The people of the Sirigu Traditional Area in Ghana’s Upper East Region have launched two major cultural milestones: the 10th anniversary of the enskinment of their Paramount Chief, Naba Atogumdeya Roland Akwara III, and the inaugural Azuko Festival, scheduled for December 2025.
The announcement was made at a colourful durbar that brought together traditional leaders, queen mothers, youth groups, and residents, reaffirming Sirigu’s unity, cultural pride, and developmental vision.
Delivering the chief’s speech, Stanislaus Nsoh Nyaaba emphasized the significance of the events:
“This joint launch heralds a season of reflection, unity, and cultural celebration. These two events stand as pillars of pride for the good people of Sirigu.”
He revealed the theme for both the anniversary and the festival as: “A Decade of Leadership, Unity, and Development.”
This, he said, reflects Naba Akwara III’s unwavering commitment to peaceful leadership, community development, and cultural preservation.
In his official remarks, Naba Akwara III expressed gratitude to the people and institutions that have supported his reign:
“I am deeply grateful to the Almighty God, the gods of Sirigu, my elders, queen mothers, the youth, and all institutions that have stood by me throughout these ten years. Our journey has been one of peace, humility, and the collective pursuit of development.”
The newly launched Azuko Festival is named after Sirigu’s legendary ancestor, Azuko, believed to have migrated from present-day Burkina Faso to establish the community.
“We do not see our founder merely as a settler,” the chief stated. “He was a seed—a seed of courage, a seed of vision, a seed of unity.”
The festival is expected to become a signature cultural event in the region, aimed at promoting cultural heritage, tourism in the Upper East Region, and economic empowerment for the Sirigu community and beyond.
Speaking at the launch, Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri, praised the chief’s leadership:
“Your ten-year journey on the skin has been marked by calm wisdom, dignity, and a deep sense of duty. You have championed education, supported women’s empowerment, and promoted peace and cultural identity across Sirigu.”
As the countdown to December begins, residents and stakeholders are looking forward to what promises to be a vibrant cultural celebration and a powerful reminder of Sirigu’s place in Ghana’s traditional governance and cultural tourism landscape.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joseph Napoleon Anaaya|Bolgatanga
