2025 Hogbetsotso Za launched: Call for Ohawu Agric College to be upgraded into University
The chiefs and people of Anlo, together with the 2025 Hogbetsotso Planning Committee, have officially launched the 63rd Hogbetsotso Festival at the Ohawu Agricultural College in Ketu North to serve as a renewed call on government to fulfill its promise of converting the college into an Agricultural University.
The launch, held on August 30 under the theme “Building Bridges – From a Common History to a Common Destiny”, emphasised the importance of advancing agricultural education and innovation in the Volta Region.
Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, who was the Guest of Honour, praised the committee for selecting Ohawu Agricultural College as the launch venue, describing the decision as strategic.
He noted that over 60 percent of the region’s population depended on agriculture for their livelihoods, and the government’s “Feed Ghana” initiative—supported by Morocco with 2,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, of which the Volta Region received 20,000 bags—demonstrated commitment to boosting food security and creating jobs.
Mr. Gunu further revealed that government was considering upgrading the college into a full-fledged university.
“The University will serve as a command centre for Agricultural Mechanisation Centres across all districts, training the youth to sustain and transform agriculture in the region,” he said.
He also called for unity among chiefs, elders, and youth of Anlo, stressing that peace and cohesion remained vital for development.
Ketu North MP, Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, said it was symbolic that the launch took place at Ohawu Agricultural College, an institution established in 1965 to train skilled manpower for Ghana’s agricultural sector.
He recounted its achievements in producing agricultural extension officers and farm managers nationwide but lamented that much of its infrastructure remained unchanged since the Nkrumah era.
“Agriculture today goes beyond tilling the soil—it is about technology, mechanisation, biotechnology, and global food systems. Upgrading Ohawu into a university is not a luxury, but a necessity,” he said.
Mr. Agbana listed the benefits of upgrading the college, including expanded academic programmes, modern infrastructure, youth employment, regional transformation, and national food security.
He urged the government to take urgent action, while also appealing to development partners and the private sector to invest in the vision.
Awadada of Anlo, Torgbui Agbesi Awusu III, described Hogbetsotso as a festival of resilience, unity, and transformation.
He called for collective commitment from Anlos and support from government and corporate institutions to make Hogbetsotso both a cultural and developmental festival.
“Upgrading Ohawu Agricultural College into a university will bridge our tradition of farming with a future of innovation, youth employment, and food security,” he emphasised.
Chief of Ohawu, Torgbui Kordor III, as host, expressed gratitude for the choice of Ohawu as the venue.
He appealed to the President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Agriculture to fast-track the promise of elevating Ohawu Agricultural College into a university.
He urged government agencies and private investors to harness the agro-economic potential of the enclave and tasked Anlo Hogbetsotso Central Planning Committee to integrate purposeful fundraising into the festival for targeted development projects.
Mr. Ernest M.K. Abiew, Principal of Ohawu Agricultural College, highlighted the institution’s history and mandate since 1965, including its role as both an agricultural college and mechanisation training centre.
He outlined current programmes ranging from certificates to HNDs in General Agriculture and Animal Health, noting partnerships with the University of Cape Coast and TVET authorities.
However, he also drew attention to challenges such as inadequate water supply, limited internet facilities, insufficient hostels and lecture halls, and under-resourced laboratories.
He expressed hope that the government’s commitment to upgrading the college into a university would bring lasting solutions.
The Hogbetsotso Festival is celebrated annually by the chiefs and people of Anlo to honour their migration from Notsie to present-day settlements.
The celebration, which spans several months of activities, is climaxed on the first Saturday of November with colourful displays of culture and tradition.
As part of this year’s programme, a Mini Durbar will take place at Adidome in the Central Tongu District on October 25, ahead of the grand durbar in November.
Credit: Michael Foli Jackidy (GNA)
