The people of Sonyor has celebrated this year’s Deng festival in a grand style in the Bole District of Savannah Region on Saturday 20 May 2023.
Kpongriwura Zakaria Adams and also a member of the Council of State mention chaired this year’s event to a successful end.
This festival which is similar to the Aboakyiri festival of the chiefs and people of the Afutu and Awutu where the dear is the animal in content, while in the case of Sonyor it is the legendary rabbit which is the animal in content.
The Deng festival was not only a spiritual festival but it was also a festival of unity where people from all over the Savannah Region and beyond come together to celebrate it, Kpongriwura Zakaria said.
The Theme for this year’s Deng festival is “Harnessing Cultural Potentials For Tourism Development In Savannah Region”.
The DCE fo Bole Hon. Veronica Alele in her speech mentioned that she’s not very pleased with the nature of the road that leads to Sonyor from Bole and it has been her wish to get it done so that the road will be motorable.
She added several years she’s been in office lobbying for that to happen and unfortunately on her behalf there is a contractor on the road now and she’s not in a position to say when they are starting but she has done her part by lobbying for the road to be given on contract and so prety soon we will see a contractor on the road any moment from now.
DCE Madam Alele mentioned again that she’s able to construct a CHIPS compound and also provided a tricycle ambulance to transport sick people from the Sonyor community to Bole hospital .
A speech delivered by the MP for Bole Bamboi Constituency on behalf of the Savannah Regional MP’s caucus in parliament said the organizers visited parliament of Ghana and to officially invite them to the program.
Hon. Sulemana said again the event is historic and very important and we must all be part of it in promoting culture.
He said “I served on the committee of trade and industry and tourism and so I know how it takes and how it is to promote tourism”.
The MP mentioned that he wants to ensure that next year they will be part of the sponsorship of this historic program.
“”We cannot promote culture without unity and so I want to appeal to all the elders of this community, the youth and all of us to prioritize unity” he said.
A speech delivered by the Bono East Regional Director of Ghana Tourism Authority on behalf of the CEO Mr. Akwesi Agyeman thanked the chiefs and people of Sonyor and the entire VASCAN membership on the occasion of the Deng festival 2023.
Mr. Akwesi Agyeman said the theme for the festival “harnessing the cultural potential for tourism development in the Savannah Region” is not only appropriate and suitable in the circumstance but also very strategic in the development of the traditional area, the Savannah Region and the entire nation as a whole.
The CEO mentioned again that as a key driver of development cultural resources festivals are a delight to tourist and visitors in general and the social potential of the Savannah Region but not limited to the Deng festival alone, the indigenous crafts such as the smocks weaving and the tradition contribute big to a memorable experience for potential visitors to the Savannah Region.
The GTA expresses it’s readiness to partner with all relevant stakeholders to advance the development of tourism in the Region.
Prof. Joshua Alabi delivered a speech on behalf of the Former President John Mahama and also made a donation of Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis(Ghc 10,000) to the organizers of the program.
Prof Alabi said culture is the life blood of a nation and the essence that defines the identity and shapes it’s future, so our Savannah Region is blessed with a vibrant history of traditions, customs and festivals that have been passed down through generations to us and among this is the Deng festival.
He added that for centuries the Deng festival has been a symbol of our collective spirit showcasing resilience and that bond that unite the people”.
The Deng festival has made Sonyor tradition unique and special and creating a sense of community wellbeing and positive recognition and this rich and unique culture of the people of this area can boost the local economy of it if we plan and market it well, he added.
The Savannah Regional MP’s caucus in parliament made a donation of two thousand Ghana cedis (ghc2,000) While The managing Director of GWCL Dr. Briamah Clifford made a donation of five thousand Ghana cedis (ghc5,000), the Regional Minister also made a donation of one thousand Ghana cedis (ghc 1,000) and the DCE for Bole also made a cash donation of five hundred Ghana cedis(ghc 500) to the organizers of the program.
Peoples in and from different places were in Sonyor to celebrate this year’s 2023 Deng festival.
Source: yagbonradioonline/Fataw Diwura
