Cultural Celebrations and Unity at the Bimoba-Gurma Festival
The Eastern Regional Chapter of the Bimoba-Gurma Association recently held its fifth annual cultural renaissance festival in Koforidua, Ghana. This event served as a vibrant celebration of unity, heritage, and peacebuilding, with the theme “Our Common Heritage: Promoting Sustainable Peace for Nation Building.” The festival brought together members from various communities such as Akosombo, Akuse, Agomeda, Asamankese, Kade, Nkawkaw, and Bimoba-Gurma, along with chiefs from the Greater Accra Region.
Chiefs from other ethnic groups, including Dagomba, Chokosi, Mamprusi, Frafra, and Basaare, also participated, showcasing the inclusive nature of the event. The Bimoba-Gurma Association, known for its motto “Motauk nan Kpaatu” or “Unity and Progress,” used the festival to reaffirm its dedication to preserving culture and promoting community development.
Traditional Performances and Local Delicacies
Traditional dances like Siak and Kontaar were performed, while attendees enjoyed indigenous dishes such as tuozafi and sokora with ademe and groundnut soup, lomojin (millet drink), and sobolo. These culinary delights not only highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of the region but also provided an immersive experience for all participants.
Chief Yussif Osumanu, Chairman of the Bimoba-Gurma Council of Chiefs in the Eastern Region, emphasized the importance of unity among the members. He stated that the Bimoba-Gurma tribe is the sixth most populous ethnic group in Ghana, and unity is essential for development. “It brings us together to combine our ideas, skills, and resources to address problems on a larger scale,” he said.
He noted that the Council meets quarterly to discuss matters affecting members, including youth education and women’s livelihoods. “We are organised and committed to supporting our people through dialogue and action,” he added.
Peace and Development
Dr. Abed L. Bandim, Member of Parliament for Bunkpurugu Constituency in the North East Region, highlighted the significance of peace in fostering development. “Peace is paramount in every situation to foster social development,” he said. He cited chieftaincy disputes in his constituency as a major challenge, noting that they had led to displacement, school closures, and destruction of property.
“There is an ongoing dialogue to make the situation manageable. Without peace, development cannot thrive,” he added. Dr. Bandim, who also chairs the Parliamentary Select Committee on Information and Communication, shared his commitment to education. He revealed that in 2022, he awarded scholarships to 72 students using about 70 percent of his Common Fund.
This year, he mentioned that plans were far advanced to complete the establishment of a College of Education in Nakpanduri by the end of the year, while preparations were also underway to open a Nursing Training School in Bunkpurugu.
Promoting Cultural Tourism
Mrs. Dinah Adu-Owusu, outgoing Eastern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, emphasized the role of local cuisine in promoting cultural tourism. “Promoting Ghana’s local delicacies allows tourists to access the cultural and historical heritage of the destination through tasting and experiencing foods,” she said. She encouraged hotel and restaurant operators to include Ghanaian dishes on their menus to enhance the tourism experience and preserve culinary traditions.
Closing Remarks and Future Commitments
The festival concluded with renewed calls for unity, cultural pride, and collaborative development. Participants pledged to continue using culture as a tool for peacebuilding and social transformation. The event underscored the importance of cultural preservation and community engagement in driving sustainable development across the region.