Any hope this year by the people of Ada and regular visiting revelers and tourists of the annual Ada Asafotufiami Festival has been dashed as the celebration is called off due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
The paramount chief of the Ada Traditional Council, Nene Abraham Kabu Akuaku lll(Nene Ada), said he is praying and hoping that the Asafotu Festival will return next year.
Nene Ada disclosed this in a speech delivered in his palace at Big Ada on Saturday during a ceremony to perform various traditional rites by the traditional priests of the Ada Land meant for this year’s celebration.

He said the Coronavirus pandemic which has hit the world has also affected plans and the organization of the festival which brings natives home and abroad together for the celebration.
In his speech however, the former president of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs said the Coronavirus outbreak has really shown him how united the people of Ghana are, and is proud of the good people Ada and Ghana in general.
“This virus has rather united us as people looking at how united we stand in the fight against its spread.

Well-wishers and lovers of our land have also shown us, great love, by donating preventive incentives like Veronica buckets, alcohol-based hand rubs, soaps, etc.
They are also helping in educating the people on the spread of the virus and how they can protect themselves from contracting it.
My heart is full of gratitude to the various health professionals and front-line workers both in Ghana and in Ada Land for sacrificing themselves to save the lives of the people.”

He called on some of the market women in the two districts who have been adamant to observing most of the COVID-19 prevention protocols to stop endangering their lives and the lives of others.

” I want to plead with our market women to let the COVID-19 protocols work among them in the market likewise every one of this land.
We have to thank God and our ancestors for their favour given us in everything.
We are in an election year and we have to maintain peace and order as we are known for because we are one people.” He said.
Background
The Asafotufiami festival of the people of the Ada Traditional Area in the Ada East and Ada West Districts of the Greater Accra Region is a rich cultural heritage celebrated annually in the first week of August. It is mainly in remembrance of the invaluable achievements of the Founding Fathers and Ancestors, especially in the many wars of survival and development of Ada.The Festival brings natives who travel from afar, visitors, tourists and those at home together for the celebration.
 
The people of Ada will not able to celebrate the 83rd edition of the Festival due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
This means that productivity, patronage, marketing, sponsorship, and every financial gateway of the local people is gravely affected.
Some traders have expressed worried over the postponement of the festival likewise the community folks.
But others also maintained that, even if the festival hasn’t been postponed, their financial strength which has been deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic and will not unable them to celebrate to the fullest as they used to.

