Culture

Togolese Guin tribe marks new year with Sacred Stone ceremony

Published

4 months ago

August 30, 2024

The Guin tribe of Togo on Thursday relived its ancient tradition with the annual Epé-Ekpé festival which ushers in the new year with its Sacred Stone ceremony.

The annual event, which takes place between late August and early September in Glidji, south-east Togo, saw thousands of the Guin people from home and abroad gathering to celebrate the festival.

The Guin people, who migrated from Ghana in the late XVIIth century, turned out wearing white clothes during the Epé-Ekpé festival otherwise called the Ekpé-sosso or the taking of the stone ceremony.

Speaking on the uniqueness of the festival, the Togbé (the traditional priest) said:

“It’s our new year, we ask peace and prosperity and our ancestors always grant us what we pray for. The blessing then rests upon the whole world, not only here in Togo.”

According to the Togbé, this year is the 361st edition of the ceremony which has a purification aspect, and it is still very close to the heart of the participants.

“Every year we hold this ceremony. The sacred stone was passed down to us from our ancestors. To us, it is a blessing, it is our strength. We must keep the tradition alive.”

Explaining further, he said the ceremony of the taking of the stone starts with a procession of priestess and priests. Songs and dances accompany the walk creating a festive and prayerful ambiance.

“The most anticipated moment is when the priest comes out of the forest with the sacred stone. There are stone with different colours which are interpreted as a message from the ancestors. This year’s stone is whitish, a good omen.”

A Guin native and journalist, Bruno Mensah also lent his voice to the unique festival.

“The stone sends a message, it urges us to unite and to forgive each other.

“It is very important to come to this sanctuary. This is our Mecca, our Rome, our Wailing Wall. As other people go on pilgrimage there, this is our pilgrimage site.”

A traditional priestess, Miano Edwige, also spoke on the traditional festival.

“Young women must refrain from any form of abortion. We must pay our debts and mostly cultivate a spirit of forgiveness.

“Tradition and spirituality meet whenever the Guin celebrate their new Year. The ceremony of the taking of the stone here in Glidji is more than a ritual, it is a moment of vibrant communion and reunion for the Guin people, and for the Togolese at large.”

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The iconic Ghanaian Kente, a piece of clothing, has been recognized as a cultural heritage on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The global recognition, according to the UN body, is coming under the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights the cultural and historical significance of the vibrant, handwoven textile.

In a citation on its website, UNESCO describes the Kente cloth as “originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities and renowned worldwide for its bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings, embodying the creativity and identity of the Ghanaian people.”

Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, described the recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“This achievement places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,” he noted.

In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Mercer said the “Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and the artisans, cultural institutions, and traditional authorities who contributed to this milestone.”

“Special acknowledgement is given to the Bonwire and Agotime communities for their enduring role as custodians of the craft.

“As Ghana celebrates this historic moment, MoTAC reaffirms its dedication to promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cultural legacy.”

Culture

Ghanaian singer Afua Asantewaa takes another shot at GWR with sing-a-thon

Published

4 days ago

December 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghanaian singer, Afua Asantewaa, is set to take another shot at the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest singing marathon by an individual.

In December 2023, Asantewaa had embarked on the sing-a-thon aiming to surpass the existing record held by Indian Sunil Waghmare, who sang for an impressive 105 hours from March 3 to March 7, 2012.

But despite her determination, her attempt fell short, resulting in her disqualification by the GWR from claiming the title.

In a statement announcing her second attempt for the sing-a-thon, Asantewaa’s manager, Gladys Osei Owiredu, said the songstress was determined to break the existing record as preparations are in full swing for her to take on the challenge.

According to Owiredu, the sing-a-thon which is scheduled to take place from December 21 to 25 at the Heroes’ Park, Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, will once again focus on Ghanaian songs with the aim of promoting local music to a global audience.

“I can confirm that she is ready for the task ahead. It’s been challenging, by way of preparations, but I can say she is ready,” said Owiredu.

“And like the first attempt, we are doing strictly Ghanaian songs. The objective is to promote our songs. We succeeded in doing so during the first attempt in Accra, and we believe it will reach greater heights in the second attempt,” she said.

Owiredu added that Asantewaa’s second attempt aims to exceed her previous achievement and further amplify the cultural significance of Ghanaian music on an international stage.

Asantewaa’s record-breaking endeavour has garnered the backing of several corporate organisations in Ghana including International Maritime Hospital, Ike’s Cafe and Grill, Ghana Gas, Nasco Electronics, Perla Natural Mineral Water, Anointed Electrical Engineering, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and Angel Group Limited.

“With the unwavering support of these sponsors and the determination of the Singathon team, all eyes will be on Kumasi as Afua Asantewaa takes to the stage for this monumental feat.
Ghana awaits with bated breath as she strives to make history,” Owiredu stated.