By: Muhammed Faisal Mustapha/Nii Okpoti Odamtten
The Nsho Bulemo rite remains one of the most sacred traditional ceremonies observed by the people of Nungua as part of preparations for the annual Kplejoo Festival. Passed down through generations, the rite symbolises the preservation of the customs, beliefs and cultural identity of the Ga people.
According to the Nungua Mantse, Oboade Notse King Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, and his council of elders, who narrated the history and significance of the Nsho Bulemo rites, the ceremony centres on the retrieval of a sacred fish from the sea. The sacred fish is an important cultural symbol and is preserved for use in the preparation of kpokpoi during the Kplejoo Festival.
The elders explained that the Nsho Bulemo rite has maintained its original form over the years and continues to be performed in strict accordance with traditions handed down by their ancestors. Every stage of the process, from the selection of the fishermen to the handling and preservation of the sacred fish, follows customary protocols that must be observed.
They noted that the rite is not merely about fishing but is a deeply spiritual and cultural exercise that unites the people while reminding them of their shared history and heritage. After undergoing sacred traditional rites, the selected fishermen set out to sea, where they spend the night in search of the sacred fish, seeking divine guidance and blessings for the community and a successful fishing season.
As the fishermen return to the shoreline at sunset, usually around 5:00 p.m., the Nungua Mantse, his elders, traditional priests, priestesses and hundreds of residents gather at the beach to receive them. The sacred fish is first presented to the Nungua Mantse at the beach, where customary rites are performed.
Following this, the sacred fish is taken into a shrine at the beach for further traditional rituals before it is conveyed to the Gborbu Shrine, where it is carefully preserved until it is used in the preparation of kpokpoi during the Kplejoo Festival.
The elders explained that strict discipline is observed throughout the performance of the rites. Participants are expected to adhere to traditional regulations, as these customs preserve the sanctity of the ceremony and ensure its successful completion.
They further encouraged the younger generation to learn, respect and uphold these customs to ensure that the rich cultural heritage of the Ga people is preserved for future generations. They emphasised that maintaining the traditions of Nsho Bulemo is essential to protecting the identity and history of the Nungua Traditional Area.
According to the elders, the successful performance of the Nsho Bulemo rite marks the official commencement of activities leading to the Kplejoo Festival and demonstrates the community’s enduring commitment to preserving one of Ghana’s oldest and most cherished cultural traditions.