Info For Yous Ada People: The Traditionalist Dangme People Too Their Unique Asafotufiami Festival

Ada people are fishery in addition to agricultural Dangme-speaking people that forms a subset of the larger Ga-Dangme ethnolinguistic grouping living inwards the southern Ghana. Ada people are mostly found inwards the Dangme East district of Greater Accra Region.

                  Ada traditional priest pouring libation to the ancestors at Asafotufiami festival

 The Ada people were made upward of the 4 original Dangme clans, the Adibiawe, Lomobiawe, Dangmebiawe, in addition to Tekperbiawe. These clans, the Okorli, integrated ane Akan clan, the Kabiawe and
incorporated iii Ewe clans, the Kudragbe, Korgbor in addition to Ohuewem.

                      Procession of Ada chiefs

The Ada after on adopted nine additional Ewe villages, Agave, Sukpe, Tefle, Vume, Blakpa, Mlefi, Mepe, Battor, in addition to Duffor to shape the Ada Nation. Ada-Foah is the district working capital alphabetic quality of Ada people. Some of the other notable towns are Kasseh, Akplabanya, Sege Junction, Anyamam, Pute,  Lolonya, Tamatoku, Bonikope, Songor, Adzomanukope, Bedeku, Wokume Gbe, Songutsokpa, Big-Ada, Got, Koluedor ,Totimekope, Ocanse Kope, Totope, Kasseh, Matsekope.

                                 Children at Ada-Foah

The patriarchal Ada people were in ane lawsuit a famous warrior tribe inwards Republic of Ghana in addition to they are today known for their adroit mining of large scale tabular array salt at their Songhor lagoon in addition to a famous Asafotfiami festival.

                               Ada girls performing traditional Dangme dance

Location (Topography, Climate, Vegetation in addition to Geology)
Ada people are found inwards the Dangme East District which is located inwards the Eastern component subdivision of the Greater Accra Region inside Latitudes 5°45 South in addition to 6°00 North in addition to from Longitude 0°20 West to 0°35 East. It shares mutual boundaries with North Tongu District to the North, South Tongu District in addition to Dangme West Districts to the East in addition to West respectively.  To the due south is the Gulf of Guinea, which stretches over 45 kilometers (27.9 miles) from Kewunor to Wokumagbe.

                                Volta River, Ada

 The District covers a total dry ground expanse of 909 sq km (350 sq miles) in addition to represents almost 28% of the total dry ground size of the Greater Accra Region. Being a coastal district, most people along the coast remove hold taken to angling in addition to fish processing as their main source of livelihood.  Also, the ocean has a cooling effect on the people especially during hot seasons but the corrosive nature of the breeze is real destructive.

                                                      Ada beach

Ada Foah, the District Capital is located at the south-eastern part, nearly 20km off the Accra-Aflao road, along the coast in addition to nearly 2km from the Volta River Estuary.  Other major settlements are Big Ada, Kasseh, Goi, Anyamam, Sege, Lolonya, Akplabanya, Pute, Wokumagbe in addition to Koluedor.

                                              Ada fisherman throwing net

The District forms component subdivision of the Central portion of the Accra plains, depicting a topography that is to a greater extent than oftentimes than non gently undulating.  A few prominent boulders are scattered irregularly over the area, with the highest component subdivision beingness nearly 240 meters (800ft) to a higher identify ocean flat around Tojeh area. The balance of the expanse is averagely nearly lx meters (200ft) to a higher identify ocean level.  Most of the stretch along the Songhor lagoon is below ocean level. As a outcome the strong tidal waves of the Sea remove hold eroded the sandy coast line leading to occasional flooding of some communities namely Anyamam, Pute, Akplabanya, in addition to Totope. The ocean defense strength wall has hence go a major occupation for the residents; fifty-fifty though its structure is beyond the capacity of the District Assembly due to the extensive nature of the resources required.

                                   Ada ocean defense

Climatically, the District forms component subdivision of the South-eastern coastal plains of Republic of Ghana which is ane of the hottest parts of the country. Temperatures are high throughout the twelvemonth in addition to ranges betwixt 23°C in addition to 28°C.  A maximum of 33oc is attainable during the real hot seasons.  Rainfall is to a greater extent than oftentimes than non heavy during the major seasons betwixt March in addition to September.  The average rainfall is nearly 750ml. The expanse is nonetheless real dry out during the harmattan flavor when at that spot is no rainfall at all.  Humidity is nearly lx per cent high, due to the proximity of the sea, the Volta River in addition to other H2O bodies. Daily evaporation rates attain from 5.4 ml to 6.8 ml. The relatively high temperatures assist inwards the quick crystallization of tabular array salt for the tabular array salt industry. The hotness provides an chance for the installation of solar panels inwards generating solar liberate energy for communities where at that spot is no electricity, in addition to to a greater extent than specifically for educational institutions in addition to clinics. This liberate energy selection is yet to live explored though.

