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