The BEHONS a powerful cultural society of the Bakossi people.
By Ngalame Elias( Publisher, ECO OUTLOOK)
Culture, the invaluable thread that weaves together the tapestry of a people’s past, present and the future holds profound significance, especially when we delve into the wonders of African culture generally and that of the Bakossi community in particular.
From language to music, dance to arts, cuisine to religion, clothing to social customs, and even encompassing tangible and intangible relics, monuments, natural wonders and historical landmarks, the Bakossi culture embraces an extraordinary array of diversity and achievements.
The Bakossi boast of a vibrant and rich culture with variant activities like the “Ndieh” the “Ahon,” the ‘Nchip” , visit to secret sites “Abundue” and ancestral shrines, bringing back past traditional tenets and upholding values like communing together annually, sharing naturally prepared food that was eaten by their forefathers like ” Ekoke”, ” Echen,” educating the youths with past history, the akoose language and other traditional lessons etc.
Unfortunately these important cultural values and identity over time have been assailed and fractured by numerous forces including the harrowing legacies of forced conversions, urbanization, migration etc.
Consequently like other cultures in Africa, the Bakossi culture has suffered the erosion of its identity and heritage, gradually being overshadowed by the tides of westernization.
BAFAC 2025 IN TOMBEL
Thus, the most pivotal endeavor in perpetuating the Bakossi community’s opulent heritage and embracing its cultural multiplicity is to ignite a renaissance of its rich tradition and safeguard the quintessence of its identity.
The maiden edition of the BAKOSSI CULTURAL FESTIVAL, BAFAC 2025, came in timely, to wear the renaissance cap.
And indeed the three days festival in TOMBEL August 27-30th was a big deal for the entire Bakossi community, a major player in reshaping and safeguarding the quintessence of our rich cultural identity.
According to the Minister, deputy secretary general at the Presidency, patron to the event,” This cultural festival was not just an even, it provided us an opportunity to heal old wounds, build bridges between generations, and uphold our rich cultural identity. Let us carry forward the values we have learned here, preserving and passing them on to the younger generation.”
The event provided the opportunity for the younger generation to see the revival of old tradition like lessons on chieftaincy selection in Bakossi, marriage rites, widowhood etc,
The celebration also provided the opportunity to share meals, commune together and beseech blessings from the ancestors and divine favor from the Almighty.
To underscore the primacy of revitalizing some of the rich cultural values, the Bakossi community must recognize that they as a people form the bedrock of the unity, progress they yearn for and seek to uphold.
CELEBRATING NDIEH
The BAKOSSI community has kept tradition celebrating their cultural festival called NDIEH. From Nninong, Elung, Mbwogmut, etc the zeal for this is yearly come together to thank the ancestors and pray for more blessings to the land hold sway
According to the chief of Muanjeken HRH Chief Masango Denise Mebune, NDIEH is a thanks giving cultural ceremony where elders, custodians of tradition, and the population commune together to share a common meal, thank God and the ancestors for their blessings to the community and also seek for more blessings in all fronts( economic, cultural, development, health, seed of the womb etc.
“ Traditionally in the Nninong clan, NDIEH is celebrated in the month of April when our school children are on holidays to enable them also participate and learn the culture,” Chief Masango says.
Championing Traditional Arts and Crafts
The restoration of Bakossi culture finds essence in the promotion and sustenance of traditional arts and craft that offers a gateway to the past and represent, a vital facet of our heritage.
The artistic talent of great crafts men in our BAKOSSI community has unfortunately not gone beyond our divisional territorial confines, evidently because the needed attention and push was not given, exposure was absent and this rich potential treasure nipped in the bud.
By extending support and recognition to our local artisans who master the traditional crafts of basket weaving, ceramics, wood carving and beadwork, we can ensure the passage of these artistic skills to future generations.
Establishing training facilities and workshops will serve as conduit for dissemination of these unique works of arts through markets, exhibitions, and online platforms not only empowers the craftsmen with sustainable livelihood but also safeguards cultural reassured.
REVIVING CULTURAL FESTIVALS
The rekindling of our Bakossi traditions find expression in the vibrant tapestry of cultural festival like what we have just organized in 2025.
By meticulously planning and jubilantly celebrating these events in the different annual cultural festivities of our different clans, communities we can resurrect customs, music, dance and traditional attire that have gone moribund.
