By Inusah Dondaliya
Published 20th August 2026
The Paramount Chief of Kugu, Naa Adam Abdulai, has suspended 2026 Damba festivities in honor of the late King of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II, declaring that Dagbon is still in a period of mourning.
Addressing the Media, Naa Yab Kugu Naa eulogized the late Yaa-Naa, describing his demise as a great loss to Dagbon deserving more reverence, with commemorative activity as magnitude of the suspension of the Damba festival celebration.
Following the announcement of the ban on the 2026 Damba celebration, Naa Adam Abdulai appeals to Elders, chiefs, subjects, and youth across Dagbon Paramountcies to uphold the traditional directive without undermining the authority, as a symbol of respect for the late King.
Meanwhile, he also cautioned Dagbon historians to refrain from public commentaries on Dagbon Culture, customs, and traditions, particularly in discussions focusing on the death of the late Ya-Na, the performance of his funeral, and succession to the Dagbon throne.
According to him, throwing out such commentaries is not only unfortunate and demeaning to the Dagbon, but also creates confusion and a misleading narrative to the general public.
Kugu Naa did not mince words with Islamic Clerics in the Northern Region, especially those in Tamale, using sharp words, chiding them for using their sermons as a tool to meddle in their Chieftaincy affairs, and desecrating the traditional Authorities’ activities as an alien Practice in Dagbon.
