The Chiefs and People of Somé in the Somé Traditional Area of the Volta Region have launched the 2024 ‘Sométutu Za’ (festival) this year, on the theme: “Sustaining Peace and Unity of Somé for Development.”
The launch took place in Ho, the Volta Regional Capital on Saturday.
Torgbui Adamah III, the Makorsor of Somé and President of the Somé Traditional Council, emphasised the importance of unity for development in Somé and the entire region.
“There will be no development if the people are not united. For us as Someawo we are not different from Klikorwo, Avenorwo, and others. We are one people,” he noted.
He explained that any development for the people of Klikor or Avenor is the same as the development for Someawo and the rest of the Eweland.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, Torgbui Adamah III urged all citizens to embrace their true identity and tell their own stories.
“I want every Somé descendant to identify and show their true identity and tell their own stories,” he said, indicating that they should not allow anyone else to narrate their history.
He also refuted claims that Somé was under Anlo, explaining that since their forefathers migrated from Notsé, they had been independent.
“We were called Aguadzeawo different from Dogboawo, before settling at Keta. From Keta, we had to move due to intimidation and settled in our current location, hence the name ‘Someawo.”
Torgbui Adamah also called for support for the Volta Regional representative in this year’s TV3 reality show Ghana’s Most Beautiful beauty pageant.
Mr. Divine Bosson, the Municipal Chief Executive of Ho, advised the people to unite for development and urged them not to allow political parties to divide them.
The launch aimed to mobilise all natives of Somé residing outside the Somé Traditional Area towards common development goals, and to raise funds to support the main festival.
Sométutu Za is an annual Festival celebrating the migration history of the Somé forefathers and their eventual settlement in Somé.
Additionally, the festival showcased the rich culture of Somé and highlighted the diverse occupations and their sustainable livelihoods, including Kente cloth weaving, starch and coconut biscuit production, fishing, and coconut oil production.
The launch was attended by Somé descendants living in Ho and its environs, as well as other prominent individuals.