The Nanung Peace Initiative (NPI) proudly celebrates the peaceful and vibrant observance of the 2025 DAMBA Festival, which brought joy, unity, and cultural pride to every traditional kingdom across Northern Ghana.
While the Nanung Kingdom proudly hosted dignitaries and celebrated its unique customs, NPI respectfully acknowledges that the DAMBA Festival was not exclusive to Nanung. It is a shared cultural heritage, celebrated simultaneously and with equal significance in the various palaces and traditional capitals across Northern Ghana led by their respective revered kings and chiefs.
DAMBA: A Festival Celebrated by All Northern Kingdoms
NPI honors the collective leadership and participation of the great traditional rulers under whose guidance the 2025 DAMBA Festival was joyfully celebrated in their respective kingdoms, including:
- His Majesty, Ndan Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, King of the Dagbon Kingdom
- His Majesty, Nduma Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, King of the Mamprugu Kingdom
- His Majesty, Jira Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, King of the Gonja Kingdom
- His Majesty, Wa Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, Overlord of the Wala Traditional Council
- His Royal Majesty, Nyelinbolgu Naa Yakubu Andani Dasana, Regent and Overlord of the Nanung Kingdom
Each of these royal courts held their own grand celebrations, reflecting both the diversity and unity that define the DAMBA Festival. Their leadership affirms the festival’s true spirit one that unites all Northern ethnic groups in a collective embrace of culture, tradition, and peace.
Honoring International Friendship: Visit of Lt. Col. Michael Novotny
A historic highlight of this year’s DAMBA Festival was the distinguished visit of Lt. Col. Michael Novotny, from the Federal Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Austria, representing the Austria Embassy in Ghana, and also serving as a Course Director at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra.
During his visit to the Nanung Kingdom, Lt. Col. Novotny honored His Royal Majesty, Nyelinbolgu Naa Yakubu Andani Dasana, with the highest plaque of recognition from Austria’s National Defence Council, a powerful symbol of growing international friendship and cultural diplomacy.
This marked the first time a representative from an international government officially honored DAMBA in the Nanung Kingdom, setting a historic precedent.
NPI extends heartfelt gratitude to Lt. Col. Novotny, the Austria Embassy in Ghana, and the Government of Austria for this profound act of recognition, and for their commitment to peace, partnership, and cultural exchange with Northern Ghana.
A Message to the Youth: Promote Peace, Not Division
To the youth of Nanung, Dagbon, Mamprugu, Gonja, Wala, and all across Northern Ghana:
Let the DAMBA Festival remind us that we are one people with one destiny.
Let us reject misinformation, tribal rivalry, and divisive rhetoric.
Instead, let us:
- Celebrate our shared history and identity
- Promote our culture proudly to the world
- Uphold the dignity and authority of our traditional leaders
- Work together to build lasting peace and regional development
“Where there is peace, there is progress. Where there is unity, there is power.”
DAMBA: A Festival of Heritage, Unity, and Renewal
DAMBA is more than a celebration of music, dance, and tradition. It is:
- A festival of reconciliation and forgiveness
- A moment to honor our kings, queen mothers, and heritage
- A call to strengthen bonds between families, communities, and kingdoms
It is a legacy we must protect, and a symbol of identity we must pass on with pride and responsibility.
NPI’s Call to Action: Elevating DAMBA to Global Stages
The Nanung Peace Initiative (NPI) encourages greater collaboration and coordination among all traditional councils, cultural agencies, and stakeholders to promote DAMBA beyond the Northern Region and to the national and global stage.
Let us work together to:
- Include DAMBA in Ghana’s official cultural and tourism calendar
- Attract regional and international tourists and delegations
- Secure national and international partnerships
- Build a unified brand that reflects the strength of Northern Ghana’s culture
In Conclusion
The Nanung Peace Initiative (NPI) thanks all who participated in the 2025 DAMBA Festival across every kingdom and palace in Northern Ghana.
Let this year’s celebration serve as a reminder of our shared values, and a renewed call to peace, unity, and cultural pride.
Together, we will keep the spirit of DAMBA alive not only for ourselves, but for generations yet to come.
Nanung Peace Initiative (NPI)
Peace • Unity • Culture • Progress • Development • Reconciliation
