By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Ada, Aug. 9, GNA – Clans and families across the Ada State have begun traditional cleansing, purification and customary rites as part of activities marking the 89th Ada Asafotufiami Festival.
The observances follow a directive by Jetse Abram Kabu Akuaku III, Paramount Chief of the Ada Traditional Area and President of the Ada Traditional Council, for this year’s festival to be celebrated with the sacredness and reverence it deserves.
Asafoatsemei (senior warlords), Wetsoyihi (divisional chiefs) and Wornorhi (traditional priests), who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said all clans had complied with the directive and were undertaking the prescribed customary rites.
Nomo Nagodey Bafloe, a senior traditional priest, said the rites commenced about a week ago and would continue through the weekend and into the latter part of August, which marks the beginning of a new traditional year for the Ada people.
He explained that each clan and family gate was required to perform cleansing rites to sanctify their stools ahead of next year’s 90th anniversary celebration of the festival.
“We still have a few rites to complete, including those for the Paramount Stool, which will be performed at midnight,” he said.
Asafoatsengua Buertey Okumko Obuampong IV, Senior Warlord of the Adibiawe Clan, said the cleansing and purification exercises were essential in spiritually preparing the Ada State for the festival.
He noted that the decision to undertake the rites was unanimously endorsed by members of the Ada Traditional Council.
Asafoatsengua Asiedu Agbloe V, Senior Warlord of the Lomobiawe Clan, said the Adibiawe, Lomobiawe, Terkperbiawe and Dangmebiawe clans had traditionally been responsible for performing the rituals.
“There is no way any clan can proceed when these clans have not moved because it is an age-old arrangement with spiritual implications for our stools,” he said.
Asafoatsengua Osraman Gadugah VI of the Dangmebiawe Clan, expressed hope that the 90th Asafotufiami Festival would usher in renewed energy and spirit for the Ada State, both physically and spiritually.
Naana Adiki Manyeyo Adi I, Queen Mother of the Adibiawe Clan and President of the Ada Queen Mothers Consortium, said the consortium was fully committed to decisions taken by the Ada Traditional Council, which she described as the highest traditional authority in the area.
She appealed to the youth, queen mothers and the public to respect and comply with directives issued by the council to ensure a peaceful and successful festival.
The GNA observed that many households and clans across the Ada State were actively participating in the cleansing, purification and other customary rites, reflecting the community’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage as preparations intensify for the grand celebration.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Opesika Tetteh Puplampu