About us and Heritage

BUGM is a member-led, non-profit association registered with the Charity Commission of England with registered charity number 1205580 that preserves Bono culture, supports our members, and contributes to civic life in Greater Manchester.

We welcome families, students, professionals, elders, and allies who share our values of Unity, Respect, Service, Integrity, and Learning. Rooted in tradition and focused on opportunity, we invest in youth leadership, health and wellbeing, and partnerships that benefit our members and the wider community.

Historic Bonoman/Bono culture is renowned for goldworking, trade, Bono Twi language, matrilineal lineage, stool chieftaincy, Apoo festival, kente weaving, adinkra symbolism, and rich proverbs (mmebusɛm).

Today’s heartlands in Ghana: the former Brong-Ahafo Region (1959–2019), now the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions.

BUGM promotes intergenerational learning—language phrases, songs, storytelling, and cultural showcases.

Membership: Individuals/families in Greater Manchester (allies welcome).

Leadership: Elected Executive (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Culture, Youth, Welfare, Events, Communications).

Governance: Constitution, safeguarding, EDI, GDPR/privacy, conflict of interest; dual-authorised payments; annual reporting

Places & Timeline (plain English):

• The Brong Ahafo area in Ghana nurtured Bono communities shaped by gold, trade, farming, and craft.
• Towns and traditional areas across today’s Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions continue to uphold language, chieftaincy, festivals, and artisanal skills.

Culture in Daily Life:

• Matrilineal lineage and stool leadership guide identity and service
• Festivals (e.g., Apoo) celebrate renewal, ethics, and communal dialogue
• Kente & adinkra encode values; proverbs transmit wisdom
• Drumming & dance mark life milestones—from outdooring to funerals

Language:

• Bono Twi (Akan)—BUGM encourages intergenerational practice through greetings, songs, and stories at events.