The District Chief Executive for North Gonja District, Abdulai Nashiru, has called on the people of the Wasipe Traditional Area to use the Damba Festival to strengthen chieftaincy and foster community unity for accelerated development.
Participating in the 2026 Annual Damba Festival of the Wasipe Traditional Area in Daboya, on the theme, “Glorifying Chieftaincy, Fostering Community Unity,” Nashiru extended warm greetings to the Overlord of Wasipe, Waspewura Anyame Kabasagya II, and all traditional leaders.
On Chieftaincy and Development
The DCE described the theme as timely, noting that chieftaincy remains a respected institution and a critical partner in development. He commended traditional authorities for their role in maintaining peace, resolving disputes, and mobilising communities for government programmes, stressing that the District Assembly cannot achieve sustainable development without their support.
On Unity
Nashiru urged residents to put aside partisan politics, ethnicity and personal interests, saying, “development thrives where there is unity.” He emphasized that North Gonja is a shared home and that its development is a collective responsibility.
On Sanitation and Health
He also raised concerns over poor sanitation, warning that it breeds diseases such as cholera, typhoid and malaria. He appealed to chiefs, religious leaders, Assembly Members and youth groups to intensify public education and called on citizens to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
On Peace and Security
Commending the chiefs and security agencies for sustaining peace, the DCE cautioned that peace should not be taken for granted. He urged the youth not to allow themselves to be used to create conflict and called for dialogue in resolving disagreements.
Major Concern: Drug Abuse Among Youth
In a strong appeal, Nashiru described drug and substance abuse among the youth as a growing menace threatening the future of the district.
“Our youth are the future leaders… Unfortunately, we are increasingly witnessing young people becoming involved in the abuse of drugs,” he said.
He directly advised young people to resist peer pressure and channel their energy into education, agriculture, skills training and entrepreneurship.
He further called on parents to monitor their children and appealed to traditional authorities, religious leaders and teachers to intensify sensitisation and collaborate with security and health institutions to combat the menace. He assured that the District Assembly is ready to support efforts to protect the youth.
Concluding, Nashiru said Damba should not only be about drumming and dancing but also about values that promote unity, respect for tradition, peace, cleanliness and protection of the youth.
The festival was attended by Paramount Chiefs, Queenmothers, religious leaders, Assembly Members, development partners, farmers, women and youth groups, and members of the media.
By: Saeed Kagbal/newsalertgh.com
