Buem in Togo

Introduction / History

The Balemi (Buem) live in the forested mountains of Ghana's central Volta Region. In the mid-1900s, the area led the Volta region in cocoa production, and tin roofing sheets replaced the traditional log/earth roofs seen only on traditional shrine houses today.

During the Ashanti Wars (1865-90) their chief formed a confederacy to resist Ashanti dominance and kept trade routes open from the North to the coast. Originally guided by earth priests, the Buem have adopted the Akan chieftaincy system and Asafo company structure. Eastern Buem is predominantly Catholic (with Ewe being the second language) and Western Buem is Presbyterian (using Twi).

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most young men leave the towns in search of work in the capital. Traditional marriage customs are dying out. Most children are born out of wedlock and siblings rarely have one set of parents. Education standards have dropped since 1960, and jobs are no longer available for those who can afford education. There is an increased interest in their mother tongue and community based education. The Buem are proud of their role as leaders of the Volta Region.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of the Buem people are nominal or social Christians, few are committed Christians. Buem are well organized and capable of working together well to meet community needs. Unfortunately, the reintroduction of the yam festival and its accompanyin

What Are Their Needs?

There are not enough medical facilities in the Buem homeland for their needs.

Prayer Points

Pray for all their physical needs to be met by our generous God.
Pray for Christians among the Buem to shine the light of Jesus, drawing others to him as well.
Pray that soon there will be entire Buem families turning their lives to Jesus Christ.
Pray for Buem disciples to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project