By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Ada, Aug. 6, GNA – The Ada Traditional Council and the 89th Ada Asafotufiami Festival Planning Committee have announced changes to this year’s festival programme, cancelling the grand durbar of chiefs and the Sunday thanksgiving service to allow for extended traditional rites.
The decision, contained in a press release, forms part of efforts to preserve the spiritual essence of the festival, which is dedicated to purification, spiritual renewal, and communal reflection.
The Council said consultations with local leaders and custodians of Ada traditions led to the extension of the traditional rites and spiritual practices to ensure they were properly observed.
“Consequently, the grand durbar of chiefs, originally scheduled for Saturday, and the Sunday thanksgiving service have been cancelled to allow the traditional rites to proceed without interruption and with the reverence they deserve,” the statement said.
The Council said the changes were in line with an earlier announcement on July 17, 2026, that the 89th Asafotufiami Festival would focus on purification, spiritual renewal and community cleansing according to the traditions of the Ada State.
Despite the changes, the organisers assured sponsors, partners, tourists, residents and the general public that all other scheduled entertainment, tourism and festival-related activities would proceed as planned.
The Council invited visitors to Ada to experience the unique atmosphere of the festival and explore the area’s beaches, estuaries, cultural heritage, historical landmarks, local cuisine and renowned hospitality.
It also encouraged Ada natives, both at home and in the diaspora, to return home during the sacred period to reunite with their families and clans as the community observed the season of purification and reflection.
The Ada Traditional Council and the Festival Planning Committee expressed regret for any inconvenience the changes might cause and appealed for the understanding and continued support of all stakeholders.
The statement noted that the decisions were taken in the best interest of preserving the integrity, sanctity and enduring traditions of the Ada State as preparations continued towards the historic 90th Asafotufiami Festival, which would coincide with the Golden Jubilee reign of the Paramount Chief.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Audrey Dekalu
06 August 2026
Reporter: Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA