The Grand Durbars scheduled to climax the 2026 Kundum Festivals in Lower and Upper Dixcove in the Western Region have been cancelled over security concerns.
The Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) announced the decision following a meeting of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) held on Monday, August 17, 2026.
The meeting was convened to facilitate arrangements for the peaceful celebration of the Dixcove Kundum Festival, which holds significant cultural, social and economic importance to the people of Dixcove and the wider Ahanta traditional area.
However, after extensive deliberations, REGSEC said it could not reach an agreement that would provide the necessary conditions for the peaceful conduct of the two Grand Durbars simultaneously.
As a result, the Council resolved, as a preventive security measure, that the two events scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 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.
Traditional authorities, festival committees, residents, visitors, businesses, event organisers and the general public have consequently been urged to refrain from organising or participating in activities intended to climax the 2026 Kundum celebrations in Lower and Upper Dixcove.
The Council acknowledged the importance of the festival to the people and expressed concern over the disappointment the cancellation may cause.
It said the prevailing circumstances created the potential for confrontation, injuries, destruction of property or a breakdown of public order, making the cancellation necessary to protect residents and visitors.
REGSEC has therefore called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements that could heighten tensions in the communities.
The WRCC and REGSEC said they would continue engaging the traditional authorities, the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly, security agencies and other stakeholders to resolve the underlying differences and create conditions for the Kundum Festival to be celebrated peacefully in the future.
The public has also been urged to cooperate with security agencies and the relevant authorities in maintaining peace and order in Lower and Upper Dixcove.
