Tamale, July 3, 2025 — His Majesty Ndan Ya-Na Abukari II, King of Dagbon, has officially cancelled the 2025 Fire Festival (Bugum Chugu) celebrations in Tamale and surrounding communities, citing emerging tensions among local factions and the paramount need to uphold peace and security.
The announcement was made through an official statement from the Gbewaa Palace, signed by Alhaj Abdul Rahman Mohammed, Secretary to the Ya-Na. The decision, the Palace indicated, follows wide-ranging consultations with security agencies and traditional stakeholders.
“While the Ndan Ya-Na recognizes the rich cultural heritage and profound significance of the Fire Festival to the people, the paramount concern at this time is the preservation of harmony and the prevention of any activities that could heighten existing tensions,” the statement emphasized.
In an expression of loyalty and unity, the Choggu Traditional Area has formally suspended all Fire Festival activities within its jurisdiction. A separate notice, issued from the Choggu Naa’s Palace (Digital Address: NS-066-0645) and signed by Secretary Abdul Kahad Mohammed, confirmed that His Royal Highness Naa Mahamadu Alhassan II has directed a full halt to the festival’s observance in Choggu.
“This directive is in strict compliance with an order from His Majesty Ya-Na Abukari II and is binding on all residents and celebrants in the Choggu jurisdiction,” the Choggu Palace statement read.
“All individuals and groups are therefore prohibited from engaging in any activities associated with the Fire Festival within Choggu.”
The Choggu Traditional Council further emphasized the values of discipline, unity, and reverence for traditional authority, urging all residents to adhere strictly to the directive. Security personnel have been duly informed and are expected to enforce the suspension without exception.
Traditional leaders in other areas under the Ya-Na’s jurisdiction have also been instructed to disseminate the directive promptly and ensure total compliance across their communities. The Ya-Na has appealed to the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative in safeguarding the peace and stability of Dagbon.
The Fire Festival, which commemorates the historic search for a lost prince through torch-lit processions and communal celebration, is one of the most revered and symbolic cultural observances among Dagombas. Its suspension this year underscores the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and ensuring regional harmony.
ZaaNews.com understands that other traditional authorities in Tamale and its surrounding areas are expected to follow the Ya-Na’s directive, in the same spirit of compliance demonstrated by the Choggu Naa’s Palace.
The Gbewaa Palace remains hopeful that under more peaceful circumstances, the cherished festival will resume in subsequent years with renewed vigour and unity.
Source: zaaghana.com//Issifu Alidu Laa-Bandow
