THE 88TH ADA ASAFOTUFIAMI FESTIVAL CELEBRATION-2025
The 88th Ada Asafotufiami Festival, also referred to as the Firing of Musketry Festival, was celebrated in the first week of August 2025 in Ada. This festival is a significant cultural event for the Ada people, who belong to the Gadangbe tribe. The festivities commenced on Thursday, 31st July 2025, with offerings of thanksgiving and sacrifices to the ancestors, culminating on Saturday, 2nd August with a grand durbar of chiefs and esteemed guests.
In his welcome address, Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku the Third, the Paramount Chief of the Ada Traditional Area and President of the Ada Traditional Council. He graciously welcomed all participants and dignitaries to the festival, underscoring that festivals are celebrated globally by diverse ethnic groups as a means to preserve and convey their sociolinguistic identity and cultural heritage, yearly.
He emphasized that the Asafotufiami Festival serves as a sacred occasion for the reunion of individuals both from home and the diaspora, uniting everyone to commemorate the return of the Asafo groups who engaged in battle and emerged victorious. The festival, he articulated, is commemorative in nature, dedicated to honoring the memory of the fallen heroes from the various clans of Ada. The festival is both celebratory and reflective, marked with gratitude to God Almighty and homage to ancestral spirits for continued prosperity of Ada.
The theme for the celebration “Peace, Unity and Justice: The Pillars of Our Progress”, was central in the chief’s address. He expatiated that peace transcends the mere absence of conflict or chaos; it embodies a positive state of mind reflected in intentional strategies, aimed at fostering harmony both within and beyond the community. “Without peace, no family, community or nation can progress” he added. He emphasized that peace serves as the bedrock for communal and national development, positing that no family or society can thrive in a chaotic environment. He urged all citizens to uphold peace as they partake in the 88th Asafotufiami Festival.
Concerning unity, he invoked the age-old adage symbolized by the broom, illustrating that true strength resides in unity. He underscored that unity represents one of the most crucial drivers to achieving community and national advancement.
On justice, the chief expressed that the ancestors of Ada possessed a profound understanding of justice and practiced it effectively even prior to the establishment of formal judicial systems. He lamented the gradual erosion of this principle (peace and integrity) in contemporary society, attributing it to corruption and moral decay. He implored all to uphold peace, unity, and the moral fabric of Ada State and Ghana as a whole.
The Paramount Chief expressed his deep appreciation to the 2025 Asafotufiami Festival Planning Committee, chaired by Nene Audrey Obichere III, the Manklalo of Ada State, for selecting a timely and meaningful theme. He asserted that indeed the future progress of Ada hinges upon the three foundational pillars- “peace, unity, and justice”.
He also extended his congratulations to the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, on his victory in the 2024 Presidential elections, expressing gratitude to the NDC party. He noted that the people of Ada were elated to witness the party’s return to office.
The President represented by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Akweley Ocloo as distinguished guests of honour. Other dignitaries included Hon. Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for Ada East; Hon. Kenneth Kabu Kanor, District Chief Executive for Ada East; Hon. ModjifaTanihu J.J.F Mills-Nkrumah, District Chief Executive for Ada West; and Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram.
Also present were Chiefs, Queen Mothers, Assembly Members, representatives from the media, and other esteemed guests. A goodwill message was conveyed by Hon. ModjifaTanihu J.J.F Mills-Nkrumah, the District Chief Executive for Ada West, during the Asafotufiami Festival. He described the Asafotufiami Festival as a treasured occasion eagerly anticipated by every Ada citizen.
He noted that it marks the zenith of the traditional year, spiritually, culturally, and socially preparing citizens for the journey ahead. He asserted that beyond the jubilant celebrations, the festival represents a solemn period for profound reflection, an opportunity to assess development within the traditional area, and a time to chart a united course forward. It is also a moment for returning home, paying homage to elders, seeking their wise counsel and blessings, and renewing one’s connection with the Almighty God.
The DCE encouraged all citizens to exhibit profound respect towards traditional authorities and urged the Ada Traditional Council to take proactive measures in addressing critical issues affecting the area. He specifically highlighted the necessity to resolve protracted land boundary disputes with neighboring communities such as Ningo Prampram and North Tongu, to address the ongoing chieftaincy disputes that impede peace and development; and to seek lasting solutions to conflicts surrounding the Songhor Lagoon. He called upon the central government to collaborate with the Ada Traditional Council in resolving these pressing matters. He concluded by welcoming all guests, especially those from Ada West and beyond, and wished everyone a peaceful and successful celebration of the 88th Asafotufiami Festival.
The 88th Ada Asafotufiami Festival stood as a true testament to the enduring spirit, cultural richness, and unity of the Ada people. It served not only as a moment of celebration but also as a sacred period of reflection, thanksgiving, and reaffirmation of the values bequeathed by our ancestors. With the theme “Peace, Unity and Justice: The Pillars of Our Progress,” the festival inspired a renewed sense of purpose among citizens and leaders alike. As we look ahead, may the memories and lessons of this year’s celebration continue to guide Ada State towards peace, harmony, and sustainable development for generations to come.
ISD – AWDA
2nd August 2025