The Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and some prominent chiefs in Dagbon of both Andanis and Abudus have held a fruitful meeting on the upcoming Damba festival in the northern region schedule to take place in about two weeks time.
The meeting was to discuss and review the security situation in the DAGBON traditional area ahead of the festival . The meeting also took cognizance of the indication of Bolin-Lana in his letter dated 26th December, 2013 to the REGSEC indicating his wiliness to lead his followers to celebrate the festival at the Gbewaa palace provided adequate security arrangement are put in place to ensure peace in the area.
Addressing the media at the northern regional coordinating council in Tamale, Northern Regional Minister Bed Ziedeng said the meeting also appreciated the various concerns expressed on the need for a permanent and lasting peace in Dagbon and the importance of working towards achieving that goal.
The meeting which was chair the northern regional minister ,Mr Bede Ziedeng said the meeting took note of the open goodwill of the Regent of Dagbon Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani to welcome all and sundry to celebrate the Damba festival with him. The REGSEC and the chiefs have therefore issued a four point communiqué.
i That this year’s Damba festival be celebrated in Yendi and only at the Gbewaa palace.
ii That REGSEC will ensure that adequate security arrangements are made to ensure that all interested persons and groups celebrate the festival peacefully at the festival ground.
iii Rehearsals leading to the celebration of Damba should take place only at the traditionally designated palace in Dagbon.
Iv No rehearsal taking palaces anywhere should have the intention of being climax at those palaces except the Gbewaa palace.
The communiqué was issued in Tamale and signed by the Chairman of REGSEC, Bede Ziedeng, Kuga-Naa -Adam Abdulai- Zuhi-Naa Mahamud Salfu, Susong-Naa-Sheini Alidu, Mba Dugu- Iddrisu, Bavim Lana Mohammed Alhassan representing the Abudu gate. The Andani gate was represented by Yoo Naa- Mahama Abukari and Gukep-Naa Abdulai Alhassan. The Deputy Northern regional Minister Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini described the meeting as historic in the history of Dagbon and urged all well-meaning northerners to embrace the initiative for the interest of development in Dagbon.
The Damba festival is celebrated by most of the tribal groups of Muslim origin in Northern Ghana.
The event is to remember the birth and naming ceremony of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.
Some of the major tribes in northern Ghana including Dagombas, Gonjas, Mamprusis, Nanumbas and the Walas celebrate the Damba festival.
By: Ibrahim Dikunyalala/zaaradio.com
Categories: