Kir Salisu Ali Dabre IV, president of the Greater Accra Council of Bissa Chiefs, has returned to his United States base on Sunday, October 20, concluding an 16-day visit to Ghana that began with his participation in the maiden Greater Accra Sukuma festival.
A series of meetings at the Palace in Nima, courtesy calls on the National Chief Imam, and media engagements defined his entire stay in Ghana, which was climaxed with the traditional installation ceremony of the Bissa Chief of Adjen Kotoku on Saturday, where he supervised the proceedings.
The Sukuma festival, held on October 5 at the Alajo Astroturf, served as Kir Salisu’s formal introduction to the general public, marking his first public appearance since his installation as leader in April of this year.
The festival, organized by the Regional Bissa Development Association under his leadership, showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Bissa people through traditional performances, music, dance, and cuisine.
This year’s Sukuma festival was particularly significant as it marked the first time the Greater Accra region hosted the event, following two previous celebrations in the Ashanti region.
Having attended the Sukuma as his first public appearance since his installation in April, he rounded it up by outlining his vision for the Bissa people, giving assurances to lead and continue with the legacy left behind by his predecessors.
In an exclusive interview with Bissanews.com’s Abdul Malik, Kir Dabre outlined his vision for the Bissa community in Greater Accra. “We are launching comprehensive educational support programs to ensure our youth have access to quality education at all levels,” he stated.
“Our business development initiatives will focus on creating sustainable opportunities for our people, with special emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs,” he explained.
“Through these poverty alleviation programs, we aim to uplift the entire Bissa populace in Greater Accra and create lasting positive change in our community,” Kir Dabre added.
The Greater Accra region has emerged as a significant hub for the Bissa community, with large settlements in areas including Nima, Mamobi, Accra New Town, Kotobabi, Alajo, and Madina.
Their growing influence in the region is reflected in the establishment of several Bissa chiefs who oversee the community’s affairs in various jurisdictions.
The succession of Kir Salisu Ali Dabre IV following the late Dabre Mohammed Ali Dabre III has brought renewed vigor to the Bissa community.
While maintaining his residence in the United States, his outlined vision for educational advancement, business development, and women’s empowerment demonstrates his commitment to preserving traditions while fostering progress, particularly in Greater Accra, where the community continues to grow in numbers and influence.