The Ga Traditional Council has warned against the Igbo New Yam Festival in Accra, citing cultural and security concerns. Learn why the council wants the event halted.
Council Raises Security and Cultural Concerns
The Ga Traditional Council has strongly warned against the upcoming Igbo New Yam Festival celebration in Accra, citing fears that the event could disrupt peace and security within the Ga State. The council believes the festival could spark cultural tensions in the capital if allowed to proceed.
Scheduled Event and Organizers
The festival, themed “2025 Ibo Day in Ghana – New Yam Festival”, is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park. It is being organized by Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, a prominent leader of the Igbo community in Ghana.
Longstanding Igbo Tradition in Ghana
The Igbo community has celebrated this festival in Ghana for over a decade, with past events drawing dignitaries from both Ghana and Nigeria. In 2024, notable leaders from both countries were present at the celebrations. Despite this, the Ga Traditional Council views the upcoming event as a challenge to its authority and cultural sovereignty.
Previous Warning Ignored
According to the council, the planned festival disregards an earlier warning issued in a press release on July 9, 2025. The notice, signed by Registrar Evelyn Amewotse, cautioned Eze Ihenetu against holding cultural festivities that might “import Igbo traditions into the Ga State.”
Cultural Importance of the New Yam Festival
The New Yam Festival, known as Iri Ji among the Igbo, marks the end of the farming season and the beginning of a new harvest. Celebrations typically include rituals, yam feasting, traditional music, and masquerade performances. For the Igbo people worldwide, the festival carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning.
Ga Council’s Official Position
In a letter to authorities, the registrar wrote:
“HRM King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has directed me to write to inform you and also seek your assistance by putting the above programme to a halt as soon as possible.”
The council stressed that allowing the event to proceed, especially after a direct warning, could set a dangerous precedent and fuel future conflicts.
Call for Government Intervention
The petition urges government agencies and law enforcement to step in and prevent the festival from taking place. The council emphasized that cultural coexistence in Accra must be carefully managed to avoid clashes between local traditions and foreign communities.
