Participants at the event in a group photograph
The Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has suspended the celebration of the 2025 Gyogyi Yam Festival in the Nkwanta South Municipality over heightened security concerns in the area.
The ban by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) forms part of a series of strategic security measures aimed at addressing the escalating tribal tensions that have, in recent times, characterised the celebration of the festival, fuelled by a chieftaincy dispute, disagreements over the appropriate venue for the celebration and its associated traditional rites.
These unresolved issues have often escalated into violent clashes, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, destruction of property, and deepening divisions within the affected communities.
Speaking after meeting traditional authorities from Adele, Akyode, and Challa, the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, explained that the decision was taken after a comprehensive assessment of the current security landscape in the municipality, which revealed heightened tensions and potential threats to public safety.
“In light of the prevailing security concerns in Nkwanta, we have engaged with traditional leaders from the Adele, Challa, and Akyode communities. They have agreed with the decision of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to suspend the celebration of the festival until all outstanding issues in Nkwanta are thoroughly addressed.”
John Kwadwo Gyapong emphasised that the decision, fully endorsed by the traditional authorities, is a proactive measure intended to prevent any potential disturbances or outbreaks of violence during the festival period.
“Together with the traditional leaders have reached a consensus that suspending this year’s festival is a necessary step toward safeguarding peace and stability. They recognise that, rather than risking further clashes as has unfortunately been the case in recent years, this decision will help calm tensions and create an opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation among the communities.”
The traditional leaders, Nana Boafo Amoah III, Sahene of the Adele Traditional Area, Nana Addo Kanewu, Paramount Chief of Challa, and Nana Obombo Lumpu-Wura, Paramount Chief of Akyode Traditional Area, who were present at the meeting, have all pledged to abide by the decision to promote peace and stability in the area.
The Gyogyi Festival is the annual Yam Festival celebrated by the people of Akyode, in the Oti Region of Ghana. The festival has a unique culture, which is very pivotal for socio-politico-economic development.
The origin of the celebration, which starts in August through to October, is the conscious acknowledgement of the blessing bestowed on men through yam by the supernatural and the Brukum Stool.