On December 14th, the Sawa people in the Littoral region celebrated the inauguration of the Sawa Palace of Culture. The ceremony was presided over by Cameroon’s Minister of Sports and Culture, Pr. Narcisse Mouelle at the in Besseke esplanade, in Douala.
During the inauguration ceremony, His Majesty Ekwalla Essaka, chief of the Deido canton and president of the Ngondo, expressed his satisfaction with the construction of the Sawa Palace of Culture. He described it as a dream come true for his community, providing them with a worthy building for their traditional gatherings.
According to the Sawa people, the project eventually faced difficulties along the way, but through their collective efforts and determination, it became a reality. They seized the opportunity to thank The Head of State who played a crucial role by allocating 5000 square meters of land, for the construction of the Sawa Palace of Culture, this under the supervision of the Douala City Council.
The Douala City Mayor, Dr. Roger Mbassa Ndinè, expressed gratitude to the President for his support of the Ngondo and emphasized the historical significance of Bessèkè as the birthplace of the Sawa traditional assembly.
Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi also praised the President’s commitment to preserving and promoting Cameroon’s cultural heritage, as the Minister described culture as the « light of humanity » that gives meaning and identity to the Sawa people.
The Sawa Palace of Culture, which was inaugurated on December 14, is a majestic monument, built on a 1760m2 surface area, comprising three sections, including a modular multipurpose hall and a mezzanine. It is shaped like a canoe, symbolizing the unity and shared cultural elements of the Sawa people.
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of sons and daughters of the Sawa people both home and abroad, as well as dignitaries and personalities from this community. Dressed in their traditional regalia, the sons and daughters showcased some traditional dancing skills, performed sketches, and made use of their mother tongue. An initiative which was applauded by the many visitors who answered present.
The inauguration of the Sawa Palace of Culture marks a significant milestone for the Sawa community and provides a platform for showcasing their rich cultural heritage.
