The Ada Traditional Council has suspended four of its members for two years for allegedly defying a council decision to cancel the 2026 Asafotufiami Durbar scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026.
The affected members are Nene Djabaku Kubi V, Asafoatsengua Dabra V, Nene Tetteh Ayiku Abordonu IV and Nene Osakonor Okronipah IV.
A notice issued by the Registrar of the Ada Traditional Council said the suspension took effect on August 14, 2026, and will remain in force until August 13, 2028.
According to a resolution signed by members of the Traditional Council, the four suspended members had participated in an emergency meeting on August 5 at which the Council resolved to cancel the 2026 Asafotufiami Durbar.
The Council alleged that despite participating in and agreeing to the cancellation, the four members subsequently organised, participated in or encouraged participation in the durbar on August 8.
The Council described the alleged action as a serious breach of its authority and said it violated established laws, traditions, customs and protocols of the Ada Traditional Area.
In its resolution, the Council cited several grounds for the disciplinary action, including what it described as a breach of Council authority and violations of ceremonial traditions and protocols.
It also raised concerns about the performance of customary and religious rites associated with the durbar, arguing that proceeding with the event without the participation of certain clans affected the traditional and spiritual processes connected to the celebration.
The Council said the disciplinary action was intended to preserve the integrity, sanctity and peaceful coexistence of the Ada Traditional Area and its ten clans.
As part of the sanction, the four members have been suspended from all duties, privileges and participation in the affairs of the Ada Traditional Council for the two-year period.
The suspension follows a period of internal disagreement over the status of the 2026 Asafotufiami Durbar and the authority of the Traditional Council to determine whether the event should proceed.
The Council has communicated the decision to relevant traditional, security, local government and political authorities, as well as media houses.
The development is expected to intensify discussions within the Ada Traditional Area over traditional authority, customary protocols and the management of major traditional festivals.
