Teza 2025: Asogli Yam Festival in full swing with Adaklu mountain hike, upcoming yam hailing

The Annual Yam Festival (Teza) of the Asogli people in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region is underway, marked by vibrant cultural displays and tourism activities.

One of the major highlights this year was a grand funfair at Adaklu Goefe, where the Asogli people joined their Adaklu neighbours in a colorful celebration of tradition and unity.

A key attraction of the festivities was the popular hike up Adaklu Mountain, which overlooks Goefe and Helekpe in the Adaklu District. The hike has become a traditional feature of the festival, drawing hundreds of participants who take it as an opportunity for physical fitness, personal reflection, and spiritual purification. Before the ascent, prayers are offered to the gods, adding a sacred touch to the experience.

This year, chiefs, elders, youth, and visitors from both Asogli and Adaklu took part in the climb, with thousands gathering at the foot of the mountain amidst Borborbor music and other cultural performances. Many climbers described the journey as a memorable adventure, noting the breathtaking panoramic views of Ho, Adaklu, North and Central Tongu, and even parts of South Tongu.

The Adaklu Mountain experience has set the stage for one of the most anticipated events of the festival — the yam hailing, locally known as Teyuyru. Scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, the yam hailing coincides with the Ho Main Market Day and is expected to draw large crowds. Participants will march through the streets of Ho with traditional music, dance, and artistic performances by youth groups, corporate bodies, and cultural troupes.

This year’s Teyuyru promises added excitement with performances from Mascruders, Zibo groups, Borborbor ensembles, and artistes from across the Asogli State. The procession will begin at 2 p.m. from the Ho Main Market Square, move through the town’s main streets, and end at the Mawuko School Park, popularly known as Zoro Park, where celebrations will continue late into the night.

The grand durbar, which will climax the Yam Festival, is expected to draw an even larger gathering. With the theme of promoting peace and unity, the Teza festival continues to showcase the cultural richness of the Asogli people while reinforcing its role as a major driver of cultural tourism in the Volta Region.