamota Otsejen I applauded the Chiefs, priests and the people of La who contributed towards the success of the highly patronized event.
She underscored the significant role such traditional rites play in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the La people.
The La Nmati Dzarase Manye noted that such events are significant in the rich tapestry of La cultural and heritage and urged all La mai to help promote and preserve the rich tradition.
She added that it is important for all La mai to recognise and appreciate the unity and togetherness as well as the roles such activities play in preserving the La and the Ga heritage.
The elders and people of La Nmati Dzarase commended the Queen Mother for her contribution to brightening the Dzarase community with decorated lights which has created awareness about activities heralding the Homowo festival.
The street decoration they said has beautified the community and has made the Dzarase people unique in this year’s celebration.
They called on her to continue her support in the development of the community through her benevolent work which many have benefited from over the years.
Fishes caught by the fisher folks will be preserved for a year which is a way of preparing the community towards a possibility of hunger that may befall the people.
The fisher folks were ushered into the sea on Wednesday by a multitude of people including Asafo youth groups, priests and priestesses who prayed to seek the gods blessing and protection in order for the fisher folks to go and return safely.
The fisher folks were divided into groups and each group is sent into the sea to in search of the sacred fish.
After searching a multitudes of young men and women, the aged and children form a procession led by the Asofo groups and priests to the sea to welcome the fisher folks.
This is usually done at the fall of the sun.
Source: Muhammed Faisal Mustapha
