Confusion and tension disrupted the celebration of the traditional Akwasidae festival at Kwahu Pitiku on Sunday after disagreements among traditional leaders from Kwahu Tafo over the observance of the sacred event.

The incident occurred on March 15, 2026, when preparations were underway for the customary rites marking Akwasidae, a significant event in the Akan traditional calendar observed to honour ancestors and reaffirm cultural traditions.

According to Nana Opatako Antwi Boasiako Odikro for Kwahu Pitiku, arrangements had been made for the celebration when some leaders from Kwahu Tafo reportedly intervened and attempted to halt the proceedings.

Speaking about the incident, Nana Opatako Antwi Boasiako explained that the group, which included his family head (Abusuapanyin) Yaw George, insisted that the festival should not continue.

“Today is Akwasidae and we had arranged everything in order to observe the celebration. I was here when some Kwahu Tafo leaders, including my Abusuapanyin Yaw George, said they would not agree for the Adae to continue because the land belongs to Tafo,” he said.

He expressed disappointment over the development, describing it as an unfortunate attempt to disrupt a long-standing tradition.

“I was pained because they were destroying the tradition, and what they were saying was not true. It is because of selfish interests that some people wanted to stop the celebration,” he added.

Amid the confusion, a Ghanaian journalist and blogger, Michael Danku, was reportedly assaulted while covering the event.

In a statement filed with the police, Danku said the incident occurred at about 1:40 p.m. while he was carrying out his duties as a journalist at Kwahu Pitiku.

According to the report, a group of traditional leaders from Kwahu Tafo confronted him during the disturbance.

“While I was on duty performing my work as a journalist, I was attacked by a group of traditional leaders from Kwahu Tafo led by the Kwahu Tafo Okyeame,” he stated.

He alleged that the group became aggressive and physically assaulted him.

“During the incident, they slapped me and physically assaulted me, causing me harm and distress,” Danku said in the complaint.

Danku has since filed an official report with the police, describing the attack as unprovoked and insisting it occurred while he was legitimately performing his professional duties.

He has called for a full investigation into the incident and for appropriate legal action to be taken against those responsible.

“I believe this attack was unprovoked and occurred while I was legitimately working in my capacity as a journalist,” he said, adding that he is willing to cooperate fully with investigators.


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