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Display of rich Ghanaian culture, tradition at Ada Asafotufiami
Naana Kabukuor Domaaley Dagojo I,
Queen of Kabiawe Clan
The glamour and thrills of the rich, unique and elegant Ghanaian culture and traditions were in full display last weekend as thousands thronged to Ada to witness the Asafotufiami festival
The week-long festival which began on August 4 to 9 at Ada in the Dangme East District of the Greater Accra Region is one of the biggest events in the region.
The festival had over the years become popular, attracting thousands of tourists who were usually entertained by the traditions and cultural activities on display.
This year’s festival, the 86th edition held under the theme, “Honouring our heroes, revamping natural resources and unlocking tourism potential,” was nothing short of the usual spectacle.
Among dignitaries attracted to the festival, were the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Greater Accra Minister, Henry Quartey, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Sarah Dugbakie Pobie and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the McDan Group, Dr Daniel McKorley.
The festival also attracted foreigners who took part in several activities led by vibrant youth groups and associations within Ada and beyond. The festival started on Wednesday, August 2 with the usual “homecoming” activities prior to the weekend as natives both home and abroad trooped to the host town, Big Ada where all the activities were held.
The activities commenced with a welcoming float on Thursday, August 3 which ushered in all individuals and groups who came to the town to celebrate the festival they held in high esteem. The float began from Big Ada through neighbouring towns including Kasserh, Sege, Ada Foah and ended at the starting point where the youth jammed until the break of dawn.
The clans include, Adibiawe, Lomobiawe, Terkperbiawe, Dangmebiawe, Kabiaweyumu, Kabiawetsu, Kabiakpono, Kudragbe, Ohuewem and Korgbor.
The clans took turns to pour libations and sought the permission of the ancestors heading into the week-long activities. After the last clan, usually Dangmebiawe had performed their rituals, they returned to a river in Big Ada where everyone including visitors washed their feet as a form of cleansing with the belief that the river would carry away their burdens and transgressions and give them renewed hope of prosperity into
By Michael D. Abayateye
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
