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.
It was in continuation of this cultural preservation that the Bakossi community under the umbrella of BACDA-USA congregated at BOSTON to celebrate and enhance fraternity.
The 2026 edition of this cultural come together , July 16-19 according to the organisers was an unforgettable weekend, full of splendor, glamor of the rich Bakossi tradition.
According to BACDA-USA President, Nyangu Epie Nyake, “ Boston Convention 2026 shattered records in membership, fundraising, Gen Z participation, attendance, fun, fellowship, and entertainment. It was truly a celebration of unity, culture, family, and excellence,” she wrote on her facebook page.
The Boston Chapter lived up to its promise of “Premium or Nothing.”
Despite being one of the smaller chapters, they delivered an extraordinary convention that exceeded every expectation. Their passion, meticulous planning, hospitality, and unwavering commitment created memories that will remain with us for years to come, she said.
The President extended her appreciation all who sacrifice time, money, selfless service, shared knowledge towards the success of the event.
“To the Able Nya Mbwogs and Saŋ Mbwogs of the Boston Chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation. Thank you for giving the BACDA-USA family an experience we will cherish for a very long time. To every delegate, family, sponsor, volunteer, donor, performer, committee member, and supporter who sacrificed your time, resources, and energy to be with us—thank you. Your presence is what made this convention historic,” she wrote.
Passing over the Cultural legacy to the younger generation is imperative
Traditional rites, sports and the teaching of akosse language to the kids were some of the highlights at BOSTON.
Next Year Rendezvous has been taken for ATLANTA, JUY 15-18, 2027
UPHOLDING The Rich Bakossi Culture
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, thus 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. wherever one is found, are pursuits to uphold .
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.
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.
To underscore the primacy of revitalizing some of the rich cultural values, the Bakossi community wherever they are must recognize that they as a people, form the bedrock of the unity, progress they yearn for and seek to uphold.
BACDA-USA say they are blazing the trail in promoting this rich culture irrespective of distance.
The BAKOSSI community in the US has kept tradition celebrating their cultural come together annually.
According to Nyangu Nyake Epie, the zeal for this is yearly come together to thank the ancestors, commune together and pray for more blessings for members and the families as well as thank the ancestors, hold sway.
UPSCALING BAKOSSI ARTS AND CRAFT TALENTS
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 the people’s heritage.
The artistic talent of great crafts men in BAKOSSI community has unfortunately not gone beyond their 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 their local artisans who master the traditional crafts of basket weaving, ceramics, wood carving and beadwork, the community at home and abroad 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 festivals, experts say.
By meticulously planning and jubilantly celebrating these events in the different annual cultural festivities of different clans, communities the BAKOSSI’s as a people 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.
Their 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 their cultural diversity. Through tourism the 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.
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 says.
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 the 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 their various monthly clan meetings be it in the villages or towns far off their geographical territory, they 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 siblings rekindles the spirit of community belonging and provide a cultural foundation for posterity.
Technology has made it easier 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 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 the 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.