Sandema, the cultural heartbeat of the Builsa Traditional Area in the Upper East Region was once again alive with rhythm, colour and reflection as art and tradition converged to tell a powerful story of resilience, identity and freedom.
At the centre of this cultural moment was The Awentami – Paul Afoko Collection, an exhibition workshop that showcased a remarkable body of artworks painstakingly acquired over a period of over 20 years.
Described by its Collector as a “labour of love,” the collection reflected the enduring power of music and the arts to nurture a people, guide them towards noble pursuits, and offer joy, peace and enlightenment, even in the darkest of times.
At Adakuruk at Sandema from the 17th to the 19th was the exhibition opened with free admission to the public for a rare access to the residence of Mr Paul Awentami Afoko, a collection that affirmed art as both personal refuge and collective memory.
The collection comprised works of Hacajaka, James Cudjoe, Rikki Wemega-Kwao, Prof. E.K. Tetteh, Patrick Tagoe-Turkson and Chief Jimoh Buraimoh.
One of the artworks exhibited
The collection was exhibited to three Sandema schools during the festival, who were led in a practical workshop by an award-winning Hungarian artist, Eszta Sipo.
Eszta Sipo, explaining an artwork to the students
One of the artworks exhibited
One of the artworks exhibited
All the 62 students were given the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity through designs, after which the best students were awarded with prizes.
A tree planting exercise was also organized in addition to the exhibition as a green environment campaign at Sandema and surrounding communities. In a year, the school with the most successful acacia plants given to them after the exhibition by Mr Afoko, will be given prizes.
Speaking on the rational behind the exhibition, Mr Afoko, who is a former chairman of the New Patriotic Party, said “the idea of coming home to Sandema to host an exhibition of artworks worth tens of thousands of dollars in one place is to expose children to both international and local art. This exposure can serve as a trigger to their creativity. The aim is to inspire them.”
Artwork of Paul Awentami Afoko
He added that “we have our own traditional arts, which were never monetised. I grew up in my uncle’s house in Navrongo years ago, where traditional houses were built and decorated by women using local materials to create colours that lasted a long time.”
On his part, the Curator of the Awentamin Exhibition, who is also the Chief Curator at Konyo Museum, Widdup Coubagy, said music and arts have propelled nations forward more than any other discipline.
“A nation that natures it’s citizens on art steers it’s people to higher and noble activities, the Awentami Collection is a labour of love,” he added.
The overall best student during the art workshop, whose design stood out, Akanyiti Jacob, of Sandema Senior High School, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude to Mr Afoko for the opportunity to view great works of renowned artists to inspire them.
He said the exhibition has encouraged him, personally to work harder to become a great artist in the future.
Speaking at a durbar on Friday to climax the Feok Festival 2025, held on the theme ‘Justice, Heritage and Reparation: Honouring the Resilience of the Builsa People and People of African Descent,’ the Overlord of the Builsa Traditional Area, Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II, called on the government for development for the good people of the traditional area in the areas of education, agriculture and roads.
Cultural display of war dance
He stressed on the establishment of Agricultural Training College in the area to boost agriculture production and enhance the capacity of the local people, who are predominantly farmers.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, said “government remains firmly committed to the development of Buluk and the Upper East Region. In the 2026 budget, an amount of eight hundred and eighty-eight million has been allocated for the construction of thousand kilometres of agriculture enclave roads across the country. For us in this region, the investment includes the strategic Navrongo- Chuchuliga -Sandema-Fumbissi road.”
Also in attendance were the Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa South and Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak and James Agalga, MP for Builsa North, as well as sons and daughters of Sandema who travelled from far and near to witness the historic celebration.
In memory of the gallant men of the Gold Coast Regiment, who lost their lives during the war from 1914–1918, a refurbished cenotaph was commissioned.
Through art, festival and collective memory, Sandema once again affirmed a timeless truth -this is their Feok, their story.