The vegetation is basically coastal Savannah, characterized past times brusque Savannah grass in addition to interspersed with shrubs in addition to brusque trees. Along the coast, stretches of kokosnoot trees in addition to patches of kokosnoot groves tin live seen.  A few strands of the mangrove trees tin also live found around the Songhor lagoon in addition to the tributaries of the Volta River where the soil is waterlogged in addition to salty. This type of vegetation is also mutual along the fringes of some of the islands inwards the Volta River.

The mangrove trees grow to heights of 15m averagely, are densely vegetated in addition to light-green inwards appearance throughout the year. This beautiful mangrove vegetation is nonetheless beingness destroyed due to human activities such as charcoal burning in addition to fish processing (smoking). 

                                    Mangrove

The Northern parts of the district remove hold a wood type of vegetation with the major trees beingness Nim trees. The Savannah also provides extensive dry ground for grazing livestock. This explains the pockets of cattle herds found inwards the district which inwards all numbers to nearly xx thousand. 

This has created an chance for large quantities of cattle dung oftentimes used for the grooming of compost manure to improve agricultural output.  This has nonetheless non been explored on commercial bases. Vigorous afforestation is nether way to works life to a greater extent than trees that are non originally found inwards the environs as a way of protecting the environment.

                                       Ada beach

The greater portion of the District is underlain past times third in addition to recent deposits.  A minor department of the northern in addition to eastern parts (between Afiadenyigba in addition to Sege) autumn nether the Dahomeyan complex rocks of Precambrian age. The recent unconsolidated sand, clay in addition to gravel occur inwards the deltaic areas of the Volta river as good as inwards the areas surrounding the Songhor lagoon.  The stone of the basement is unknown, but it is expected to live Dahomeyan, similar to that cropping out to the northward of the basin. The Dahomeyan rocks consist predominantly of gneisses, schist in addition to migmatities.  These rocks conditions into dark greyness calcareous clay in addition to silt which are entirely slightly 

                                 Ada hamlet settlement

The background of the Name Ada

Various accounts be to explicate how the Ada people acquired their name. The historian Reindorf reports a tradition that "after repeated removals of this tribe from identify to identify inwards outcome of incessant invasions .. they said ane to some other ‘Wadahe’, that is, nosotros remove hold been scattered miserably about", but favours the thought that the call was given past times ane manful someone monarch Firempong after the call of his working capital alphabetic quality Da or Oda. 

                               Ada international festival on ocean racing

E.A.Kabutey attributes an explanation to C.M.K.Mamattah, also given past times GhanaDistricts, which states that it was at Notsie, where the proto-Ga-Dangme had joined the Ewe, that "King Agorkoli appellated the Adas as 'Adawolawo' meaning, a wild, furious, brave in addition to warlike people who are easily provoked". Kabutey also describes a tradition which assigns the call to a after period, after the people had crossed the Volta in addition to were attempting to settle farther south. 

                                     Ada royals

According to this account, the Okorli, which was the call past times which they were called at the time, were repeatedly attacked past times the Akwamu, but eventaully defeated them at Akplaba. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 truce was in addition to so negotiated, inwards which the Okorli unwisely "cut off ane arm of their leader Chayi" which they "submitted to the Akwamus to exhibit their commitment to ending the numerous wars".

Beautiful Ada woman

 Understandably, Chayi is reported to remove hold been unappreciative of this gesture, saying, "curse live unto you, wicked in addition to ungrateful people! With this real arm remove hold I won several victories for you! You shall live cursed forever". It was this final phrase, which comes from the Dangme "nye ma da" which was in addition to so shortened to 'Ada'.

                                   Ada divisional chief

Language

The Coastal Ada people verbalize a Dangme language. Dangme or Adangme is classified as a Kwa linguistic communication grouping which belong to the larger Niger-Congo phylum.

