Preserving Cultural heritage: Queen Mother of Samini celebrates Damba Festival, urges unity and development
The Queen Mother of the Samini Traditional Area in the East Mamprusi Municipality, Hajia Poanaa Ayishetu Abdulai Sheriga, celebrated this year's Damba Festival over the weekend in accordance with tradition.
Damba is a rich cultural and Islamic-linked festival celebrated annually by the Gbewaa fraternity and related ethnic groups in Northern Ghana including Dagbamba, Mamprusi, Gonjas and Nanumba and the Waalas in the Upper West Region.
The celebration, held at the forecourt of the Queen Mother's Palace, was characterised by colourful cultural displays, traditional drumming and dancing, as well as beautifully sewn and woven smocks, as hundreds of people from Samini and surrounding communities thronged the grounds to join the festivities.
Speaking in an interview during the celebration, the Assembly Member for the Samini-Tangbini Electoral Area, Hon. Wundow Baba, appealed to young people to stay away from substance abuse and other social vices that could negatively affect their future.
Meanwhile, Stephen Samari described the annual Poanaa Festival as a major unifying force for the people of Samini, bringing together residents, family members and indigenes from both far and near.
Speaking during the celebration, Mr. Samari said the festival goes beyond merrymaking and entertainment.
According to him, it provides an important opportunity for family reunions, reconciliation and discussions on issues affecting the development of the community.
He said such traditional celebrations must be preserved and promoted, as they continue to strengthen social cohesion, unity and the cultural identity of the people.
Source: Northwebonline.com