Obituaries – Buluk

Franz Kröger

Hon. Agnes Chigabatia, a “mother of all” and a great politician has died

Some of the author’s personal remarks

Hon. Agnes Asangalisa Chigabatia in 2005 (photo F. Kröger)

Actually, there was no direct reason to contact Agnes Chigabatia during my field research (between 1972 and 2012). However, it was a remarkable coincidence that she was closely related to three of my best friends and co-workers.
I met Agnes Chigabatia when she visited our compound, Anyenangdu Yeri in 2005. She was not only related to Anamogsi, the head of the compound, whom she called “father,” but both were also keen workers in the NPP party.
She had a close and long friendship with my co-operator, Margaret Lariba Bawa (later Arnheim), an age-mate of Agnes, and several visits to Germany were planned with Margaret and also with me.
My most important co-operator since 1988 was Yaw Akumasi, and he also regarded Agnes Chigabatia as his party colleague, in whose election campaign team he was an eager member.
What I liked about Agnes’s personality was her constant willingness to help in a friendly manner. In my opinion, she had no airs or graces.
When I called her one day without prior notice, my telephone call reached her just as she was celebrating a success (I think it was her re-election as NPP candidate for the parliamentary elections). I immediately wanted to cancel the call, as I thought I was a troublemaker. Nevertheless, we had a long and friendly conversation.
Hon. Agnes Chigabatia was a Christian, she died on January 9, 2024 at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, at the age of 67, and she was buried in Navrongo on April 27, 2024.
Her death also affected me personally. May she rest in peace.

Data about her life and career
Sources: Wikipedia (English edition) and NAY/OGB
Agnes Chigabatia was born on October 20, 1956, at Chuchuliga, in the Upper East Region of Ghana. She acquired her middle school education at Adda Middle School in Navrongo and Ayieta Middle School in Sandema. Later she had her secondary school education at St. Francis Girls’ Senior High School, Jirapa. She furthered her education at the Accra Polytechnic, where she acquired a Certificate at the Advanced Level in Catering.
Agnes Chigabatia contested in the 2004 parliamentary elections on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party for the Builsa North Constituency, which she won. She pulled a total vote of 6,160 (33.70%) and represented the Builsa North constituency in the Parliament for a period of four years (January 7, 2005 – January 7, 2009) under President John Kufuor. Within this same period, Hon. Chigabatia was also the Deputy Minister for the Upper East Region.
To the Bulsa Cultural Festivals in Accra, Hon. Agnes Chigabatia contributed her great organisational talent and experience. For example, at the first festival (March 2018), the indefatigable Agnes Chigabatia organised the exhibition of Bulsa dishes and drinks (cf. J. Agandin in Buluk 11, p. 63-64). At the second festival (October 2019), she was a member of several Organizing Committees (e.g. Fund Raising, Media and Publicity, Welfare and Protocol, Exhibition and Entertainment.
Throughout her time in Parliament, Chigabatia was dedicated to women’s empowerment, consistently addressing the issue each year on Women’s Day. She actively delivered statements on the parliamentary floor to draw attention to the challenges faced by northern women.

March 2, 2024

Mr Paul A. Asikisimi, a native of Doninga and one of the most popular teachers in Buluk, was buried in his native town, Doninga, after a solemn ceremony at the Sandema Catholic Church.
Affectionately called Mr Asik, his teaching career spanned decades, including his role as a geography teacher at Navrongo Secondary School in the 1980s and as headmaster of Sandema (now Azantilow) Secondary Technical School.
In the words of one of his former students, Caesar Apentiik (Phd, Director, African Studies Program, and Professor, Global Development Studies at the University of Calgary, Canada),
” Mr Paul Asikisimi transcended the role of a mere teacher; he was a guiding luminary for countless generations of students. His fervour for education radiated through every lesson he imparted, … His classroom was not just a place of learning but a sanctuary where curiosity blossomed, and aspirations soared … As a mentor, Mr. Paul Asikisim surpassed expectations, extending unwavering guidance, support, and inspiration to innumerable individuals … He epitomized incorruptible character, his moral compass resolutely uncompromising, amid even the fiercest storms of adversity. He stood steadfast in his principles, never swaying for personal gain, his integrity serving as a beacon of righteousness to all who had the privilege of knowing him…. In the realm of wisdom that he generously shared with his students, there lies a gem of profound significance – the coined phrase “we will settle it the Bulsa way.”
While this phrase has been subject to various interpretations, its essence, as divulged by Mr. Asik himself in my conversations with him 2 years ago, epitomizes transparency, honesty, and courage. Mr Asikisimi, in his unparalleled wisdom, breathed life into this phrase, infusing it with the very essence of his character. Through his words, he imparted a timeless lesson on the values of integrity, authenticity, and fearlessness. Mr Asik urged us to follow the “Bulsa way” by facing challenges with honesty, transparency, and integrity.”

