88th Ada Asafotufiami festival slated for August 1–8
The 88th edition of the Ada Asafotufiami Festival is scheduled to take place from August 1 to 8, following a successful launch in Ada last Friday.
Held under the theme “Peace, Justice and Unity: The Pillars of Our Progress,” this year’s festival will showcase a rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture and heritage, while honouring the sacrifices of ancestors who helped secure peace and unity in Ada.
The week-long celebration will feature a variety of activities, including traditional rites, candlelight processions, a homecoming float, visits to the sacred forest (Aplaneaye), a grand durbar of chiefs, a cultural expo, music concerts, a beauty pageant (Miss Asafotu), boat racing, as well as business and youth forums.
Speaking at the launch on behalf of the Chairman of the Asafotufiami Planning Committee, Nene Agudey Obichere III, Asafoatsɛ Osrama Gadugah VI of the Dangmebiawe clan said the festival reaffirms the enduring values that have guided the Ada people through the generations.
“Our ancestors, tracing their roots from ancient traditions—including ties to Israel—and journeys through the desert to the unified settlement of Lorlorvor, endured immense hardship to establish this cherished homeland where the Volta River meets the sea and the earth brims with promise,” he stated.
“They fought valiantly in decisive battles—Torjuenya, Adidome, and Kantamanso—each one a testament to courage, unity, and the will to endure,” he added.
According to him, the Asafotufiami Festival not only honours these sacrifices but also serves as a reminder that peace is hard-won, justice must be actively pursued, and unity across clans and generations remains the community’s greatest strength.
He emphasised, “Let us be peacemakers in our homes, on our farms and in our workplaces, resolving conflict with empathy and intention.”
He further urged, “Let us also demand transparency and fairness in both traditional and civic governance, ensuring equal opportunities for all while welcoming our brothers and sisters from within and beyond in our warm embrace.”
Looking to the future, he called for a shared commitment to building Ada into a premier tourism destination, a centre for modernised salt production, and a fertile ground for agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“Together, we can build an industrialised, resilient and prosperous Ada for future generations,” he said.
He announced that from August 1 to 8, “the drums will sound, muskets will fire their ceremonial salutes, and our communities will come alive with colour, music, and celebration.”
However, he cautioned that unauthorised use of the Asafotufiami brand or ambush marketing would not be tolerated.
He expressed gratitude to sponsors and media partners for their continued support, and encouraged everyone to become “ambassadors of peace, advocates for justice, champions of unity, and builders of Ada’s progress.”
“Let us write the next chapter of our legacy with courage, compassion, and conviction,” he concluded.
The launch was attended by chiefs and queens from the various clans, as well as political leaders and other dignitaries from Ada and beyond.
