Sambuli: The Sambultiib clan of the Konkomba ethnic group in the Saboba District in the Northern Region has celebrated the 27th edition of the Ndipoandan Festival at Sambuli, showcasing cultural performances.
According to Ghana News Agency, the annual festival was organized under the auspices of the Chief of Sambuli, bringing together community members from across the country and the diaspora to celebrate their heritage and strengthen communal ties.
Ndipoandan, meaning 'New Guinea Corn Festival', marks the end of a farming season and the start of a new agricultural cycle. This year's festival focused on the theme 'Our Culture, Our Heritage: Using Culture as a Tool to Bring Our People Together for Development.' The event highlighted development needs in the community and aimed to mobilize support from government, development partners, and stakeholders for projects like a maternity block, a community center, and a Junior High School block.
Ubor N-Yabi Malibei, Chief of Sambuli, addressed issues like poor network connectivity, where residents struggle to make or receive phone calls. He emphasized how inadequate road networks hinder trade and economic opportunities, increasing poverty. The community's reliance on a single borehole for water, initially meant for students, was also highlighted.
The Chief appealed for a Senior High School to improve access to education and urged the government to connect communities such as Yacho and Gbator to the national electricity grid. He called for peace and harmony to foster development. Ubor Dr. Tassan Konja VI, guest of honor and Paramount Chief of the Kpasa Traditional Area, stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence and encouraged youth to focus on education and entrepreneurship.
The festival featured cultural displays, traditional music, storytelling, dance performances, and showcased local foods and customs of the Konkomba people.