For anyone familiar with the customs and traditions preceding the celebration of the Kpledomi Festival by the people of Prampram Traditional Area, the visit to the ancestral forest – known in the local parlance as ‘Huemi Yami’ – which was performed on the first Monday after the Easter celebrations, was spiritually fulfilling.
First, the show of unity within the leadership of the town set the right tone for the event. A fractured relationship between sections of the traditional leaders has never been lost on the people, but for the second time running and before the presence of the people, those present at the ceremony could literally hold togetherness in their palms. And the roots of that stem from the recognition that Prampram will only develop in an atmosphere of peace.
It is something everyone dreams about, especially the young people, most of whom are struggling for jobs. It was in that spirit that a large crowd gathered to observe the rites which precede the celebration of the Kpledomi Festival.
The early morning rain had softened the ground, something which was pleasing to the spiritual leaders responsible for the performance of the age-old custom.
Led by the Chief Priest of the Prampram Traditional Area, Nii Ayertey Charway – Labia of the Lalue Shrine, the priests and priestesses – cladded in their traditional white outfits and walking barefooted, entered the grounds amid cheers from the spectators.
Already seated in state were the Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area, Nene Tetteh Waka III, and his queenmother Naa Osabu Abbey I, Nene Afutu Nartey Afienya Mantse, Asafoanyemei and Asafoatsemei, as well as Teshie Gbugbla Oblahiia Mantse, Original Nii Martey Laryea I, his queenmother, linguist and some warriors.
Nii Ayertey Charway Labia first started by pouring the libation to express the town’s profound thanks to the ancestors and their continuous watch over the town. Surrounded by the various spiritual heads, the chief priest of the Lalue Shrine pleaded with the Gods to grant the town favour to be able to celebrate the festival without any difficulties. He again prayed for bumper harvests for those in the fishing and farming industry and asked for rains to pour on the lands of farmers. He did same for those in the education sector, drivers, medical workers and more.
The Huemi Yami or visit to the ancestral forest, a much-cherished tradition by the people, takes place on the Monday after the ban on drumming and noisemaking. It is during this period that the various deities are prepared by the assigned spiritual heads. The date for the Kpledomi Festival, which happens three times on each Tuesday, will be announced to the general public.
Later, in an interview with PramCitiTV, the Youtube channel based in Prampram and devoted to the activities of GaDangbes, the Chief Priest of Lalue Shrine, Nii Ayertey Charway, was excited about how the event went. He said the ancestors first went to the forest to harvest foodstuffs which they prepare as part of the festival. During the performance of the rituals, a pot filled with water was emptied to the ground. According to him, the water signifies rains, and they were pleading with God to pour down his rains onto the people and the sea, so fishermen can go and come back with good harvests.
>>>there was additional files from PramCitiTv for this report
