The Gurma community in the Greater Accra region last Saturday held a durbar to commemorate the 17th anniversary of the installation of Chief Suleman Alhassan at the Wembley Astro Turf, Kotobabi, Accra.
The durbar, organised by the Nataani Association in collaboration with the Greater Accra Gurma Council of Chiefs, hosted a colourful display of Gurma culture through its traditional music and dance performances.
Addressing the occasion, Lawyer Dubik Mahama, who was the guest of honour highlighted the theme of the event, which focused on fostering a shared cultural identity among people of Gurma descent across West Africa and emphasised the importance of unity among the Gurma, Moba, and Bimoba communities. “Unity cannot be achieved without first establishing peace and laying a solid foundation rooted in cultural preservation,” Lawyer Mahama indicated.
He explained the historical ties of the Gurma people to the powerful empires of West Africa and the divisions brought about by borders drawn during the colonial era. He therefore used the occasion to call for a renewed focus on teaching Gurma languages, traditions, and values to the younger generation which he underscored as crucial for maintaining a cohesive community.
During the event, the formation of the National Association Bimoba, Moba, and Gurma (NABMAG) was announced, with Chief Suleman Alhassan playing a key role as a founding member. The association aims to unite the Gurma people across national boundaries and promote cultural and educational development. “Unity is strength. Let us work together to preserve our identity and build a brighter future for future generations,” lawyer Mahama stated.
The event also featured the installation of new sub-chiefs and sub-queens from various areas in Accra. The newly installed leaders received certificates and pledged their commitment to serve the community with dedication.
The Gurma Youth Association (GYA) was also highlighted as a youth-focused group championing the cause of the Gurma community.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Mr. Issa Abubakar outlined their goals, which include promoting skill acquisition, fostering economic development, and ensuring that the youth remain connected to their cultural roots.
“Our mission is to empower the youth to take an active role in the community’s development,” Mr Issa said. “Through education and skill-building programs, we aim to create opportunities for our young people to thrive and contribute to national development.”
The chairman of the Naatani Association Mr Abdul Rahman Ali described the 17th anniversary as a reflection of how far the Gurma community has come under Chief Suleman Alhassan’s leadership.
Speaking after the event, Mr Ali who also doubled as the program’s coordinator stressed the need for the community to unite with a shared purpose. “This program is about setting collective goals and strengthening ties both locally and across five African countries where Gurma people are present,” he said.
He also announced plans to launch an endowment fund to support brilliant but needy students and to provide assistance to those without access to healthcare and other essential services. “The endowment fund is our way of ensuring that no one in our community is left behind, especially those who are most vulnerable,” Mr Ali explained.
Mr Ali also outlined several community-focused initiatives aimed at bridging gaps within the fragmented Gurma community in Accra and beyond and underscored the need for regular cultural engagements, where members of the community are encouraged to visit their ancestral homes to pay homage.
This initiative he said, will be a crucial step in preserving the rich Gurma culture and cultivating a sense of belonging among younger generations.
“Occasionally, we will organize programs that bring our people back home, reinforcing our rich cultural heritage,” Mr Ali added.
Representation from the office of the vice President of Ghana, Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, the National Chief Imam, Dr Nuhu Osman Shaributu, the Ambassador of Burkina Faso Mr David Kabre were among the distinguished guests who attended.
Prominent Zongo chiefs, diplomats, and government officials graced the occasion including representatives from Togo, Niger, and Benin embassies as well as National Coordinator of the Zongo Development Fund Hon. Ben Abdalla, and Greater Accra Regional Police Commander COP Dr Baba Gariba.
