By Vincent Agandaa, GNA
Kintampo (Bono East), June 29, GNA- Naa Zakari Musah, the Chief of the Dagomba ethnic groups in the Kintampo Municipality of the Bono East Region has called on the government to appreciate and recognise traditional festivals as a crucial bedrock for nation building.
The Chief made the call when he addressed the Dagomba youth at Kintampo on the sidelines of the celebration of the Annual Fire Festival of the Dagombas in the area held every sixth month.
He emphasised that the government’s recognition and funding of festivals would not only promote tourism but also strengthen national unity by showcasing the nation’s diverse traditions and cultural heritage to the world.
Naa Zakari, also the President of the Dagomba Association comprising 11 ethnic groups in the Bono East Region emphasised that festivals remained integral components of ‘natural rights and a vehicle for achieving peace and development.
In brief history, he explained that the ‘Fire Festival’ originated from an ancestral story of a grandson who went missing in the forest.
“All efforts to find him, including using drumming proved futile, until a bunch of grass was set alight, and the light attracted the boy to be found. He later became a successor to the heritage and ensured the survival of the people,” he recollected.
Naa Zakari noted that festivals served as platforms for cultural education, intergenerational dialogue, and social cohesion.
He said that when young people understood their history and identity, they were less likely to engage in social vices, and more likely to contribute meaningfully to the development of their respective communities.
Naa Zakari urged the Kintampo Municipal Assembly and relevant stakeholders to partner with traditional authorities in preserving cultural heritage and tradition of the people.
He commended Direct Aid Ghana (DAG), a Non-Governmental Organisation for supporting 36 communities in the Municipality and improving water supply and quality education delivery.
He said the NGO had drilled 25 boreholes in deprived communities in the area as well as constructed several classroom blocks for deprived schools.
Naa Zakari advised the Dagomba youth to desist from land guard activities and invest their strength into productive activities that aligned with development.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/ Christabel Addo
June 29, 2026
Reporter: Vincent Agandaa