The 88th edition of the Ada Asafotufiami festival, is set for August 1-8, following a successful launch of the festival in Ada on Friday.Under the theme, "Peace, Justice and Unity.
The Pillars of our Progress," the festival would witness a rich display of Ghanaian culture and heritage while serving as a reminder of the sacrifices of ancestors in ensuring peace and unity in Ada.Activities lined up for the week-long festival include, traditional rites, candlelight procession, homecoming float, visit to the sacred forest (Aplaneaye), durbar of Chiefs, cultural expo, music concert, beauty pageant (Miss Asafotu), boat racing as well as business and youth forums.The Chairman of the Asafotufiami Planning Committee, Nene Agudey Obichere III, in a speech read on his behalf at the launch by the Asafoatser Osrama Gadugah VI of the Dangmebiawe clan, stated that the festival was a reaffirmation of the enduring values that guided the Ada people through history."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.Asafotufiami he said, honours these sacrifices while reminding the Ada people of that peace was hard-won, justice must be pursued and unity across clans and generations was the greatest strength.Hence he stressed, "let us be peacemakers in our homes, on our farms and in our workplaces, resolving conflict with empathy and intention.""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," he stressed.Moving forward with shared heritage as compass, he said, it was important to commit to building a homeland recognised as a premier tourism hub, 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 stated.From August 1-8 he said, "The drums will sound, muskets will fire their ceremonial salutes and our communities will come alive with colour, music and celebration."He however warned that the unauthorised use of the Asafotufiami brand or ambush marketing would not be tolerated.He expressed appreciation to sponsors and media partners for their continues support and called on 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 mentioned.The launch was attended by Chiefs and Queens from the various clans as well as political heads and other dignitaries from Ada and beyond. BY TIMES REPORTER
