Big Ada: The Ada Traditional Council (ATC) has issued a stern warning to businesses, individuals, and traders against engaging in unauthorized or 'ambush marketing' during this year's Asafotufiami Festival. The Council emphasized the importance of not exploiting the Asafotufiami brand without approval and cautioned that any attempt to use the festival for personal or commercial gain without official endorsement would be met with swift action.
According to Ghana News Agency, Asafoatsengua Gadugah Osraman VI, of the Dangmebiawer Clan and a member of the council, stated that the Council and the Ada Asafotufiami Planning Committee would not tolerate any unapproved marketing activities during the festival. He expressed concern over past celebrations where marketers and companies profited from the festival without contributing to its planning or objectives.
"Let me issue a clear and firm warning; while we embrace authentic partnerships that uplift our community and respect our heritage, unauthorized use of the Asafotufiami brand or ambush marketing will not be tolerated," he declared. "Only officially sanctioned partners may align their brands with this sacred festival. Let no one mistake our hospitality for weakness. You have been warned."
Naana Adiki Manyeyo Adi I, Queen of the Royal Adibiawer Clan and President of the Ada Queen Mothers Consortium, also highlighted the financial strain the festival often places on the Council. She clarified that contrary to public belief, the festival rarely generates profit. "Despite the many businesses that parade their goods and services during the celebrations, only a handful go through the proper channels to contribute to the event. This creates a false impression that the Traditional Council makes substantial gains from the festival, which is far from the truth," she explained.
She further revealed that the Ada Traditional Council, in collaboration with the Ada East and Ada West District Assemblies and the relevant security agencies, has resolved to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the new directive.
The 88th Asafotufiami Festival, officially launched on Friday, June 13, is scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 8, 2025, at Big Ada. The festival is one of Ghana's most iconic cultural events, attracting participants and dignitaries from across the country and abroad, including the President of Ghana.
