Ada Traditional Council summons NDC leadership, MP over disputed Asafotufiami events
The Ada Traditional Council (ATC) has called on the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to appear before the council to explain the organisation of a grand durbar and thanksgiving service held during the 89th Ada Asafotufiami Festival, despite a directive cancelling the events.
The Council described the organisation of the events as a serious affront to the authority of Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku III, the Paramount Chief of the Ada Traditional Area, and a disregard for the customs and traditions of the Ada State.
The disputed grand durbar was held on Saturday, August 8, while the thanksgiving service took place on Sunday, August 9, with the involvement of Mr Emmanuel Tetteh Kabu, popularly known as Nene Kakepeemi, the Ada Constituency Chairman of the NDC; Madam Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ada; Mr Kenneth Kabu Kofi Kanor, District Chief Executive for Ada East; and representatives of three clans.
The development had raised concerns among members of the Traditional Council, who said the events were organised despite a communique issued by the Traditional Authorities, cancelling the grand durbar and thanksgiving service.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Asafoatsengua Buertey Okumko Obuampong IV, the Senior Warlord of the Adibiawe Clan and Vice Chairman of the 2026 Asafotufiami Planning Committee, described the action as a “total disrespect” to the Paramount Chief and the Traditional Council.
He said the attendance of the NDC National Chairman at the event was particularly disturbing because the Council's directive had been communicated to sponsors, invited guests, media houses and the public.
“Their National Chairman attended the occasion, making it look obvious that they planned to disrespect us. We won't accept that,” he said.
Nene Tetteh Lanuer Okumo IV, the Divisional Chief of Dangmebiawe and Chairman of the Finance Committee of the 2026 Asafotufiami Planning Committee, said the Traditional Council would not overlook what he described as “the deliberate disregard of its directive.”
He said the Ada Constituency Chairman of the NDC, the Member of Parliament, and the DCE, would be required to answer questions before the Council concerning their involvement in the events.
Nene Okumo said he was particularly surprised to hear about the attendance of the NDC National Chairman at the durbar after the Traditional Council had issued a Communique concerning the cancellation of the event.
He questioned why political leaders would prioritise organising a durbar when the area continued to face major developmental challenges, including poor roads and inadequate water supply.
He said the Traditional Council expected political leaders to support the traditional authorities rather than organise an event that was supposed to be conducted under the authority of the Council.
Nene Okumo said it was sad that three clans involving Kabiawetsu, Kabiaweyumu and Kabiawekponor collaborated with the NDC executives to organise the events, despite the Council's directive.
“Because the MP, DCE and Constituency Chairman are all from Kabiawe, they were able to team up to disgrace, disrespect and disregard the Paramount Chief,” he asserted.
The Council members said the matter went beyond the festival and had implications for respect for traditional authority and the customs and traditions of the Ada State.
They therefore called on President Mahama, the Chief of Staff, as well as national and regional executives of the NDC to appear before the Traditional Council and respond to questions concerning the organisation of the events.
They warned that the matter could escalate if the concerns of the Traditional Council were not addressed.
GNA