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.
Techiman to launch BDA Zone on October 27
Techiman, a city boasting a significant Bissa community, is poised to officially launch its Bissa Development Association (BDA) zone after years of building a substantial membership base.
The upcoming launch follows a series of visits by the national BDA to Techiman, during which the association conducted sensitisation efforts to educate the local Bissa community about strengthening the BDA at grassroots and regional levels.
The launch event, featuring cultural activities, marks a crucial step in the association’s expansion and community engagement efforts.
The establishment of regional and zonal chapters is part of the broader reorganisation agenda set by the Gutare Zanni administration.
According to BDA’s strategic goals, a community qualifies for zonal status if it can register a minimum of 25 members as part of its decentralisation processes, aimed at uniting and strengthening the association across various regions.
However, Techiman’s membership significantly surpasses this threshold, underscoring the strong presence and engagement of the Bissa community in the area.
It has long been recognised for its substantial Bissa population, which has played a crucial role in Bissa affairs and contributed significantly to the development of the fraternity in various ways.
The official launch of the BDA zone in Techiman will formalise its status within the association’s structure, enhancing coordination of development efforts, preserving Bissa culture, and fostering unity among community members.
Notably, the new Techiman BDA zone will be considered part of the Bono Ahafo region within the association’s framework.
This alignment reflects the BDA’s decision to maintain the old regional demarcation of Ghana rather than adopting the country’s more recent administrative divisions.
Having the Techiman Zone is a big step in BDA’s plan to create a stronger network of Bissa communities across Ghana.
As preparations for the launch continue, community members and BDA officials alike are anticipating a vibrant celebration that will showcase Bissa culture and traditions while highlighting the association’s commitment to progress and development.
Ashalaja Cultural Troop dazzle crowds at Greater Accra Sukuma
The inaugural Sukuma festival in Greater Accra reverberated with cultural vibrancy as the Ashalaja Cultural Troop took centre stage, delivering a spellbinding performance that became the rhythmic heartbeat of the event.
The troop, composed entirely of performers under 13 years old, swayed and leaped to the pulsating beats of the popular Bissa war song “kabriyo,” etching unforgettable moments in the maiden celebration.
The young dancers’ fluid movements and rhythmic footwork captivated the audience, powerfully demonstrating how the new generation is infusing vitality into Bissa traditions while showcasing their deep cultural immersion.
Spectators were visibly enthralled by the children’s dedication and prowess, expressing awe at their ability to execute complex traditional choreography with precision and grace.
Held on Saturday at the Alajo Astroturf, the festival saw these young cultural ambassadors bridge the generational gap with their mastery of intricate Bissa dances.
Alongside the invited Obuase dancing troop, the cultural troops delivered a mesmerizing spectacle that particularly enhanced the outdooring ceremony of Kir Salisu Dabre IV, transforming it into a symphony of movement and color.
Adding to the melodic mosaic of the celebration, musician Queenzy Baby electrified the audience with contemporary Bissa music. Her performance provided a modern counterpoint to the traditional dances, showcasing the dynamic evolution of Bissa cultural expression. The fusion of ancestral rhythms with contemporary beats created a sonic landscape that resonated across the venue.
The Sukuma festival, introduced in 2022, is a recent addition to the Bissa cultural calendar, complementing the long-standing Zekula festival held annually on Easter Day in Kulungungu, the ancestral capital of the Bissa people in Ghana’s Upper East region.
It offers flexibility for localized celebrations across various Bissa diaspora communities. progress.
Full text: BDA Chairman’s address at maiden Greater Accra Sukuma
KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT GREATER ACCRA SUKUMA, HELD ON 5TH OCTOBER, 2024 AT THE ALAJO ASROTURF PARK, ACCRA BY ALHAJI SHAIBU MUSAH GUTARE (ESQ.), NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, BISSA DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (BDA)
Mr. Chairman, who doubles as the Lemagan of Bissa Woo,
The President of the Gt. Accra Region Council of Bissa Chiefs, H.R.H, Kir S. Dabre,
Members of the Greater Accra Region Council of Bissa Chiefs,
Council of Zongo Chiefs Present
Hon. Members of Parliament Present,
Members of the National Executives Committee (NEC) present,
Invited Chiefs Present,
Religious Leaders Present,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Introduction
It gives me great pleasure to celebrate with you this afternoon, the maiden Greater Accra Bissa Sukuma 2024. I convey to you all, warm regards from the entire people of Bissa, who are sometimes known by their nickname, Busanga. Just like MTN, the Bissa people can be found ‘everywhere you go’. The crowd gathered here have representation of Bissas from all the 16 regions of Ghana.
Mr. Chairman, Sukuma in the Bissa Language means coming together. It is a durbar initiated by the Bissa community in the Greater Accra Region to celebrate our culture and unity. The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Preserving Our Culture and Building Unity to Promote Peace Towards Election 2024—The Role of All Citizens”.
Mr. Chairman, despite living far away from our homeland of Bawku, we consider it important to continue to hold on to our culture and preserve our identity. Traditionally, the Bissa people are known to be very hardworking, especially in the area of vegetable production and many other crops, especially groundnuts, which we believe was domesticated by our ancestors. Most of the vegetables we consume in our homes are the handiwork of our vegetable farmers. We are known to be very honest people who can be trusted with other people’s properties and investments. It is therefore not surprising that the Bissa man is always the preferred candidate for positions such as watchman or security. These virtues, coupled with other cultural aspects such as the Bissa language, music and dance, are treasures that we must endeavor to preserve and pass on to our generations yet unborn.
Mr. Chairman, Bissa unity has come a long way since the formation of the Bissa Youth Association in the 1980s, which metamorphosed into the Bissa Development Association (BDA) in 2010. The BDA in collaboration with the various Regional Councils of Bissa Chiefs, have been engaging various Bissa communities across the country to ensure that there is unity among us and to promote peaceful co-existence with our neighbours. The peace loving nature of the Bissa people has not been achieved on a silver platter. It is a cause the BDA and the Bissa chiefs continue to pursue in order to maintain this enviable record. We therefore wish to assure the good people of Accra and all other host towns and cities across the country that we do not take your hospitality for granted. We forever owe you all, a debt of gratitude for the love shown us.
As the campaigns for election 2024 intensify, the BDA, the Council of Chiefs, and the entire Bissa people have a bigger task to remind ourselves of the need to ensure peace before, during, and after the elections. There is no reason why we can co-exist peacefully for the past three (3) years, eight (8) months, and only use the short election period to destroy the beautiful relationships and country we built together. As citizens of Ghana, we all have a responsibility to preserve and develop the country entrusted to us by our forebears, so that we can transfer onto our children and future generations, a better Ghana than we came to meet.
We therefore appeal to our political leaders to continue to preach their messages devoid of intemperate language. The Electoral Commission must also endeavor to live above perceptions of biases and favoritism, for these are the necessary ingredients to engender the trust and cooperation of all citizens.
Mr. Chairman, Let us hold on to our rich culture, unite our people to co-exist peacefully with their various communities, especially, before, during, and after the 2024 elections. Let us all remember that we owe our children and the future generation, the duty of handing over to them, a more peaceful, united, and prosperous Ghana than we met.
Thank you and God/Allah bless us all.
Bissa Woo, Bissam
Zekula N’panga