By Peter Agengre
Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority Wisdom Ahadzi has praised the Talensi Traditional Area’s chiefs and people for a successful annual Golobo Festival. He believes the unique festival must be repackaged to attract more tourists, with the event culminating in a captivating Golobo dance at the Tongrana’s palace.
“I have indicated to the organizers of this festival, this is a unique festival in the region and lots of revenue can be accrued from it to develop the area. It is important to repackage it and make it more attractive and convenient for people when they visit. They should provide the people seats, receive visitors and deliver some messages to youth while taking into consideration preservation of the tradition.” The Regional Tourism Authority boss suggested.
The Golobo Festival marks the start of the farming season, seeking divine blessings for fertile lands and a bumper harvest. The climax features golobo dancers in war attire, showcasing energetic footwork, amidst earth-shaking rhythms, impressing audiences, including Ghana Tourism Authority’s Upper East Regional Director, Wisdom Ahadzi.
“Cultures here are unique and can be promoted. It is part of GTA’s mandate to promote festivals which is part of the people’s culture. Golob dance is beautiful to watch and it is one of my favorite cultures that rejoices my soul anytime I witness its celebration.” Mr. Ahadzi indicated.
During the Golobo Festival, certain activities are prohibited, including marriage ceremonies, extramarital affairs, noise-making, and mourning. This emphasizes the festival’s focus on peace and harmony. Additionally, clothing is forbidden, and golob dancer Rockson Bukari shares the significance behind this unique tradition.
“As we stand at the Tongrana’s palace, we don’t wear any clothing because it’s forbidden throughout the period. Men can only wear pair of shorts while the women can use a cloth or towel to wrap around their bodies. If you mistakenly cut somebody with a blade, the gods must be purified. That’s the uniqueness of the festival.” Rockson Bukari explains.
Special guests of honour at the climax included the Member of Parliament for Talensi Daniel Mahama who commended the people for preserving the culture and tradition of Talenteng.
“You can see the number of people who are around today. It signifies unity and love among the people. The festival reminds us of where our ancestors came from and how they came together as a united front. When the people are dancing the ground shakes; showing that togetherness brings progress.” Mr. Mahama said.
Private sacred rites precede the Tongraan’s distribution of millet to households through the Tindaamas, a symbolic gesture before the sowing season.
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