The dust has settled, excitement has replaced sorrow, and unity in grief has protected the legacy of the loved one lost. It has been all joy as Dabre IV emerges to fill the void left by Dabre III; the celebration has quenched mourning, and Bissas, in general, have proclaimed the much-vaunted slogan of Zekula.
That was the atmosphere painted at the National Mosque in Accra as Alhaji Salisu became the fourth from the Ali-Dabre line to ascend the seat of Bissa leadership in the Greater Accra Region.
In a historic ceremony attended by over a thousand people at the National Mosque in Kanda, Alhaji Salisu was officially installed as the new leader of the Bissa people in Greater Accra, succeeding his late brother Kir Mohamed Ali Dabre III.
Albeit after 40 days of mourning and celebrating the giant legacy of the man who was a colossus, not only in Ghana but in the four corners of the United States City of New York. This marks a significant milestone in the Bissa Chiefdom, which was established by their father, Ali Dabre, to unite the Bissa ethnic group in the region.
Kir Ali Dabre IV, as he is now known in private life as Alhaji Salisu Ali Dabre, is the fourth member of the Dabre Clan to ascend to the seat of leadership. He comes with more energy, and his investiture was marked with absolute colourful creativity that attracted people of other ethnic groups, including the owners of the region, the Gas.
His father, Ali Dabre, founded the Bissa Chiefdom, which was later led by his elder brother, Usman Ali Dabre II, followed by Mohamed Ali Dabre III in October 2010. After the demise of Mohamed Ali Dabre III last month, the customary final funeral rites were performed, paving the way for the installation of a new chief.
All hail Kir Salisu Ali Dabre . The new Bissa Chief of Greater Accra pic.twitter.com/3r3TK0xpyD
— Bissa News (@BissaNews) April 28, 2024
On April 27, Alhaji Salisu was officially conferred with the Kir title, succeeding his late brother and assuming the office of President of the Greater Accra Council of Bissa Chiefs. The moment the turbaning ceremony, led by the National Chief Imam, ended, his reign began as the man to keep the Zekula agenda floating.
The investiture ceremony was marked by the 40th Dua (prayer) of his predecessor, Mohamed Ali Dabre, who passed away at the age of 78. The new Kir, in his 60s, is poised to lead the Bissa people in Greater Accra with wisdom and integrity.
The ceremony was a vibrant display of Bissa culture, with traditional drumming, dancing, and attire on full display. The National Mosque in Kanda was filled, with dignitaries and well-wishers from across the region in attendance. The atmosphere was electric as the Bissa people gathered to witness this significant moment in their history.
It was supposed to be an all-Bissa affair, but having the National Chief Imam and other ethnic groups join, with keen interest in participation, shows how far the Bissa have come in terms of integration, acceptance, and respect within the broader Ghanaian society.
The Dabre Clan has played a significant role in promoting the Bissa culture and traditions, and Kir Ali Dabre IV is well-positioned to continue this legacy. His experience and leadership skills make him an ideal candidate to lead the Bissa people in this new era.
As the new Kir assumes office, he faces several challenges, including promoting economic development, improving education and healthcare, and preserving Bissa’s cultural heritage. However, with the support of his people and the Greater Accra Council of Bissa Chiefs, he is well-equipped to overcome these challenges and lead the Bissa people to even greater heights.
As the sun set on this historic day, the Bissa people looked to the horizon with renewed hope and optimism in a different man with the same Ali-Dabre spirit. For in Kir Ali Dabre IV, they saw not just a leader but a beacon of unity, a champion of their cultural heritage, and a steward of their dreams for a brighter tomorrow.
The installation of the new Kir marked the dawn of a new era for the Bissa people, one where tradition and progress walk hand in hand and where the spirit of resilience and determination burns brighter than ever before. Simply put, Dabre go, Dabre come. Hail the fourth as the third forever remains in our hearts and memories, a guiding light for the Bissa people’s journey into the future.
History has been made