                               Little fisherman, Ada-Foah, Ghana

History

The Adas at their nowadays abode came as a outcome of a migration of an ethnic grouping of people believed to live component subdivision of the bang-up African Negro race from the Western Sudan. They comprised the Ada, in addition to others known today as the Krobos, Osudokus, Shais, Kpones, Prampram in addition to Ningos, all formed the bang-up ethnic grouping of "Dangme". From "Seme" they came to Oyo in addition to and so to Abeokuta, in addition to so to Dahomey, at nowadays Benin. In Dahomey, the Adas were forced past times hostilities inwards that dry ground from establishing an exclusive settle, so they merged with the Ewes from Ketu. Then with the Ewes they traveled to a identify called Tado in addition to accompanied them in ane lawsuit again upward to Ngotsie inwards Togo. It was at Ngotsie that King Agorkoli appellated the Adas as "ADAWOLAWO" meaning, a wild, furious, brave in addition to warlike people who are easily provoked. Aname which has remained as characteristics of the Adas as a tribe.

                                               Beautiful Ada girl

The component subdivision of the Adas that were with this bang-up migration were the 4 (4) Okor Clan led past times a priest King known as Adi. These Clans are Adibiawe, Lomobiawe, Tekperbiawe in addition to Dangmebiawe. They together with Krobos, Osudokus in addition to the Shais travelled past times the over dry ground route in addition to crossed the Volta River at several points at such as Aprade, Fodjoku close Akuse, Dorfor, Asutsuare in addition to Vume. The 4 (4) Okor tribes remove hold a mutual taboo. The priests established a theocratic political establishment which forbade them from seeing human blood. However, to sanctify the priesthood they must live circumcised. The crossing of the river at Asutsure was said to remove hold come upward nearly as a outcome of a mystic, Tsa Avegbe, who said to remove hold jumped into the Volta River in addition to emerged as a crocodile, with as broad as an Odum board in addition to spread across the Volta River for the crossing. Adi in addition to followers were the get-go to cross. Lomo in addition to Lomobiawe who crossed minute followed past times Terkperbiawe. Dangmebiawe who crossed final as the gate sealers or rearguard, was led past times Okumo. They were followed past times the other Dangme groups.

                              Ada traditional priestesses

After crossing, all the Dangme tribes settled at Togologo at nowadays called Lolorvor who crossed final as the gate sealers or rearguard, was led past times Okumo. They were followed past times the other Dangme groups. After crossing, all the Dangme tribes settled at Togologo at nowadays called Lolorvor which is at nowadays known as Accra plains, for many years. Later events at Lolorvor served as their confederacy. It was said that, at that spot arose a misunderstanding betwixt them in addition to the Manya leaders. The other members of the grouping tried to persuade Adi to bury the deviation but the Adas told the Krobos inwards the Ewe linguistic communication that "Lolorvor", which agency the cord binding us together, is broken or severed; at that spot is no to a greater extent than honey to unite us. This saw the Krobos heading to the Shai hills, leaving the Adas (Okor Clan) behind on the Accra Plains at Lolorvor close the nowadays twenty-four hr flow Afienya hills.

                                      An elderly Ada man

The Akan state of war raids, especially past times the Ashantis forced the search for identify of safety. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 survey squad of famed hunters drawn from the 4 (4) clans laid from "Lolorvor" to explore novel lands for settlements. It was said that Adibiawe grouping also gave ane hunter named Buete Kpakpaku Lomobiawe also gave hunter Lomo. The Tekperbiawe grouping also gave ane named Korley Dangmebiawe-Okumo. Their exploration took them as far as to the Sege wood in addition to the stream. At this place, Korley climbed a tree in addition to surveyed all the dry ground beyond in addition to beheld a white canvass of dry ground inwards the distance in addition to all the 4 (4) famed hunters moved out to meet what it was. Adi took the Pb followed past times Lomo, followed past times Korley with Okomo at the rear.

This brought nearly the regain of Songor Salt Lagoon. It was that, Adi in addition to Lomo went past times the North of the lagoon in addition to came as far as Togbloku. Korley in addition to Okumo also took to the due south in addition to came across the Okor wood past times the ocean where they walked upward to the Volta estuary, close the nowadays twenty-four hr flow Lolonyakope.  It was alleged that ane day, Korley went out on a hunting expedition in addition to reached as far as Wokumagbe close Ningo. There he shot at in addition to wounded a brute but it ran away. Korley decided to follow the human foot impress of the brute until he reached a thick forest. In pursuit of the brute into the forest, he discovered a surreptitious hamlet in addition to met an old lady inwards it. The old lady was seated on a stool, adored with gold. Around her, Korley saw crowd human beings which to him, were apparitions in addition to turned to retrace his steps to surrender the pursuit of the wounded beast.

