thousands throng Prampram as Kpledo festival climaxes

The fading sun penetrated through the cracks of Fort Vernon, the former slave fort which lies in ruins at the Lower quarters of Prampram or Lakple, as thousands gathered at the beach to observe the third and final phase of the Lalue Kpledo festival.

Built in 1742 by the African Royal Company, the wobbling edifice provided has been left to decay. The rising waves continue to add to its misery.

It was the last day of the three-week-old festival and the procession had started from the top, amidst the sounds of drumming, dancing, and singing by the various musical groups. The spectators, in their thousands, continue to flood the ground. Some clinging onto large canoes, took off their mobile phones and captured as much footage as their devices could allow.

Considered a vital aspect of the festival, history says the day also marks a cleansing exercise, where after the rites had been performed and the drum lowered into the ocean, means every negative thing on the land had been washed away by the ocean. It is a sacred ritual which forms part of the overall celebration

A libation is first performed to appreciate the gods and the ancestors, for a successful celebration. Prayers were then offered for fishermen to be able to return from their expedition with an overload of fish.The same prayer is also offered to every professional in the town, including the safety of drivers and passengers. 

Once the drum was carried and lowered into the ocean, brought out of the water and carried away, it signified the end of the festival. It also meant the town has been cleansed from bad omen.

People at liberty to wash themselves in the sea, speak good things into their own lives and walk away with joy. 

This year’s ceremony, which was streamed live on PramCitiTV, the YouTube channel based in the town, was well-patronised. Some residents who spoke to the channel attributed the success to the show of solidarity among the various heads within the town.

Thanks to Nii Martey Hayson and Anny Osabutey  from  Joyonline 17-05-2023 thousands throng Prampram as Kpledo festival climaxes