The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bole, Abdulai Mahmud has called on the people of the Sonyo Traditional Area to preserve their cultural heritage and continue promoting peace and unity during the 2026 Deng Festival celebration held at Sonyo on May 16, 2026.
Addressing patrons at the festival, Hon. Mahmud described the Deng Festival as an important traditional event handed down by the forefathers to promote unity, commerce and social cohesion among the people.
According to him, the festival continues to achieve its intended purpose by bringing people together and reminding them of their cultural roots and identity.“Today marks an important event in the lives of the people around here in the Sonyo Traditional Area. We are celebrating our Deng Festival, a tradition passed on to us by our forefathers to foster unity, encourage commerce, and bring our people together,” he stated.
The Bole DCE commended the organizers of the festival for sustaining the tradition and providing a platform that unites the people of the area and beyond.He assured residents that government, in collaboration with the Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi and Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana and President John Dramani Mahama is working to address some of the developmental challenges confronting the area.
Hon. Mahmud also expressed appreciation to the Vagla Youth Association (VAYA) for the critical role it played during recent disturbances and conflicts within the area, specifically at Gbiniyiri.He noted that the association’s engagement and consultations contributed significantly to the quick response and restoration of peace in the affected communities.“Peace is something we cannot underrate, and for that matter, let us all unite and do the needful,” he urged.The DCE further advised organizers of the festival to improve certain aspects of the celebration, particularly the use of sound systems and recorded music, to preserve the dignity and cultural identity of the event.He encouraged residents and patrons to celebrate in unity and continue supporting initiatives that promote development and peaceful coexistence within the traditional area.
Meanwhile, the Savannah Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Seidu Imoro a.k.a Man Blessing has urged organizers and traditional authorities to uphold the dignity and image of the Deng Festival.
According to him, Sonyo has long been recognized for its traditional worship and spiritual heritage, which has historically helped resolve many problems within and beyond the Sonyo Traditional Area.He expressed concern that the belief and respect for the traditions of the area are gradually fading and called for efforts to restore and preserve them with dignity and hope.
Alhaji Seidu Imoro also appealed to VAYA to continue engaging the NDC whenever major occasions are organized, stressing the long-standing relationship between the association and the party.“VAYA is NDC and NDC is VAYA,” he stated.
Source: nkilgifm.com
