UNDER CONSTRUCTION

EVENTS     

Buluk 14 Events: Nov. 8, 2020 to  January 2026

August 12, 2022
Dr. Ceasar Alimsinya Atuire, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and Classics (University of Ghana), has won a 5-year grant worth 3.2 million Pounds (4 million USD or 33 million Cedis) from the Wellcome Trust Discovery Awards.
The grant, the Trust’s first, is designed to fund academics from any discipline who can present a creative project that delivers significant understanding to improve human life, health, and well-being.
Dr. Atuire’s Project, “Moving Beyond Solidarity Rhetoric in Global Health: Pluriversality and Actionable Tools,” seeks to explore how understandings and practices of solidarity in global health can actively advance equity and justice. He will lead an international team with co-investigators from Costa Rica, Canada, Austria, South Africa, India, and Australia.
Congratulations Dr. Caesar Atuire!

March 7, 2023
The vetting committee of the NDC in the Upper East Region has affirmed Hon. Clement Apaak as its parliamentary candidate for Builsa South for the 2024 elections.

April 27, 2023

(Source: Phoenix via ‘Buluk Kaniak’)  Gregory Afoko acquitted after 8 years

An Accra High Court presided over by Justice Afua Merley Wood, a Justice of the  Court of Appeal, has acquitted Mr. Gregory Afoko and Asabke Alangde over the murder of the former Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The trial which lasted for eight years, saw Justice Afia Merley Wood… summing up the whole trial which lasted for about four hours on Thursday, April 27, 2023. The seven-member jury panel hearing the murder case… had retired to return their verdict of not guilty on all [charges]….

Update (source: Ghanaweb General News of Tuesday, 18th February 2025)
“Gregory Afoko files fresh bail application after nearly 10 years on remand.

Gregory Afoko, a farmer accused of murdering Adams Mahama, the former Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has filed a fresh bail application after nearly a decade on remand.
This follows previous bail applications that were denied, with the court ruling that there had been no unreasonable delay in his retrial. Afoko’s previous retrial ended in a hung jury, with a 4-3 guilty verdict in his favor on April 27, 2023. The court has since ordered a retrial, which is currently underway.[…]

On Monday, February 17, 2025, Justice Marie-Louise Simmons adjourned the case to March 5, 2025, due to an improperly constituted jury panel. Afoko’s bail application filed on February 17, 2025, is scheduled to be heard on February 21, 2025.
EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, reports that this is Afoko’s third bail application, following previous denial in June and October 2023 […]

Friday 21, 2025
“Court grants Gregory Afoko GHS 500,00 (five hundred thousand ) bail with two sureties after nearly 10 years in remand custody Adam’s Mahama’s murder.” (source: GHOneTV)

December 2023
Wiaga Muslim Community. Market days in Wiaga, Sandema and Fumbisi:

December 26, 2023
(Robert Asekabta 28.12.23: Election of Miss Feok 2023
Miss Albright Asekabta Ayietalie was crowned Miss Feok 2023 on 26th December, 2023 at Lakeside hotel in Balansa, Sandema. This was one of the events that marked the annual Feok Festival of the Bulsa people to signify the bumper harvest and the conquest of Babatu a notorious Zambarama slave raider.
The contestants were seven in number… At the end Albright Asekabta Ayietalie emerged first with 23,980 votes. Her award was a motorcycle and three certificates on most Eloquent, Star performer, Highest Voter and a certificate of participation.
The first runner was Celina Afellie with twenty thousand, two hundred and forty eight votes and she was awarded with a double door refrigerator and a Miss Culture certificate.
The second runner was Shelli Abangkaniaka. She had an award of a mini refrigerator.

The contestants. Sitting: the winner Miss Albright Asekabta Ayietalie. Source: Buluk Kaniak

February 16, 2024

Christine Arnheim, daughter of Margaret Lariba Arnheim from Gbedema, has been a dentist in Münster with her own practice since 2021 (see Buluk 14, p. 12). After a year of regular training weekends, she successfully obtained an  additional qualification in Aesthetic Dentistry at the Westphalia-Lippe Dental Association. Congratulations!

June, 2024
Professor Caesar Alimsinya Atuire, Department of Philosophy and Classics at the University of Ghana (Legon), was appointed President of the International Association of Bioethics during the 17th World Congress of Bioethics in Doha. Congratulations!

July 17, 2024
(From Facebook post Celebrating Our Legends)
On Wednesday 17th July 2024, the Doninga Chief, His Royal Majesty Nab Akanbeagnab Mackarios Akanbong Esq, paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of Bulsa-his father, to officially announce to him of his recent appointment as Ambassador to Iran. He is currently the Head of Chancery in Brussels-Belgium!

