The Chiefs and people of the Tatale-Sanguli Traditional Area in the Northern Region last Saturday celebrated the maiden annual Bassare Yam Festival with a call on the people to unite and work collectively towards accelerating the development of the area.
The celebration brought together traditional rulers, residents and other stakeholders to recognise farmers’ contributions to food security, and to promote unity and development in the area.
Among the dignitaries present were the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John; the Tatale-Sanguli District Chief Executive, Mary Tagba; and a former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thomas Mbomba.
Held on the theme, “Celebrating Our Heritage, Our Yam, Our Unity,” the event was interspersed with traditional drumming, dancing and cultural performances highlighting the rich heritage and culture of the people.
Development needs
In his remarks, the Paramount Chief of the Tatale-Sanguli Traditional Area, Obore Dawuni Attah Nkaraa II, called on people from all backgrounds, particularly those living in the diaspora, to invest in initiatives that would stimulate economic growth and create jobs in the area.
He commended farmers for their contribution to making the district a major food-producing area, particularly through yam production.
He appealed to the government to upgrade the district's only polyclinic into a fully fledged hospital and establish a College of Education and a technical institute to improve access to healthcare and skills training.
That, he said, would help address critical development needs and equip young people with practical skills for employment.
While commending the government for bringing some development initiatives to the area, he said more needed to be done to open up the area and create jobs for the teeming youth.
Culture and agriculture
For his part, the northern regional minister stressed the need to preserve the culture and traditions of the people.
He said cultural festivals such as the Bassare Yam Festival provided an opportunity to celebrate the people's heritage, strengthen unity and pass on their customs and traditions to younger generations.
He reiterated the government's commitment to revitalising agriculture and boosting food production through initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Programme and agricultural mechanisation.
Mr John also emphasised the importance of traditional authorities as critical partners in development, urging them to continue collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to promote peace and accelerate development in their communities.
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