Ga Mashie Twins Festival begins in Accra

The annual ‘Ye Yee Ye’ Twin Festival, also known as Akwele Suma, has commenced in the historic Ga Mashie area of Accra as part of the 2026 Ga Mashie Homowo celebrations. The festival honors the spiritual significance of twins in Ga culture, viewing multiple births as divine blessings tied to prosperity and fertility.

Traditional rituals led by priests and elders include libations and a sacred herbal bath using seawater, schnapps, and seven traditional herbs. Participants, ranging from newborns to the elderly, are smeared with white clay to symbolize long life and victory, then dressed in identical white calico outfits. The celebration includes the serving of Otɔ, a ceremonial mashed yam meal, and concludes with a procession through the streets accompanied by traditional drumming and singing.