Introduction

Sandema, the cultural heartbeat of the Builsa Traditional Area in Ghana’s Upper East Region, recently transformed into a vibrant hub of artistic expression and historical reflection. As the community gathered to celebrate the Feok Festival 2025, a unique synergy emerged between traditional celebration and contemporary art. This convergence was anchored by “The Awentami – Paul Afoko Collection,” an exhibition that showcased a remarkable archive of artistic works gathered over two decades. The event served not merely as a spectacle, but as a profound statement on the enduring power of the arts to foster resilience, identity, and freedom.

By integrating a high-profile art exhibition into the festivities, Sandema highlighted a pedagogical approach to culture—teaching the younger generation about their heritage while exposing them to global artistic standards. This article explores the multifaceted events of the Feok Festival 2025, the significance of the Awentami collection, and the broader implications for cultural preservation and community development in Northern Ghana.

Key Points

Background

The Feok Festival Tradition

The Feok Festival is an annual celebration deeply rooted in the history of the Builsa people. It is a commemoration of victory and resilience, historically marking the successful defense of the land against invasions. The festival serves as a platform to honor the ancestors, celebrate the harvest, and reaffirm the social structures of the community. In 2025, the festival adopted a specific theme: “Justice, Heritage, and Reparation: Honouring the Resilience of the Builsa People and People of African Descent.” This theme set the stage for a celebration that looked backward to history and forward to economic and cultural empowerment.

The Awentami Collection

At the center of this cultural moment was The Awentami – Paul Afoko Collection. Described by its collector, Paul Awentami Afoko, as a “labour of love,” this body of work represents over twenty years of dedication to preserving artistic heritage. The collection is significant not only for its monetary value—estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars—but for its curation, which bridges the gap between local Builsa artistry and the broader African contemporary art scene. The decision to host this collection in Sandema, rather than a capital city gallery, was a deliberate move to decentralize art access and bring inspiration directly to the source.

Analysis

Art as a Catalyst for Social Change

The hosting of the Awentami exhibition during the Feok Festival illustrates a growing recognition of the arts as a vehicle for social mobility and cohesion. Paul Afoko noted that traditional Builsa arts—specifically the decorative techniques used by women in traditional housing—were historically functional and aesthetic but “never monetised.” By bringing works by established artists like Hacajaka, James Cudjoe, Rikki Wemega-Kwao, Prof. E. K. Tetteh, Patrick Tagoe-Turkson, and Chief Jimoh Buraimoh to Sandema, the exhibition provided a tangible model of how artistic expression can be elevated to a professional level.

Educational Impact on Youth

The pedagogical value of the event was evident in the workshops conducted for students. By inviting award-winning Hungarian artist Eszta Sipo to lead sessions, the festival offered cross-border cultural exchange. This exposure is critical for youth in the Upper East Region, providing them with “triggers” for creativity, as Afoko stated. The competition aspect, where 62 students showcased their business potential through unique designs, shifted the narrative from art as a hobby to art as a viable economic enterprise.

Cultural Memory and Reparation

The theme of “Reparation” was physically manifested through the commissioning of a refurbished cenotaph. This monument honors the gallant men of the Gold Coast Regiment who fought in World War I (1914–1918). By restoring this site of memory, the festival addressed historical erasure and paid homage to the contributions of African soldiers in global conflicts. This act of remembrance, combined with the durbar addressed by Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II, reinforced the Builsa people’s claim to their history and their demand for future investment.

Practical Advice

How to Support Cultural Festivals

For those interested in supporting or participating in cultural events similar to the Feok Festival, consider the following approaches:

• Engage with Local Artisans: When visiting the Upper East Region, prioritize purchasing art directly from local creators to support the local economy.
• Participate in Educational Workshops: Look for festivals that offer workshops or seminars. These provide deeper insight into the cultural context than passive observation.
• Support Environmental Initiatives: The Feok Festival 2025 included a tree-planting campaign. When traveling, participate in or donate to greening efforts to ensure tourism remains sustainable.

For Aspiring Artists

As highlighted by the student workshop with Eszta Sipo, practical skill-building is essential. Aspiring artists in Ghana and beyond should:

• Seek mentorship from established figures.
• View art not just as expression, but as a potential business (e.g., “business owner by unique designs”).
• Document and archive their work, much like the Awentami Collection, to build a legacy.

FAQ

Conclusion

The 2025 Feok Festival in Sandema was a testament to the evolving nature of cultural heritage. By seamlessly weaving the Awentami Exhibition into the fabric of a traditional festival, the community demonstrated that heritage is not static. It is a living, breathing entity that can be enriched by contemporary art, environmental stewardship, and educational outreach.

From the “drumbeat of freedom” at the durbar to the silent contemplation of the art exhibition, the event underscored a unified message: the Builsa people are committed to preserving their past while actively building a sustainable and creative future. As the cenotaph stands refurbished and the students’ artwork circulates, the legacy of the 2025 festival will undoubtedly influence the region for years to come.