On Tuesday, July 4, hundreds of Elmina residents joined the Bakatue Festival to petition for the lifting of the ban on fishing in the Benya lagoon.
They had come from all over Ghana and outside of Ghana to take part in the festival, which will culminate in a durbar on July 8, 2023.
The festival attracted a flood of people from all over the country, including a delegation from Aneho, Togo, known to have roots in Elmina.
To traditionally lift the ban on fishing in the Benya lagoon, rites were performed on its banks. Fishing in the Benya lagoon will be allowed after the ban is lifted.
On the lagoon, a regatta and a display by mostly female groups on canoes sporting the colorful Tekua, a traditional headdress, added excitement to the event.
The yearly Bakatue is the celebration of the people of Elmina, and is usually climaxed after five days.
The theme for this year’s festival’s is — “Eat What We Grow and Grow What We Eat.“
During the rites, traditional priests cast a net three times to symbolize the lifting of the ban, and the fish that is caught is given to Nana Kodwo Conduah VI, the Omahen.
A plentiful catch of fish was presented to Nana Kodwo Condua VI, who was clearly overjoyed, signaling a productive fishing season.
The celebration of Nana Conduah’s 25 years as paramount chief makes this year’s festival significant.
Bakatue, which means “the opening of the lagoon” in English, is Fante. Invoking the god Nana Benya, whose unwavering protection of the state and its citizens is also celebrated.
History says that Kwa Amankwa, the founder of Amankwakrom, which later became the Edina State, came from the Savana-based Walata Empire and settled in Techiman for a while before moving to Eguafo, near Elmina.
He found a small stream in search of drinking water and exclaimed, “Be-enya,” which means “I have found or got it.” He built a cabin close to the lagoon.
According to history, the god of the Benya Lagoon self-manifested and stayed with Kwa Amankwa for eight days after he found the lagoon and bowed and worshipped it solemnly. This led to a covenant between Kwa Amankwa and the god.
According to legend, Nana Benya, the deity, and Amankwa agreed to hold the meeting on the day of the festival.
Some activities mapped out for this year’s celebration include the ‘All colours carnival’ and a state dance.
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