Shops, including food joints and banks, remained closed in Takoradi on Tuesday morning following a directive by the Takoradi-Amanful Royal Ebiradze Family to undertake a traditional spiritual cleansing exercise. As a sign of respect for customs and tradition, business activities resumed only after 2:00 p.m., when the ceremony had ended.
The Royal Ebiradze Family explained that the temporary closure was necessary to allow for uninterrupted cleansing and purification rituals intended to ensure the spiritual well-being of Takoradi and its people.
Okyeame Kwamina Tonto, who led the exercise, emphasized the importance of the ritual, which involved sprinkling food to the gods at key locations across the town.
He noted that the ceremony had not been performed for several years, which, according to tradition, was not ideal for the community.
“With the enstoolment of Nana Obo, this purification and cleansing exercise will now be performed annually,” he stated.
Nana Obo Atta Kojo Essoun III was enstooled exactly a year ago, and this marks the first spiritual cleansing held under his leadership as Divisional Chief of Amanful-Takoradi.
The ritual began at the royal palace and continued through the town’s main streets, ending at the Ghacem area.
Items used for the sprinkling included mashed yam, eggs, water and drinks, symbolising blessings and spiritual renewal.
