The annual Yam Festival, known as “PIDIA,” was celebrated in grand style in the Jama Traditional Area of the Savannah Region on 10th September 2024. The festival, led by the Jama Kooro and Paramount Chief, Nnaa Professor Lanjagor Karley II, is a long-standing cultural event that honors the region’s agricultural heritage, particularly the harvesting of yams.
The festival’s theme this year, “Empowering the Youth for Sustainable Development,” focused on the importance of youth empowerment. Addressing the gathering, Nnaa Professor Lanjagor Karley II emphasized the need for the community to invest in the younger generation. “In the heart of the young person lies the potential for greatness,” he remarked, highlighting that empowering youth is essential for building a sustainable future for the region.
The celebrations included traditional rituals, drumming, singing, and a colorful yam procession, where farmers showcased their newly harvested yams. Culinary competitions such as fufu pounding and yam eating contests, along with quiz competitions and games, also added excitement to the event.
A notable aspect of the festival was the active involvement of the youth in various activities. Prior to the main event, there was a massive cleanup exercise in Jama town and Jama Moonyoa, supported by the Bui Power Authority. The Authority donated cleaning equipment including wheelbarrows, cutlasses, dustbins, and rakes. The event also featured lively performances by a youth brass band from St. Anthony of Padua Sec/Tech School, Bamboi.
During his speech, Nnaa Professor Lanjagor Karley II issued a stern warning to the people of the traditional area, urging them to disregard any impersonators claiming to be the paramount chief. He reaffirmed his rightful position as the sole holder of the title.
Also present at the durbar were prominent political figures, including the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Bole Bamboi Constituency, Hon. Raphael Kumah Abolasom, and the District Chief Executive, Hon. Veronica Alele Heming, who also addressed the gathering.
The festival, which marks the official start of the yam harvest season, brought together political leaders, educationists, representatives from the Bui Power Authority, youth groups, and many distinguished sons and daughters of the Jama Traditional Area.
This year’s celebration not only showcased the rich cultural traditions of the Jama people but also emphasized the importance of youth development in ensuring a brighter future for the community.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Salifu Adam Jabu
