All shops, markets, and other commercial activities within the Central Business District of Takoradi were closed on Tuesday morning to allow for the solemn observation of the “Apitse Traditional Rite”.

The Royal Ebiradze Stool Family of Takoradi-Amanful in the Western Region, performed the “Apitse” (sprinkling of food) on the principal streets of Takoradi to cleanse and purify the area.

The customary rite performed by priestesses was also to pray to the gods and ancestors to bring continued peace, wealth, prosperity, and development to the people of Takoradi.

In line with the tradition, all commercial activities within the Central Business area were closed excerpt schools, hospitals, pharmacies, banks, and other essential service providers, which were exempted from closure.

There was also very low vehicular movement with mainly private vehicles on the road with few commercial vehicles, the Ghana News Agency observed.

Okyeame Kwamena Tonto, of the Royal Ebiradze Stool Family, during the rite, said it was being performed in place of the annual Kundum Festival, which could not be celebrated this year due to some alleged chieftaincy issues.

He said: “We are performing this customary rite to cleanse and purify our city. We are giving the gods and ancestors food to eat so that they will hear us and respond to our prayers.”

He said the traditional rite performed would bring progress, good health, prosperity, and growth to the people of Takoradi.