The Sukuma 2025 festival has been officially launched at the Dabre Palace in Accra, setting the stage for what organisers promise will be the biggest celebration of Bissa culture in the capital.
National Chairman of the Bissa Development Association (BDA), Alhaji Shaibu Musa Guatre Zanni, declared the festival’s launch at the Dabre Palace, unveiling a comprehensive list of activities leading up to the October 4th event.
The launch ceremony at the palace of the President of the Greater Accra Council of Bissa Chiefs brought together traditional authorities, community leaders and members of the Greater Accra regional Bissa Development Association to reveal detailed plans for the October celebration.
This marks the second year the Greater Accra Bissa Development Association will organise the celebration, building on the success of last year’s inaugural event which attracted widespread community participation.
The festival serves as a crucial cultural bridge for Bissa people living far from their traditional homeland in the Upper East Region.
The launch has revealed detailed programming for the October celebration, including traditional performances, cultural exhibitions and ceremonial activities that showcase the depth of Bissa heritage.
Organisers announced expanded activities following lessons learned from the maiden festival.
The Greater Accra regional BDA has also 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.
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.
The Sukuma Festival ranks as the second most important celebration in Bissa culture after the main Zekula festival held in Kulungungu. For many community members in Greater Accra, particularly younger generations, it provides a vital connection to ancestral traditions and cultural identity.
Traditional chiefs played a prominent role in the launch ceremony, lending cultural authenticity and traditional legitimacy to the celebration. The involvement of the Greater Accra Council of Bissa Chiefs demonstrates the festival’s importance within the community’s traditional structure.
With approximately two months between the launch and the main festival scheduled for October 4th at Alajo Astroturf, organisers now have time to build momentum and ensure maximum community engagement for what they expect will attract over 3,000 participants.
The successful launch ceremony opens the door for various activities in the run-up to the October 4th celebration, highlighting the importance of maintaining traditional practices in urban settings.