April 25, 2024

Born on October 10, 1951, and married to the late Godfrey Achaw from Kaljiisa, Sandema, Mrs Margaret Amoalie Achaw is described by her children as a humble, affectionate, devout Christian woman who rarely missed Sunday church services, and as the matriarch of the Achaw family. Like the hen, which gathers all her chicks under her wings, she was the pillar around which the family revolved, especially after the passing of her husband.
The late Margaret Amoalie Achaw was a complete professional nurse in the sense of the word. At various stages of her life, she worked as a community health nurse, a midwife, and a state-registered public health nurse.
Her public life was characterised by dedicated service to her community and the Presbyterian Church. She served as a government-appointed Assemblywoman in the Bulsa North District and was very active as head of the health committee.
Mrs. Achaw died on April 25, 2024, and was buried that same day at the family home in Kalijiisa, Sandema. Several children, grandchildren, and siblings survive her.

July 20, 2024

Evans Akangyelewon Atuick

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.

Evans Atuick’s Brochure FINAL

January 23, 2025
Mrs Sadi Yaa Korantema Atim passed away in London after a short illness. Sadi was the wife of Dr Chris Atim, a health economist of international repute, a native of Bulsa, Gbedema, and one of the original seven members of the Provisional National Defence Council, PNDC, which took power on December 31, 1981 with Flt.Lt. Jerry John Rawlings as Chairman and head of state. A loving wife, mother, and a woman of great strength Sadi, in the words of her husband, “…was like the ray of light that streaks through the window in the early morning, lifting the dawn’s darkness, and heralding the start of a bright new day ahead…/ she had an unquenchable optimism… fortitude, resilience … unfailing compassion, kindness and empathy …” were some of her extraordinary qualities. Dr Chris Atim’s wife of 45 years, Mrs Sadi Yaa Korantema Atim was the bedrock of the Atim family which is blessed with two children, Chris Jnr and Malaika Atim.

On September 6, 2025, a meomrial thanksgiving service was held in her honour at St. Michaels Catholic Church, Burma Camp, Accra. It was followed by the traditional funeral rites. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

August 7, 2025

Ghana has been thrown into a state of mourning after a Z-9 military helicopter crashed in the Ashanti region and killed all eight people on board, among them a Bulsa from Siniensi. The dead included Dr. Edward Omane Boamah (Minister for Defence), Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (Minister for Environment and Technology), Alhaji Muniru Limuna, a former Northern Regional minister, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress, Mr Samuel Aboagye, a former member of parliament, and three military personel, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah (an engineer of the Ghana Air Force, and the native Bulsa, Squadron Leader Peter Abaafemi Anala (a Ghana Air Force pilot). The team was on its way to the gold-mining town of Obuasi to commission a programme on responsible small-scale mining when the tragic event occurred.
The charred bodies of the eight victims are still to be identified and given to the respective families for burial. Our sympathies go out to the bereaved families, and may the souls of the departed REST IN PEACE.

Born on November 2, 1989 to the late Paul Oscar Anala and Madam Lucy Apung Anala, Squadron Leader Peter Abaafemi Anala attended St. James Seminary Secondary School in Sunyani and proceeded to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) where he studied computer engineering. In 2013 he was enlisted in the Ghana Military Academy and then commissioned on into the Aircrew Branch of the Ghana Air Force.

