The King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Jira Yagbonwura Bikunuto Jewu Soale the First, has officially opened the new yam season in Gonjaland after performing the traditional Gbandawu ritual at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo.
The age-old ceremony, which took place yesterday Sunday, 14th June 2026, was led by the Kakulase people from Makuma as custom and tradition demand.
During the pacification rites, the Yagbonwura offered prayers for the souls of those who have gone before. Men and women who fought and worked tirelessly for the welfare of the Gonja Kingdom. He equally prayed for all living souls who continue to work hard to uplift the image of Gonjaland, and called on the Almighty for peace, unity, a bumper harvest and farming season and development to prevail across the kingdom.
The Damongo Wura Seidu Kelly Boresa I, flanked by his sub-chiefs, as well as Nsua Wura Jamani, were among the dignitaries present at the Jakpa Palace to witness the historic annual occasion.
At the conclusion of the traditional rites, the Kakulase people declared that all traditional leaders across Gonjaland may now proceed to perform their own local ceremonies clearing the way for their communities to access and consume the new yam.
(Cue Audio of Abutu Kakulae)
The Gbandawu is one of the most cherished traditions of the Gonja people, marking the beginning of the yam harvest season and reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of the kingdom.
Yagbonwura Performs Gbandawu Ritual, Opens New Yam Season in Gonjaland
