The Dagaaba and Frafra communities in the Atebubu Amantin Municipality of the Bono East Region have come together in a cultural unity festival aimed at strengthening long-standing relations and promoting peaceful coexistence between the two ethnic groups.
The event featured a blend of cultural displays and recreational activities, including football, sack races, volleyball, and egg-and-spoon competitions, alongside exhibitions of traditional foods from both communities.
Organisers said the festival was designed not only to celebrate shared heritage but also to reinforce social cohesion and preserve cultural identity among the two groups.
Speaking on the sidelines of the celebration, Christopher Dery recounted a traditional story often used to symbolise unity between the two tribes.
He explained that the narrative involves a hunting expedition in which members of both groups caught only a dog, which they agreed to share peacefully to avoid conflict—an act that has since been passed down as a symbol of reconciliation and cooperation.
According to him, the “missing head” in the story has become a cultural metaphor representing the ability of both groups to resolve disputes and maintain harmony.
He added that the festival seeks to deepen mutual understanding, preserve traditions, and strengthen the social fabric between the Dagaaba and Frafra people in the area.
The Member of Parliament for Atebubu Amantin, Sanja Nanja, commended the initiative, describing it as an important contribution to peacebuilding and community development.
He urged both communities to sustain the spirit of unity and continue fostering peaceful relations with other ethnic groups in the municipality to support long-term development and stability.
