The chiefs and people of Mepe in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region celebrated this year’s 69th Afenortor Festival in 2025 under a somber mood, mourning the tragic loss of eight Ghanaians who perished in a recent helicopter crash.
Unlike the usual display of bright kente cloths and vibrant drumming, this year’s festival saw residents and visitors clad in red and black, symbolizing grief and solidarity with the bereaved families.
The atmosphere was marked by solemn traditional rites, dirges, and moments of silence to honor the victims.
Speaking at the durbars to mark the occasion, the Mankralo of Mepe, Togbui Kosi Nego VI, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the loss as “a national tragedy that has left a scar on our hearts.”
He called on the government to ensure thorough investigations into the crash and to provide adequate support for the affected families.
“This year, our celebration is not about merrymaking. It is about unity in grief and the reaffirmation of our bond as a people in times of sorrow. Our hearts and prayers are with the immediate families, the NDC party, and the entire country for the tragic loss of our eight compatriots who passed on while discharging their patriotic assignment. May the Almighty God continue to console all of us,” Togbui Kosi Nego VI stated.
The Afenortor Festival, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of the Mepe people, is usually a time for reunions, cultural displays, and community development discussions. However, this year’s edition served as both a memorial and a call for improved safety measures in Ghana’s aviation sector.
Story filed by Odehyeba Owusu Job
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