Ada: The Ada Traditional Council (ATC) has requested the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to explain their involvement in a grand durbar and thanksgiving service conducted during the 89th Ada Asafotufiami Festival, which proceeded despite a directive from the council canceling these events.
According to Ghana News Agency, the council viewed the organization of these events as a significant challenge to the authority of Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku III, the Paramount Chief of the Ada Traditional Area, and as a violation of the customs and traditions of the Ada State. The controversial grand durbar occurred on Saturday, August 8, followed by a thanksgiving service on Sunday, August 9, involving key figures such as Mr. Emmanuel Tetteh Kabu, known as Nene Kakepeemi, the Ada Constituency Chairman of the NDC; Madam Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, the Member of Parliament for Ada; Mr. Kenneth Kabu Kofi Kanor, District Chief Executive for Ada East; and representatives from three clans.
The Traditional Council expressed concerns about the events, which were organized despite a communique from the Traditional Authorities canceling the grand durbar and thanksgiving service. Asafoatsengua Buertey Okumko Obuampong IV, the Senior Warlord of the Adibiawe Clan and Vice Chairman of the 2026 Asafotufiami Planning Committee, criticized the action as disrespectful to the Paramount Chief and the Traditional Council, particularly highlighting the presence of the NDC National Chairman at the event.
Nene Tetteh Lanuer Okumo IV, the Divisional Chief of Dangmebiawe and Chairman of the Finance Committee of the 2026 Asafotufiami Planning Committee, stated the Traditional Council would not ignore what he termed as 'the deliberate disregard of its directive.' He emphasized that the Ada Constituency Chairman of the NDC, the Member of Parliament, and the District Chief Executive would be called to address their roles in the events before the Council.
Nene Okumo expressed surprise at the NDC National Chairman's attendance at the durbar after the Traditional Council had communicated the event's cancellation. He questioned the priorities of political leaders in organizing such events amid ongoing developmental challenges in the area, such as inadequate roads and water supply, and expected them to support the traditional authorities instead.
He also lamented the collaboration of three clans-Kabiawetsu, Kabiaweyumu, and Kabiawekponor-with NDC executives to organize the events against the Council's directive, asserting that it resulted in disrespect and disregard for the Paramount Chief. The council members stressed that the issue transcended the festival and posed broader implications for respect for traditional authority and Ada State's customs.
The council called on President Mahama, the Chief of Staff, and national and regional NDC executives to address the matter with the Traditional Council. They warned of potential escalation if the Traditional Council's concerns remained unaddressed.