The Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) has cancelled the Grand Durbars scheduled to climax the 2026 Kundum Festivals in Lower and Upper Dixcove.
The two Grand Durbars were scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026.
The decision was taken following a meeting of the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC) held on Monday, August 17, at the Western Regional Coordinating Council.
The meeting was convened to facilitate the peaceful celebration of the 2026 Dixcove Kundum Festival, which holds significant cultural, social and economic importance for the people of Dixcove and the wider Ahanta traditional area.
However, after extensive deliberations, REGSEC said it could not reach an amicable agreement that would guarantee the peaceful conduct of the two Grand Durbars simultaneously.
Citing prevailing circumstances and potential risks to public safety, peace and security, the Council resolved, as a preventive measure, that the two events should not be held.
The WRCC stressed that the decision was based purely on public safety and security considerations and was not intended to undermine the cultural significance of the Kundum Festival or the interests of any traditional authority or stakeholder.
The Council has consequently advised traditional authorities, festival committees, residents, visitors, businesses, event organisers and the general public to refrain from organising or participating in activities intended to climax the 2026 Kundum Festivals in Lower and Upper Dixcove.
The WRCC acknowledged the importance of Kundum to the people of Dixcove and said it understood the disappointment that could arise from the cancellation.
It maintained, however, that the safety and security of residents and visitors remained paramount, particularly where prevailing circumstances could potentially lead to confrontation, injury, destruction of property or a breakdown of public order.
The Council has therefore called on all parties to exercise restraint and respect the decision while avoiding actions or statements that could further heighten tensions within the communities.
The WRCC, together with REGSEC, said it would continue engagements with the traditional authorities, the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to resolve the underlying differences.
The aim, according to the Council, is to restore conditions that will allow the Kundum Festival to be celebrated peacefully and harmoniously in the future.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
