The Wa Naa, Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, brought this year’s Dumba Festival to a memorable close by performing a rare and historic variation of the traditional cow-jumping ritual—crossing over the sacrificial cow using his walking staff.
This marks the first time in 18 years that the overlord has not physically jumped over the cow himself, and the first instance in over a century where any Waala chief has performed the symbolic act using the staff of authority.
The cow-jumping ritual, a central spiritual highlight of the Dumba Festival, is a mandatory rite for every Waala overlord. Successfully completing the jump is believed to herald blessings and prosperity for the Waala State, while failure is seen as an ominous sign.
Now 74 years old, Wa Naa Pelpuo IV has successfully performed the jump 17 times since his enskinment. In the lead-up to this year’s ritual, speculation mounted over whether his age and declining strength would prevent him from completing the physically demanding task.
Dressed in a traditional ancestral smock adorned with protective amulets, the Wa Naa emerged before his people in a solemn and reflective atmosphere. Unlike previous years, which were marked by jubilation, drumming, and dancing, this year’s ritual was characterized by solemn prayers offered by queen mothers, chiefs, and family elders.
According to custom, the overlord must circle the cow three times before performing the crossing. To the surprise of many, the Wa Naa extended his walking staff over the animal, thereby fulfilling the ritual without making the leap himself.
Palace elders later clarified that invoking the authority of the staff is a legitimate alternative when the chief is physically unable to jump—affirming that the ritual’s spiritual essence remained intact.
After the successful completion of the ceremony, the Wa Naa briefly withdrew, only to return resplendent in full ceremonial regalia, wearing a medallion symbolizing triumph and spiritual assurance for the Waala State.
The cow-crossing remains the most anticipated event of the Dumba Festival, and this year’s symbolic gesture has been widely described as both historic and deeply meaningful for the Waala people.
