The 9th Parliament of Ghana’s 4th Republic has welcomed three Bissa parliamentarians among its ranks, marking an increase from the previous parliament’s two Bissa representatives.
All three legislators, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), took their oaths of office in the early hours of January 7th, preceding President John Mahama’s inauguration ceremony.
Four Bissas contested and all were for the NDC, with only the aspirant for the Manhyia North constituency, Hamza Swallah, failing short in his second attempt to secure the seat in NPP stronghold.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by family members, friends, and dignitaries, and marked the beginning of a new legislative era one months the 2024 general elections.
Below is the list of Bissa MPs.
1) Hon. Muhammed Bawah Braimah – Ejura-Sekyedumase constituency
Leading the Bissa representation is Hon. Muhammed Bawah Braimah of Ejura-Sekyedumase constituency, who secured his third consecutive term in Parliament.
His parliamentary journey began in 2017, continued through 2021, and now extends into 2025. A seasoned parliamentarian, his experience spanning three parliamentary terms makes him the most senior among the Bissa representatives, demonstrating the strong confidence his constituents have in his leadership abilities.
2) Hon. Adams Abdul-Salam – New Edubiase constituency
Hon. Adams Abdul-Salam of New Edubiase constituency returns to Parliament for his second term, having first entered the chamber in 2021. His re-election demonstrates his constituents’ satisfaction with his first-term performance and speaks to his effective representation of their interests.
3) Hon. Abdul Rauf Tubazu – Ayawaso Central constituency
Hon. Rauf Tobazo made history by unseating NPP’s Henry Quartey in the Ayawaso Central constituency. His victory is particularly remarkable as it comes after an unsuccessful bid in the 2020 elections. Through persistence and determination, he secured his breakthrough victory in 2024, bringing fresh energy to Parliament.
This increase in Bissa representation from two MPs in the 8th Parliament to three in the current 9th Parliament marks a significant milestone for the Bissa community in Ghana’s legislative body.
Ashanti BDA to mark Sukuma Festival with only health walk
The Ashanti Region Bissa Development Association (BDA) has announced significant changes to this year’s Sukuma festival, revealing that the annual cultural event will be marked with only a health walk.
In a major departure from previous years’ grand celebrations, the 2024 Sukuma festival will not feature its traditional durbar and the usual display of pomp and pageantry. Instead, the BDA has opted for a simplified format, focusing solely on organizing a health walk for community members.
“This year’s celebration will take a different direction as we focus on bringing our communities together in a more intimate setting,” said regional BDA official Zakari Ayaaba, speaking on behalf of the organization.
“While the traditional durbar has been a highlight in past celebrations, we will only be having a health walk this year.”
The health walk, which will serve as the sole event for this year’s festival, will bring together Bissa community members from across the region. The BDA will announce specific details about the date, time, and route for the walk in the coming weeks.
For more information about the 2024 Sukuma festival health walk, community members are encouraged to contact their local BDA zone representatives on 0249900428/ 0241760666
BDA condemns Kusasi attacks in Pusiga District
The Bissa Development Association (BDA) has issued a scathing condemnation of recent violent attacks against Bissa residents in the Kupelgu community within the Pusiga District, alleging a systematic campaign of intimidation and ethnic persecution by members of the Kusasi ethnic group.
It comes after the announcement of the NDC as the winner of the recent national elections, with tensions erupting into violent confrontations.
According to the press release, attackers descended on the community around 10 PM, firing guns and burning down multiple houses in what the BDA describes as a dangerous escalation of political tensions. The attacks reportedly followed threatening WhatsApp audio messages and occurred immediately after the declaration of President John Mahama as President-elect.
The association detailed a series of alarming accusations, including claims of targeted violence against Bissa residents who were exercising their constitutional right to political expression.
The Association highlighted that three Bissa members have recently been elected to the 9th Parliament on NDC tickets, challenging narratives of forced political alignment.
“For the records three of our Bissa brothers have won their seats to be part of the 9th Parliament on the NDC tickets,” the statement read.