                                   Happy Ada kids

The crowd instantly beckoned him to return, begging him non to run away.  Korley was said to remove hold mastered courage in addition to moved towards them.  He was asked what he wanted.  He told the crowd that he was a hunter who was inwards pursuit of the wounded brute in addition to roughshod upon them inwards error.  Korley was in addition to so told past times the old lady that she was the brute he shot in addition to wounded in addition to that she charmed him to follow her to her surreptitious enshroud out.  She in addition to so asked Korley where he came from in addition to he pointed out the administration of Afienya hills at Lolorvor.   At this juncture, the old lady disclosed her ownership of the Songor tabular array salt lagoon to him.  She told Korley that if he could faithfully regain the taboos in addition to the preclusion on the usage of the lagoon, in addition to live faithful to his oath of fidelity to her, she volition plough over the ownership of the Songor Lagoon to him.

                                             Ada fille at the beach

In effect, the old lady listed the hidden wealth inwards the Songor Lagoon as SALT & GOLD underneath the stone bed.  The old lady inquire Korley to assure her that when she gives the ownership of the Songor Lagoon, neither he nor his, children after him, shall ever utilization GOLD as an Ornament.  

                               Ada divisional principal inwards a palanquin

Economy

Agricultural production         

Agriculture forms the leading sector inwards the economic scheme of the District. It provides occupation for nearly 51 per centum of the adult population .It also provides livelihood of the people through straight farming, distribution in addition to marketing of farm make in addition to other services to the agricultural sector.

                                Ada adult woman making a mat

 It forms the ground of successful functioning of the thriving markets inwards the district The main agricultural activities considered at that spot include farming (crop production) fishing, livestock production in addition to Agro-forestry.

                                             Ada fishermen

Crop Production

The District is noted for the tillage of cassava, maize, legumes in addition to a attain of vegetables. With the exception of maize, the District accounts for to a greater extent than than 50 per cent of the regional output of these crops.

                                 Ada people showing tomatoes

Livestock production

The livestock production identified inwards the district includes cattle rearing, sheep in addition to caprine animal keeping, hog rearing, poultry keeping including fowls, turkey, ducks in addition to guinea fowls. Fishing: Dangme East District is noted for both Marine in addition to inland angling activities.

Below summarizes this marine in addition to inland angling activities.

Fishing Types	Main landing beaches	Fish type	Fishing method
Marine	Akplabanya Anyamam, Pute Azizanya Goi	Sardines Arichovey Mackerel Tuna Spp Shrimp	Beach serve, Alt, poli, watsa, Hook in addition to line Dragnet
River	Kewunor Alorkpem Agorkpo Ada Foah Big Ada Azizakpe	Tilapia spp Grey mullet Shrimp Crabs Prawn	Set net Basket trap Hook in addition to line Drag net

The sandy beach inside the songor lagoon expanse is quite ideal for the nesting of marine turtles. Within the Songor lagoon expanse at that spot are of import concentration sites such as Totope, Lolonya in addition to Akplabanya areas.

                                    Sea Turtle at Ada-Foah beach

 Every twelvemonth during the nesting flavor that is betwixt August in addition to February, iii species of marine turtles come upward to the beach to lay their eggs. Only woman someone turtles come upward to the beaches.

                                            Sea crab 

They lay their eggs inwards holes dug with their flippers in addition to drib betwixt 80-150 eggs inwards it at a time. It takes betwixt 6-8 weeks for the egg to hatch in addition to the hatchings proceed to the ocean almost immediately. In fact the marine turtle in addition to its breeding habits are quite unique in addition to most people are interested to go in addition to lookout them when they come upward to the beach to lay eggs. 

Traditional hamlet life in addition to economical activities Traditional life styles in addition to related hamlet in addition to economical activities of the indigenous people around the Songor lagoon tin live of much involvement to tourists. Daily hamlet activities methods of mining the salt, pot making, mat in addition to handbasket weaving are all attractive for promoting tourism inwards the District. Fetish shrines, beliefs in addition to practices Another potential place, which is of bang-up involvement to some tourists, is the traditional organized faith beliefs in addition to practices prevailing inwards the District. 

                                        Salt miner, Ada

The Songor lagoon has a fetish priest called Libi Womor who is responsible for maintaining traditional beliefs in addition to practicing the required rituals for the main sacred shrine called ’’yomo’’. Libations in addition to other rituals are performed every twelvemonth in addition to these already attract domestic in addition to some international tourists including those who desire to larn to a greater extent than nearly traditional beliefs surrounding the songor lagoon. Shrines such as Dasuma in addition to Dada piem are also found inwards Big Ada.