July 17, 2024
(From Facebook post Celebrating Our Legends)
On Wednesday 17th July 2024, the Doninga Chief, His Royal Majesty Nab Akanbeagnab Mackarios Akanbong Esq, paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of Bulsa-his father, to officially announce to him of his recent appointment as Ambassador to Iran. He is currently the Head of Chancery in Brussels-Belgium!

Additions from the Internet (https://brussels.mfa.gov.gha/embassyofficials/aspx)
Ghana Embassy Brussels: Deputy Head of Mission: Mr McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong.
(https://brussels.mfa.gov.gha/acting-head-of-misssion-mr-mcaarios-akanbeanab-akanbong-undertakes-working-visit-to luxembourg)
The Acting Head of Mission, Mr. McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong, undertook a working visit to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on Wednesday, 31st January, 2024.
The discussions during the visit centered on opportunities for strengthening Ghana-Luxembourg relations through economic partnerships and trade. Issues of peace, security and regional stability were also discussed.
Mr. Akanbong was accompanied on the trip by Mr. Mohammed Sheriff Iddrisu, Minister-Counsellor/EU Relations; Ms. Maame Abena Gyamerah, First- Secretary/Diaspora and Economic Relations, and Mr. Francis Boakye, First-Secretary/Bilateral Relations.

McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong, acting head of mission and Doninganab, in Luxembourg

July 20, 2024
Evans Akangyelewon Atuick passed on. The sudden death of Evans was a deep shock to many Bulsa. Known and liked by many for his jovial nature, the man with the bass voice was a promising academic pursuing a PhD programme in the US. Buluk is particularly grateful to him for his for insightful articles and contributions to Bulsa culture and society. He was founder and club manager of Wiaga FC), an affable youth leader in every sense of the word, and an illustrious son of not only Wiaga but the entire Bulsaland. He had returned to Ghana for his field research work when the unthinkable happened. Evans will always remain in loving memory.

October 20, 2024
The three parliamentary candidates of the Builsa South Constituency, Hon. Daniel A. Gariba (NPP), Hon. Dr. Clement A. Apaak (NDC) and Hon. Christopher Akamzedeboka (PNC) met for a dialogue.

December  7, 2024

Parliamentary and presidential elections: See separate article in Buluk 15

February 5, 2025
Presidential Communications
https://presidency.gov.gh/president-nominates-13-deputy-ministers
Dr Clement Abas Apaak (MP for Bulsa South) was nominated Deputy Minister of Education by President John Dramani Mahama. In March 2025 he was confirmed as Minister by parliament.

February 2025

Darius Adjong successfully passed his PhD examination at the University of Hong Kong.

His PhD thesis is titled: Aspects of the Grammar of Buli, a Gur Language of Northern Ghana Submitted by Darius Adjong in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong, February 2025.

In his abstract, the author writes: “This thesis describes Buli (Gur, Niger-Congo), covering aspects of phonology, morphology, and syntax. The description focuses primarily on language-internal facts but, wherever possible, draws on typological and comparative data as supporting evidence. The primary source of my data is a corpus of recorded and transcribed naturalistic spontaneous texts, supplemented with elicited material.”

April 1, 2025
Alongside Professor Susanna Dunachie, Dr Caesar Atuire has been appointed Associate Director of Oxford Global Health. Oxford Global Health is an interdisciplinary initiative that brings together researchers from across the university to address complex and important global health challenges.
BULUK congratulates him!

April 17, 2025

Source: Radio Fumbisi
Madam Ann Musah was unanimously (100%) endorsed as District Chief Executive of the Bulsa South District Assembly.
Hon. John Asuaga was elected the Presiding Member of the Builsa South District Assembly.
It is the firm belief of the people of Builsa South that there will be a good working relationship with MP Clement Apaak.

May 12, 2025
Mr Solomon Akogti Ansoabayie, until his new appointment Headmaster of Azantilow Secondary Technical School, is the new Bulsa North Municipal Chief Executive.

