By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA
Ada, July 17, GNA – The Ada Traditional Council has announced that the 89th Ada Asafotufiami Festival will be observed primarily as a period of traditional cleansing, spiritual renewal and communal reflection.
This would be done ahead of the festival’s 90th anniversary and the Golden Jubilee celebration of the reign of the Paramount Chief in 2027.
A statement signed on behalf of the Ada Traditional Council by the 89th Ada Asafotufiami Festival Planning Committee said the decision was taken by the President of the Ada Traditional Council and Paramount Chief of the Ada State, Djetse Nene Kabu Abram Akuaku III, together with the Council and the Planning Committee.
It said the move formed part of broader traditional and spiritual preparations towards the two historic milestones in the life of the Ada state.
The statement explained that traditional cleansing rites had, for generations, occupied a sacred place in the cultural and spiritual life of the Ada people, serving as a period of reflection, purification, renewal, reconciliation and reaffirmation of the customs and values that unite the people.
It noted that the traditional council had resolved that this year’s festival should place greater emphasis on its spiritual and traditional significance rather than the usual pomp and pageantry.
“The considered wisdom of the elders is that this year’s observance should lay the spiritual foundation for the historic celebrations planned for next year,” the statement said.
The Council said many of the customary cultural and traditional activities associated with the annual festival would not be held in their usual form this year.
Instead, the various clans and communities across the Ada State would undertake traditional cleansing ceremonies, while the full range of festival activities would resume in 2027.
The 89th Ada Asafotufiami Festival is scheduled to take place from August 7 to 14, 2026.
The statement, however, clarified that the festival’s Durbar Day would still be observed, although it would be organised differently to reflect the solemnity of the cleansing period while preserving the dignity and heritage of the festival.
It assured the public that approved social events, community engagements, hospitality activities and corporate brand activations scheduled within the festival period would proceed as planned.
The council therefore encouraged businesses, sponsors, exhibitors, development partners and collaborators to continue their planned activities without disruption.
The traditional council expressed appreciation to government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners, tourism stakeholders, media organisations, community groups, and individuals for their continued support over the years.
It noted that their contributions had helped establish the Ada Asafotufiami Festival as one of Ghana’s leading cultural festivals and an important platform for cultural preservation, tourism promotion and community development.
The council called on the people of Ada, friends of the traditional area and the public to respect and support the observance of the sacred traditional rites.
It expressed confidence that the cleansing ceremonies would strengthen the cultural foundations of the Ada State and prepare the way for a memorable celebration of the festival’s 90th anniversary and the Golden Jubilee of the Paramount Chief in 2027.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA