Dagbon Indigenes In UK Unites For Development

Indigenes of Gbagbon from the Northern Region, who are domiciled in the United Kingdom (UK), have come together to form an association to promote unity towards the development of Dagbon, as well as promote unity and cohesion within the Dagbon community in the UK.

According to the executives, “although DUUK is called Dagon Union, membership is open to all descendants of Naa Gbewa the Great: Mamprugu Nanug and of course our slaves the Moshies. Non Dagombas born and bred in Dagbon are also eligible to join”.

The association, which is non-political and non-religious, was originally formed in 2012, and christened the Dagbon Union UK (DUUK).

The association, which started with few members who used to meet at each other homes, currently, has about 200 members, including adults and children.

Addressing the Union at the official inauguration ceremony, the Chairman, Alhaji Alhassan Mbalba said, “DUUK is non- political, non- religious non- sectarian and any other artificial division we have imposed on ourselves as a tribe.”

He stated that, the aims and objectives of the union was also to “Inculcate our cultural beliefs, practices and values into our children. We are mindful that cultural is not static, it is dynamic so we are seeking to blend our culture with western culture to make Dagbon's culture attractive to our children.”

It is also aimed at “Provision of welfare services to our members, which is why our motto and slogan is Mabilgu”
According to the Chairman, “as an infant union we have had and continue to have our fair share of teething problems: Some of problems are finance, differences in opinions regarding the strategic direction of DUUK and other logistical problems.”

Narrating the achievements chalked by the Union, the Chairman said “despite our DUUK's challenges and we have chalked some successes eg promoting unity and cohesion within Dagbon Community in the UK, our continuous existence and growing number is great achievement and new branches being set up.”

“An example is the Birmingham branch. It's our hope next year this time DUUK will branches in every big town and city in the UK”.

He said, “Notwithstanding our financial constraints we have been able to make book donations to University for Development Studies and Tamale central library and welfare service to our members.

Alhaji Mbalba mentioned, “Mr Guest speaker and all invited guest our short -term goal is to be organisingDamba festival every year and medium to long term goal : is to sell the idea of DUUK's model as a template to all Dagombas- especially those living in diaspora -ie we can put aside our personal and group interest in the collective interest of Dagbon”.

For the long -term goal, the Union will “Team up with other Dagbon Unions in diaspora so that we can be staging regular Big event: Home-Coming or Dagbon Diaspora Conference for Joined up thinking or brainstorming the developmental needs and goals of Dagbon”.

He indicated that “DUUK in partnership with relevant stakeholders to devise and carry out outreach programs in the areas of health, education and social protection in the deprived communities in Dagbon.

The Chairman continued that “DUUK cannot achieve these noble goals without the support of distinguished sons and daughters and other stakeholders. And DUUK will be knocking at doors seeking your advice, guidance and other forms of support to help us achieve our goals”. `

The well-organized event was also graced by Dr. Abdul Nasir Issahaku, the Governor of Bank of Ghana, the special guest of Honour was Mr. Asare, who stood in for the main Guest speaker, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, while Mr. Blankson also represented Ghana’s Ambassador to the UK, Victor Smith.