Some prominent chiefs representing both the Abudu and the Andani Gates had resolved to celebrate this year’s Damba festival in the Gbewa Palace in Yendi as first step in seeking lasting peace in the area.
In a communiqué issued by the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in Tamale on Monday, after a fruitful meeting with some prominent chiefs representing both Gates, indicated that there was goodwill from the Kampakuya-Na to welcome all Dagombas to celebrate the festival at the Gbewa Palace.
The communiqué signed by Mr Bede Ziedeng, Northern Regional Minister as Chairman of REGSEC and some 13 prominent chiefs said, “The Northern Regional Security Council held a meeting with some prominent chiefs of Dagbon representing the Abudu and the Andani Gates to discuss and review the security situation in the wake of the upcoming Damba festival.”
The communiqué said, “In the deliberation that took place, the meeting had the benefit of various exchanges from all sides on the customs and traditions,” and that it also took note of the open goodwill of the Kampakuya-Na, regent of Dagbon to welcome all citizens to celebrate the festival with him.
According to the communiqué, the meeting also took cognisance of the indication of Bolin-Lana, Head of the Abudu Gate, in his letter to the REGSEC indicating the willingness to lead his followers to celebrate the festival at the Gbewa Palace if adequate security measures would be provided to ensure peace.
“The meeting also appreciated the various concerns expressed on the need for a permanent and lasting peace in Dagbon and the importance of working towards achieving that goal,” it said.
The four-point communiqué said this year’s Damba festival would only be celebrated in Yendi and in the Gbewa Palace and that the REGSEC would ensure that adequate security arrangements were provided to interested persons and groups to celebrate the festival peacefully.
It said rehearsals leading to the celebration should take place only at traditionally designated places in Dagbon and that no rehearsals should have the intentions of being climaxed at those places but at the Gbewa Palace.