October 2025
October 2025 can be described as a month of sorrow and mourning for the people of Buluk. Four prominent Bulsa people passed on within the short period of 3 weeks, namely,

Colonel Anorph Akanbong of Doninga (a brother of Doning-Nab, Ghana’s ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran, McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong),

Siniensi-Nab Apik-jiak Afulang,

October 1, 2025

Mr. David Azey Adeenze Kangah, affectionately known as Azey to his friends and colleagues, was born on April 29, 1947, in Suwarinsa, Sandema, in the Upper East Region.
Growing up, little Azey attended Sandema Old Primary and Middle Boarding Schools, all located within walking distance from the traditional family compound house. His classmates include Mr. Afina Akanbodiipo, Mr. Daniel Akanwarisage, and Mr John Akowan. From Sandema Middle Boarding School, he continued to Tamale Secondary School, where he had both his ordinary and advanced level school certificates.
Upon completing Tamale Secondary School, he studied at the University of Cape Coast and obtained a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics and Mathematics in 1972.
He also holds a Master’s in Conflict Resolution from Antioch University, Ohio, USA, as well as postgraduate training in Science Education and Educational Foundations from Chelsea College and the University of Leeds, UK, respectively.
Azey taught Physics and Mathematics at Notre Dame Seminary Secondary School and Navrongo Secondary School in the early days of his professional teaching career. Between 1976 and 1988, he served as the pioneer Headmaster of Zamse Secondary Technical School (1976–1988), which he established into one of Northern Ghana’s leading schools, earning him the rare honour of a bust on the school grounds.
He was later appointed the Headmaster of Navrongo Secondary School (NAVASCO) from 1988 to 1993. His former students recognize him as one of the most instrumental in transforming the school and counselling, in most cases, students who were unsure of their future career and academic progress.
Mr. David Azey Adeenze Kangah was instrumental in Ghana’s return to multiparty democracy, overseeing finance, administration, policy formulation, human resource management, electoral logistics, and international election observation in institutions such as the Interim National Electoral Commission, the National Consultative Assembly in 1991, and the National Commission on Civic Education.
He was a Member of the National Commission for Democracy (NCD) and the Interim National Electoral Commission (INEC) between 1988 and 1993. He held this position while serving as Headmaster of Navrongo Secondary School (NAVASCO).
In 1993, he was initially appointed Deputy Chairman (Operations) of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, and in 2004, he became Deputy Chairman (Finance & Administration). He served in this role, overseeing finance, logistics, legal/institutional issues, boundary demarcation, and policy.
On the international front, he also participated in election assistance and observation missions for the United Nations and the Commonwealth in several countries, including Jamaica, Brazil, South Africa, Sudan and South Sudan, New Zealand, and Australia. Also, he served as a trainer, facilitator, and observer of elections and referenda in many countries, including Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the DRC, Zimbabwe, the UK, and the USA.
Mr. David Azey Adeenze-Kangah went on compulsory retirement on April 29, 2012, after 19 years of dedicated service in the Electoral Commission. After retirement, he remained active in farming, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution efforts.
In 2012, he was commended by late President John Atta Mills at the then seat of government, Osu Castle, for his outstanding service to the country, and that same year, he was appointed to the Council of State, representing the Upper East Region, by President John Dramani Mahama, President Atta Mills’ successor, serving until 2016.
In a nutshell, he left a strong legacy as a key contributor to science education and school administration in northern Ghana. As a significant figure in national electoral administration during Ghana’s democratic consolidation, he was widely respected for his role in managing Ghana’s electoral system and his active engagement in peace-building efforts locally and internationally.
He was married to Paulina Abayom Kangah and had eight children.

October, 2025

On the sudden death of his lovely wife, founder, designer and CEO of Nallem Clothing, Gregory Kankoh, writes, “Trying to come to terms with the loss of my beloved wife has been the most difficult journey of my life, not just for me, but for our children and indeed our entire family. … Every day, I wake up hoping it was just a bad dream, only to face the painful truth that my LOVE is no longer with us…. We never expected this. We had dreams – so many dreams. We talked about the future, we made plans – not just in the early years of our love, but even on her sick bed. She was still full of hope, full of strength, so together we fought hard and we believed we had more time.
She was the heart of our home – her laughter, her warmth, her love held us together. And while I do my best to stay strong for our children, their grief mirrors mine, and some days, the weight of it feels unbearable…. There are no words that make this easier. Just the slow painful process of taking it one day at a time…”

The editorial board of Buluk, Journal of Bulsa Culture and Society, extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved families.

Total Views: 630