By: Rita Naa Ayeley Armah
It is a story passed down to generations — a powerful tale of survival, faith, and identity. It tells of how the Ga people overcame a devastating famine and, in so doing, gave birth to a tradition that continues to define their culture today: Homowo, which means “hooting at hunger.”
Many years ago, the Ga people settled along the southern coast of present-day Ghana, then known as the Gold Coast — they faced a famine so severe it threatened their very existence. The land was barren, and food was scarce. Children and the elderly, the most vulnerable among them, began to die. Desperation filled the hearts of the people.
In their anguish, they turned to Attaa Naa Nyɔ̃mɔ̃, the Almighty Creator, through the guidance of their revered priests — the Wulɔmei. In those times, the Ga people had no kings; the Wulɔmei served not only as spiritual leaders and intermediaries between the people and God but also as leaders, held in the highest esteem.
Moved by their cries, God directed the Wulɔmei to lead the people in planting corn and to observe a period of solemn silence and reflection as they awaited the harvest. The Ga people obeyed faithfully. In time, their obedience bore fruit; quite literally. The harvest was abundant and beautiful. Overcome with joy and gratitude, the people celebrated. In that moment of triumph, they vowed never to forget. They would remember how close they came to losing everything — and how their Creator delivered them.
There and then, they decided to celebrate Homowo; which simply means hooting at hunger with a special meal made out of the very corn they harvested, ‘Kpokpoi’ also known as ‘Kpekple’! Since then, the Ga people have never stopped celebrating to thank their creator for redeeming them in those days. The festival is marked by feasting, dancing, and the sharing of Kpokpoi, the sacred dish.
The period leading up to the festival includes a ban on noise-making and drumming, a sign of respect and remembrance for those who perished during the famine. It is a time of spiritual preparation, reflection, and unity. This practice and ritual has remained cherished, sacred and celebrated year after year.
If you ever wonder why the Ga people ban noise making and drumming at a particular period of time every year and proceed to celebrate their Homowo festival, this is reason; to remember how they experienced severe hunger and the people who died during those days.
Homowo is celebrated across six Ga towns — Gamashie, Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, and Tema — as well as three Dangme towns — Prampram, Kpone, and Ningo — at different times between May and August.
Each town observes the festival according to its own traditions and calendar, but the spirit remains the same.
What once threatened their survival became the symbol of their resilience. Homowo is not just a festival; it is the living story of a people who turned their greatest suffering into a celebration of life, faith, and community.
The Homowo story of the Ga people lives on.
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