The National Maulid Walk: A Beacon of Unity and Youth Mobilisation – A View from the other Side.

Photo by CleanHeart Photography

By Abdul Hakeem Mohammed

Introduction
The National Maulid Walk is a socio-religious walk institutionalized by the New Fadama Youth with the primary objective of promoting good health, unity, and togetherness. Under the leadership of the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr Osumanu Nuuhu Sharubutu, the walk has seen consistent growth to become an integral part of the National Maulid celebrations, gathering momentum and setting the tone for the annual grand event. In collaboration with other Zongo communities, this year’s walk, the 7^th edition, brought together over 200,000 people from the length and breadth of the country and beyond befitting of its nationalistic status.

Criticisms and Challenges
Given the divergent intra-Islamic views and beliefs so far as the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is concerned, this event has received condemnation mostly from persons outside the Tijanniyyah sect. While the recurring annual debates on social media on the appropriateness of the celebration of the birth of the Prophet (PBUH) may have declined, if not ceased entirely, prominent attention is now being given to highlighting the un-Islamic conduct of events that ensue during the walk. Notably, issues of inappropriate dressing among females, the playing of un-Islamic genres of music, and inappropriate chants and dance in some instances have been highlighted through post-event commentaries on social media consistently in recent years. This year’s commentaries have not been different from those mentioned above, with some persons calling on the organizers to cancel the event outright.

Achievements and Socio-Economic Benefits
A careful assessment of the objectives of the event will reveal some significant success necessitating commendation to the organizers. Arguably, the National Maulid Walk can be said to be the largest socio-religious walk currently in Ghana. A feat achieved through several years of conscious planning and improvements. The economic benefits of this walk are evident in the several merchandise and paraphernalia that are produced, sold and shared for free in some instances. The shortage of such merchandise and paraphernalia some 24 hours to the walk is indicative of the economy created by this event. The convergence of the youth from several zongo communities to champion an agenda of interest to the youth year-in-year-out has made it a fertile platform to push for the change and development in our Zongo communities. This year’s focus was to end the use of illicit drugs among the youth in our zongos. This message was resounding at the walk with Hausa Youth Ghana undertaking some Data gathering on skill sets to help in job placements for some youth in our Zongos.

Preserving Authenticity
Despite these successes chalked up, there is more to be done. While the dissatisfaction expressed about some indecent dressings and inappropriate music genres can be said to be legitimate and even acknowledged by organizers as deserving of consideration, they should not overshadow the overwhelming health, social, and economic benefits the walk continues to generate. Hence, the call for its cancellation, in my opinion, is far-fetched and dismissible. Every event has its underlying theme and objectives, and is not susceptible to external influence that may affect the authenticity of the theme. Every event manager hopes to see increased patronage. However, growth in attendance comes with its attendant implications, as seen in the National Maulid Walk. This is why several scholars in the tourism and event space attribute mass tourism or mass event patronage to the tendency of a loss of authenticity of attractions or experiences. In instances as these, measures must be put in place to protect the authenticity of the event. In this regard, the organizers have shown commitment with the introduction of an award for the Best Dressed Female. This award, introduced as part of the fifth edition in 2023, aims to select persons who dress in accordance with the theme of the event and honor them. By so doing, they serve as a reference for other attendees, and the rise in indecent dress at the event will be reduced, if not eradicated. While improvements could be seen after the introduction of the award, these concerns still exist, necessitating some further measures.

Recommendations and Way Forward
The organizers of the event must look at having a clear code of conduct for the event. This code of conduct must transcend beyond the dressing to include acceptable music genres and chants. An effective communication of this code of conduct to the public as part of pre-event engagements and promotions should yield some positive results. The creation of a team to correct on-spot deviant behaviors, especially regarding the music genres and chants, will go a long way to help protect the theme and authenticity of the event. Finally, expanding the awards scheme to include an award for the Most Disciplined Group could motivate groups who often hire their own cars and sound systems to adhere to acceptable standards. The National Maulid Walk has come to stay and can only be enhanced to result in desired outcomes. It has become a beacon of unity and youth mobilization. The resolve of the organizers for its improvement can only be met with maximum collaboration from all stakeholders, especially the youth in various Zongo communities across the country. Together, we shall protect this legacy that serves as a platform to champion the collective development of our Zongo communities.