By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Takoradi
Economic activity in Takoradi has come to a standstill this morning as shops, banks, and eateries temporarily shut down to make way for a royal spiritual cleansing exercise by the Takoradi-Amanful Royal Ebiradze Family.
The exercise, rooted in age-old custom, aimed at purifying the land and invoking blessings for peace, prosperity, and protection for residents.
The ceremony, which began in the early hours, saw traditional leaders and royal elders perform a series of rituals across key locations in the town, with normal business expected to resumed after 2:00 p.m.
Okyeame Kwamina Tonto, who led the rites, explained that the cleansing was long overdue, as it had not been performed for several years, a situation considered spiritually unhealthy for the community.
“With the enstoolment of Nana Obo, this purification and cleansing exercise will now be performed annually,” he said, emphasising its cultural and spiritual importance.
The ritual involved the sprinkling of mashed yam, eggs, water, and drinks which is a symbolic offerings to the gods at designated points from the Amanful Royal Palace through the town’s main streets, ending at the Ghacem area.
Residents observed the solemn occasion with reverence, staying indoors or suspending trading activities to honor the directive. Some described the event as a vital reaffirmation of Takoradi’s traditional identity amid growing urbanization.
The ceremony marked the first major cleansing ritual since the enstoolment of Nana Obo Atta Kojo Essoun III as Divisional Chief of Amanful-Takoradi a year ago.
According to tradition, the annual rite not only renews the spiritual bond between the people and their ancestors but also serves as a reminder of the community’s enduring respect for its cultural heritage.
