The people of Chamba have cemented their relationship with the Nanumbas by taking part for the first time in this year’s celebration of the Damba festival.

The ceremony, which took place in Bimbilla was initiated by the Chamba Naa, Alhaj Wumpe, under the authority of the regent of Bimbilla, Yakubu Andani. The ceremony also saw the enskinnment of the Chamba Community Chief, Chief Zakaria Tahiru Kuta III by the Chamba Naa, Alhaj Wumpe at the Chamba palace.

In his acceptance speech, Chief Kuta noted that the participation of the people of Chamba in the Damba celebration was to cement the integration between them and the Nanumba traditions.

The chief, who also goes by the name ‘Zorsimdi Naa’ thanked the entire community for the privileges and opportunities that they would derive from the integration by the respective traditions and promised not to let them down.

He also promised to use his new position to work for the unity of Chamba communities and also support the development of the area.

Naa Kuta paid glowing tribute to the memories of the late Chamba chief, Naa Alhaj Salifu Alhassan and the late Chamba chief of Accra, Chief Issahaku Kuta II and described them as visionary leaders who started the integration process.

The Chamba delegation to the Damba festival, who also witnessed the enskinnment of the community chief included women groups, Imams of the Chamba community and youth groups.

In a related development, chief Kuta III also donated some items to Jilo, a Muslim community in Bimbilla. Some of the items including carpets, prayer mats and the like, were donated to the mosque and were received by the Imam of the mosque.

The conferment of the title ‘Zorsimdi Naa’ on Chief Kuta III means he has been entrusted with chieftaincy powers to lead the entire Chamba community.