Gurma community celebrates 17th anniversary with traditional durbar
The Gurma community in the Greater Accra region marked the 17th anniversary of Chief Suleman Alhassan’s installation with a vibrant durbar last Saturday at the Wembley Astro Turf in Kotobabi, Accra.
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Organised by the Nataani Association in collaboration with the Greater Accra Gurma Council of Chiefs, the event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Gurma people through traditional music and dance.
In his address, the guest of honour, Mr. Dubik Mahama, a legal practitioner, said the event’s theme, which centered on strengthening the cultural identity of people of Gurma descent across West Africa.
He called for unity among the Gurma, Moba, and Bimoba communities, stressing the importance of peace and cultural preservation as a foundation for progress.
"Unity cannot be achieved without first establishing peace and laying a solid foundation rooted in cultural preservation," Mahama stated, highlighting the historical ties between the Gurma people and West Africa’s great empires, and the divisions created by colonial-era borders.
Mr. Mahama further called for a renewed focus on teaching Gurma languages, traditions, and values to younger generations to maintain community cohesion.
During the event, the formation of the National Association of Bimoba, Moba, and Gurma (NABMAG) was announced, with Chief Suleman Alhassan playing a founding role.
The new association aims to unite the Gurma people across national borders and promote cultural and educational development. "Unity is strength. Let us work together to preserve our identity and build a brighter future for the next generations," Mr. Mahama said.
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The ceremony also featured the installation of new sub-chiefs and sub-queens from various areas in Accra. These leaders received certificates and pledged their commitment to serve the community with dedication.
The Gurma Youth Association (GYA) was highlighted as a key group supporting the development of the community’s younger members.
The GYA spokesperson Mr. Issa Abubakar outlined their goals of promoting skill acquisition, fostering economic growth, and ensuring youth stay connected to their cultural roots.
"Our mission is to empower the youth to take an active role in the community’s development," Mr. Abubakar said, noting that education and skills training are crucial to creating opportunities for young people to thrive and contribute to national progress.
The Chairman of the Nataani Association and coordinator of the event, Mr. Abdul Rahman Ali, described the 17th anniversary as a testament to the progress the Gurma community has made under Chief Suleman Alhassan's leadership.
Mr. Ali called for continued unity, emphasising the need for collective goals and the strengthening of ties both locally and across the five African countries where Gurma people reside.
Mr. Ali also announced plans to launch an endowment fund to support bright but underprivileged students and provide assistance to those without access to healthcare. "The endowment fund is our way of ensuring that no one in our community is left behind, especially those most vulnerable," he explained.
He also outlined community initiatives aimed at bridging gaps within the Gurma diaspora, encouraging regular cultural engagements and visits to ancestral homes to reinforce cultural heritage and belonging among the youth.
The event was attended by representatives from the office of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the National Chief Imam Dr. Nuhu Osman Sharubutu, and Burkina Faso's Ambassador Mr. David Kabre. Prominent Zongo chiefs, diplomats, government officials, and representatives from the embassies of Togo, Niger, and Benin, as well as the National Coordinator of the Zongo Development Fund, Hon. Ben Abdalla, and Greater Accra Regional Police Commander COP Dr. Baba Gariba, were also present.