In every society in Ghana,
there are many ways to express their culture. One of the ways in which the
people of Nafaland (Bandaman Gh) used to express their rich culture is the Fordjour festival.
Fordjour is the major
festival for all the settlers’ of Nafaland (Bandaman Gh), which they love to celebrate every
year. It is well known as Yam festival.
Fordjour is celebrated to remember the great ancestors of Nafaland and also to honor the great farmers of the land. This occasion usually take place between the month of August and October of every year. There is no fixed date set for the festival because of variation in seasons. (i.e. rainy and dry season).
Fordjour is celebrated to remember the great ancestors of Nafaland and also to honor the great farmers of the land. This occasion usually take place between the month of August and October of every year. There is no fixed date set for the festival because of variation in seasons. (i.e. rainy and dry season).
Pruruu - the minor section
To me Fordjour (the
Yam festival) is divided in two sections or parts, and these are the minor and
major sections. Before the actual date is set for the major section, the minor
one needs to be performed. It is mainly used to introduce or welcome new yam
into the various communities, it is called Proruu.
In this occasion yam
tubers are brought home for the first time within the year. The traditional
leaders in every town, palaces, and families pray simple prayers to their gods
and ancestors. After this, a date is set for the main or major festival, Fordjour,
in every community.