For many years, the lively beats and rich traditions of the Damba Festival were mostly celebrated in northern Ghana.
But now, the Chamba ethnic group living in Accra makes a regular trek north to join in the annual festivities. Recent insights from Chambas Media highlight that this cultural revival is largely thanks to one passionate leader: Ouboya Mohammed Adams Ijor-Nda (Wulensi Saha Naa), along with the founding members of the Chamba Youth Association (CHAYA).
Ouboya Mohammed Adams Ijor-Nda’s love for traditional culture took root during his time in Bimbilla, in Ghana’s Northern Region. Surrounded by local customs, he developed a deep appreciation for the Damba Festival, which sparked his commitment to making an annual pilgrimage to join in the celebrations. Eager to share this experience with his fellow Chamba community members in the south, Ouboya Ijor-Nda started organizing group trips for those living in Accra.
The journey toward cultural unity wasn’t without its challenges. In the early days, Ouboya Ijor-Nda encountered significant resistance from critics who dismissed his enthusiasm as just a fondness for dancing, insisting that he should focus solely on economic growth instead of cultural events.
Yet, Ouboya Ijor-Nda had a bigger vision in mind. He saw the festival as more than just a fun time; it was a vital opportunity for social cohesion. By participating in the Damba Festival, the Chamba community gained a meaningful platform to connect with neighboring ethnic groups, bridge cultural gaps, and build lasting unity across different regions.
Ouboya Ijor-Nda’s determination ultimately paid off. His efforts reached beyond Ghana’s borders, inspiring members of the Chamba diaspora in the United States to return home specifically to partake in the Damba Festival.
Today, as countless Chamba folks from Southern Ghana embark on their annual trek north, the solid groundwork established by Ouboya Mohammed Adams Ijor-Nda and CHAYA remains unwavering. Their dedication has played a crucial role in highlighting the cultural richness, beauty, and unifying spirit of the Damba Festival, helping to reconnect the community with its roots.
By Chambas Media
