A US-based Bissa businessman and stalwart of Ghana’s opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaj Salam Zaiba, has underscored the need to have more social events for the propagation of Bissa unity across the world.
After attending Chir Tanko’s 45th anniversary in Kumasi, Alhaj Zaiba, who is NDC’s Zongo Caucus coordinator for the USA, believes the continuous efforts to bring people together are something he cherishes so well, urging all Bissas across the country to try and hold similar events.
The member of the Bissa Association of North America (BANA) was in Ghana for a month visit.
He however joined the large entourage that journeyed from Accra to Kumasi for the colorful May 28 event, which brought together chiefs, politicians, government officials, and many other Bissas to Sabon Zongo.
And ahead of his return to the US, Zaiba said he enjoyed every bit of the trip to Kumasi to celebrate the glory of an anniversary.
“I must say it was a fantastic feeling being around with Chiefs and people to celebrate our big Chief Tanko Yamboni, whom I got to meet for the first time,” he said.
“Being among a large group of people, including kinsmen and women, can evoke such a strong sense of belongingness, which helps us to know one another for Zekula purposes.
“Back in the US, we do meet from time to time to share ideas about what we can do to build a united front beyond the shores of Ghana, but I tell you, open activities like what we witnessed in Kumasi can easily bring out the ‘Bissaness’ in you.
“”I think other Bissas in the other regions must try to hold similar events to awaken the Zekula spirit in everyone.”
Alhaj Salam Zaiba has been visiting Ghana periodically ever since he moved to the US in the 1990s.
He attended the 2016 Zekula, his first as well as his last since participating in the grand annual festival at the Bissa Tradional Capital of Kulungungu.
And according to the New Yorker, he would love to participate in future editions of the festival to renew that ecstatic feeling he experienced seven years ago.
“It’s been 7 years now since I participated in the festival, which was my first and last time, and I miss it so much,” he said.
“I could reminisce about the overwhelming feeling of pride I had, the colorful scenes, the cultural dance, the charged atmosphere, and the overall organization; I mean, the ambience was super,” he said.
“I have not been able to take part since then. “But I pray for a, and I will always be back home to participate.”
He further praised the BDA and its developmental goals and urged the general Bissa populace to come together and embrace the Zekula agenda, which he says is the strongest tool to develop as a people.
“Of course I have read the BDA goals, and I think they’re very laudable and achievable,” he said.
“It is up to all of us to come together and support the growth of the fraternity through unity, which is our strongest tool to develop as a people.”