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The Paramount Chief of the Jama Traditional Area, Nnaa Lanjagor Karley II, has explained the cultural significance of the Pedia Yam Festival and why its celebration must be observed on a Tuesday in accordance with Gonja tradition.
According to Nnaa Lanjagor Karley II, tradition forbids the celebration of the festival after the appearance of the moonlight on September 12, making the Tuesday celebration an important requirement for the preservation of the community’s customs.
Addressing a durbar held at Jama in the Savannah Region, the Paramount Chief, seated in state on the traditional stool, said the festival was deeply rooted in Gonja culture and must be observed within its sacred period.
He expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout for this year’s celebration and acknowledged the presence of dignitaries, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Bui Power Authority, representatives of the Volta River Authority (VRA), security agencies, media practitioners, and friends of Jama from home and abroad, including those from Holland.
This year’s festival, held under the theme “Our Heritage, Our Unity, Our Development,” is also being used to rally support for the construction of a modern community centre for the people of Jama.
Nnaa Lanjagor Karley II said although the project might take time to complete, the community was determined to see it become a reality.
He noted that development projects did not happen overnight, stressing that whether it took one, two or five years, Jama would have its own modern community centre.
He therefore appealed to the Bui Power Authority, VRA, citizens of Jama at home and abroad, and other well-wishers to support the project.
The Bui Power Authority representative said the Yam Festival was an important celebration of culture, heritage, agriculture and community spirit.
He said the festival also provided an opportunity to recognize hardworking farmers while promoting peace, unity and development among the people.
As part of its support, the Bui Power Authority donated GH¢10,000 towards the celebration and the development of the proposed Jama Community Centre.
The representative said the Authority valued its partnership with the Jama Traditional Area and remained committed to supporting sustainable development initiatives within communities.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the occasion at the 26th Jama Yam Festival, Mr Frank Owusu, has described Jama as the cradle of Dega educational civilization, citing its historical contribution to education and traditional leadership.
Mr Owusu said Jama produced the first educated chief, Nnaa Pambo, whom he described as a pacesetter and an inspiration to many.
He said he had witnessed tremendous transformation in Jama since his first visit to the community seven years ago and expressed confidence that the town had a promising future.
Mr Owusu expressed his joy at being part of this year’s Pedia Yam Festival and commended the leadership of Nnaa Lanjagor Karley II for promoting the celebration of Jama’s culture and heritage.
Source: ghanawatchonline.com.com | Salifu Adam Jabu
Samuel Sarkodie is a young journalist who has for years worked with Kumasi based OTEC FM as a news reporter and Time FM as a sports presenter, his versatility in the media fraternity has held him till date, he is always for the truth and accuracy in terms of news story. He is currently the Editor for this site, ghanawatchonline.com
