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The annual Dumba Festival of the chiefs and people of the Wala Traditional Area was celebrated with pomp and pageantry at Wa in the Upper West Region last Wednesday.
Originally linked with Islam to mark the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed, the festival has gradually taken on a traditional tone.
Activities during the week-long festival included prayers and fasting led by the Islamic clerics and processions of people amidst drumming and dancing through the streets of the Wa township to pay homage to the Overlord, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV.
The climax of the festival was the successful jumping over a cow by the Overlord which signified a successful year and a long reign ahead. The celebration attracted eminent traditional and opinion leaders from the north, politicians, diplomats, tourists and people from all walks of life.
It showcased the rich and diverse culture of the people of the Wa Traditional Area as the crowd of people gathered at the forecourt of the Overlord cheered and offered courtesies to traditional authorities who dressed in clourful smocks.
During the celebration, an exhibition of a variety of crafts, including beads, earrings, tie and dye, smocks, silk and cotton fabrics woven by females were displayed.
At the celebration to grace the occasion was the special guest of honour, the Vice President, Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, and the guest of honour, Nayire of Mamprugu, and President of the North-East Regional House of Chiefs, Naa Bohugu Mahanyi Sheriga.
There was also a display of traditional musical instruments such as drums and xylophones accompanied by dancers who moved in utter unison. The men came in smocks of various shapes and sizes to dance in semi-circles and circles to the tunes from the xylophone.
Held on the theme “Combating the emerging threats of violent extremism and terrorism in Ghana; The role of traditional authorities”, the Overlord Naa Seidu Pelpuo commended the government for beefing up security in the area in response to the recent spate of gruesome murders.
The Vice President, Alhaji Bawumia, urged the people living outside who had the clout to assist regularly towards the development of the region.
The Nayire of Mamprugu, Naa Sheriga, noted that culture and arts were the life-blood of the people and must be regarded as a catalyst for positive change towards economic transformation for national development.
He reiterated the need for the government to work closely with the traditional authorities to ensure the preservation of culture and arts for posterity.
Source:Graphic Online
