Tamale, Northern Region — The 2025 Damba Festival in Tamale was marked by vibrant displays of tradition, unity, and calls for peace, as government officials, traditional rulers, and community members gathered to celebrate one of Northern Ghana’s most significant cultural events.
Representing the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Adolf Ali John, the Mayor of Tamale, Hon. Abubakari Adam Takoro, delivered a keynote address that underscored the importance of unity, cultural pride, and progress for the people of the region.
He conveyed the minister’s gratitude to the Gukpe-Naa and the Chiefs and people of the Gulkpegu Traditional Area for their warm reception, noting that the Damba Festival serves not only as a cultural showcase but also as a vital thread binding communities together.
“The festival is a cornerstone of our cultural heritage, a time to reconnect with our rich history, pay homage to our ancestors, and reflect on the values that define our existence,” the minister observed. He emphasized the relevance of this year’s theme, ‘Our Heritage, Our Unity, Our Future’, describing it as a profound declaration of collective identity and a shared vision for development.
The festival grounds came alive with colorful regalia, rhythmic drumming, and traditional performances, which the minister described as more than entertainment—living repositories of traditions passed down through generations.
Hon. Adolf Ali John further urged traditional leaders to sustain their crucial role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, stressing that a peaceful Northern Region depends on empowered and respected chiefs actively engaged in dialogue and reconciliation. He called on the public to embrace diversity, resolve disputes amicably, and foster harmony.
Addressing social challenges, the minister highlighted the growing menace of drug abuse among the youth, warning of its destructive effects on health, potential, and society at large. He appealed to chiefs, parents, and community leaders to intensify education on drug dangers and create support systems that encourage healthy lifestyles. Parents, he said, must build loving and supportive homes, while the youth were advised to invest their energy in education, skills, and hard work.
“Our future as a region lies in harmonizing our heritage with unity and a clear vision for progress,” he declared. “Together, we must build a future that honors our past while uniting us in hope.”
The Damba Festival, widely recognized for its kaleidoscope of colors, music, and dance, drew participation from across the region, including Zongo chiefs who brought unique cultural practices and traditions to the fore. Their involvement, the minister noted, reinforces the festival’s role as a platform for cultural exchange, mutual respect, and unity.
By blending traditional music, dance, and attire, the celebration not only showcased Northern Ghana’s cultural wealth but also underscored the urgency of preserving heritage for future generations.
The minister concluded by wishing all participants a joyous Damba Festival, invoking divine blessings for peace, dignity, and renewed commitment to development.
📝 Source: This story was adapted by ZaaNewsroom from a statement shared on the official Facebook account of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC).
