In a move to ensure public safety and maintain peace in the Yilo Krobo Municipality, the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has imposed a ban on the WA YAA DORM, WA YAA KLOWEM festival in Somanya. The ban, which affects the planned celebrations on Saturday, April 19, 2025, comes as a result of growing security concerns and the potential for clashes with another major cultural event in the region.
The WA YAA DORM, WA YAA KLOWEM festival, a newly introduced celebration in the area, was set to coincide with the annual Plau Kani festival. This traditional festival is celebrated by the chiefs and people of Plau in Somanya, and is marked by a grand durbar. Both events were scheduled to take place on the same day and, crucially, on the same procession route. This overlap, according to REGSEC, raised the likelihood of conflicts between participants of the two festivals, which could escalate tensions in the community.
In response to the mounting concerns, REGSEC conducted an urgent security review of the situation. The council's assessment concluded that the potential for clashes was too high to allow both events to proceed as planned. As a result, they decided to act under the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030), which grants them the authority to impose such restrictions when public safety is at risk.Authorities emphasised that the decision to ban the WA YAA DORM, WA YAA KLOWEM festival was made in the interest of protecting the peace and security of Somanya and the broader Yilo Krobo Municipality. In light of this, the council has urged the organisers of the festival to adhere to the directive for the greater good of the community.
Moreover, REGSEC has instructed the police to enforce law and order during the Plau Kani festival to ensure that the event proceeds smoothly and without incident. The security measures aim to guarantee the safety of both the residents and the attendees of the festival, which is a significant cultural event for the local community.
This decision by REGSEC reflects the ongoing efforts by local authorities to manage public events in a way that prioritises safety and minimises the risk of violence. While festivals and traditional events are an important part of the region's cultural heritage, ensuring they are celebrated peacefully and securely remains a top priority for the Eastern Regional Security Council.
As the situation unfolds, both the local community and the organisers of the WA YAA DORM, WA YAA KLOWEM festival will likely be looking for alternative ways to honour their traditions while adhering to the safety guidelines put in place by REGSEC. The next few days will reveal whether this decision will be accepted peacefully and how both events can continue to promote cultural pride without compromising security.
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