“Were these brothers forced by Kusasis to join and campaign for the NDC? Let all those who claim to love Bawku and yet seek to destroy Bawku with their actions continue.
“The Bissa people wish to be spared this open provocation and open invitation to join in the destruction of this beautiful land our forefathers bequeathed to us.”
The BDA has demanded immediate actions from local and national authorities, including:
- Intervention by security forces to protect Bissa residents
- A comprehensive investigation into the attacks
- Prosecution of those responsible
- Compensation for victims whose properties were destroyed
In a stern warning to the Kusasi community, the association emphasized that political differences should never translate into ethnic violence, calling for peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.
“Any continuation of such actions will compel the Bissa community to mount a robust defensive response that will inevitably escalate tensions and potentially result in widespread conflict.,” it said.
The statement reveales a critical moment of tension in the region, underscoring the fragile nature of ethnic relations and the importance of protecting democratic principles.
Read full statement below:
Attack on Bissas – URGENT PRESSER
Bansi Eliasu: Bissa Student emerges as KNUST Valedictorian
Bansi Eliasu Yahaya has emerged as the top-performing student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), achieving the valedictorian title for the College of Arts and Built Environment.
He secured the valedictorian title with an exceptional Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of 81.04 in BSc Real Estate, surpassing the 2023 valedictorian, Desmond Bantee, by a margin of 0.71 points.
The graduation ceremony, held on Thursday 21 November, celebrated Mr Bansi’s outstanding academic accomplishment, marking him as the current best valedictorian in his college.
His academic journey began at Bawku Senior High School before his remarkable achievement at KNUST.
His achievement continues a notable trend of academic excellence among Bissa students, building on recent successes such as Hadi Abubakar’s valedictorian status at the Islamic University College Ghana last year.
These accomplishments are significant for the Bissa community, challenging historical educational barriers and demonstrating the intellectual prowess of young Bissa scholars.
Social media users have since congratulated Mr Yahaya, expressing their admiration and wishing him success in his future endeavours.
Also read:Zerba man picks overall best as 11 Bissas graduate from Islamic University
Insiya Mohammed Gombani: Bissa Lady Crowned Miss Muslimah Ghana 2024
A young Bissa lady, Insiya Mohammed, has been crowned Miss Muslimah Ghana 2024, beating seven other contestants in a celebration of Muslim beauty and cultural heritage.
It comes after a remarkable performance where she showcased her deep understanding of Islamic principles and demonstrated exceptional talent in cultural presentations that captivated both judges and audience alike.
The Grand Finale held at the National Theater on Saturday November 9 saw the Bissa lady exhibiting one of her best for the night to the admiration of many.
She was articulate, bold and confident throughout the competition after spending days to practise under the guidance of cultural mentors and pageant coaches, mastering every aspect of the competition requirements.
Insiya received a cash prize of 5,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately £320), along with a commemorative plaque and additional prizes at the event, which returned after a year-long hiatus.
She shed tears of joy as the crown was placed on her head, marking a momentous achievement for both herself and her community.
The Bissa Chief of Gomoa Fetteh, Kir Mustapha Dawuda Lengani, played a pivotal role in Mohammed’s success, providing cultural training and support throughout her preparation. Her performance included a showcase of traditional Bissa customs, which formed a crucial part of the competition.
The pageant, now in its third season, aims to challenge stereotypes surrounding Muslim women in the beauty industry whilst maintaining religious and cultural values.
“Miss Muslimah Ghana has established itself as a platform that empowers young Muslim women to excel in a non-Muslim-dominated industry,” the organisers said.
The competition distinguishes itself from conventional beauty pageants by emphasising modesty and intelligence alongside physical appearance, creating opportunities for Muslim women to participate in mainstream cultural events whilst adhering to their religious principles.
She joins a list of Bissas who are selling the Bissa brand through pageantry, following in the footsteps of notable predecessors who have used such platforms to showcase their rich cultural heritage and promote diversity within Ghana’s beauty industry.
