The Anlo Ewe People of the Volta Region of Ghana: Culture, Society, and History

By Kwadwo Afrifa – October 31, 2024 11:30am

Introduction

The Anlo Ewe people, located predominantly in the Volta Region of Ghana, are a significant subset of the larger Ewe ethnic group that spans Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Known for their rich cultural heritage, the Anlo Ewe have a unique social organisation, traditional governance systems, and expressive art forms. This article delves into the history, social structures, cultural practices, and the impact of colonial and post-colonial developments on the Anlo Ewe people, supported by academic research.

Historical Background

The Anlo Ewe trace their origins to Ketu, in present-day Benin, from which they migrated to escape oppression and search for freedom and autonomy (Amenumey, 1986). According to oral history, they traversed various territories, including Notsie in present-day Togo, where they lived under a tyrannical king, Togbui Agorkoli. The famous “wall escape” from Notsie, achieved by strategically breaking down a portion of the city’s defensive wall, remains a central narrative in Ewe collective memory, symbolizing resilience and a desire for independence (Gocking, 2005).

Upon settling in the southeastern coastal region of present-day Ghana, the Anlo Ewe established a confederation of townships, each semi-autonomous but united under a common identity and leadership structure.

Social Structure and Governance

Anlo Ewe society is organised into clans, known as “hlɔwo,” with each clan tracing its lineage to a common ancestor. These clans are further divided into sub-lineages, forming a complex social fabric that influences kinship, marriage, and social responsibilities (Amenumey, 1986). Leadership within the clan is hierarchical, with elders wielding significant authority over family affairs. In broader society, the paramount chief, known as the “Awoamefia,” presides over the Anlo Ewe, serving both as a spiritual and political leader (Gocking, 2005).

The Anlo traditional governance system is notable for its checks and balances. The Awoamefia is advised by a council of elders, and decisions on major issues typically require consensus. This governance system emphasizes accountability and inclusion, ensuring that voices from various clans are represented in decision-making processes.

Cultural Practices and Beliefs

Anlo Ewe culture is vibrant, marked by festivals, rituals, and art forms that emphasize a connection to their ancestors and spiritual world. Central to Anlo cultural expression is the Hogbetsotso Festival, an annual celebration commemorating their escape from Notsie. The festival features elaborate ceremonies, storytelling, and drumming, serving as a time for community reflection and a reaffirmation of Anlo identity (Akyeampong, 2000).

Religion among the Anlo Ewe is deeply rooted in ancestral worship and animism, with deities believed to inhabit natural elements like rivers, forests, and mountains. The Anlo also honour Mawu, the supreme god, and specific spirits such as Afa, the deity of divination and destiny. The priestly class, known as “bokɔwo,” plays a crucial role in mediating between the community and spiritual forces, conducting rituals, divinations, and healing practices (Greene, 2002).

Language and Oral Traditions

The Ewe language, belonging to the Gbe language family, is the primary mode of communication among the Anlo. It is rich in idioms, proverbs, and metaphors that embody Anlo wisdom, values, and historical experiences. Oral tradition holds significant importance in Anlo culture, with elders passing down knowledge through folktales, proverbs, and songs, which serve as vessels for moral education and historical preservation (Akyeampong, 2000).

Storytelling sessions, often accompanied by drumming and dance, are central to Anlo social life, reinforcing communal bonds and imparting values to younger generations. For instance, stories like that of the trickster “Amegbetor” teach lessons on resilience, intelligence, and community ethics.

Economic Activities

Agriculture forms the backbone of Anlo Ewe economic life. The fertile lands near the Volta River support the cultivation of cassava, maize, and yam, which are staples in the Anlo diet. Fishing is also a crucial economic activity, with the coastal location providing access to abundant fish stocks. The Anlo are known for their expertise in net-making, boat construction, and other skills that support their fishing industry (Gocking, 2005).

Salt mining is another important economic activity, particularly in towns like Keta, where traditional salt extraction methods are still practiced. Additionally, trading has historically been a strong aspect of Anlo society, with market towns like Anloga serving as regional trade hubs where agricultural products, fish, and craft items are exchanged.

Artistic Expressions

Anlo Ewe art is diverse, encompassing textiles, pottery, and beadwork. Kente weaving is particularly significant, with each pattern and colour carrying symbolic meaning. While Kente is often associated with the Ashanti people, the Anlo Ewe have their unique designs and weaving techniques, often involving intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colours that reflect their cultural aesthetics (Amenumey, 1986).

Music and dance are essential to Anlo cultural identity. Drumming is an expressive art form, with different rhythms conveying specific messages during ceremonies and festivals. Dance styles like Agbadza, performed at both celebratory and solemn events, showcase the agility and coordination of the dancers and reflect themes of unity and resilience. These artistic expressions provide a means of social cohesion and a connection to Anlo heritage.

Impact of Colonialism and Modern Challenges

Colonialism disrupted many aspects of Anlo Ewe society, from land ownership to governance. British colonial policies altered traditional leadership structures, imposing new administrative boundaries and weakening local authority. The construction of the Akosombo Dam in the 1960s significantly impacted the region, causing displacement and altering the environmental landscape, affecting fishing and agricultural practices (Greene, 2002).

In the post-colonial era, the Anlo Ewe have faced challenges such as urbanisation, migration, and cultural assimilation. However, initiatives like the Hogbetsotso Festival and community-based cultural programs have helped preserve Anlo identity, allowing younger generations to stay connected with their heritage. Contemporary Anlo society balances tradition with modernity, adapting to change while striving to maintain its unique cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The Anlo Ewe people of Ghana’s Volta Region embody a rich cultural legacy defined by resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted connection to tradition. Their history, shaped by migration, resistance, and self-determination, continues to influence their social, economic, and cultural practices. Through festivals, artistic expressions, and community structures, the Anlo Ewe preserve a heritage that is both distinct and dynamic, navigating the challenges of the modern world while honouring their ancestral past.

References

• Akyeampong, E. (2000). “Spirituality, Gender, and Power in Asante History.” In African Spirituality: Forms, Meanings, and Expressions, edited by Jacob K. Olupona. The Crossroad Publishing Company.
• Amenumey, D. E. K. (1986). The Ewe in West Africa: Historical and Ethnographic Studies. Accra: Sedco Publishing.
• Gocking, R. S. (2005). The History of Ghana. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group.
• Greene, S. E. (2002). Sacred Sites and the Colonial Encounter: A History of Meaning and Memory in Ghana. Indiana University Press.

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