Avoid acts of violence in December elections - Chief advises Zango youth

The Chief of Dagombas in the Eastern Region, Naa Usumanu Adams, has advised the youth, especially Muslims living in Zango communities not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause violence in this year’s general election.

He also admonished them to pursue their education diligently and work hard towards securing their future rather than being conduits for disturbances.

Naa Adams said the elections should not be seen as a do-or-die affair and, therefore, entreated political parties to go about their campaign activities peacefully devoid of physical attacks and the use of abusive or provocative language.

He gave the advice during the celebration of the 2024 Damba Festival held at the Koforidua Zango.
Dagombas from various towns in the region such as Suhum, Akwatia, Akim Oda, Akosombo, Tema, Nsawam, Kpong, Accra, Yendi and Tamale, among others, participated in the event.

Also present were other tribal chiefs representatives of Mamprusis, Mossis, Hausas, Frafras, Grushies, Wallas, Kotokolis, Grumas, Sisaalas and Chokosis, among others.

The celebrants, including children, were spotted in their neat and intricately woven smocks (Fugu) of different colours and shapes who showcased their dancing skills in tune with the “gong, gong” beats to the admiration of all.

Damba festival

The Damba festival is celebrated by the Dagombas, Nanumbas, Mamprusis and Gonjas, among others, to mark the birth and naming of Prophet Mohammed.

The occasion is also used to celebrate and glorify the institution of chieftaincy.

The festival, which is also used for family meetings, is heralded by the performance of some rites, presided over by the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari, at Yendi, the traditional seat of the Dagomba Kingdom in the Northern Region.

It is replicated in various towns and communities in the country where Dagombas are domiciled.
 

Ballot snatching

Speaking to the Daily Graphic on how to ensure a peaceful 2024 election, the chief said the snatching and picking of ballot boxes during elections had almost become the preserve of the youth and, therefore, asked them to stay away from such negative acts which could mar the peaceful conduct of the polls.

He said it behoved the youth to think about their future rather than expending energies for their paymasters, adding that violence would not do them any good.

And with a few days to this year’s elections, the chief urged the youth wing of various political parties to lead their members to engage in peace-building within the political space.

That, he said, would help consolidate the country's democratic governance.

"As young people with good future, let us remember that Ghana must remain Ghana, an enviable and peaceful country after the December 7 polls.”

"It is very important for young people in this region and the country as a whole who are politically active to know that election period is not time for the beating of war drums or making provocative statements against other political opponents," Naa Adams said.

Appreciation

For his part, the chairman of the regional Damba planning committee, Alhaji Baba Dawuni, expressed appreciation for the high turnout and impressive display of Dagbon culture.

He commended all Dagombas and other ethnic groups in the region for the display of unity and purpose, adding that as brothers and sisters, they must continue to be each other’s keeper.

Writer's email: haruna.wunpini@graphic.com.gh