The Greater Accra regional Bissa Development Association has unveiled a special commemorative cloth to mark the second successive Sukuma Festival in the capital.
The distinctive fabric, featuring the BDA logo and traditional designs, will serve as a unifying symbol for community members attending the cultural celebration on 4th October at the Alajo Astroturf.
The cloth is predominantly green with circular white patterns and intricate black designs, reflecting the rich textile traditions of the Bissa people whilst incorporating modern elements that represent the diaspora community’s identity in Greater Accra.
The creation of the special fabric underscores the significance organisers place on this year’s festival, building on the success of the inaugural event held last year.
“This cloth represents our unity and pride as a community,” said Greater Accra BDA Chairman Shaibu Alale. “It’s a tangible way for our people to show their connection to our culture and their support for the festival, whether they’re wearing it on the day or keeping it as a treasured memento.”
The design process involved community consultation to ensure the fabric authentically represents Bissa cultural values whilst appealing to both older generations and young people born in Accra who may be experiencing their heritage through the festival.
Local textile manufacturers have been commissioned to produce the cloth, supporting both the festival’s objectives and Ghana’s domestic textile industry.
The fabric will be available for purchase by community members and supporters, with proceeds helping to fund the festival’s activities and future cultural preservation initiatives.
The Sukuma Festival ranks as the second most important celebration in Bissa culture, following the main Zekula festival held in Kulungungu, the traditional Bissa capital in the Upper East Region.
Beyond its cultural significance, the festival has evolved into a platform for economic empowerment and business networking. The large gathering of over 3,000 expected participants creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and traders to showcase and sell their products, from traditional crafts to modern goods.
Local vendors and business owners from both the Bissa community and beyond are expected to set up stalls around the Alajo Astroturf venue, taking advantage of the significant footfall to promote their enterprises.
The event also serves as an important networking hub where community members can forge business partnerships, share opportunities, and strengthen professional relationships that extend beyond the festival day.
“The festival is not just about preserving our culture,” Mr Alale explained. “It’s about creating economic opportunities for our people and showing how tradition can work hand-in-hand with modern business practices.”
The celebration will feature traditional music, dance, and ceremonial activities, whilst simultaneously providing a marketplace atmosphere that supports local entrepreneurship and community economic development.
Interested persons can call 0248590206 for more information about purchasing the commemorative cloth.
