News
Hardi Pagazaa Clarifies Dagban’s Eid Tradition: ‘It Is Naa Jingli, Not Bugu Chugu’
Details
Published May 31 2026
Published at: 12:26Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
A Dagbon cultural advocate, Hardi Pagazaa, has sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding the ceremonial Eid celebrations performed by the Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Yaa-Naa, emphasizing that the event is historically known as Naa Jingli and not “Buga Chugu” as widely portrayed on social media.
According to Pagazaa, several videos circulating online have been captioned as “Buga Chugu,” which some have interpreted as a “small gods festival.” He insists that no such festival exists in Dagbon and describes the characterization as historically inaccurate.
He explained that Naa Jingli is a centuries-old ceremonial tradition dating back to the reign of Naa Zanjina, the 17th Yaa-Naa of Dagbon, who is credited with introducing and publicly embracing Islam in the kingdom around the 15th century.
The ceremony commemorates the historic moment when Naa Zanjina accepted Islam and publicly performed prayers for the first time. Since then, Islam has remained deeply woven into the fabric of Dagbon’s traditional governance and culture.
Pagazaa noted that it is obligatory for the Yaa-Naa and paramount chiefs across Dagbon to observe at least the Eid prayers. This enduring relationship between traditional authority and Islam is reflected in the construction of mosques near palaces throughout Dagbon and the enskinment of Imams within the traditional leadership structure.
He further explained that the ceremonial Eid-ul-Adha observance traditionally takes place in the evening. Historically, the Yaa-Naa appeared at the prayer grounds dressed in full war regalia. According to him, this practice was permitted by Islamic scholars and Imams of the time as a security measure against potential attacks from rival groups, which were common during that era.
Over time, however, as Islam became more firmly established in Dagbon, the Yaa-Naa reportedly abandoned the use of war attire during prayers and directed other traditional leaders to do the same.
Pagazaa also highlighted the unique and revered position of the Imam in Dagbon society. He stated that, apart from the President of Ghana, the Imam is the only individual accorded the privilege of shaking hands with the Yaa-Naa, underscoring the spiritual significance of the office.
He said the continued observance of Naa Jingli serves as a powerful lesson in peaceful coexistence, demonstrating how respect for culture, patience, and sustained engagement can foster religious acceptance and social harmony.
The clarification comes amid growing public interest in Dagbon’s cultural and religious traditions, particularly following the circulation of videos from recent Eid celebrations involving the Yaa-Naa.
“Long reign Ndan Yaa-Naa. Long live Dagbon. Long live Ghana,” Pagazaa concluded.
News
Former Ghanaian Footballer Jafar Samed Issah Cheers on Friend Jaleen Smith as Croatia Thrash Latvia
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Published: August 29, 2026
Published at: 01:18Pm
By Saibu Terry
Former Ghanaian professional footballer Abdul Jafar Samed Issah was in attendance, alongside his spouse Khadija , to support his close friend Jaleen Devon Smith as Croatia secured a convincing 115–80 victory over Latvia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Issah, who enjoyed a professional football career with stints in Denmark, Latvia, Ethiopia and other European destinations, made time to cheer on Smith as Croatia bounced back strongly following their defeat to Germany.
Smith was instrumental in Croatia’s impressive performance, showcasing the form and quality that have made him an important figure for the national team. The result provided Croatia with a much-needed boost in their qualifying campaign.
Beyond the sporting arena, Smith and Issah have developed a close friendship over the past year. Their relationship has extended beyond football and basketball, with the pair sharing ideas about potential humanitarian and community-development projects in northern Ghana.
Smith, an American-born professional basketball player who has represented Croatia at international level, has developed a growing admiration for Ghana and is reportedly keen to contribute to initiatives that could positively impact communities in the northern part of the country.
The friendship between the two sports personalities has therefore evolved into more than a personal connection, with discussions around future projects creating excitement among Smith’s supporters and admirers in Ghana.
Smith recently signed with Hapoel Jerusalem, where he is set to compete in the Israeli Premier League and EuroCup. As he continues to make an impact on the basketball court, his growing connection with Ghana through his friendship with Jafar Samad Issah could open the door to meaningful humanitarian initiatives in the future.
For Issah, Thursday’s game was another opportunity to stand firmly behind his friend and celebrate Croatia’s emphatic victory over Latvia.
News
Anta Scholarship Education Fund provides financial Assistance to 200 Tertiary Students
The Former Finance Minister and MP for Karaga, Hon. Dr. Amin Mohammed Adam Anta, has disbursed funds worth 330,000 Ghana Cedis to support the education of over 200 beneficiary tertiary students in the Constituency under the Amin Anta Education Scholarship Scheme.
The intervention forms part of the MP’s broader commitment to supporting the education of every student in the Constituency, especially those at the tertiary level, and to removing financial barriers that sometimes serve as obstacles to the education of needy but brilliant students.
The Anta Education Scholarship scheme covers beneficiaries pursuing education across Public Tertiary Institutions in the country, including education and health training Institutions.
This year’s beneficiaries stand at 200 students, bringing the total tally to 1,519 beneficiaries who have benefited from the scholarship fund since its inception in 2019 to date, running for seven consecutive years.
The Anta Education Fund is an annual financial aid initiative established by Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam (widely known as Dr. Amin Anta), the Member of Parliament for the Karaga Constituency in the Northern Region of Ghana, to provide financial assistance, pay school fees, and support brilliant but financially needy students from basic school up to tertiary institutions (universities and colleges).
At a durbar at the Karaga Community Center on Friday, August 28th 2026, to disburse the funds to beneficiaries, the Chairman of the Scholarship Fund, Jankpihi Naa, thanked the MP for providing financial assistance to students in the area, describing his initiative as a game changer, opening educational doors and removing barriers for students.
On his part, the MP, Mohammed Amin Adam Anta, said he is committed to ensuring that every child in the Constituency gets the right education and climbs the ladder, suggesting that it is a critical means to success.
The MP also seized the occasion to admonish the students to take advantage of the scholarship opportunity and study hard to aspire to greater heights, as he did not have such an opportunity growing up.
The beneficiaries could not mince words but thanked the MP profusely for the intervention, describing his benevolence as ‘incredible and God-fearing’.
