Sandema, the cultural heartbeat of the Builsa Traditional Area in the Upper East Region, once again came 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 more than 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.

Held at Adakuruk in Sandema from the 17th to the 19th, the exhibition was opened to the public with free admission, offering rare access to the residence of Mr Paul Awentami Afoko and affirming art as both a personal refuge and a collective memory.

The collection featured works by Hacajaka, James Cudjoe, Rikki Wemega-Kwao, Prof. E. K. Tetteh, Patrick Tagoe-Turkson and Chief Jimoh Buraimoh.

As part of the festival activities, the collection was exhibited to three schools in Sandema. Students were taken through a practical art workshop led by award-winning Hungarian artist, Eszta Sipo. All 62 students were given the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity through original designs, after which outstanding participants were awarded prizes.

In addition to the exhibition, a tree-planting exercise was organised as part of a green environment campaign in Sandema and surrounding communities. Within a year, the school with the highest number of successfully nurtured acacia plants—donated by Mr Afoko—will be rewarded with prizes.

Speaking on the rationale behind the exhibition, Mr Afoko, a former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), said the decision to host an exhibition of artworks worth tens of thousands of dollars in Sandema was aimed at exposing children to both international and local art.

“This exposure can serve as a trigger to their creativity. The aim is to inspire them,” he said.

He added: “We have our own traditional arts, which were never monetised. I grew up years ago in my uncle’s house in Navrongo, where traditional houses were built and decorated by women using local materials to create colours that lasted a very long time.”

On his part, the Curator of the Awentami Exhibition and Chief Curator at the Konyo Museum, Widdup Coubagy, noted that music and the arts have propelled nations forward more than any other discipline.

“A nation that nurtures its citizens through art steers its people towards higher and nobler activities. The Awentami Collection is truly a labour of love,” he said.

The overall best student at the art workshop, Akanyiti Jacob of Sandema Senior High School, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude to Mr Afoko for the opportunity to experience works by renowned artists.

He said the exhibition had personally encouraged him to work harder towards becoming 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, appealed to government to prioritise development in the areas of education, agriculture and road infrastructure.

He specifically called for the establishment of an Agricultural Training College in the area to boost agricultural production and build the capacity of the predominantly farming population.

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 Builsa and the Upper East Region.

“In the 2026 Budget, an amount of eight hundred and eighty-eight million cedis has been allocated for the construction of one thousand kilometres of agricultural enclave roads across the country. For this region, the investment includes the strategic Navrongo–Chuchuliga–Sandema–Fumbissi road,” he said.

Also in attendance were the Member of Parliament for Builsa South and Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, the MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, 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 to 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.