Dagbon Kingdom suspends Damba Festival to honour late Overlord

The Dagbon Kingdom has decided to halt its annual Damba Festival in honor of the late Overlord Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II. The revered festival, which celebrates cultural heritage through music, dance, and royal ceremonies, was announced to be suspended by Naa Yeb Kug’naa Adam Abdulai, the head of the Kingmakers. Mahama II's death on July 11, 2026, after a seven-year reign known for unifying the kingdom, prompted the decision.

This suspension aligns with traditional Dagbon customs, which call for a period of mourning that typically curtails major festivities. The Damba Festival, the largest cultural event in the Dagbon calendar, usually draws thousands to the Northern Region capital for a week of drumming, dance, horseback processions, and royal assemblies presided over by the Yaa-Naa.

This year, however, none of those ceremonies will occur. The Kingmakers stated that all Damba-related activities across the kingdom would remain suspended until the funeral and mourning rituals are completed. Mahama II took the throne in 2019, ending a 17-year period of division and chieftaincy crisis. His reign was marked by reconciliation and cultural revival.

Additional details regarding the late Overlord's funeral rites are anticipated to be released by the Gbewaa Palace in the coming days.