By Ghana News

Copyright ghanamma

Broham – As part of the final preparations towards the annual Benkadi Kurubi Festival, 2025, the National Association of the Benkadi Youth Association of Ghana (NABYAG) concluded its 3rd National Delegates’ Conference, with the launch of the Brohani Benkadi Youth Association at Broham in Suyani.

The launch, held at the Brohani School Park on Saturday, October 4, 2025, drew the energetic Benkadi Youth to the school park to witness the association’s launch and receive briefings in anticipation of the 26th annual Benkadi Kurubi Festival, scheduled to take place from 21st to 30th November, 2025.

Mini Festival, Youth Participation and Benkadi Composition

Although traditional rituals associated with festivals are typically performed by the elderly, the pomp and pageantry that beautify festivals are led by the youth. Following this, Mohammed Abdulai Cessey, the National Chairman of the association, reiterated that as part of their rotational policy guiding their association, it was the turn to inaugurate the association for Bono Ahafo indigenes to pave the way for the celebration of the Benkadi Kurubi Festival.

He explained that the colourful display being witnessed at the venue signifies the importance of this mini festival, which would usher in the main festival in November. He stated that the gathering serves as a unifying force that has brought together all members of the association from far and near within the region. “This meeting aims to bring us together to forge a common course towards achieving development for our people”, he stated.

As the last mini Kurubi festival drew to a close, Abdulai Cessey seized the opportunity to remind all association members, particularly those of Wangara descent, urging them to assume key roles in forthcoming festival activities. He emphasized that this was solely about preserving their cultural heritage. “Demonstrate your pride as a Wagaran by participating in the festival scheduled for 21st to 30th November at Kintampo, showcasing your cultural richness to the global community”, he appealed to the youth.

Regarding the composition of Benkadi, Mr. Fuseini Adams, president of the association, noted that there are three groups, namely: the Council of Wangara Chiefs at the apex, followed by the Benkadi Executives, and lastly the Youth Association, dotted across towns within the traditional area.

Echoing similar sentiments as the chair, Fuseini reiterated that they were at Brohani to launch the association’s branch, which would serve as the vehicle to transmit information to members and receive feedback, and also to revitalize the less buoyant association as the main festival approaches.

Pay Attention to Education

The Overlord of the Kintampo Traditional Area, (Masaaba) Sariki Yusif Koulibaly Fanyanimah III, who chaired the event, encouraged the youth to take education very seriously. He reminded them of its importance in advancing the Wangara interest. He counseled them to learn Arabic and English languages, stating that it has now become a prerequisite for modern life. “I am therefore appealing to our mothers to treat their children’s education with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” he said.

Sariki Fanyanimah III mentioned that the presidency of John Dramani Mahama would be enabling some Ghanaians to study in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Gulf countries. “The eligibility criterion is fluency in Arabic and English. Without it, you cannot benefit from such an opportunity. Education is beneficial and must be treated as such,” he emphasised.

Festival Date and Location

The 26th Annual Benkadi Kurubi Festival is scheduled to take place from Friday, 21st November, to Sunday, 30th November 2025 . The celebrations will be held in Kintampo, and the grand durbar of chiefs, which is the highlight of the festival, is set for Saturday, 29th November 2025 . The theme for this year “Resetting The Spirit, Rekindling The Legacy.

The Meaning of “Benkadi”

The name “Benkadi” is shared with a separate, region-wide development program. This program, active in several West African countries including Ghana, focuses on climate change policy and community resilience. In the Mande language, “Benkadi” means “working together in the same direction” . This theme of collaboration aligns well with the spirit of a community festival.

Youth Must Heed to The Call

As the curtain draws down on the last mini festival—an event aimed at galvanising youth support—momentum is building for the main event. The 26th Annual Benkadi Kurubi Festival is under the auspices of the Chiefs and People of Wangara and the Benkadi Association, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority. Now, we can only wait to see if the Benkadi youth will heed the call to rise and make it a memorable one.