May 17, 2025

The traditional funeral rites for the late Asianab Francis Afoko, Ayieta-Yeri-Nyono, were celebrated at the Sandema Chief Palace. The event attracted visitors from across Ghana. Among the high-ranking personalities were a representative of the Asantehene Otumfour Nana Osei Tutu II, Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, former chief of staff and minister of presidential affairs in the John Kufour Administration, Navro-Pio, Pe Balinia Adda Asapaare II, and tne Upper East regional minister, Honorable Donatus Atanga Akamugri, who read a message on behalf of His Excellency President John Mahama. The late Mr Asianab Francis Afoko was a member of the Council of State during the Kufour Administration. In private life he was a successful businessman and a historian who provided Prof. R. Schott and Dr F. Kröger,  the German social anthropologists, with information on the history of Sandema and the royal Ayieta family. Mr Asianab Afoko’s older son, Paul Awentami Afoko, acting head of the Ayieta family, and the entire Afoko family deserve praise for the well-organized, well-attended and successful event.

May 30, 2025

At the 2025 MTN Ghana Community Champions Heroes of Change, Humanitarian Awards, Mr Rockson Yaw Adangabey received the category award for his exceptional contribution in the area of education. The Heroes for Change Awards programme is “designed to recognise and celebrate individuals making extraordinary contributions to their communities, offering hope to the underprivileged through initiatives in economic empowerment, education and health.”
Despite his physical challenges, Yaw has founded and manages community schools for children in both his hometown, Kadema and in Gbedema. Buluk congratulates him.

(Cf. also A. Menezes: Buluk 8, 2015: 31)

June 3, 2025

The new Catholic church building in Gbedema, named the Holy Family Church, was commissioned by His Lordship Bishop Alfred Agyenta. Present at the event were Sir Clement Akapame, a major donor, Mr Thomas Awiapo, and various Gbedema community leaders: Mr. Nelson Atennang, Dr. Akangangaang Asitik, Madam Assibi Azogma, Mr. Daniel Akanpaawen Awenjaab, and Mr. Pascal Ayaric, who, in diverse ways, also made the realization of the project possible

June 9, 2025
Sir Clement Akapame and family construct a 48-bed child and maternity centre in Wiaga.

Access to quality maternal and child healthcare in Bulsa North Municipality has received a significant boost following the commissioning of a newly constructed Child and Maternity Centre at Saint Lucas Catholic Hospital in Wiaga.
The 48-bed facility, fully funded by Sir Clement Akapame, a renowned philanthropist, and his family, was officially handed over to the hospital.
The project forms part of efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure in the municipality and enhance timely care for women and children.
The new Child and Maternity Centre, named after Fr Philippe Marneffe, comprises delivery rooms, postnatal wards, neonatal care units, and consultation spaces, providing a safe and dignified environment for mothers and newborns.
Fr. Marneffe’s dedication to healthcare, community development, and his compassion for the vulnerable inspired the Akapame family to support the Catholic Church’s mission in meeting the health needs of the people, especially pregnant women and children.
Speaking at a short ceremony to unveil the facility, Sir Clement Akapame expressed his family’s joy in continuing the legacy of Fr. Marneffe, whom he described as “a man of deep compassion who committed his life to serving the people of this area.”
“I recall how supportive he was many years ago when my father was sick and there was no health facility in the area. People, especially pregnant women, were dying because they had to travel long distances to access healthcare,” he said.
He also acknowledged the Catholic Church’s contributions to development, particularly in education and healthcare, noting that the facility reflects the role of the lay faithful in supporting the Church’s mission.
Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, who commissioned the facility, commended the Akapame family for their generosity and noted their contributions to various projects across the Diocese.
“You are not a priest or a missionary, but you have evangelised the word of God to the people through this health facility and the many other things you have been doing,” he remarked.
Until now, maternity services at the hospital were overstretched, with only an 11-bed maternity ward, a six-bed paediatric ward, and no dedicated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The commissioning of the new facility is expected to significantly enhance healthcare provision for the growing population.

Source (Fatima Anafu-Astanga/George-RamseyBenamba, Ghana News Agency).

2025

New PAC Resort in Sandema Resort, an Arm of PAC Group (GhanaAffectionately known as Lakeside, PAC Resort, also referred to as Bulsaland Village Resort, offers a hotel, restaurant, bar, and rental services. It’s a branch of PAC Group (Ghana) Ltd, owned by Philip Akumkperik, a US-based businessman and son of Bulsaland, who holds an MBA in Auditing and Accountancy.
Located within the tranquil setting of Sandema Balansa Bagumsa, Lakeside Resort and Lakeside Restaurant Bar offer a perfect blend of accommodations, exquisite dining, refreshing beverages, and breathtaking views. Whether one is there to relax, celebrate, or enjoy a night out, Lakeside provide its guests with great food, lively entertainment and exceptional hospitality.

Offers:

• Delicious Cuisine
• Signature Drinks.
• Live Entertainment, Music
• Exclusive Events & Catering
• Scenic Outdoor Seating
• Special Promotions & Events Weekend, BBQ Nights …

Lakeside also provides Events and Equipment Rentals.

