Ada launches 88th Asafotufiami festival with call for peace, justice, and unity

By Bob Roco ROMEO

The 88th edition of the Ada Asafotufiami Festival has been officially launched- with a strong call for peace, justice, and unity to remain the foundation of Ada’s development.

Speaking at the press launch, held at the Ada Traditional Council Hall, Chairman of the Asafotufiami Planning Committee, Nene Agudey Obichere III, rallied the people of the traditional area to reflect on their rich history and embrace the values that have sustained them through generations.

Nene Obichere emphasised that the launch was not just the start of another festival, but a moment to reflect on the deep values that hold the Ada people together.

“Peace, justice, and unity are not just ideals. They are the living, breathing pillars of Ada’s progress,” he said.

Additionally, he reminded the gathering that the Festival honours the sacrifices of their ancestors, who endured hardships and fought in major battles such as Torjuenya, Adidome, and Kantamanso.

“Our forefathers fought for a homeland where the Volta River meets the sea. Their courage and unity brought us here,” he said.

Nene Obichere announced this year’s theme as “Peace. Justice. Unity: The Pillars of Ada’s Progress”, and urged the residents to live out the theme in their daily lives.

“Let us be peacemakers at home, on our farms, and in our workplaces. Let us demand fairness and openness in our governance systems, and above all, let us stay united- no matter our clan or where we come from.”

He called on all clans- Adi, Lomo, Korley, Okumo, Kabu, Agudey, and Ofoe- to see themselves as one people: Adali.

“Let us welcome our brothers and sisters from Accra, Nungua, and even the diaspora with open arms,” he added.

The planning committee chair also encouraged the people of Ada to work towards a brighter future. He described the vision of Ada as a top destination for tourism, a modern hub for salt production, and a fertile land for agriculture and innovation. “Together, we can build an industrialised, resilient, and prosperous Ada,” he also said.

Furthermore, he outlined the main activities scheduled for this year’s celebration, which will take place from 1st to 8th August 2025.

The festival will feature traditional rites, candlelight processions, a homecoming float known as Soobi-Soobi, a visit to Aplaneaye, a durbar of chiefs, a cultural expo, and a music concert supported by Onua TV. It will also include business and youth forums focused on entrepreneurship and investment.

However, he warned against the misuse of the Asafotufiami brand. “We welcome genuine partnerships, but we will not tolerate ambush marketing or unauthorised use of our festival’s name,” he said.

He added that a task force will be formed in partnership with the District Assembly to strictly monitor and enforce this.

Nene Obichere, expressed deep gratitude to the festival’s headline sponsor, Electrochem Ghana Limited, for their efforts in modernising salt production at Songor and supporting community development.

He also thanked other key sponsors such as Liberty Industries (Kpoo Keke), Premium Motors, Ramani Distribution, Interplast Ghana, Slydoncee, Aqua Safari Resort, Ecozoil Limited, Volta River Authority, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), and MTN Ghana.

The committee also acknowledged its media partners, including Onua TV, Onua FM, Obonu TV, Obonu FM, Eagle FM, Radio Ada, Okorli FM, and others, for sharing the Ada story with the world.

Moreover, he encouraged everyone to rise as ambassadors of peace, advocates for justice, and champions of unity.

 “Let our laughter echo across the estuary. Let our prayers rise like the morning mist. Let our united footsteps resound from Treasure Island through Heartland to every corner of our homeland,” he noted.

“Long live Ada! Long live Asafotufiami! Oklibone!”

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