By Emmanuel Gamson, GNA
Takoradi, Aug. 20, GNA – The Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC), has cancelled the grand durbars for the 2026 Kundum Festival in both the Lower and Upper Dixcove Traditional Areas in the Ahanta West Municipality.
A statement signed by Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the decision followed a meeting of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the WRCC to facilitate the successful celebration of the 2026 Dixcove Kundum Festival.
It said following extensive deliberations, the meeting could not arrive at an amicable agreement that would provide the necessary conditions for the peaceful conduct of the two grand durbars simultaneously.
The statement said in view of the prevailing circumstances and the potential risk to public safety, peace and security, the REGSEC resolved that the two events scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026 should not be held.
“This decision is purely on public safety and security grounds and not intended to undermine the cultural significance of the Kundum Festival or the legitimate interests of any traditional authority or stakeholders.
“Accordingly, all traditional authorities, Festival Committees, residents, visitors, businesses, event organisers, and the general public are advised to take note of the decision and refrain from organising or participating in activities intended to climax the 2026 Kundum Festivals in Lower and Upper Dixcove,” the statement noted.
It said the WRCC acknowledged the importance of the festival to the people and appreciated the disappointment that may arise from its cancellation.
It noted that the safety and security of residents and visitors remained paramount, and the Council could not support the holding of an event where the prevailing circumstances could potentially result in confrontation, injury, destruction of property or a breakdown of public order.
The Council therefore, called on all parties to exercise restraint and respect for the decision, and to refrain from any actions or statements that could heighten tensions within the communities, the statement added.
It said the WRCC and REGSEC remained committed to continued engagement with the traditional authorities, the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders, to peacefully resolve all their underlying differences, and restore conditions that would allow the Kundum Festival to be celebrated in a peaceful and harmonious manner in the future.
It urged the public to fully cooperate with the security agencies and relevant authorities, and assist in maintaining peace, law and order within the Lower and Upper Dixcove area.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson
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