Igbo Yam Festival cannot be held in Accra – Ga Council 

The Council says the planned event could undermine peace and cultural authority in the Ga State.

The Ga Traditional Council has raised objections to the upcoming Igbo New Yam Festival in Accra, warning that the event poses risks to peace and order.

The festival, billed as “2025 Ibo Day in Ghana – New Yam Festival,” is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park. It is being organised by Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, leader of the Igbo community in Ghana.

In a letter dated September 12, 2025, and addressed to the Regional Police Commander, the Ga Traditional Council asked that the event be stopped. Signed by Registrar Evelyn Amewotse, the letter recalled an earlier caution issued in July 2025, warning Eze Ihenetu not to host traditional festivities that could be seen as imposing Igbo customs in the Ga State.

“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 registrar wrote.

The Council further stated that going ahead with the program “may possibly cause mayhem and disturbance of peace and security within the Ga State.”

It reminded authorities that a July 9 press release had already cautioned Eze Ihenetu “to desist from all traditional and cultural festivities under the guise of importing Igbo culture into the Ga State.”

The Ga Traditional Council emphasized that its primary duty is to preserve the integrity of Ga traditions and maintain peace. “The Ga Traditional Council counts on your cooperation in maintaining peace and security within the Ga State,” the letter added.

READ: Sammy Gyamfi writes on the fight against the illegal mining menace

The New Yam Festival, also called Iri Ji, is one of the most important Igbo cultural celebrations, marking the end of the farming season with feasting, rituals, and masquerade performances. In Ghana, the Igbo community has celebrated it annually for over ten years.

Copies of the September 12 letter were also sent to the Divisional Police Commander, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior.