The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ekumfi Constituency has strongly condemned the unfortunate disruption of the Ekumfi Ekotsi Festival on Saturday, November 7, 2026, describing the incident as regrettable and unacceptable, particularly given the importance of traditional festivals in promoting unity, cultural heritage and peaceful coexistence.
In a press release issued by the NPP Ekumfi Constituency Communication Directorate, the party expressed concern over alleged physical attacks, disorderly conduct and what it described as a disregard for the authority and directives of traditional leaders during the festival’s durbar.
Background to the Incident
According to the statement, the incident occurred during the festival durbar when Nananom directed that representatives of the political parties present be given the opportunity to address the gathering based on their respective arrival times.
The NPP explained that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) delegation arrived first and was consequently expected to address the gathering before the NPP delegation.
However, the party alleged that some NDC Constituency Executives, including the Constituency Secretary, Fayah, refused to comply with the arrangement despite the directive from Nananom.
The situation reportedly escalated when some NDC supporters allegedly attempted to prevent the Master of Ceremonies (MC) from handing over the microphone to the Constituency Secretary to address the gathering.
The statement further alleged that the disagreement degenerated into a confrontation, resulting in some members of the Festival Planning Committee being physically attacked and manhandled in the presence of the Member of Parliament (MP) and the District Chief Executive (DCE).
The NPP said the unfortunate development disrupted the festival proceedings and created an atmosphere of fear and panic among participants, including women and children.
It also noted that some of the incidents were captured in videos circulating publicly.
NPP Explains Its Decision to Address the Gathering First
Addressing its role in the incident, the NPP clarified that although the original arrangement required its representatives to speak after the NDC delegation, the party decided to address the gathering first as a deliberate measure to prevent further tension and restore calm.
The party explained that the decision was guided by four key considerations: respect for Nananom and their authority, commitment to peace and stability, consideration for the people of Ekumfi Ekotsi, and the need to protect the dignity of traditional festivals.
It stressed that the decision was not intended to undermine the agreed arrangement but rather to prioritise the peaceful continuation of the celebration and prevent further disruption.
NPP Calls for Political Tolerance and Respect for Traditional Institutions
The NPP Ekumfi Constituency reaffirmed its commitment to peace, mutual respect, political tolerance and the preservation of traditional institutions.
The party maintained that political differences should never be allowed to undermine the cultural heritage of communities or create unnecessary tensions during occasions meant to bring people together.
It therefore called on all political parties and their supporters to respect the authority of traditional leaders, promote peaceful coexistence, exercise restraint and demonstrate tolerance towards opposing political views.
The party further emphasised that traditional festivals must remain platforms for cultural preservation, community development and unity rather than occasions for political rivalry and confrontation.
Festivals Must Unite, Not Divide – NPP
Concluding the statement, the NPP reiterated its commitment to the peace, unity and development of the Ekumfi Constituency, stressing that maintaining peace is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of political actors, traditional authorities and community members.
It urged all stakeholders to uphold the dignity of Nananom and ensure that similar incidents do not recur during future traditional celebrations.
“Festivals are meant to unite communities, not create divisions or political tensions,” the statement emphasised.
The release was signed by the Communication Directorate of the NPP Ekumfi Constituency and copied to all media houses.
The party concluded with the following declarations:
LONG LIVE EKUMFI EKOTSI!
LONG LIVE EKUMFI!
LONG LIVE THE NPP!
LONG LIVE GHANA!