Cape Coast welcomes new Bissa chief in colourful ceremony
Cape Coast came alive with traditional pomp and pageantry as Ibrahim Mahama Salifu Sewuni was installed as the new Bissa chief during a vibrant ceremony at Amamoma Park.
It comes two years after the passing of his predecessor, Kir Mohammed Mumuni Zaare, making Sewuni the third Bissa chief in the region’s history.
The installation, which saw Sewuni officially taking the title of “Kir”, drew hundreds of spectators and traditional leaders from across Ghana’s Central Region.
Members of the Bissa community travelled from Greater Accra, Western and Ashanti regions to witness the historic occasion.
The ceremony was marked by distinctive Bissa cultural elements, including traditional groundnut-based ornaments and necklaces that adorned both the venue and attendees.
Kir Sewuni’s family members from across the country attended in strong numbers, underlining both his deep connection to Bissa heritage and his readiness to assume leadership.
Adding to the festivities, the Obuasi Bissa cultural dance troupe delivered a performance that showcased the rich tradition of the Bissa people.
The Odikro of Amamoma, who served as the guest of honour, joined other prominent traditional leaders at the ceremony.
The installation automatically grants the new chief membership to the Central Regional Council of Bissa Chiefs, where he will contribute to preserving and promoting Bissa culture and traditions.
Cape Coast to install new Bissa Chief on Saturday November 2nd
The Bissa community in Cape Coast is set to install Ibrahim Mahama Salifu Sewuni as their new chief following the passing of Kir Mohammed Mumuni Zaare.
Mr Sewuni will be invested with the title of Kir at a ceremony scheduled for Saturday, 2 November, at the Amamoma Community Park in the Central regional capital.
He becomes the third successive Bissa chief to lead the community in Cape Coast after taking his oath and perform customary rites before elders, in accordance to Bissa tradition.
The ceremony comes as one of the momontous occasion for Bissas in the diaspora to extend their influemce and contribution towards the Development of the country.
List of activities have been earmarked to in the run up to the Grand Durbar, which is expected to draw guests from across Ghana, including traditional rulers, government officials, and Bissa communities from other regions, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage while fostering unity in diversity.
On the eve of the installation will be a cultural performance where the Bissa youth will showcase the vibrant “Konni” dance.
The energetic dance, accompanied by traditional drums and songs, is a significant part of Bissa cultural expression.
After Saturday’s ceremony, Kir Sewuni automatically becomes a menmber of the Central regional Council of Bissa Chiefs
The Bissa people, though originally from Ghana’s Upper East Region, have established a significant presence in Cape Coast where they have made substantial contributions to development and social cohesion.
Kir Salisu Dabre returns to US after successful Sukuma participation
Kir Salisu Ali Dabre IV, president of the Greater Accra Council of Bissa Chiefs, has returned to his United States base on Sunday, October 20, concluding an 16-day visit to Ghana that began with his participation in the maiden Greater Accra Sukuma festival.
A series of meetings at the Palace in Nima, courtesy calls on the National Chief Imam, and media engagements defined his entire stay in Ghana, which was climaxed with the traditional installation ceremony of the Bissa Chief of Adjen Kotoku on Saturday, where he supervised the proceedings.
The Sukuma festival, held on October 5 at the Alajo Astroturf, served as Kir Salisu’s formal introduction to the general public, marking his first public appearance since his installation as leader in April of this year.
The festival, organized by the Regional Bissa Development Association under his leadership, showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Bissa people through traditional performances, music, dance, and cuisine.
This year’s Sukuma festival was particularly significant as it marked the first time the Greater Accra region hosted the event, following two previous celebrations in the Ashanti region.
Having attended the Sukuma as his first public appearance since his installation in April, he rounded it up by outlining his vision for the Bissa people, giving assurances to lead and continue with the legacy left behind by his predecessors.
In an exclusive interview with Bissanews.com’s Abdul Malik, Kir Dabre outlined his vision for the Bissa community in Greater Accra. “We are launching comprehensive educational support programs to ensure our youth have access to quality education at all levels,” he stated.