 

                                            Ada beach

Sport fishing/cruising

Sport game angling inwards the Volta River is some other potential attraction for tourist Domestic in addition to commercial dugout canoes in addition to modern boats are good developed in addition to the competence of the indigenous fishermen is good known inwards the District. 

                          Tsarley Kope Beach Resort, Ada 

Apart from the angling the boat cruising on the River Volta for pleasance is also attractive to tourists. The District is also endowed with some historical building/monuments. Most notable ones are Fort Konestem inwards Ada Foah, which was built inwards the 17th Century past times the Dutch traders. There is also a missionary cemetery at Ada Foah.

                                            Ada Tsarley Kope beach resort

Triplet Baobab Tree

There is a triplet Baobab tree at K-unyenya which is believed to posses supernatural powers. There are also sacred Groves, the Okorhue in addition to Okorngmleku forests inwards Goi in addition to southern component subdivision of Luhuor respectively. It is believed that at that spot are dwarfs in addition to other supernatural forces existing inwards the forests.

Salt Mining

Aside the angling in addition to agricultural activities inwards the district, mining constitutes some other major economical activity for the residents of the district. This is because the district is blessed with the Songhor lagoon which is noted for its high tabular array salt production capacity. 

The Salt Development Project Ltd. is a major tabular array salt mining inaugural inwards the district inwards accuse of managing the Songhor salt. The functioning expanse stretches over a total dry ground expanse of nearly 12,500 acres. This size enables it to make an average of nearly 200,000 metric tones of tabular array salt annually for the local marketplace in addition to for export to Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger in addition to Nigeria.

It is of import to banker's complaint that, when fully exploited the tabular array salt production could increment to a meg metric tones annually whilst creation chore opportunities for over a one 1000 persons. It is inwards the low-cal of this that several efforts remove hold been initiated past times the authorities to increment the production capacity. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 major clit dorsum is however, the fact that the tabular array salt is non iodized.  The Company’s production forms the ground of the proposed petrochemical Industry, including the production of caustic soda, chlorine, PVC pipes with others.

Sand And Gravel Winning

Large scale sand in addition to gravel winning occurs inwards Tojeh, Sege, the Volta Estuary in addition to along the coast for route structure in addition to edifice industries.  Consequently, the terms of structure residential facilities is relatively depression as compared to other districts inwards the region. The organizations pay licenses, levies in addition to royalties to the District Assembly in addition to landowners.

Ada  Asafotufiami Festival

BACKGROUND OF ASAFOTUFIAMI FESTIVAL

All traditional expanse as inwards Republic of Ghana are identified with special festivals which brand the people vary distinctly from other areas. The Asafotufiami Festival of the people of Ada Traditional Area inwards the Dangme East District of the Greater Accra Region is a rich cultural heritage celebrated annually around the get-go calendar week of August. The celebration of the festival is inwards remembrance of the achievements inwards the state of war for settlements fought past times our ancestors, hence the name

            Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku -Paramount Chief of Ada Traditional Area

"ASAFOTUFIAMI".

"ASAFOTUFIAMI" as the call implies, is society firing of musketry. This is the festival of the people of Ada inwards the olden days which for unknown reasons was discontinued for many years. In the olden days, the Ada province was made upward of the next states with their Divisional Chiefs supporting the Ada Mantse as the Paramount Chief in addition to the diverse Clans at Big-Ada. 

Ada divisional principal inwards his palanquin

"Agave, Sokpoe, Tefle, Mepe, Mafi, Bakpa, Battor" with the secession of these Divisional Chiefs to shape what is at nowadays known as the Tongu State, the novel postal service of Wetsoyi (Divisional Chiefs) has been created inwards add-on to the next State Clans of Ada, which formerly, were nether their respective Wornorhi in addition to Asafoatseme. Since 1954, the next 10 (10) clans remove hold had Wetsoyihi (Divisional Chiefs) to back upward the paramount stool of Ada.

                            Oath Swear past times Adibiawe clan

Adibiawe

Ohuewem   

Kabiawetsu

Lomobiawe   

Korgbor   

Kabiaweyumu

Terkpebiawe   

Kudzragbe      

Kpono

Dangmebiawe

Ada divisional chief

To encourage sons in addition to daughters domiciled inwards other towns of the province to render domicile in addition to assist the elders inwards the evolution of the Ada State as a whole in addition to the towns in addition to villages inwards particular. The Ada Pastors in addition to Teachers Association (APTA) joined with the Ada National Improvement Association (ANIA) to approach the Chiefs in addition to Elders of the province to remove hold the "Asafotu" Festival revived.

