Suma-Ahenkro, near Sampa in the Jaman North District in the Bono Region, was turned into a scene of cultural and traditional display as hundreds of people from all walks of life gathered to climax the 2025 Suma Munufie Yam Festival last Saturday.
Tradition was at its best as exhibited by a retinue of chiefs and elders, attracting many revellers who lined up the principal streets in the town to savour the beauty of the culture of the people.
There was firing of muskets, drumming and dancing, accompanied by sounds from throbbing traditional drums and horns that filled the euphoric atmosphere.
They did not only celebrate the rich "Gyaman" heritage, but also deliberated on peacebuilding, cultural tourism, traditional governance and diaspora-led development through intergenerational dialogue and cross-border collaboration between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire at the durbar ground.
The event was on the theme: "Retracing ancestral footprints, galloping into progress."
Festival
The festival sought to use the celebration as a vibrant platform for cultural diplomacy, community empowerment, and transnational solidarity.
There was also a fundraising exercise by the Suma Traditional Council to support the establishment of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) satellite campus at Suma-Ahenkro.
The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, appealed to the Sammordua and Samgba Gyafla factions in Sampa to cease fire and embrace peace for development.
He said violent clashes in the area as a result of their disagreements had resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
Osagyefo Agyemang Badu, who is also the Dormaahene, entreated the government, the Inspector-General of Police and the National House of Chiefs to work towards restoring peace in Sampa.
He pledged not to support any of the factions till the Judicial Committee of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs comes out with their verdict on the rightful occupant of the stool.
On the deplorable nature of Jinijini-Sampa road, Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II appealed to the government to rehabilitate the road to facilitate growth.
Education, galamsey
The Sumamanhene, Odeneho Dr Affram Brempong III, who sat in state, said education was crucial in every aspect of life and national development.
"That's why the council is mobilising resources to establish UENR satellite campus here to help future generations access education with ease," he said.
On galamsey, Odeneho Dr Affram Brempong said the council had worked hard to prevent galamsey activities in the area.
"There is no single galamsey pit or activity going on in Suma-Ahenkro because I have vowed not to allow it in this area.
Any chief who fails to stop galamsey in his jurisdiction means he is benefiting or is behind it," he added.
Odeneho Dr Affram Brempong further warned that anyone engaged in galamsey in the area would face the full rigours of the law and, therefore, advised the youth to stay away from illegal mining to avoid sanctions.
He commended President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to fighting galamsey.
Sod-cutting
The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, said President John Dramani Mahama would soon cut the sod for the reconstruction of the Jinijini-Sampa road.
He said the road had been awarded to a contractor, adding that the contractor had started working on the road, demonstrating the government's commitment to deliver on its promises.
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