“Our business development initiatives will focus on creating sustainable opportunities for our people, with special emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs,” he explained.
“Through these poverty alleviation programs, we aim to uplift the entire Bissa populace in Greater Accra and create lasting positive change in our community,” Kir Dabre added.
The Greater Accra region has emerged as a significant hub for the Bissa community, with large settlements in areas including Nima, Mamobi, Accra New Town, Kotobabi, Alajo, and Madina.
Their growing influence in the region is reflected in the establishment of several Bissa chiefs who oversee the community’s affairs in various jurisdictions.
The succession of Kir Salisu Ali Dabre IV following the late Dabre Mohammed Ali Dabre III has brought renewed vigor to the Bissa community.
While maintaining his residence in the United States, his outlined vision for educational advancement, business development, and women’s empowerment demonstrates his commitment to preserving traditions while fostering progress, particularly in Greater Accra, where the community continues to grow in numbers and influence.
Kir Salisu Dabre IV pays courtesy call on National Chief Imam
The President of the Greater Accra Council of Bissa Chiefs, Kir Salisu Ali Dabre IV, on Thursday paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, at his Fadama residence.
It comes amidst Kir Dabre’s 16-day stay in Ghana, during which he participated in the maiden Greater Accra Sukuma festival and chaired various functions, including supervising the installation of the Bissa Chief of Adjen Kotoku.
The visit marked their first formal meeting since the Chief Imam supervised Kir Dabre’s turbanning ceremony on 26 April.
He was accompanied by his members of the Council of Bissa Chiefs to express appreciation for the spiritual leader’s support, highlighting the strong bonds between their community and Imam’s office.
“Your Eminence, your blessing during my turbanning ceremony in April has been a guiding light for my leadership of the Bissa community in Greater Accra,” Kir Dabre said.
“We seek your continued spiritual guidance as we implement our vision for educational advancement and community development among our people.
“This visit is to show the deep respect the Bissa community has for your leadership and wisdom in building an inclusive society. We are very grateful.”
Kir Dabre arrived in Ghana to participate in the maiden Greater Accra Sukuma festival on October 5, which served as his first formal introduction to the general public since his installation as leader in April this year.
Since succeeding the late Dabre Mohammed Ali Dabre III, he has made significant moves to foster unity and cohesion within the Bissa community, calling for support to build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessors.”
While based in the United States, Kir Dabre has outlined ambitious plans for the community’s development, focusing on establishing comprehensive educational support programmes and creating sustainable business opportunities.
His vision particularly emphasizes youth development and women’s entrepreneurship in Greater Accra, where the Bissa community continues to expand its presence and influence.
Haruna Dabre: New Bissa Chief installed in Offinso
A new Bissa chief has been installed in Offinso, following the death of his predecessor, who served the community for more than three decades.
Mohammed Haruna Dabre, 52, succeeds his elder brother Iddrissu Haruna Dabre, who ruled for 32 years until his death.
The installation ceremony, held on Sunday, featured traditional Bissa customs and was attended by community members.
Haruna Dabre, a businessman and father of four, is expected to continue his brother’s legacy of promoting unity within the Bissa community, which has grown substantially in the region through trade and commerce.
The new chief, who is married with one wife, assumes leadership at a time when traditional authorities play a crucial role in community development and cultural preservation, particularly for migrant communities seeking to maintain their identity while integrating into their adopted home.
The Bissa community, despite originally hailing from the Upper East Region of Ghana, has established a significant presence in the Ashanti Region through decades of migration and settlement.
Their integration into the region’s social fabric highlights Ghana’s cultural diversity and internal migration patterns.
They have become an integral part of the Ashanti Region’s commercial and social landscape while maintaining their rich cultural heritage.
During the colourful ceremony, he pledged to build upon the foundation laid by his predecessor in fostering Bissa unity and development while strengthening ties with their Ashanti hosts.