The approach made received the overwhelming back upward of the Chiefs in addition to the Eiders of the Ada province hence the revival of the ancient "Asafotu" Festival which in ane lawsuit again started inwards 1937. There are 2 (2) Asafo (companies) inside the Ada State viz: Akomfode in addition to Asorkor, membership of which according to tradition is past times matrilineal linage.

For this reason, children of the same manful someone parent in addition to dissimilar mothers at times regain themselves inwards the contrary society (Asafo) in addition to this confirms the appellation of the people of Ada as "Nyeko Bi, Tseko Bi". According to tradition, the celebration starts from Th inwards the 1st calendar week of August with the arrival of sons in addition to daughters, good wishers in addition to guest(s) from other places to the town. The Th is devoted for theatre cleaning ceremony in addition to pouring of libation at the respective shrines of the diverse families in addition to keeping of vigil.

At dawn on Friday, as component subdivision of the schedule for the celebration, the 2 companies (Asafo) trounce their respective drums to summon their members for the onward march to LUHUESE on the outskirts of Big-Ada where they are compelled in addition to according to ancient custom, all immature men who attain the puberty historic flow were in addition to so initiated into their respective Asafo companies past times taught how to handle, charge a gun in addition to give notice same for the get-go time.

This is followed past times state of war formation in addition to the initiates beingness taught the ancient tactics of warfare. This continues until belatedly afternoon when they volition render to the Big-Ada town dressed inwards traditional armed forces attire in addition to clad with leaves in addition to palm branches signifying conquering heroes returning from the state of war fronts amid tiring of musketry in addition to state of war cries.

Awoo Awooo!!

Response

Awe-e-e-e -

 Agba e, Bleku Tso

 - Nsu, O, Nsu 

- Enam O, Enam 

Manye O, Manye

 - Adubani Kpotoo

Singing, firing of musketry in addition to dancing go on hither until sunset when the procession continues to Kpomkpo Panya where the Asafo companies shape a unmarried file along the riverside in addition to tire iii consecutive volleys into the river, dip their feet into it in addition to launder their hands to dot the carrying away of ail evil an- bad omens of the years in addition to looking forrard to all the adept inwards shop for the years ahead.  All the followers of the Asafo companies follow the custom of feet dipping in addition to mitt washing ceremony. The procession in addition to so disperses in addition to everyone retires domicile with songs of jubilation continuing until belatedly inwards the night.

The novel initiated immature men followed past times their friends proceed to houses of their in-laws in addition to pay homage past times firing musketry thrice acknowledged past times thanks in addition to congratulations of inmates.  Drinks in addition to other presentation are made available past times the in-laws in addition to the household. The next Sabbatum is noted for durbar of the Paramount Chief, Divisional Chiefs in addition to Asafoatseme carried inwards their palanquins through the town to the Big-Ada Presbyterian Junior Secondary School Park where the elders, men, women in addition to children gaily clothes in addition to get together to have them.

Ada Youth Groups in addition to other benevolent Societies established inwards certainly towns of the province also inwards their respective uniforms of identity parade through the street of Big Ada to the durbar grounds where they march past times in addition to their positions for the Sabbatum in addition to Dominicus functions with their patriotic in addition to melodious songs to grace the occasion.

  After the Paramount Chief remove hold greeted the Divisional Chief s, Asafoatseme in addition to Eiders in addition to the People, he sits -in province to have inwards return, Greetings in addition to homage of his people in addition to swearing of Allegiance past times the Asafoatseme at which each swearing is sealed with volleys of musketry past times the divisions.

