A former Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Alhaji Iddrisu Adam Yoggu, has launched a book on customs of a Traditional Dagomba marriage.
The forty-page book, according to the author, is to rekindle the cultural heritage of Dagombas in respect of customary marriage.
“The book will not only preserve the Dagomba customs about marriage but will guide the youth to make good decisions when they are choosing their life-long partners and in writing this book, I have not been influenced by any modern religion practiced by Dagombas.”
Alhaji Iddrisu Adam Yoggu at the formal launch in Tamale said he developed the concept in 1985.
He bemoaned a shift away from Dagomba customs and called for a paradigm shift.
“This work could not have been published at a better time than now when our Dagomba customs and traditions are facing persecutions from uninformed Dagombas in the name of organized religions and modernity.”
“I consider this work as my modest contribution towards the preservation and protection of Dagomba customs in its purest form,” Alhaji Yoggu remarked.
The retired educationist cautioned the youth of Dagbon against cultural adulteration.
“For some time now, many NGOs have advocated for the change of certain Dagomba cultural practices including Dagomba marriage systems without any basis for change. It is therefore for this reason among others, that I have been motivated to write this book.”
“It is when we know our heritage that we can make the necessary adjustments since culture is dynamic and subject to change. The change can however be positive and better than what is being changed,” he underscored.
The Sagnarigu District Chief Executive, Alhassan Mohammed Sorigudoo said the author was worthy of emulation.
He anticipated that the book will serve as a guide to the younger generation seeking marriage. Alhassan Sorigudoo impressed upon traditional rulers to always counsel the youth to be responsible citizens.
He also called for peace and reconciliation in Dagbon which he touted as the prerequisite for development.
Other speakers including Alhaji Shani Abdul-Rahman, a former Tamale Metropolitan Director of the Ghana Education Service and Alhaji Roland M. Yahaya of School for Life described the book as a master piece.
They encouraged school heads to store copies of the book in their libraries.
Chief Hafiz Dema Naa auctioned the book and asked interested readers to grab their copies at some designated sales points including the Northern Star Radio in Tamale where the book was launched.
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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/Citifmonline.com/Ghana