Kofi Asamoah is the a filmmaker and CEO of Kofas Media
Filmmaker and CEO of Kofas Media, Kofi Asamoah, has raised concerns over the Odwira Planning Committee’s decision to ban DV-plated vehicles, indecent dressing, and unlicensed firearms during this year’s festival, warning that such directives could lead to confusion and possible violence.
Speaking on Starr Showbiz with Feeling Daddy on Starr 103.5 FM, Asamoah questioned the committee’s authority to impose some of the restrictions, particularly on DV plates.
“With the DV plates, you know, it’s quite confusing because DV plates are not illegal items. They are plates that are accepted legally; you are allowed to drive anywhere in the country,” he said. “On what authority would this committee say that DV plates are not allowed in certain parts of the country?”
Asamoah explained that DV plates are registered, insured, and deemed roadworthy, hence should not be treated as illegal. He added that if such a directive is enforced without proper legal backing, residents within the festival area who drive DV-plated cars could face unfair restrictions.
He also raised issues with the ban on “indecent dressing,” arguing that without clear definitions, the policy could create unnecessary confusion, especially for foreigners visiting the festival.
“What might be indecent where they’re coming from might not be indecent here. And so if you tell an American that no indecent dressing is allowed, they’ll probably show up with something that would be even more indecent than we think,” he said.
According to Asamoah, such vague bans risk diverting attention from the festival’s cultural significance to controversies about enforcement.
“Whose responsibility will it be to check some of these things? Are they the only people authorised and allowed to ward people off? Because we’ve had instances where the youth have pounced on ladies because they were wearing a certain outfit. It’s more like you’re giving them power and it could end up in a lot of violence on the day of the festival,” he cautioned.
He urged that broader authorities such as the DVLA or relevant ministries step in to provide clarity and prevent potential disorder.
