By: SAMUEL AYAMMAH
The Jama Traditional Area in the Bole-Bamboi District of the Savannah Region was a beehive of activities on September 8, 2026, as chiefs and people celebrated the 26th Jama Yam Festival in grand style.
It was culture, colour and camaraderie at its finest. From dawn, the durbar grounds came alive as drums thundered, cultural performances dazzled, and visitors from far and near thronged the venue to celebrate heritage.
At the centre of the celebration was the Paramount Chief of the Jama Traditional Area, Nnaa Prof. Lanjagor Karley II, whose presence electrified the grounds.
Addressing a mammoth gathering of chiefs, security services, media and people of diverse tribes including Dagaabas, Nnaa Prof. Karley said he was overwhelmed by the show of love and unity.
He said the Yam Festival is more than a celebration of new yam, but a powerful statement of identity, togetherness and the development aspirations of the Jama people.
The Paramount Chief used the occasion to unveil a bold vision – the construction of a modern community centre for Jama. While Rome was not built in a day, he said the journey has begun and with determination and support from partners and friends both home and abroad, the dream will be realised.
He also made a passionate call to investors, both local and international, to turn their attention to Jama, describing it as a land of untapped opportunity blessed with vast fertile and arable lands capable of feeding industries, and breathtaking landscapes with huge tourism potential.
Delivering a solidarity message on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer and management of the Bui Power Authority, the Director for Health, Safety and Environment, Mr. Chrisentus B. Kuunifaa, congratulated Nnaa Prof. Karley and Nananom for sustaining the festival.
He described the Yam Festival as a cherished celebration of culture, heritage, agriculture and community spirit that honours hardworking farmers and promotes peace and unity.
Mr. Kuunifaa thanked the Traditional Authority for the cordial relationship that exists between Jama and the Bui Power Authority and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to continuous engagement and collaboration for sustainable development.
In support of the festival and the community’s development drive, he announced a donation of GH¢10,000 to the Jama Traditional Area to support the 2026 celebration and the proposed community centre project.
He expressed hope that the contribution will complement the efforts of Nananom and the people towards building the centre and other initiatives that will benefit the area.
The 26th Jama Yam Festival ended not just as a cultural showpiece, but as a loud announcement that Jama is ready to preserve its culture, unite its people, and open its doors for development.
