The Upper East Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, extended an invitation to those displaced by the Bawku conflict to return home, expressing optimism about the gradual restoration of peace in the area. His appeal came during an address to the chiefs and people of the Kusaug traditional area at the Samanpiid festival in Bawku. This annual celebration, observed by the Kusasi ethnic group, marks the culmination of the harvest season and provides an opportunity for expressions of gratitude to God, ancestors, and local deities for their guidance throughout the farming year. The festival’s significance was amplified this year as it coincided with the 40th anniversary of Zugraan, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the overlord of the Kusaug traditional area, and drew dignitaries from across the region, including a delegation representing the Asantehene.
The Samanpiid festival, traditionally a time of thanksgiving and communal celebration, provided a platform for Dr. Bin Salih to address the sensitive issue of the ongoing conflict and its impact on the community. He emphasized the collective responsibility for peacebuilding in Bawku, stressing that lasting peace cannot be imposed externally but must arise from within the community itself. While acknowledging the role of security measures such as the presence of security personnel, curfews, and restrictions on motorbike usage, he underscored their temporary nature and the ultimate need for a community-driven resolution to the conflict. His appeal to those who had fled the violence was a direct call for their return and participation in rebuilding the social fabric of Bawku.
The festival’s convergence with the Zugraan’s 40th-anniversary celebrations further highlighted the importance of the event. The durbar, introduced 37 years prior, has become a central component of the Samanpiid festival, adding a layer of cultural and political significance to the annual harvest celebration. The presence of dignitaries, including the prominent delegation from the Asantehene, underscored the broader regional interest in the peace and stability of Bawku and offered symbolic support for the community’s efforts to overcome the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. This year’s festival stood as a testament to the resilience of the Kusasi people and their determination to celebrate their cultural heritage even in the face of adversity.
Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, the overlord of the Kusaug traditional area, used the occasion to reiterate his call for the creation of a new region in the Bawku area. This long-standing request reflects the desire for greater autonomy and localized governance, potentially addressing specific developmental needs and cultural considerations within the Bawku area. While the specific reasons for the proposed new region weren’t detailed in the immediate context of the festival, the reiteration of this request highlights its continued importance to the traditional leadership and potentially to the broader community. It underscores the complex interplay of cultural traditions, political aspirations, and the ongoing search for peace and stability in the region.
Local residents and celebrants expressed their joy at the successful staging of the Samanpiid festival, emphasizing its importance as a cultural touchstone. The ability to come together and celebrate in the midst of ongoing challenges underscores the resilience and spirit of the Kusasi people. However, the backdrop of the conflict and its associated restrictions was not lost on the participants. Dominic Mbang, a resident of the United Kingdom visiting for the festival, expressed mixed feelings about the curfew imposed in the area. While acknowledging its necessity for maintaining peace and security, he also recognized the burden it places on the community, restricting movement and economic activity.
Mr. Mbang’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the community: the delicate balance between the need for security measures and the desire for normalcy. He voiced hope that the incoming administration, set to take over on January 7th, would prioritize normalizing the situation in Bawku, potentially leading to the lifting of the curfew. This sentiment likely resonates with many residents, who aspire to a future where security is not enforced through restrictive measures but rather arises from a genuine and lasting peace within the community. The festival, therefore, served not only as a celebration of tradition and harvest but also as a platform for expressing hopes for a peaceful and prosperous future.