• Event Setup Rentals – canopies, chairs, tables & table covers …
• Audio & Entertainment Equipment – Sound systems, live band setups, power generators …
• Vehicles for Hire – tour vehicles, wedding cars …
• Construction Equipment – concrete mixers and other tools …
Why choose Lakeside?
• All-in-One Experience – host events with full catering, bar services, and rentals
• Scenic Lakeside Setting – perfect for weddings, parties, and corporate events
• Professional Service – high-quality equipment and a dedicated team for seamless event planning

Contact:
Phone: +233 538590855 & 0244722315

Home

gh.pacgroupinc.com

July 30, 2025

Emeritus Professor Sylvester Abanteriba

Upon retirement, Professor Sylvester Abanteriba has been appointed Emeritus Professor by the School of Engineering of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, RMIT University, Australia. Buluk Journal paraphrases the rationale for the conferment in the following.
The title Emeritus Professor is a distinction in recognition of Professor Abanteriba’s outstanding and sustained contributioins to the University, to his field and to generations of students and colleagues. Throughout his distinguished academic career, he exemplified excellence in teaching, research and leadership. His pioneering work in propulsion and power systems, engine tropology, energy and fuels has not only advanced knowledge but also inspired countless students and researchers. The breadth and depth of his scholarly publications speak to a lifelong commitment to inquiry and innovation.
Beyond his academic achievements, his legacy is perhaps most powerfully reflected in the creation and success of the RMIT International Industry Experience and Research Program (RIIERP). Through his vision and leadership, RIIERP became a flagship initiative of the University, connecting RMIT students with some of the world’s leading engineering and technology organisations – BMW, BOSCH, VW, Airbus, and DLR, to name just a few. The international experiences he made possible have transformed the lives and careers of many alumni, several of whom now hold senior leadership roles across the globe.

His contributions have been recognised at the highest levels, including the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and the Carrick Award for University Teaching, which speak not only to his impact as an educator but also to his enduring influence on the profession and the community.
To quote the University of Melbourne in conclusion, “As you enter the new chapter, we hope you will look back with pride at a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on RMIT and beyond. Your Emerirtus title is richly deserved, and we look forward to your continued association with the University in this esteemed capacity.” Signed: Professor Sujeeva Setunge (PhD, FIE Aust. CPEng)
Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Interim dean, School of Engineering.

October 19, 2025
The dates for the launching and celebration of Feok 2025 are out, as conveyed in the official poster for the festival.

November, 2025

Franz Kröger edited a collection of 91 sources comprising over 600 printed pages on Bulsa history. He has long recognized that there is no comprehensive literature available for those who wish to learn more about their own history or conduct research in this field. Soon he will distribute more than 20 USB sticks to institutions and scholars who have worked on, or will work on, topics related to Bulsa history. At present, there is only one printed edition consisting of three volumes (see photo), but the editor intends to produce more copies.

Feok Festival 2025 (Sandema)

December 10, 2025  (Kennedy Azantilow in Buluk Kaniak): This year’s Feok activities began with a brief but significant assembly of warriors, at the Palace, to be later dispatched to the market, having received the blessings of the Sandem-Nab, their Commander-in-Chief! The Commander-in-Chief’s blessings was delivered by a Principal Elder, called Anyaana!

December 16, 2025: Launch of the Awentami Paul Afoko Art Exhibition at Adakuruk, overlooking the historic Zamramra [Zambarima?] Battle site.

December 17, 2025: Local groups perform war dances

December 18, 2025: The goi-nang (procession of nagela dancers) took place. It’s a procession of war (nagela) dancers from Sandema converging at the Sandem-Nab’s Palace, to be addressed by the Chief, after which they do the nagela dance from the palace into Sandema town, and finally do a few rounds at the hospital road junction where a big gaab tree stands before dispersing. In the past, the dancers went round the tree, but the space around it has now been taken over by container shops, so they dance only in the open space in front of it.

December 19, 2025:
Highlight of Bulsa Fiok/Feok 2025 in Sandema. The highlight of this year’s festival attracted, as usual, participants from all 13 Bulsa towns and villages: chiefs, sub-chiefs, queenmothers, nagela dancers, MPs, municipal and district chief executives, regional minister, and visitors from other parts of the country. The Upper East regional minister represented His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, who, at the launch of the festival in Fumbisi a few weeks earlier, had been announced as guest of honour. The President’s absence was regretted by many people who had been hoping his presence would put nation-wide spotlight on the festival, and Bulsaland in general.