Aftermath of Hogbetsotso: Businesses satisfied with sales during festival
Some businesses in Keta and Anloga in the Volta Region have expressed satisfaction at the booming sales during the year’s Anlo Hogbetsotso festival.
The 2025 Hogbetsotso festival which was held on the theme; “Building Bridges: From Common History to a Common Destiny,” is a significant cultural celebration, and once again proven to be a boom for local businesses, with various enterprises expressing satisfaction over the surge in sales and bookings experienced during the event.
Mr George Amewugah, a hotel manager at Keta, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the hospitality sector, including hotels, guest households, bars, and beach resorts, had all reported notable increases in occupancy rates and customer patronage.
“I have also noticed that business owners and stakeholders in the industry have all attributed the boost in their businesses to the influx of visitors who traveled to Anlo land to participate in this year’s festivities,” he noted.
He explained that the festival’s ability to attract both local and international tourists had made it a significant contributor to the regional economy, with many businesses reportedly selling out their stock, with some even struggling to meet the high demand for their products and services.
Mr Amewugah said the success of the Hogbetsotso festival had also showcased the importance of cultural events in promoting economic development, demonstrating the rich cultural heritage of the people of Anlo for job creation and stimulating economic activity in the area.
“We need to applaud the organisers of the festival for their efforts in ensuring a successful event which has had a significant positive impact on the local economy,” he said.
Madam Cynthia Tetevi, a resident of Keta, expressed satisfaction with the way the festival had helped to promote their products and services, both locally and internationally with an increased visibility and exposure, attracting new customers and investors to the area.
She said the festival provided a platform for local artisans to showcase their products and skills helping in promoting Anlo culture and creativity, while the success of the festival had encouraged more people to engage in entrepreneurial activities to contribute to the growth of the local economy.
Madam Tetevi added that, “In addition to the economic benefits, the Hogbetsotso festival has also played a significant role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding. The festival brought together people from different other parts of the country and beyond for positive interaction.”
The impact of the festival on local businesses can be seen in the increased economic activity in the area with many business personnel reporting an increase in sales and revenue during the festival period, which has helped to boost the local economy and the success of the festival has also encouraged more investment in the area to do more.
Some residents the GNA interviewed also called for more support from the government and other stakeholders to help promote and develop the local economy.
The Agency also gathered that the Anlo Hogbetsotso festival has become an important event on Anlos cultural calendar, and its success have had a positive impact on residents through the ability to attract visitors to the area to promote economic activity, which was a significant contributor to the regional economy.
The festival was characterised by a cultural exhibition, economic forum, entertainment shows, health screening, and games among others, which were expected to boost the development of the area.
Source: GNA
