Ghana Districts: A repository of all Local Assemblies in Ghana

SOCIAL

Damba and Bugum Festivals Strengthen Unity in Mamprugu Moagduri District

Cultural traditions continue to play a vital role in strengthening social cohesion and community development in the Mamprugu Moagduri District, where diverse ethnic groups live under a shared traditional authority.

Date Created : 2/18/2026 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Mary Ayertey/Ghanadistricts.com

The district is predominantly inhabited by the Mamprusis, Kantonsis, Komma, and Builsas, alongside Fulani communities who support livestock production as herdsmen. Despite the diversity, the people are united by common cultural values and a well-defined traditional leadership system.

Islam is the dominant religion, and the district’s cultural calendar is highlighted by the Damba Festival and the Fire Festival (Bugum), both observed according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Damba Festival, a twin celebration comprising Somo Damba and Naa Damba, commemorates the birth and naming ceremony of the Holy Prophet Mohammed. The sighting of the Damba month, locally known as “Goori,” signals the start of the festivities. Beyond celebration, the festival serves as a period of reconciliation, during which unresolved chieftaincy disputes are settled, broken marriages reviewed, and unity restored among all Mamprugu gates.

The Bugum Festival, observed to mark the landing of Prophet Noah’s Ark after the flood, also attracts widespread participation. In recent times, both festivals have evolved into important public forums where community needs are highlighted and government policies communicated to the people through durbars.

These cultural celebrations continue to serve as powerful tools for unity, dialogue, and development in the Mamprugu Moagduri District.