The Bissa Christian Fellowship International (BCFI) has made a generous donation of 2000 GHC to support the upcoming Zekula Festival, joining the list of individual and organisational contributors who have activated their support for their heritage.
Dubbed Zekula@20, this year’s festival, which marks the 20th anniversary, is scheduled to take place on May 4 at the Bissa traditional capital of Kulungungu in the Upper East region.
The Zekula Festival is a homecoming event that brings together all Bissas, regardless of their religious or clan affiliations, under the umbrella of unity. The festival, which was instituted in 2004, has become the biggest festival in the Upper East region, promoting unity and solidarity among the Bissa people.
The donation from BCFI is a response to a crowdfunding appeal launched by the Bissa Development Association (BDA), the organisers of the festival. Their contribution follows a long list of other individuals and organizations that have responded to the appeal for funds launched last month.
The contribution is a significant boost to the preparations for the festival, which is expected to be an exceptional celebration of Bissa culture and unity.
With just a day until the event, organisations such as the Madina BDA Zone, the Northern Regional BDA, the Gomoa Fetteh Palace, and the Sinatare Group have all sent their support into the official Mobile Money account of the BDA.
Announcing their presence adds to the strong bond that exists among Bissas beyond clannish or religious differences. Its GHS 2000 amount happens to be among the top contributions received so far, and it demonstrates their commitment to the unity campaign and their support for the Bissa community.
The BDA, has already expressed its gratitude to all the donors for their support, which it says will help make the Zekula@20 festival a memorable and successful event.
Led by its leaders, like the president, Mr. Seidu Abubakar Sadiq, Madam Mary Salifu, Lawyer Emmanuel Basintale, and Evangelist Jon Gilando (National Prayer Coordinator), the formation of the BCFI was in response to the need for Bissa Christians to have an opportunity to share Christian thoughts, visit and encourage one another, and pray for each other as Christians.
Other executives are Mr. Mike Wahab Adam (Secretary General), Dr. Stephen Braimah Mahama (National Treasurer), Mr. Musah Abdulai (National Organiser), Mr. Grant Perryman (Diaspora Relations Director), Mr. James Bukari Basintale (Advisory Council Member), and Mr. Sam Braimah (Advisory Council Member).
In line with the general aims and objectives of the BDA, the BCFI aims to be an organization of high credibility and integrity to engage the wider Christian world and the Bissa community. It has set its sights on addressing the issue of Bissa literacy, which is particularly important. They now have a Bible in their language with audio backing.