By: Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo
Vice President Bawumia has observed that whilst we uphold and cherish our culture in the midst of cultural diversity, we should also respect other cultures.
He said cultural tolerance will bind us together to develop as people peacefully amidst diverse cultures.
Dr Bawumia made the observation when he joined the chiefs and people of the Waala Traditional Area at a durbar in Wa to round off the 2022 Dumba Festival.
According to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, no nation can develop without the prevalence of peace and stability.
“It is only when the wind of peace and tranquility blows through the length and breadth of the country, that we can achieve growth and development. I am therefore extremely happy for the coordinated efforts made by our beloved Waala community and I hold them in high esteem for championing cause of peace,” he declared.
The Vice President commented on the recent killings in Wa and entreated traditional leaders as well as Regional and Municipal Security Councils to play their roles assiduously to beef up security.
He noted: “In recent times, the name of Wa Municipality has been in the limelight for wrong reasons.
The region has recorded numerous cases of murders, violence and mob actions among others. This worrying trend has raised several concerns among many residents and non-residents alike.”
“I must say for us to make quick wins on the security situation in the Municipality and the Region as a whole, the chieftaincy institutions must play a pivotal role in that regard. I see the chieftaincy institution as a critical stakeholder in the governance architecture of the country.
Let me use this opportunity to admonish the Regional Security Council and the Municipal Security Council to be on [the] alert and beef up security in the municipality and its environs,” Dr Bawumia stated.
The Spokesperson of Wa Naa, Naa Ibrahim Kadri in an address pointed out that the celebration of Dumba means a lot more than merry-making.
“Our Dumba celebrations have taken on more values than simple merry-making. They are now development-oriented. During the mornings of the festival, all Chiefs meet with the Overlord of the Waala state to renew their allegiance to him as well as take stock of situations in their various areas of jurisdiction in relation to the previous year. The course of action for the following year is then charted.”
One the key appeals made by Naa Kadri was what he described as “a befitting Regional police headquarters” for Upper West.
The Vice President donated 20000 Ghana cedi regression the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin through his Chief of Staff, Kofi Attoh presented 10,000 Ghana Cedis with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) also giving five thousand Ghana Cedis.
The theme for the colourful 2022 Dumba Festival was “Combating Emerging Trends of Violent Extremism and Terrorism in Ghana-The Role of the Traditional Authorities.”