By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Big Ada, Aug. 12, GNA — Nomo Nagodey Bafloe, a traditional priest responsible for the cleansing and purification rites of the Ada State, says the holding of a cancelled grand durbar has undermined the rites performed to purify the Ada State.
According to him, it was a taboo for the cancelled durbar to be held by groups opposed to the directive of the Ada Traditional Council.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Nomo Bafloe said the cleansing and purification rites were sacred and constituted an important part of the observance of the Asafotufiami Festival.
He said the failure of some groups to adhere to the directive cancelling the grand durbar had compromised the entire purification process, adding that resources, time, and efforts invested in the rites had effectively gone to waste.
On the way forward, Nomo Bafloe said the cleansing and purification process would have to be repeated during the same period next year, subject to a directive from Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku III, Paramount Chief of the Ada Traditional Area, stressing that “we would be expecting a directive from Nene Ada.”
Meanwhile, Mr Julius Odoi, a law lecturer at the Central University, said the Ada Traditional Council could refer individuals who allegedly defied its directives to its Judicial Committee for questioning in accordance with its customary procedures.
He, however, said the traditional council could not impose criminal or civil legal sanctions on such persons merely for disobeying the directive.
Mr Odoi explained that persons who had paid for spaces to sell during the festival and were affected by the cancellation could engage the relevant district assembly over possible refunds or renegotiation.
He said such persons could also seek legal redress if they believed they had suffered a financial loss, adding that “they can sue the assembly if they feel like they didn’t sell as expected.”
The comments follow the holding of a grand durbar at the Big Ada Presby Park on Saturday, August 8, despite an earlier decision by the Ada Traditional Council and the Asafotufiami Planning Committee to cancel the event to allow the traditional authorities to undertake cleansing and purification rites.
The cancellation had been communicated to sponsors, invited guests, media houses, and the public.
The situation has raised worries among some members of the traditional council, who see the durbar as a disrespect for the customs, traditions, and authority of the Ada State.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA