Techiman (Bono East), Dec. 2, GNA – The Builsa Traditional Area’s renowned ‘war dancers’ from the Upper East Region delivered a captivating performance at the 2024 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC), held at the Techiman Methodist School Park in the Bono East Regional capital.
Dressed in traditional war regalia and adorned with talismans, the dancers performed the ancient “Lealik” war dance, enthralling the audience.
This historic dance commemorates the Builsa warriors’ victory over the infamous slave raiders Samori and Babatu, who terrorized the Kassena-Nankanas and Builsas in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Armed with bows and arrows, the warriors valiantly defended their people from being captured and sold into slavery during the Gold Coast era.
This year’s NAFAC, themed “Beyond NAFAC at 60: Harnessing Culture, the Pivot for Ghana’s Democracy and Sustainable Development,” celebrates the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The festival features traditional dances, culinary exhibitions, and dramatic performances from across Ghana.
The Volta Region showcased the vibrant ‘Klipkpo’ dance, while the Ashanti Region highlighted the elegant ‘Adowa’ dance alongside the displays of their warriors and ancient priests, illustrating their cultural traditions of land protection and leadership.
The Bono East Region added to the celebration with a thought-provoking drama emphasizing the importance of national peace, unity, and social cohesion. The four-day festival continues to celebrate Ghana’s diverse cultural tapestry.