The leadership of the Bassare Youth Association (BAYA) has officially inaugurated preparations for the 2026 National Congress with a call on Bassare youth and other stakeholders to unite around their shared heritage, culture and common aspirations to promote the development of their communities.
The four-day congress, scheduled for September 18 to 21 in Kpandai, is expected to bring together thousands of Bassares from various parts of Ghana, as well as neighbouring Togo and Nigeria.
The congress, being held under the theme “One People, One Heritage, One Culture”, is expected to provide a platform for members to reconnect with their roots, strengthen relationships, promote cultural preservation and deliberate on issues affecting the socio-economic development of the Bassare people.
Mr Seth Nyantakyi Baalah, Greater Accra Regional BAYA Branch Chairman, called on Bassare youth across the country to participate actively in the 2026 National Congress, saying the event belonged to the entire Bassare community.
He urged the youth to attend the congress in their numbers and contribute meaningfully to discussions and activities aimed at strengthening unity, preserving cultural heritage and promoting the development of Bassare communities.
Speaking to the media, Mr Baalah said the inauguration marked an important step towards mobilising the various structures of the Association and working closely with the Local Organising Committee to ensure adequate preparations for the expected influx of participants.
Mr Toni J.C. Bakawu, National Secretary of BAYA, said knowledge of one’s heritage was critical to preserving cultural identity, especially at a time when globalisation, technology and changing lifestyles were increasingly influencing the younger generation.
Speaking to the Local Organising Committee, comprising chiefs, their secretaries, linguists and other stakeholders, at the launch in Kpandai, Mr Bakawu said the congress programme had been carefully designed to combine youth engagement, cultural education, entertainment and community interaction.
He said the activities would commence with the arrival of participants and continue throughout the congress, providing opportunities for members to interact, share experiences and deepen their understanding and appreciation of Bassare culture.
Among the activities lined up are a football gala involving teams from various Bassare communities, musical performances by Bassare artistes and a series of traditional cultural displays.
According to him, traditional performances would include the fire dance, cutlass display by young men, Googo dance, among others.
He revealed that the Googo dance, among other traditional activities, would form part of the cultural procession to escort Bassare paramount chiefs from their residences to the durbar grounds.
