The Suhum traditional council has tasked the police to arrest persons who dress seductively and perpetrate immoral behaviour such as prostitution during this year’s Odwira festival.

This was announced by the chief of Suhum, Osabarima Ayeh Kofi I during the launching of this year’s Odwira festival on Wednesday at Suhum.

According to the chief, immorality has recently been recorded during Odwira festivities which the traditional council condemns. Therefore, to prevent it from happening this year, the council has asked the police to arrest persons, in particular, young teenagers who engage in the act.

He stated that parents and guardians have been duly informed about the decision. Osabarima Ayeh Kofi I, however, advised the media not to put more emphasis on negative reportage during and after the festival, but instead report on issues that will bring development to the traditional area.

Speaking on the theme of this year's festival:’15 years of decisive and dedicated leadership: the role of the traditional Authorities,’ he stressed that traditional authorities have a major role to play in development of their traditional areas; therefore, the need for the institution to be recognized in terms of development planning in the area.

He enumerated some achievements ranging from education to healthcare lobbied for the area. He said he envisages building an ultra-modern Palace for the traditional area next week, hence fundraising would be held during the durbar to commence the project.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Suhum, Samuel Fletcher Kwabi added that apart from the cultural importance of festivals, it also has economic importance due to its tourism attraction.

He pledged the support of the assembly to ensure a successful celebration this year.

MTN, the leading mobile telecommunications company in Ghana presented a check of GH¢3,000.00 to support the festival.