By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
Traditional executioners (Abrafuor) were seen patrolling the streets of Goaso, ensuring that residents followed the directive from the Goaso Traditional Council to refrain from celebrating Valentine’s Day.
Locals were instructed to wear red and black as a mark of mourning for their recently deceased chief, Nana Kwasi Bosomprah.
Dressed in elaborate masquerade costumes, the Abrafuor moved through the town, overseeing compliance with the council’s directive.
The Goaso Traditional Council had imposed a ban on Valentine’s Day festivities in the Goaso traditional area ahead of the one-week commemoration of the late paramount chief, Nana Kwasi Bosomprah.
The announcement was made during a press conference, where the elders of the council, dressed in solemn black attire, declared that public observance of Valentine’s Day would not be tolerated.
According to “Nananom,” the ban was in line with traditional customs, which call for solemnity and respect during the period leading up to the funeral rites of a departed chief.
While the council has not prohibited Valentine’s Day in private settings, it has warned that any public celebrations would incur the displeasure of traditional leaders.
“Nananom have placed a ban on Valentine’s Day celebrations. If you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day, do so quietly in your room. We don’t want to see people in hotels or public places having fun on Valentine’s Day. If you organise a party and are caught, you will be dealt with ruthlessly. We are mourning the passing of our chief, and as one people, we must all be united in sadness.”
The directive forbids Valentine’s-themed decorations, public parties, and any open celebrations within the Goaso traditional area on February 14.
The ban has generated mixed reactions among locals and social media users, with some supporting it as a sign of respect for tradition, while others express disappointment over the imposed restrictions.
