The Chiefs and people of the Sirigu Traditional Area will celebrate a decade of leadership, unity, and development under the reign of Azukodaana Naba Roland Atogumdeya Akwara III, the Paramount Chief of the area. The anniversary celebration, marking 10 years since Naba Akwara III was enskinned as Paramount Chief and President of the Sirigu Traditional Council on July 20, 2015, is scheduled to take place from December 26 to December 30, 2025.
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Celebrating a Decade Naba Akwara‘s Leadership
The theme for the anniversary celebration is “A Decade of Leadership, Unity, and Development,” and it is expected to bring together the sons and daughters of Sirigu, both within and outside the traditional area. The event will honour the leadership of Naba Akwara III over the past decade and institutionalise the Azuko festival as an annual cultural event. This festival will pay homage to Azuko, the founder of Sirigu, whose vision and courage laid the foundation for the community.
The celebration will also aim to foster community unity, promote cultural heritage and tourism, mobilise resources for community development, and inspire the youth through education and talent recognition. Additionally, it will strengthen national and diaspora partnerships.
Reflecting on Progress and Challenges
At the joint launch of the anniversary and the maiden Azuko cultural festival, Naba Akwara III, in a speech delivered on his behalf, urged residents to reflect, rejoice, and recommit to the values that have united them over the years. He called on all stakeholders—including the sons and daughters of Sirigu, dignitaries, well-wishers, and the international community—to join the traditional council in the countdown to the inaugural festival.
A Living Tribute to Leadership and Legacy
“Let this 10th Anniversary and maiden Azuko festival be a living tribute to leadership, legacy, and love for our homeland,” Naba Akwara III said. He appealed to everyone to begin saving money and resources for development projects aimed at strengthening Sirigu.
The Azukodaana expressed gratitude to God, his ancestors, the gods of Sirigu, Divisional Chiefs, Queen Mothers, Assembly members, government and non-governmental agencies, and women’s groups for their support throughout his reign. He also commended the Azuko Festival Committee, led by Mr. Ricky Kasisi Peprah, for their efforts in organising the December celebration.
Regional Minister’s Praise
Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, congratulated Naba Akwara III for his decade of success and distinguished service to the people of Sirigu. He commended the chief’s leadership, which has been marked by dignity, wisdom, and a commitment to the development of Sirigu. Mr. Atanga highlighted Naba Akwara III’s efforts in championing education, upholding cultural identity, supporting women’s empowerment through the Sirigu Women’s Organisation for Pottery and Art (SWOPA), and promoting peace and cohesion.
A Life of Service and Education
Naba Akwara III, born on December 26, 1985, is the 15th male child among 30 siblings. He began his education at Sirigu Primary School, continued to Sirigu Junior High School, and completed his basic education in 2004 at Bolgatanga Secondary School. After secondary school, he worked briefly with the Navrongo Health Research Centre. He later served as a pupil teacher at his alma mater, Sirigu Primary School.
In pursuit of further academic and leadership excellence, Naba Akwara III attended Saint John Bosco College of Education in Navrongo from 2012 to 2015, before being enskinned as Paramount Chief in July 2015. He continued his studies at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), earning a Bachelor’s degree in 2019. He furthered his education at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where he obtained a Master of Arts degree in Development Studies, specialising in human rights, gender, and conflict.
A Vision for Development
Over the past decade, Naba Akwara III’s reign has been characterised by proactive leadership and a blend of traditional wisdom with modern approaches to foster development in Sirigu. His leadership has propelled the community forward, focusing on both the preservation of cultural values and the advancement of contemporary development strategies.
