Ga Traditional Council Halts Igbo New Yam Festival in Accra Over Cultural Integrity Concerns
The Ga Traditional Council has ordered the suspension of the planned Igbo New Yam Festival in Accra, warning that the event could disrupt peace and challenge the cultural sovereignty of the Ga State.
In a letter to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, the council, directed by Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, urged authorities to halt the September 21 celebration at Efua Sutherland Children’s Park.
The festival, organized by Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu—leader of Ghana’s Igbo community—under the banner “2025 Ibo Day in Ghana – New Yam Festival,” marks the end of the yam harvest and features rituals, feasting, traditional music, and dances. Known as Iri Ji or Iwa Ji in Igbo culture, it symbolizes gratitude for the harvest and community unity, and has been celebrated annually in Ghana for over a decade, drawing dignitaries from Nigeria and beyond.
The council’s Registrar, Evelyn Amewotse, cited a July 9, 2025, press release that had already cautioned Eze Ihenetu against introducing Igbo traditions into Ga territory. “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 letter stated, emphasizing risks to public order.
This is the second recent setback for Eze Ihenetu; he was barred from greeting Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Asantehemaa’s funeral on September 17.
The Igbo community previously postponed the event in late July due to unspecified concerns, but proceeded with planning.
Tickets were still available as of September 17 via eGotickets, promoting it as a showcase of Igbo heritage.
The dispute highlights tensions over cultural expression in diverse urban spaces like Accra, where Ga traditions like the Homowo Festival hold primacy.fb19c7 Social media reactions have been swift, with some praising the council’s stand as a defense of indigenous identity.
Police intervention is expected to prevent escalation, balancing community rights with traditional authority.
