Kentucky Dagbamba Naa King Faisal Adam Leads Delegation To New Jersey 2024 Damba Festival
King Faisal Adam, the Kentucky Dagbamba Naa, had the distinct honor of leading a delegation to the 2024 Damba Festival held in New Jersey over the weekend.
This significant gathering celebrated the rich heritage and cultural legacy of the Dagbamba people, showcasing their traditions and unity.
Under the inspiring leadership of Tung Lana and Dagbamba Naa Alhaji Mohammed Umar, the North American Dagbamba community has made remarkable strides in promoting and preserving Dagbon heritage.
A notable initiative has been the establishment of state and federal-level chieftaincy titles, which has helped unify Dagbamba across the U.S. and facilitated contributions for the socio-economic development of both the American and Ghanaian communities.
The festival marked a pivotal moment, with the enskinment of numerous individuals to represent their respective states, reinforcing the collective mission of fostering cultural pride and social cohesion.
This year’s festival demonstrated a clear advancement from the previous year, emphasizing not only cultural preservation but also the broader social and economic well-being of Dagbamba worldwide.
In his address, King Faisal Adam expressed profound pride in his identity as a Dagbana.
He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the North American leadership, the Damba organizing committee, and the generous contributions from Dagbamba across North America, which were instrumental in the festival’s success.
He commended the exemplary hospitality extended to state-level chiefs, their teams, and all attendees.
The provision of meals throughout the event was seen not just as a logistical success but as a reflection of the deep respect, humanity, and enduring traditions of the Dagbamba people.
“This thoughtful gesture embodied the very essence of our values,” he stated.
King Faisal highlighted the myriad benefits of events like the Damba Festival, including the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and schoolmates, promote cultural heritage, facilitate discussions about community development, and provide children with chances to forge new friendships and strengthen familial bonds.
He noted the festival also serves as a networking hub, providing valuable resources, job opportunities, and cultural learning experiences for the community.
Furthermore, he proposed the establishment of a Welfare Plan to address critical issues such as terminal illness and bereavement.
He called for the creation of a comprehensive database of Dagbamba residing in the U.S. and Canada to foster unity through shared updates on events and initiatives.
He also advocated for a Conflict Resolution Committee to mediate disputes within the community and emphasized the importance of engaging professionals for their expertise in contributing to projects and initiatives, both in North America and Ghana.
Acknowledging that large gatherings can attract distractions, King Faisal urged leaders at both North American and state levels to remain focused and patient.
“Our unity and forward momentum are essential to achieving our collective goals,” he asserted, reaffirming the commitment to progress and unity among the Dagbamba people.