The highly anticipated 2023 Sukuma festival will be held on December 30 in the city of Kumasi, the Bissa Development Association (BDA) has announced.
The Kumasi Jubilee Park will again host the mini-Bissa festival that turned out to be a mighty source of unity for all splinter groups in the region.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 14, during a grand launch of the event at Adobeiwura grounds in the Ashanti region.
Under the theme “Consolidating our unity and culture for development,” the 2023 edition will be the second consecutive time the Ashanti Region is marking the regional-based festival.
Despite other regions being allowed to mark their own Sukuma, the Ashanti Region has been the only branch of the BDA to have been able to host the festival since its inception last year, thanks to the immense support of the Regional Council of Bissa Chiefs.
In his address to declare Sukuma 2023 officially launched, the Regional BDA secretary Zakari Ayaaba Seone described the creation of the festival as “good news” for those in the region, drawing experience from the first edition.
“The decision to come together as one big family to reconnect with our culture and traditions gave birth to the well-celebrated Bissa Sukuma, Ashanti 2022 at the Jubilee Park, he said.
“Sukuma, which means gathering in the Bissa language is now the largest gathering of the Bissa people in Ashanti Region.
“It will also be patronised by other Bissa Chiefs and people across Ghana. Government and political representations, as well as other religious tribal leaders and the general public, are all expected to grace the occasion.”
He said this second edition will undoubtedly build upon the strong foundation laid by the previous year, bringing together the Bissas and other non-Bissas intrigued by the rich Bissa culture.
The Sukuma festival was established last year to honour Bissa heritage, showcase talents, and foster unity among community members in other parts of the country, far away from the traditional capital of Kulungungu.
It holds significant importance to the Bissa community, representing a vibrant celebration of their rich heritage and customs.
As a mini-event to the main Zekula festival, the sukuma holds immense cultural importance for the Bissas far from home, serving as a time to honour their traditions, showcase their artistry, and strengthen community bonds.
Zekula Festival, according to the Bissa tradition, can only be held at Kulungungu, which is the citadel of Bissa history in Ghana.
It is a time when locals and visitors alike gather to honour their ancestors, showcase traditional arts and crafts, and indulge in sumptuous culinary delights that have been passed down through generations.
The December 30 event promises to be a feast for the senses, as it will feature captivating music and dance performances, traditional storytelling, and an array of exciting cultural activities.
Attendees can also look forward to witnessing the breathtaking attire adorned by the Bissa people, with dazzling colours and intricate patterns of groundnut jewellery that reflect their unique identity.
The culinary scene at the festival will be a true delight for food enthusiasts, as Bissa cuisine takes centre stage. Attendees can indulge in an array of mouthwatering dishes, bursting with unique flavours and made with love by Bissa chefs dedicated to preserving the authenticity of their traditional recipes.
The Sukuma festival underscores the unity and diversity of the Bissa community, serving as a platform for fostering mutual understanding and appreciation among different tribes and ethnicities.
It is also an opportunity for economic growth, as local artisans and vendors will showcase and sell their crafts, contributing to the local economy.
Kumasi, often regarded as the cultural hub and renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and deep-rooted traditions, provides the perfect backdrop for the festival.
With preparations well underway, this year’s festival promises to be a spectacular event, attracting both locals and tourists alike.