The Oguaa Traditional Council has held a press conference to formally respond to widely circulated reports concerning the alleged incident in which the Omanhen of the Edina Traditional Area, Nana Kwodwo Condua VI, was reportedly denied entry to the durbar grounds at Victoria Park during the 2025 PANAFEST celebration in Cape Coast.
At a press conference on held Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Emintsimadze Palace, the Tufohen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Edu VI, addressed the media and traditional leaders, shedding light on what he described as a “regrettable and avoidable” breach of tradition during the durbar held on Saturday, July 26.
“PANAFEST is not just a festival; it is a sacred moment to honour our ancestors and showcase unity, “Unfortunately, that sanctity was compromised,” Nana Edu VI said.
According to the Tufohen, it is customary in Akan and coastal traditions for the host Omanhen to be the last to arrive at any grand durbar, symbolically marking his authority as Commander-in-Chief of the gathering.
However, Nana Edu VI said this was disregarded when the Edina Chief arrived in a palanquin after the host chief, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, had already been seated.
“This is not merely a matter of pride, it’s about maintaining ancestral order and mutual respect,” he stated.
The Tufohen emphasized that even more troubling was the firing of muskets by the Edina Chief’s entourage during their independent street parade. He said this occurred despite a clearly communicated ban on musketry due to safety concerns and the ceremonial nature of the event.
“This act disrupted the programme, endangered lives, and flouted both traditional and modern regulations,” he emphasized, quoting proverbs to underscore the gravity of the situation. “Wɔdze mbofra yɛ aberewa dede a, ɔdan enyimguase” (When children are used to make noise for the elderly, it leads to disgrace).
Nana Edu VI defended the actions taken by the Oguaa Tufohen and Asafo Companies, who reportedly blocked the Edina Chief’s late entry into the durbar grounds. He described their response as a necessary step to prevent further disruption.
“The Asafo is not for amusement; it is a disciplined force that protects the path of kingship,” he said.
The Tufohen expressed disappointment that rather than seek reconciliation, Nana Kwodwo Condua VI had allegedly sought to shift blame to the host chiefs.
“That response is beneath the dignity of a Paramount Chief,” he remarked. “Leadership demands wisdom, humility, and restraint.”
In closing, the Oguaa Traditional Council called on all traditional leaders, festival organizers, and dignitaries to uphold the sacred customs and protocols that govern such state events.
“When you visit another stool house, you lead with respect,” Nana Edu VI reminded.
He reaffirmed the Oguaa Council’s commitment to peace and unity but made it clear that the sanctity of tradition would never be compromised.
“The family upholds kingship, and kingship is upheld by law,” he concluded.
The press briefing comes amid widespread public debate and social media commentary on the incident, which has drawn attention to the delicate balance between culture, pride, and protocol during major national events like PANAFEST.
Find a full statement by Tufohen of Oguaa Traditional Council, Nana Kwame Edu VI
READ MORE NEWS ON ATLFMNEWS.COM
Source: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
