All roads lead to Ada for Asafotufiami Festival
Today, August 5, 2023, hundreds of people from all walks of life will converge on the Ada Traditional Area, located in the Ada East and Ada West Districts in the Greater Accra Region, to partake in the vibrant festivities of the Asafotufiami Festival.
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With a history of attracting both past and present Presidents of Ghana, this year's event promises to be just as exceptional. The Asafotufiami Festival, a significant cultural celebration, has become a cherished tradition that unfolds during the first week of August each year.
The festival holds immense importance as it commemorates the remarkable achievements of the founding fathers and ancestors, particularly their valour in the numerous wars fought for the survival and development of Ada.
The term "Asafotufiami" originates from the Dangme language, where it means "company" or "divisional firing of muskets." Historically, Asafotufiami was essentially a war festival, honouring the heroic deeds of ancestors who courageously defended Ada from various adversaries in the past.
Among the notable ancient wars and battles remembered during the festival are:
- Nonobe-Ada-Anglo War: Adas, supported by Akwapim, Akim Abuakua, Krobo and Agave, defeated the Anglo forces in various encounters.
- Kantamanso War: Ada, alongside the Ga, Danish and other allies, resisted an Ashanti attack on Accra and coastal areas, resulting in an Ashanti defeat.
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- Glover War: Adidome Captain Glover led allied forces from Ga, Ada, Krobo, Krepi, and Akwapim against the Anglo-supported Avenos and Mafi, resulting in an Anglo defeat.
The festival also honours the surviving warriors who return home after each war. They are joyously received by their fellow townsmen and relatives, and a state welcome ceremony is held.
This ceremony involves drumming, dancing and musketry firing into the river, symbolising washing away the evils of war.
The military organisation of the Ada people is structured into clans/divisions or companies, each with its specific military position for action on the battlefield.
The Asafotufiami Festival planning committee, appointed by the Paramount Chief (Dzetse of Ada), coordinates the festival's activities, including finance, programmes, publicity, and special invites to participating bodies and associations.
The main activities of the festival include ceremonial arrivals, announcement by the main war drums, display at the old battlefield "Aplenayer," and the main Asafotufiami Festival Durbar, held on Saturday, which is the climax of the celebration. During the durbar, Asafoatseme (war captains) lead their clans in a procession with drumming, dancing, and musketry firing to the central ground.
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The Paramount Chief and Divisional Chiefs ride in palanquins, and traditional libations and Christian prayers are offered.
Asafoatsenguame take the annual oath of allegiance to the Paramount Chief, renewing their commitment to serve the state.
The festival also includes a nondenominational church service on Sunday, riverside sports at Kpomkpo-panya, and various other free activities such as dances, beach parties, excursions on the river Volta, football competitions and family gatherings.
Participating groups include the Asafoatseme, Wetsoyihi and the Paramount Chief, along with ancient war dances, Asafo companies, associations of fetish priests and priestesses, Ada Youth Association among others.
Historically, the Asafotufiami Festival was interrupted twice during the first and second world wars (1914-1918) and (1939-1945) due to the use of gun firing as part of the festival.
We bring some captivating pictures from last year’s event.
