In May this year, when the rites for last Kpledo were being performed at the landing beach at Lakple, Lower Prampram, to climax the celebration, Nene Nene Tetteh Wakah III, the Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area and President of the Prampram Traditional Council, overcome by joy, politely asked one of his aides to fold the umbrella shielding him so he can dance.
Responding to cheers from the hundreds of residents and visitors who had thronged the beach to observe the final bit of the three-week-long celebration, Nene Wakah III – looking regal and supported by his able Queen mother Naa Osabu Abbey I and a supporting cast of elders, male and female warriors, stool mothers and fathers and the chief priest and his associates of priestesses – actively participated in the various performances associated with the rites.
With many hanging on canoes just to catch a glimpse of the celebration, the bright sunlight gently fading away into the approaching darkness, and lot more watching from the roof of Fort Vernon – the 1700s abandoned slave fort established by the Royal African Society to facilitate the slave trade – which now lies in ruins and deteriorating by the minute, Nene Wakah III clutched his hands in acknowledgement of those who had come to help herald a beautiful end to the Kpledo.
Observers said attendance on that day showed Prampram had turn the corner, and people were willing to work together as a family to the growth and development of Prampram. Since that time and now, and with Homowo less than three weeks away to be celebrated, most residents are confident the feel-good factor which took place during the Kpledo will be again felt in the town.
As a result of the plans to ensure the Homowo also becomes a success, and memorable for entire Prampram Traditional Area, an elaborate plan has been put in place to ensure the ultimate objective of ensuring the town regains its model status as a charming and peaceful one is achieved.
Moreover, the Traditional Council will, on Saturday, officially launch the Homowo celebration at the forecourt of the District Assembly. The launch – expected to be attended by various organisations, individuals, elders from the various quarters, residents, the paramount chief and his entourage, as well as priests and priestesses – will also unveil the activities constituting the Homowo.
This year’s celebration is under the theme ‘Our Youth, Our Future and Development’. The theme reflects the readiness of the youth to work together for the peace and unity of Prampram, irrespective of our differences. It also signifies the growing influence of culture and traditions as important ingredients in the economic advancement of Prampram and its environs.
Apart from the standard programmes, which include the ancestral homecoming and the sprinkling of Kpekple – prepared with a steamed and fermented cornmeal with palm nut soup and smoked fish, the others include a clean-up exercise in the entire traditional area, and the Nene Tetteh Wakah III Health Walk and Screening exercise. The health screening is particularly free, and residents are encouraged to avail themselves for it.
The other programmes include Atsorme Night, Yellow Friday, Pramfest, Arts and Culture fair, and more. On the sprinkling of the festival cuisine Kpekple by the various quarters, the paramount chief will engage in an elaborate one through the principal streets of Prampram. He will be escorted through the process by a retinue from the palace to assist him perform the sacred exercise.
On Wednesday, the various family heads will assemble their people at their quarters to deliberate on important issues of concern to them. Such gatherings are essential to the growth and development of the various quarters and a good avenue to get to know one another. This is also the time when indigenes who live outside of the town come home with their families are introduced to everyone. The new additions to the family are also introduced on that day.
In effect, this year’s Homowo will be yet another fine display of the might of a people ready to work for the common good of all. And for our relatives who live abroad and are worried they may be left out of the celebration, PramcitiTV will bring every programme right into your homes.
