MTN Ghana has donated GH¢20,000, airtime worth GH¢1,000, drinks and water to the Gonja Traditional Council to support the celebration of the 2026 Damba Festival in Damongo.
The donation which was presented on Friday, 28th August,2026 at the Jakpa Palace forms part of the telecommunications company’s commitment to supporting Ghanaian culture, traditional institutions and community development.
Presenting the items on behalf of MTN Ghana, Senior Manager for Regional Sales – North, Simon Amoh, said the company was honoured to associate itself with the Gonja people as they prepared to celebrate one of the most significant festivals in the traditional area.
He described Damba as more than a festive occasion, noting that it represents Gonja history, faith, chieftaincy, thanksgiving, communal renewal and cultural identity.
According to Mr. Amoh, the festival provides an opportunity for families and communities to reunite, honour traditional authority, reflect on the past year and renew their commitment to peace and development.
He said activities such as prayer, drumming, dancing, royal processions and the transfer of customs from elders to younger generations continue to preserve Gonja heritage and strengthen the connection between the youth and their cultural roots.
“For the Gonja people, Damba is far more than a festive occasion. Its observance recalls the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed and has, over generations, grown into a profound celebration of chieftaincy, thanksgiving and communal renewal,” he said.
Mr. Amoh noted that MTN Ghana’s support for traditional festivals was consistent with its broader commitment to being a “force for good” in communities across Ghana.
He said festivals such as Damba play an important role in preserving history, promoting social cohesion and cultural tourism, stimulating local enterprise and creating opportunities for communities to reflect on their development priorities.
“As an African company, our support reflects our belief in Africa’s potential and our commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come,” he added.
The MTN Ghana representative also disclosed that the company would deploy its experience centres to key locations during the festival to assist customers and provide seamless services.
He said the company would also use the occasion to engage with customers and gain a deeper understanding of their evolving needs.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Yagbonwura, his son, Chief Champewura, Alhaji Dr. Abdulai Issah Bakari, expressed appreciation to MTN Ghana for its continued support to the Gonja Traditional Area.
He said the Yagbonwura had been particularly pleased with MTN’s contribution to the development of communities in Gonjaland and beyond.
According to him, MTN’s presence across the northern part of Ghana and its extension of telecommunications services to communities and villages demonstrated the company’s commitment to reaching people regardless of their location.
He expressed hope that MTN would continue expanding its network to parts of Gonjaland that were yet to receive adequate coverage.
Alhaji Dr. Bakari also praised the company for its generosity, particularly its consistent willingness to support communities whenever the opportunity arose.
He said the Yagbonwura was happy with the gesture and had extended his blessings to MTN Ghana.
He further thanked the company for the GH¢20,000 cash donation, GH¢1,000 airtime and refreshments, stressing that the support was not merely for an individual but for the advancement and development of the Gonja people.
He prayed for MTN Ghana to continue to grow from strength to strength and contribute to efforts aimed at uniting Ghanaians.
The donation comes as MTN Ghana celebrates 30 years of operations in Ghana.
Mr. Amoh said the milestone was not only a celebration of MTN’s growth but also an acknowledgement of the communities whose trust and loyalty had contributed to the company’s success over the past three decades.
He said the people of Gonjaland remained an important part of MTN Ghana’s journey and thanked them for trusting the company to connect them to family, business, opportunities and the wider world.
He wished the Yagbonwura, Chiefs and Elders and the entire Gonja Traditional Area a peaceful and successful Damba Festival.
He expressed hope that the celebration would strengthen family and community bonds, uphold the dignity of Gonja chieftaincy, inspire the younger generation and promote reconciliation and shared development.
The Gonja Traditional Council, in turn, expressed pride in its partnership with MTN Ghana and wished the company continued growth and success.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
