Members of the Nungua Traditional Council have commended the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, for his participation in this year’s sacred maize ceremony, an event that precedes the annual Homowo Festival.
They gave the commendation when a six-member delegation from the Council visited the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The delegation noted that this was the first time a Minister from the Ministry had participated so actively in the ceremony.
They also commended him for his leadership in defusing tension during the alleged marriage between Wor-Lumor Konor Nuumo Barketey Laweh Tsuru, the Gborbu Wulomo, and a teenager, Wor Yoomo Naa Ayemuerde.
The delegation acknowledged that his involvement had helped calm nerves.
In response, Mr Asamoah Boateng appreciated their recognition and affirmed that his actions were part of his duties as a sector Minister.
He assured them of his continued support and open doors for any future assistance.
Background
On May 26, 2024, the Minister joined the chiefs and people of Nungua in the Greater Accra Region to re-enact the journey from Oyibi to Nungua on foot, bringing home a sacred maize for the Homowo Festival.
This marked the first time a Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs had participated in the sacred maize rites.
The pilgrimage commemorates the Ga Dangbe people’s historical journey from Egypt, reminiscent of the biblical migration during Jacob’s time.
The sacred corn brought from Oyibi is essential for celebrating Homowo.
According to oral tradition, the Gadangme people, once in Egypt with the Jews, took some seeds and planted them during their migrations.
The final planting place is Oyibi, near Dodowa, in the Greater Accra Region. The pilgrims walk barefoot from Oyibi to Nungua, carrying the corn in white calico, followed by another carrying twelve sticks, symbolising the twelve tribes of Israel.
The route includes significant stops at Onyaa Akua, Katamanso, Santeo, Borteyman, the Motorway, and Spitex before reaching Nungua. Various rites are performed along the way, such as those by the former Greater Accra Regional Minister,Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, now the Regent of Katamanso, and other chiefs at different stops.
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