S/R: Damongo celebrates first anniversary of Damba Festival, advocates peace

Residents of the Damongo Traditional Area in the West Gonja District of the Savannah Region have celebrated the first anniversary of their Damongo Damba Festival, under the leadership of Damongo-Wura Kelly Seidu Boresa I.

The event drew hundreds of sons and daughters from the Damongo Traditional Area and its surrounding communities to the Damongo township. Dignitaries in attendance included chiefs, cultural stakeholders, and custodians of tradition, among others.

This year’s Damba Festival, themed “Fostering Peace, Progress, and Prosperity,” holds special significance for the Gonja Kingdom. Celebrated in honour of the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.), Damba is regarded as one of the most important traditional festivals, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the entire kingdom.

In his address at the festival, Damongo-Wura Kelly Seidu Boresa I emphasised the importance of unity and social cohesion, particularly in the face of the upcoming elections. He urged the chiefs, youth associations, and civil society organisations within the Damongo Traditional Area to work together to create a peaceful and harmonious environment.

“The forward march of the Damongo Traditional Area will remain an indescribable history if the social cohesion factor is not intensified,” he stated. He also commended the people of the area for their dedication to peace, noting that their efforts have created a stable environment that is attracting investors and fostering socio-economic development.

“I applaud the people of the Traditional Area for their swift contributions towards peace. This special characteristic of promoting peace has prepared smooth grounds for investors to trade in the area, enhancing socio-economic development and bringing benefits to the area,” he said.

The paramount chief highlighted the role of education in driving progress, encouraging all stakeholders—including parents, teachers, chiefs, and businesspeople—to unite in improving educational outcomes for the betterment of the traditional area.

“Development is the most powerful weapon and driver of change across the world,” he noted, urging the community to come together in pursuit of these goals.

Damongo-Wura Kelly Seidu Boresa I also called on the government, organisations, philanthropists, and individuals to support development initiatives in the Damongo Traditional Area.

“I want to urge our partners, civil society organisations, individuals, as well as the government and the international community to extend your support to the displaced settlements and individuals in Damongo,” he reiterated, appealing for aid to address the area’s challenges and promote sustained development.