Tensions are rising in Saboba, a border town in Ghana’s Northern Region, following a deepening dispute between the Paramount Chief and the Chief Priest over this year’s celebration of the Ndipondaan (Guinea Corn) Festival.
The rift stems from a decision by the Paramount Chief and his elders to celebrate the festival on December 6, 2025, even though the Chief Priest and his subjects already marked the event on March 1.
History of the Festival
The Ndipondaan Festival is celebrated by the Bichabob lineage of the Konkomba People, to which both the Paramount Chief and the Chief Priest belong.
Traditionally observed at the start of a new year, the festival is held to give thanks to the gods for peace, protection, rain, a bountiful harvest and long life.
Though its origins date back to the 1970s, the celebration became dormant until 2000 when it was revived by the then Chief Priest, Utindaan Unikpel Singbaan Kookaan.
In 2002, the then Paramount Chief, Ubor Bowan Kwadin, appealed for the consolidation of the festival to unify the Konkomba people.
The Chief Priest agreed, leading to a rebranding of the festival under the name Nchabodos Ndipondaan.
The celebration was suspended again for several years until its restoration in 2022 by the late Chief Priest, Utindaan Unikpel Njanyan Bichag, with the support of the Paramount Chief.
Dispute Between New Paramount Chief and Chief Priest
Fresh confusion erupted in 2023 after a statue was erected by the new Chief Priest, Utindaan Ichiin Kakuja, as part of preparations for the festival.
The Paramount Chief objected to the installation, challenged it in court, and subsequently distanced himself from the festival.
This year, after the Chief Priest held the festival in March, the Paramount Chief announced a separate celebration in December—an action that has been fiercely rejected by the Chief Priest and his followers, escalating tensions within the traditional area.
Chief Priest Protests
In a strongly worded statement, the Chief Priest condemned the Paramount Chief’s decision, warning that it would “pollute the customs and traditions of Nchabodos” and potentially bring “bad omen on our land.”
“I, the Utindaan, will not allow such to happen,” he said, accusing the Paramount Chief—Ubor Mateer—of actions that are “a recipe for disunity and chaos in Saboba and its traditional area.”
He called on national and regional security agencies, as well as the leadership of the Konkomba Youth Association, to intervene, alleging that the Paramount Chief is “fomenting trouble through his inappropriate traditional approach to celebrating the Ndipondaan Festival.”
“We will not sit aloof and allow Ubor Mateer to subvert the traditional authority of the Utindaan,” he added. “I call on him to stop this unfortunate action and rather join the existing Guinea Corn Festival that promotes peace and development in the area.”
Paramount Chief Fires Back: “You Can’t Stop Me”
In response, the Paramount Chief dismissed the Chief Priest’s objections, arguing that the Utindaan has no authority under Ghanaian law to instruct a Paramount Chief on traditional matters.
“Under the 1992 Constitution and the Chieftaincy Act of 2008, chiefs are recognized as custodians of tradition and culture. It is therefore not within your authority or mandate to instruct the Paramount Chief of Saboba Traditional Area to halt or alter any traditional program, including the Ndipondaan Festival,” he stated.
He also described as “misleading” claims that the festival was being prepared in his honour for the first time.
The Paramount Chief insisted the December celebration would proceed, emphasising his commitment to the unity and cultural heritage of Saboba.
“In light of this development, I call on the District Security Council to ensure maximum security and protection for all attendees and participants. The celebration will proceed in peace and dignity, in accordance with our customs and the laws of Ghana,” he said.
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