The Military Organization of Ada:

Adibiawe (Hlam T)           

Korgbor (Dzase-Hem)

Lomobiawe (Hlam Ta)           

Kudzragbe Dzase se (Atufo)

Tekpebiawe (Hlam Ta)         

Kabiawetsu

Dangmebiawe (Se Ta)          

Kabiaweyumu

Ohuewem (Kpeti Ta)           

KabiaweKpono

The next ancient wars inwards which the Adas were engaged characteristic inwards the oaths of allegiance sworn past times the Asafoatseme to the Paramount Chief. Ada-Anlo War, battle of Nonobi, Adas supported past times Akwapim, Akim Abuakwa,  Krobo in addition to Agave defeated Anlo, Ada defeated Anlo, Unsuccessful invasion of Anlo past times Ada, Akim Abuakwa, Akwapim, Krobo in addition to component subdivision of Mefi piece Akwamu supported Anlo.  Ada attacked past times Anlo in addition to burning of Ada Township. Kantamanso War close Dodowa against the Ashantis which sir Charles McCarthy died in addition to the Ashantis were defeated.  Kantamanso War close Dodowa gainst the Ashantis inwards which Sir Charles McCarthy died in addition to the Ashantis were defeated.  Glover War Capt. Glover invaded Anlo with forces drawn from Ga, Ada, Krobo, Krepi Akwapim, piece Anlo, supported past times Avonos in addition to Mafi, were defeated at battles close Adidome, Aveno in addition to Wheta.

After unopen of the business office for the day, the Paramount Chief, Divisional Chiefs, Asafoatseme, Elders in addition to the people, render domicile accompanied past times the Youth Association in addition to the benevolent societies with songs, drumming in addition to jubilation.  Cinema shows, in addition to Grand State Dance inwards the eve till twenty-four hr flow interruption of Dominicus when a non-denominational opened upward air Church Service is held at the same venue of the Durbar to give praise in addition to thanks to the Almighty God for his abundant approbation for the success of the festival. 

 The next calendar week day, Mon – Th are occupied with Boat Racing, Tug of War, Get-together for the aged, River excursion, Football matches in addition to greeting of individuals in addition to bidding adept cheerio to each other with happy memories of the year.

                            Tourists dressed inwards traditional Dangme style at Ada Asafotufiami festival

Dangme Proverbs

Bë momo bëö pe bë he. [An old broom sweeps amend than a novel broom.]

Not entirely does this item maxim extol the old broom; it compares it with the new, grades the old ane higher in addition to fifty-fifty discourages utilization of the novel broom. Like many proverbs its message is general; it may live interpreted as anti-modernist in addition to conservative. For example, it is amend to go on with one’s husband no affair the problems, than to aspect for some other inwards the promise of finding a amend one; such a promise may plough out to live an illusion.

 Nömo ngë loko aba fö nökötama. [There had been people of old earlier old people were born.]

Just as at that spot were already elders earlier those who are at nowadays old were born, so likewise at that spot were as adept tools in addition to ways of doing things earlier novel tools or novel methods of doing things were fashioned. Therefore, the novel in addition to modern are non necessarily superior to the old; for the old remove hold proven their worth.

                                       Ada people

Koku ngë loko gbogbotle ngë.[Before the chewing-sponge works life came (or sprouted), the anthill was.]

At the primary level, they learn that the anthill is superior to the shrubs that grow on it because the shrubs are subject upon the anthill. The anthill volition stay when the chewing-sponge works life or kanya is weeded or withers. At the deeper level, these proverbs hateful that earlier the ground came into being, God existed. When the ground passes away in addition to is no more, God volition soundless be. But they are non entirely cited to learn God’s eternity. They are also used on occasions when ane wants to say that some novel teaching or ideology or political party that is currently inwards style may entirely live a nine-day wonder, leaving the old to hold out it; or that a novel someone inwards authorization throwing his weight nearly volition non final inwards that position. Thus, the 2 proverbs are used to limited priority, seniority, superiority in addition to prevalence of the old over the novel in addition to incoming — fifty-fifty though the novel in addition to modern may give the impression of beingness to a greater extent than civilized or refined, in addition to hence superior. It is against the background of such teachings in addition to lessons of sense that the elders caution against trying only anything or embracing every novel fashion. This why Dangme say Apee nosotros nö fiaa nö këkë. [Do non follow or encompass only whatever (new) thing or fashion.]

                              Ada traditional leaders

Ke nyu se kë ngë tö mi ö de e saa. [If H2O keeps likewise long inwards a gourd (or bottle), it goes bad.]

 Because familiarity breeds contempt, frequent alter is advantageous inwards some situations.

Dangme: Kpaku fëë kpaku ngë e nya nö. [Each calabash has its ain plumbing equipment lid.]

Aka’yë ji Nugo yam’. [It is past times trying — or past times adopting the mental attitude of ‘let’s essay in addition to see’ — that ane tin attain Nugo (Ningo)—one of the Dangme coastal towns far from most of the other towns.]

In the olden days when go was past times foot, it took some exertion to go to Nugo. But those who tried eventually got there, hence the saying — Aka’yë ji Nugo yam’ — which has at nowadays go proverbial wisdom that is used to counsel perseverance inwards all things.

