News
Trouble looms in Ada …over missing names of Chiefs in festival brochure
Nene Kabu Abram Akuaku II
Trouble is looming in Ada over the omission of some chiefs in the official brochure for the recently held Ada Asafotufiami festival.
Notably from the Kabiawe Clans, the pictures and names of key chiefs such as Nene Owusie Sakpiti II, Nene Kabu Dzabaku Kubi V, the Ada State Dzase and Naana Dagojo Dumaaley I-Paramount Queenmother of Ada were omitted.
Also missing from the festival brochure was the Divisional Chief of Korgbor, Nene Akiti III.
There was, however the unauthorised inclusion of pictures and names of some individuals who were not chiefs nor members of the Ada Traditional Council yet featured on the brochure.
The development, according to a source close to the Ada Traditional Council (ATC), has angered the Paramount Chief Dzetse Nene Kabu Abram Akuaku III.
Consequently, the source indicated that the development could result in a crunch meeting by the Paramount Chief to resolve the issue and persons found culpable could be sanctioned according to the laws of the land.
The meeting would ultimately correct certain mistakes that occurred during the festival, strengthen the unity among traditional leaders, and safeguard the integrity of the paramountcy.
“The disagreements and disregard to higher authority in certain decisions greatly troubled the Paramount Chief. It has the tendency to embarrass the entire Ada State and disrupt one of the most prestigious festivals in Ghana, hence the need to call everyone to order,” the source told The Spectator.
According to the source, these and other unresolved matters were causing disunity and unrest within the traditional leadership, a situation he said does not augur well for development.
“We need to understand that in all things, Ada comes first, hence the need to put differences aside, become united, and work towards growth,” the source emphasised.
The source reminded that without unity and mutual understanding among the leadership, Ada would be denied of development.
The source highlighted the importance of identifying and addressing people within the leadership that may be hindering progress with their actions, stating, “We need peace and unity to progress, so if there are people in our ranks that are against that, then they must be dealt with according to the laws of the land.”
He stressed that the activities of the paramountcy must be handled professionally to protect its image and avoid such compromises in future.
He said in future, the backgrounds of people should be investigated before elevated to the status of chiefs to avoid such troubles.
This year’s Ada Asafotufiami festival, held on August 1-8, attracted thousands of guests and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Ada State.
By Michael D. Abayateye
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
A new cultural, trade, and diplomatic platform celebrating Ghana-Norway ties was launched on Saturday, June 13, at Palms by Eagles Hotel, Accra.
Dubbed the ‘Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026’, the event draws on the symbolism of Ghana’s rivers, -Nsuo, and Norway’s fjords to highlight water as a shared cultural, economic, and environmental identity.
The three-day event is scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Activities will include a trade exhibition, durbar of chiefs, and B2B networking sessions.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Durbar, Kofi Mulan, said Ghana’s rivers like the Volta, Pra, and Ankobra have long sustained livelihoods through fishing, transport, and spirituality.
“Similarly, Norway’s fjords represent the cornerstone of its maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean industries, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mulan added.
“These parallel relationships with water form the philosophical and thematic spine of the entire event. The Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026 is therefore framed as a convergence of heritage and innovation,” he said.
Organisers say participants will benefit from Global visibility and cultural diplomacy in Europe, stronger ties with Norway, and increased market access for exports like fashion, crafts, agribusiness, and processed goods under AfCFTA frameworks on the Ghana side.
On the Norway side, they noted access to Norwegian expertise in maritime technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy, plus opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, and sustainability projects.
The Durbar is positioned as a high-level exchange platform to deepen trade and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Norway.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