These festivals act as beacons that beckon tourists, fostering economic growth and cross cultural exchanges. On a global scale, they dispel misconceptions and kindle a spirit of appreciation for the richness of the Bakossi heritage.
CULTURAL TOURISM for Conservation.
Embracing cultural tourism becomes the harbinger of the Bakossi cultural preservation.
Our rich natural environment,the Bakossi National Park, KupeMuanenguba twin lakes, Mount Kupe and other natural resources constitute a huge tourists pull. But these can be harness end enriched with our cultural diversity. Through tourism our two local councils of Bangem and Tombel as well as village communities can gain financial incentives to uphold their cultural identity by showcasing traditional practices, performing arts and cultural festivals around these natural touristic hotspots/ villages.
However these must be thread with caution, ensuring that tourism initiatives remain ethical and sustainable while respecting indigenous cultures without commodifying or diluting them for monetary gains.
The promotion of civic engagement and equitable economic distribution should be the lodestar of this endeavor.
EDUCATION AND RAISING AWARENESS
The cornerstone of cultural heritage preservation lies in making it accessible to the younger generation through education and awareness programs.
Infusing Bakossi language, history, arts and culture into schools, church sermons elevates consciousness of pupils, students and Christians of our community about the depth and significance of their legacy.
The Nninong Women and Daughters Development Association, NIWODDA Buea branch and the AKOOSE Language Development and Cultural Association, ALDECA are already championing efforts to teach young Bakossi children the Akoose language.
The maiden training session took place at the Regional Linguistic Center in Buea 1st to 31 July,2025 and will hence be annually.
This initiative is a good step in the right direction to be replicated by other Bakossi entities.
In the present context of Akoose language recognized as one of the leading National languages in Cameroon, it is important to highlight the role of the Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL) being the pioneer organization that had championed Literacy Programs in Akoose.
“Through CABTAL we have Akoose alphabet and several written materials in Akoose such as the New Testament Bible, books for learning of Akoose, etc.” Rev Akiseh Makoge, CEO of ALDECA said.
Having expressed the need for a grassroot based organization to ensure continuity of what CABTAL has done so far, Rev. Akisseh Makoge Ernest and his team were inspired to create the Akoose language Development and Culture Association (ALDECA), whose vision is to promote Akoose language and culture through Literacy, digitalization of Bakossi culture, he explained.
Such community and local institution led efforts further propagate our cultural pride. The integration of the teaching of Bakossi history, traditions and rituals in our different clan monthly meetings by some of our culture heads/elite will help foster a sense of pride in our youth, thereby perpetuating and strengthening their roots.
Moreover cultural exchange programs and lessons in some of our KupeMuanenguba Whatsapp groups provide an ideal platform for the transmission of ancestral knowledge and practices.
Embedded within our Bakossi society, oral history, storytelling and ancient wisdom ( wise saying- “Ngahn”) offer invaluable insights into our cultural heritage. Preserving and promoting these cultural traditions become imperative for reclaiming cultural vigor.
In our various monthly clan meetings be it in the villages or towns far off our geographical territory, we must regularly practice, safeguard our rich folktales, proverbs, myths and legends, capturing them digitally for the benefit of future generations.
Story telling events even at family level with our siblings rekindles the spirit of community belonging and provide a cultural foundation for posterity.
Technology has made it easier for us now to document and preserve through audio, video and recordings, these cultural treasures, disseminating them through accessible digital channels and archives where and when necessary.
EMPOWERING ELDERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS
The wisdom and experience of elders and community leaders stand as invaluable assets in cultural revival initiatives. Their inclusion in decision making process and cultural preservation endeavors, ensures the passage of knowledge, customs and rituals to the next generation.
They hold the mantle of actively promoting and preserving our Bakossi culture by infusing traditional values into governance within the community. Through their mentorship programs elders and youths share their wisdom and experiences, bridging the generational divide and securing the continuity of the rich Bakossi culture.
FOSTERING ACTIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Central to our Bakossi cultural preservation is the active participation of the different local communities in events like festivals and rituals. This requires funding assistance. By empowering and funding community led cultural initiatives that uphold and rejuvenate cultural practices, elite and organizations help to reinforce the authenticity and endurance of traditions.
By embracing the outline strategies, the Bakossi community will undoubtedly safeguard their cultural legacy, ensuring its endurance for the prosperity of future generations.
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