                           Traditional priestess

 A woö ma bi ta në ke a ya wo ö a gbeö yayi. [One may advert (or expect) tiny herrings in addition to yet go angling in addition to grab mackerel or kingfish.]

These proverbs supply promise inwards times of skepticism in addition to despair, or when people are tempted to ask, ‘Can anything adept come upward out o’ Nazareth?’ One may also cite them when faced with anxiety nearly a novel situation.

 Dangme: Ke efi jata a e kpeö nga. [When a Panthera leo is inwards dire need, i.e. starving, it eats grass.]

This maxim resonate with the saying that necessity is the woman parent of invention. New measures in addition to solutions, fifty-fifty if they are odd in addition to non especially acceptable, may plough out to live the most appropriate responses in addition to solutions to electrical flow problems.

                              Gathering of chiefs in addition to people of Ada at Asafotufiami festival

 "nunuhi a matsë bu abë ke, AJe ngë se kë nya." [The principal of the flies told a maxim saying, "The ground (i.e. life) moves backwards in addition to forwards" or, to a greater extent than literally: "The ground has a dorsum in addition to a front end side."]

This maxim was created from the keen observation that whenever a wing perches somewhere, it stretches its hind legs backwards in addition to rubs them against each other, in addition to so stretches the forelegs forrard in addition to wipes its confront with them. The wing is saying that the ground moves backwards in addition to forwards. The message of the maxim is that those who desire to avoid beingness caught upward inwards life’s deceptions in addition to who wishing to live happy, must live cautious, tolerant in addition to prepared for setbacks; for things make non e'er go smoothly. There are ups in addition to downs; cypher is perfect inwards all respects. Every pop ideology, slogan, revolution in addition to revival has its progressive aspects in addition to its backward features. For instance, at that spot are advantages in addition to disadvantages inwards using the latest technologies of modern manufacture in addition to telecommunication systems. Both healing in addition to adverse side effects may outcome from the utilization of fifty-fifty the best medicines. No ane tin deny the mixed blessings that remove hold come upward from modern developments such as nuclear technology, reproductive in addition to genetic engineering, long distance go in addition to tourism, the impress in addition to electronic media, to cite only a few. These innovations remove hold brought nearly improvements inwards agriculture, longer life in addition to fertility, intercultural penetration in addition to understanding, an explosive distribution of data in addition to knowledge. But they remove hold also introduced many kinds of lethal toxic waste, diseases hitherto unknown, corruption of cultures, increased violence, exploitive sexual activity tourism in addition to so on.

Ada girl

Their experiences with these dualities in addition to incongruities brand some people skeptical nearly innovation in addition to pessimistic nearly change. Given such experiences inwards everyday life, proverbs in addition to other sayings remove hold evolved for the purpose of cautioning people non to live overly enthusiastic or overly optimistic nearly modern innovations. The next Dangme proverbs serve as reminders of the fact that no monolithic progress nor miraculous developments tin live claimed for modernization. The Dangme wise people learned long agone that cypher inwards this ground remains the same; rather that things are inwards a constant province of flux, in addition to that inwards the ebb in addition to flow of life the province of affairs changes in addition to fortunes change. One thesis passes on, is met past times an antithesis, in addition to the 2 are swallowed upward into a synthesis. The pendulum swings in addition to opposites alter places. Hence ane must live wary of the myth of monolithic evolution or progress. This is a fact of sense mutual inwards nature in addition to inwards human history, in addition to from which no type of modernization is exempt. To hold aware of these truths in addition to to live cautious nearly alter is the message of the next 2 Dangme sayings.

 He në je naa ngë ö, lejë ö në dibli woo ngë. [Wherever the twenty-four hr flow breaks, the Sun also sets (or: darkness also falls).

 He në pëë hoo ö, lë nöuu në e pëë hóó. [Where at that spot in ane lawsuit is the vibrations of celebration in addition to festivity, the same becomes a muted place.]

                                        Ada divisional chiefs

           Fort Kongenstein, Ada

Only traces of Fort Kongenstein may live found inwards Ada, inwards the Greater Accra Region. The port of Ada is located at the oral cavity of the Volta River: thus, Ada boasts both of outstanding beaches in addition to exquisite riverfront scenery. The minor fort built past times the Danish inwards 1783 was purchased past times the English linguistic communication on the 15th of March 1850 . The fort has since disappeared into the sea.

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