By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Ada, Aug. 7, GNA – Madam Catherine Dela Dzivenu, a Board Member of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), has called on the youth of Ada to celebrate this year’s Asafotufiami Festival responsibly by observing safety measures, exercising discipline and respecting the law.
She advised them to avoid reckless driving, excessive alcohol consumption and the abuse of hard drugs, while cooperating with the police and traditional authorities to ensure a peaceful and incident-free celebration.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Madam Dzivenu said the annual festival should serve not only as a period of celebration but also as an opportunity for reflection on the community’s history, identity and future aspirations.
“Asafotufiami is more than a festival; it is a homecoming of memory, identity and pride. It reminds us of who we are, where we come from, and the enduring legacy handed down to us by our forebears,” she stated.
She paid tribute to the ancestors of Ada for their sacrifices in defending the land, waters and cultural heritage of the area, noting that every drumbeat, durbar and traditional activity associated with the festival honoured their courage and resilience.
Madam Dzivenu encouraged residents to use the occasion to reflect on the progress made by the Ada State while working collectively towards a prosperous future.
“As we commemorate this year’s celebration, let us take time to reflect on the Ada of yesterday, appreciate the Ada of today, and, most importantly, envision the Ada we want to build for tomorrow. That future will not emerge on its own. It demands visionary leadership, the right mindset, collective responsibility, and our constant dedication to a common purpose,” she said.
She appealed to the youth to prioritise road safety, stressing that the excitement associated with the festival should not lead to avoidable fatalities and injuries.
Madam Dzivenu further advised them to consume alcohol responsibly, stay away from hard drugs and other harmful substances, and conduct themselves in a manner that would preserve the peaceful image of the festival.
She also called on festival patrons to support the efforts of the police, other security agencies and traditional authorities in maintaining law and order during the celebrations.
Madam Dzivenu noted that Ada possessed enormous social, cultural and economic potential and urged residents to use the festival as an opportunity to deepen unity and reaffirm their commitment to the development of the area.
“Let this Asafotufiami not only be a celebration of our heritage but also a moment of sincere reflection on how much more we can achieve together through unity, discipline and shared purpose,” she said.
She wished all sons and daughters of Ada, both at home and abroad, a successful, peaceful and memorable Asafotufiami Festival.
Meanwhile, the Ada Traditional Council and the 89th Ada Asafotufiami Planning Committee have announced the cancellation of the grand durbar and thanksgiving service scheduled for Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, respectively.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Opesika Tetteh Puplampu