Isaac Adi Buertey Akpo Puplampu, a supposed chief from the Adibiaweh clan of Ada, is under scrutiny for his role in disrupting the revered National Libation Day, an event that celebrates the GaDangme people’s rich cultural heritage.
Puplampu has now embroiled himself in another controversy that threatens to cast a shadow over the sanctity of one of the most significant cultural events in the GaDangme calendar.
The National Libation Day, spearheaded by the high-ranking Ga spiritual leader, the Gborbu Wulomo, is an annual event that brings together traditional chiefs and spiritual heads from across the country.
The occasion is revered as a time to honor ancestors, seek their blessings, and strengthen the cultural unity amongst traditionalists.
This year’s ceremony was scheduled to take place on September 14th in Nuhelinya, a community in Ada.
According to the event organizers, just days before the ceremony, they were approached by Isaac Adi Buertey Akpo Puplampu, who falsely presented himself as the legitimate chief of Hwakpo, a nearby community.
Puplampu allegedly misled the traditional leaders, claiming that the elders of Nuhelinya had withdrawn their offer to host the event and suggested that Hwakpo, under his so-called authority, could be an alternative venue.
Pressed for time, and believing Puplampu to be a legitimate chief, the organizers agreed to move the event to Hwakpo.
However, their decision quickly spiralled into chaos.
As preparations for the sacred libation were underway, word of the change in venue reached the residents and elders of Hwakpo, who were shocked to learn that such an important national event was being organized in their community—without the knowledge or consent of their legitimate, gazette chief, Nene Nene Agbasi Dzikunu Ackwerh III.
Outraged by the audacity of Puplampu’s deception, the people of Hwakpo immediately alerted the police.
In a dramatic turn of events, law enforcement officers arrived at the scene and halted the preparations, revealing Puplampu’s ruse to the stunned organizers and preventing the event from going forward.
The spokesperson for the Chief of Hwakpo, Numo Ernest Ackwerh expressed the community’s frustration. “We are not against the National Libation Day or its spiritual significance, but this was done without the proper protocols. The organizers were deceived by Isaac Adi Buertey Akpo Puplampu, who has no legal or traditional standing in Hwakpo.”
This incident has further fueled public outrage against Puplampu, who many suspect is attempting to bolster his reputation as a “chief” despite having no legitimate claim to the title.
Some believe his actions are a desperate bid to salvage his image, which has already been tainted by his alleged involvement in a goat theft scandal.
Others view his manipulation of such a sacred national event as an attempt to legitimize his self-proclaimed title and gain influence under false pretenses.
Isaac Adi Buertey Akpo Puplampu’s actions have not only caused confusion and embarrassment but also raised questions about the growing trend of individuals falsely assuming traditional titles in the GaDangme region.
The attempt to hijack the National Libation Day, a deeply symbolic and spiritual event, speaks to the lengths some are willing to go to seize authority illegitimately.
The Ackwerh family, recognized as the true custodians of Hwakpo land, has vowed to protect their heritage. “We have the law on our side,” a family member stated firmly.
“The traditions of our land are sacred, and we will not allow anyone to disrespect them for personal gain.”
Puplampu’s actions have not only disrupted the National Libation Day but have also drawn national attention to the misuse of traditional titles.
His attempt to deceive respected traditional leaders, coupled with his ongoing investigation for theft, has cast a dark cloud over his already precarious reputation.
As investigations continue, many are calling for a thorough examination of Puplampu’s conduct, with some questioning whether he should face legal consequences for his fraudulent behavior. The people of Hwakpo and the wider Ada community are united in their outrage, demanding that traditional protocols be upheld and protected from those who seek to exploit them for personal gain.
This debacle has left a scar on an otherwise sacred occasion. As the Gborbu Wulomo and the organizers of the National Libation Day recover from the embarrassment, calls are growing for stricter measures to ensure that only recognized chiefs and elders are allowed to host and participate in such national events.
For Isaac Adi Buertey Akpo Puplampu, this may be the beginning of the end of his aspirations to claim the title of chief.
With a tarnished reputation, ongoing criminal investigations, and the fury of the GaDangme people bearing down on him, his days as supposed chief may be numbered.
This exposé highlights the urgent need for vigilance in protecting the sanctity of Ghana’s rich traditional heritage and the dangers posed by individuals who seek to exploit it for personal gain.
