Bissa Chief of Gomoa Fetteh Kir Mustapha Dawuda Lengani led his people in a colorful participation at the climax of the annual Akwambo Festival on Sunday, marking a significant moment of intercultural celebration in the Central Region of Ghana.
The weeklong festival, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Gomoa Fetteh people, concluded this past Sunday with a grand durbar that saw the Bissa community adding a unique flair to the proceedings.
Chief Lengani, resplendent in traditional Bissa attire, stood out among the sea of festival-goers, embodying the bridge between his community and their Gomoa Fetteh hosts. His presence alongside local dignitaries highlighted the growing integration of the Bissa people into the broader Gomoa Fetteh society.
“As Bissa Chief, it’s an honor to join the Akwambo Festival,” Chief Lengani told reporters. “Though we Bissas are not indigenous to Gomoa Fetteh, our participation shows how we can respect and celebrate each other’s traditions while maintaining our own identity.”
The chief’s involvement comes as a culmination of his efforts over a two-year reign to foster good relations between the Bissa community and the people of Gomoa Fetteh.
“Over these two years, we’ve worked hard to build trust between the Bissa community and our Gomoa Fetteh hosts,” the chief explained.
“Our presence at Akwambo is a testament to the strong bonds we’ve forged.”
“Festivals like Akwambo are crucial for cultural understanding,” Chief Lengani emphasized. “By participating, we not only honor our hosts but also showcase the diversity that makes Ghana strong.”
The Bissa contingent’s participation went beyond mere attendance. They actively engaged in various aspects of the festival, showcasing their own rich heritage while respecting the customs of their hosts.
Local leaders from Gomoa Fetteh expressed their appreciation for the Bissa community’s enthusiastic involvement. The town’s chief spokesperson noted that the Bissa participation had added “a new and exciting dimension” to the age-old festival.
As the festivities wound down, the lasting image was that of Chief Lengani and the Gomoa Fetteh traditional leaders standing side by side, a powerful symbol of unity in diversity. “This festival participation is just one step in our ongoing journey,” the Bissa chief concluded. “We hope to continue building bridges, not just during festivals, but in our day-to-day lives as well.”
The successful integration of the Bissa community into this year’s Akwambo Festival sets a positive precedent for cultural cooperation in the region, potentially paving the way for more inclusive celebrations in the future. It also underscores the role of traditional leaders like Chief Lengani in fostering intercommunity harmony and mutual respect.