Sempe Wins Homowo Regatta

The Sempe division of Ga Mashie won the first two positions in the sixth Star-sponsored Homowo Regatta competition organised to crown the Homowo festival at the James Town old port.

The Sempe team wearing green bands around their heads won the keenly contested race that pulled a large crowd including foreigners mainly tourists.

They covered the .65 of a knot (300 metres) distance in 11 minutes 13 seconds. Each team comprised seven paddlers.

For the first prize, the team received 300,000 cedis cash and two cartons of Star beer, while the second prize was 250,000 cedis with two cartons of Star beer.

The third prize of 200,000 cedis and a carton of beer went to the Asere division in red band who berthed at 11 minutes 24 seconds.

Each division presented two teams for the first two competitions out of which three were selected from each competition for the finals.

Personnel of the Ghana Navy who officiated the race, provided lifeguards and boats to parade the waters while the racing was in session. They also made sure the various teams covered the approved distance and routes to ensure fairness.

Nii Dodoo Nsaki, Otublohun Mantse, who chaired the function lauded the spectators for demonstrating calmness and fairness in this year's race.

Mr. Martin Esson Benjamin, Managing Director of Ghana Brewery Limited also commended the chiefs and people for a successful festival.