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The feuding royal gates of Dagbon- Abudus and Andanis, at the weekend jointly celebrated the annual Damba festival at Yendi, in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region. It was on the theme: �Honouring our Culture and Traditions, Advancing our Fathers.� Damba festival is celebrated by most of the ethnic groups of Muslim origin in Northern Ghana. The festival is celebrated by the chiefs and people of Dagbon, Gonjas, Mamprusis, Nanumbas and the Walas. The main aim for the merriment is to remember the birth and naming ceremony of the Holy Prophet Mohammed, Founder of Islam. The two gates had engaged in bloody conflicts leading to the assassination of the Overlord of Dagbon; Yana Yakubu Andani II, 11 years ago and scores of his traditional elders in Yendi. The Abudu Royal Family and chiefs led by Bavin-Lana Abdulai Mahama and Sunson-Na Shani Amidu II, representatives of Nanton Na and the youth joined their Andani counterparts to celebrate the festival at the Gbewaa Palace. Mr Bede Ziedeng, Regional Minister commended both the Kampakuya Na, Regent of Dagbon and Bolin-Lana, Leader of the Abudus for the maturity they have so far displayed in using dialogue in resolving their differences. He called on the chiefs and people of Dagbon to bury their differences as well as the hatchet to let peace prevail. This, he said would allow the Dagbon Kingdom, which had very strong historical antecedent to restore its rich heritage. Mr Ziedeng said government is on track in prosecuting its developmental agenda but this could only be possible if the people could sustain the pace and even fast track it in an atmosphere of peace and unity. The Regional Minister stated that a divided home cannot be supported in any way. He said the region cannot afford to continue to spend scarce resources mainly on conflict resolution when there is the dire need for good roads, good health facility, quality education, potable water and good sanitation, reliable electricity supply among other services. Mr Ziedeng noted that even though Damba originated from Islam it is now part and parcel of the northern culture. Kampakuya Na Andani Yakubu Abdulai, Regent of Dagbon and Acting President of Dagbon Traditional Council, called on Dagombas not to see themselves as Abudus or Andanis but as a united people to facilitate prosperity, development and peace. He said Dagbon should not be associated with division, intolerance, violence and of lack progress. Kampakuya Abdulai said the major common enemy facing the people includes poverty, environmental change, and unfavorable market forces. He said all over the world Dagombas are making their mark and these proud ambassadors must be honoured and celebrated as beacons of their great past, present and future. According to the Regent they have to build on the foundations their fathers left for them, grow a strong successful nation and leave a proud and enduring story for their children.