The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has joined the chiefs and people of the Sankana Traditional Area in the Nadowli-Kaleo District in the Upper West Region to mark their annual Kalibi Festival.
The festival has been instituted to commemorate the 1897 resistance against Samori Ture’s forces, the slave raiders and their leader, Babatu.
It recounts and reenacts the story of how their ancestors, the Dagaba warriors, used Sankana’s caves and rocky terrain to repel Babatu and the slave raiders.
Though poorly armed, the warriors’ bravery and hand-to-hand combat skills secured victory, leaving a legacy that continues to anchor local pride and identity.
Last weekend’s occasion was yet another unique blend of the rich culture, history, spirituality and community development, reflecting the ancestral roots and aspirations of the people.
The festival begins with rituals performed by the Tendana (the high priest) and elders, who offer libation to honour ancestors and seek blessings for peace, rainfall and prosperity.
A colourful gathering of chiefs followed, with the Paramount Chief and sub-chiefs attired in rich traditional regalia.
They processed under state umbrellas amid drumming, dancing, praise-singing and the chants of war songs.
The Sankana people are known for the Bawaa and Dugu dances, both of which featured during this year’s Kalibi Festival.
Masquerades, drummers, dancers and horse riders staged spectacular performances on the durbar ground.
Preserve rich cultural heritage
The Vice-President, in an address, urged the people of Sankana to preserve their rich cultural heritage and embrace development initiatives designed to secure a better future for generations to come.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang described Sankana as a place of deep personal and historical significance, recalling her long association with the area as an academic and researcher.
She stressed the importance of documenting and teaching local history, particularly to the youth.
“People who are grounded in their history are better equipped to shape their future with clarity and purpose,” she stated.
Commitment to infrastructure
The Vice-President also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and social services in the region.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted ongoing road construction projects linking Wa to Navrongo, plans to establish 24-hour markets across districts, and efforts to enhance school facilities, with a specific focus on supporting girl-child education.
She emphasised that such initiatives were essential to unlocking the economic potential of communities such as Sankana.
Historical significance, resistance
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, commended the Vice-President for her leadership, describing her role as Ghana’s first female Vice-President as historic and inspiring.
Reiterating his own commitment to the region, Mr Bagbin, who served as Member of Parliament for the area on seven consecutive terms, revealed plans to establish a shea butter processing hub to boost the local economy and create employment.
Pan-Africanism, unity
Renowned Pan-Africanist and scholar, Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, who was honoured with the traditional title “Tangwana,” expressed his gratitude to the chiefs and people.
He described the honour as a privilege and a solemn responsibility.
The Paramount Chief of Sankana, Naa Pograninge Saakoe Mornah III, described the Kalibi Festival as a rallying point for the chiefs and citizens to renew allegiances, strengthen kinship and identify priority development projects.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
