The Oguaa Traditional Council has warned individuals and event organisers against any attempt to organise any aspect of the annual Fetu-Afahye of the people of Cape Coast in the Central Region.
According to the Council, two local radio stations in Cape Coast- Cape FM and Yes FM – have shown clear signs of usurping the authority of the Chiefs and elders by organising aspects of the festival without recourse to the Council.
It notes that the Council reserves the right as custodians of the customs and traditions of Cape Coast, the observation of festivals as they deem fit, hence will not allow anyone or institution to interfere in that.
It claims the two radio stations have been making “denigrating and abusive pronouncement about Nananon, the Planning Committee and the Council” because it is against the organisation of activities linked to the festival without clearance.
Cape FM, which started operations about four years ago, in a bid to promote its brand introduced Orange Friday carnival as part of activities marking the Fetu Afahye.
The carnival has in the last three years gained popularity due to the unique orange dress code for the carnival.
But the Council says organisers of the Orange Friday carnival failed to seek approval hence given the right to another body to organise this year’s carnival as part of the activities lined up for the celebration, which begins from August 27.
The Council says anyone or institution wishing to organise any activity to coincide with the festival period should seek clearance from the Council through the Planning Committee.
“Anything shot of this is an affront to established norns and traditions,” Chairman of the Planning Committee, Nana Kow Amoasi II said at a press conference.
He said the Council would not hesitate to take the necessary steps in dealing with those who would go against the order.
Thomas Cann|3news.com|Ghana