The Lemagan Dominic Sori Payida will chair the inaugural Sukuma celebration in Greater Accra on Saturday, October 5, 2024, the Bissa Development Association (BDA) has announced.
The event, to be held at the Alajo Astroturf, will have the highest authority of the BDA, supported by his council members, presiding over the festivities, underscoring the importance of this cultural gathering the region is holding for the first time.
The Sukuma marks a significant milestone for the Bissa diaspora community in Ghana’s capital, coming two years after its inauguration in the Ashanti Region as a complement to the main Zekula festival.
A highlight of the activities will be the outdooring of the new Greater Accra Bissa Chief, Kir Salisu Ali Dabre IV, who was installed in May 2024. This ceremonial introduction of the new chief to the public adds another layer of significance to the event, which is expected to have a profound impact on the local Bissa community, bridging traditional leadership with the diaspora community’s cultural celebrations.
Kir Dabre has already arrived from his base in the United States in preparation for the ceremony, which is anticipated to be graced by dignitaries including government officials, chiefs, politicians, religious leaders, and business moguls.
The presence of Lemagan Payida and the outdooring of Kir Salisu Ali Dabre IV are expected to draw attendees from the Bissa community and beyond. The event will provide an opportunity for young people to reconnect with their identity, learn about their traditions, language, and values directly from community elders.
Sukuma will feature traditional Bissa music, dance performances, and culinary delights, offering an immersive cultural experience for both Bissa and non-Bissa attendees.
Established in 2022 under the Shaibu Gutare Zanni administration of the BDA, the Sukuma aims to celebrate and preserve Bissa culture in urban settings while respecting the exclusivity of the main Zekula Festival held in Kulumgungu.
The Sukuma represents a vital link for Bissa diaspora communities to their heritage, as it is a means of connecting urban Bissas to their roots, ensuring their rich cultural heritage thrives amidst the challenges of modern city life.
Unlike the Zekula, which occurs annually on Easter Day in Kulumgungu, the Sukuma allows for flexible dates set by local Bissa groups. This adaptability enables diaspora communities to organize celebrations that fit their unique circumstances while maintaining strong cultural ties.
With the combined significance of Lemagan Payida’s leadership and Kir Dabre’s outdooring, the maiden Accra Sukuma promises to be a landmark event in the cultural calendar of Ghana’s capital, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of Bissa traditions in the 21st century.