The people of Kusele in the Nandom Municipality of the Upper West Region on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025, celebrated their annual festival, drawing together residents, families, and visitors from nearby communities.
The festival featured a range of activities, including a bicycle race, archery, and other traditional competitions, creating an atmosphere of excitement and cultural pride.
Speaking at the event, the Kusele Naa, Ganglaar Bog-belagr Tater V, explained that the Kusele Kapaala Festival (KuKaFest) is observed to thank the gods of the land for a good harvest.
He noted that the festival also serves as an important occasion to reunite families and friends, while providing a platform to reflect and plan for the future development of the community.
The traditional ruler used the opportunity to appeal to community members and well-wishers to contribute towards the establishment of a vocational school, which is expected to equip residents with practical skills and improve livelihoods.
The Kusele Naa further disclosed that the festival was first introduced in 2018 under the name Mini-Kakube and was held again in 2019.
However, activities were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic until its revival in December 2025 under the new name, Kusele Kapaala Festival. Kapaala, a Dagara word, refers to New Guinea corn.
The festival was well attended by people from neighbouring communities, as well as friends and family members. Personnel from the Nandom Ambulance Service, Ghana Police Service, and Ghana Health Service were also present to ensure safety and health support throughout the celebration.
By: Mohammed Abdulai, Nandom.
