Below is the full statement by the Bulsa Youth Forum – an ‘Accountability Platform for the Bulsa People’; on the alleged assault of Mr. Fidelis Asangalisa.
Statement: Date: 23 August 2026
We, the members of the Bulsa Youth Forum, strongly condemn, in the clearest possible terms, the alleged brutality meted out to one of our members, Mr. Fidelis Asangalisa, by some military personnel in Sandema on 22 August 2026.
Mr. Asangalisa has consistently advocated for the need to address the developmental challenges confronting the Bulsa North and Bulsa South constituencies. His advocacy has particularly focused on the provision and improvement of critical social amenities, prominent among them being the deplorable condition of roads, which affects virtually every aspect of economic and social life in our communities.
For years, members of our communities have raised concerns about the apparent developmental gap between our area and other parts of the country, particularly regarding our share of national development resources. As a youth group committed to accountability, we believe that leadership must play a central role in addressing these challenges. We therefore call for selfless, responsible, and development-oriented leadership capable of harnessing the considerable potential of the Bulsa people.
Background to the Incident
Prior to the incident of 22 August 2026, Mr. Asangalisa had been actively commenting on and documenting developments relating to the road projects in the constituency.
We understand that a person identified as Castro, who is said to be a correspondent of TV3 in the Upper East Region, published information on social media concerning the road project. According to Mr. Asangalisa, some of the information published did not accurately reflect the situation on the ground.
After seeing the publications, Mr. Asangalisa reportedly visited the road project sites with his camera to document the actual state of the roads and provide what he believed to be a factual account of developments.
We further understand that, following this, Mr. Asangalisa was invited to a military facility under the pretext that some military personnel required his services at the barracks. Upon arrival, he reportedly found Castro at the facility.
According to the account given to us, Castro expressed concern that Mr. Asangalisa’s publications could damage the reputation he had built. Mr. Asangalisa was subsequently asked by the military personnel present to apologise to Castro and to refrain from recording or publishing videos concerning the road project. The matter reportedly ended there at the time.
More recently, Mr. Asangalisa published additional videos concerning the road construction, including observations about the filling of potholes on portions of the road that had reportedly been constructed about a year earlier. These videos subsequently attracted significant attention on social media.
The Alleged Assault
On 22 August 2026, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Mr. Asangalisa was reportedly at his carpentry shop when some military personnel arrived and asked him to approach their vehicle, claiming that one of their superiors, who was inside the vehicle, wanted to speak with him.
According to the account presented to us, upon approaching the vehicle, Mr. Asangalisa was allegedly forced into it and taken to the military barracks. He alleges that, upon arrival, he was slapped repeatedly and assaulted with sticks and canes while being warned against recording or publishing videos concerning the road project.
He further alleges that the military personnel demanded that he delete videos from his social media platforms.
We have observed that a number of his social media posts relating to the matter are no longer available. Mr. Asangalisa also alleges that his mobile phone and memory cards were seized, although his SIM card was subsequently returned to him. As of the time of issuing this statement, we understand that his phone remained in the custody of the military personnel.
Mr. Asangalisa further alleges that he was subjected to humiliating treatment, including being made to lie in dirty water in front of the military facility and roll over in it. He reportedly remained at the facility from approximately 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
These allegations are extremely serious and, if established, constitute conduct that should not be tolerated in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
Police and Investigative Processes
Following the incident, Mr. Asangalisa reportedly obtained a medical form from the Ghana Police Service for medical examination and treatment and has provided a statement concerning the incident.
We also understand that he has been contacted by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) in connection with the matter.
As a youth organisation committed to peace, accountability, and the rule of law, we will continue to monitor developments and await the outcome of the appropriate investigations.
Our Position
We wish to make it clear that our advocacy is not about an individual or personal interest. It is about the development of Buluk and the welfare of its people.
The Bulsa people deserve quality roads, schools, healthcare facilities, water, electricity, and other essential infrastructure necessary for sustainable development. Citizens must also be able to raise legitimate concerns about development projects without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence.
At the same time, we recognise that allegations of wrongdoing must be properly investigated and established through due process. We therefore call on the relevant authorities to conduct an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, the reported seizure of Mr. Asangalisa’s personal property and the treatment he claims to have received while in military custody.
We further call on all parties to remain calm and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions or undermine the ongoing investigative processes.
We encourage all members of the Bulsa Youth Forum and the wider Bulsa community to remain united, peaceful, and vigilant while insisting on accountability through lawful means.
Our commitment remains firmly centred on the development and progress of Buluk.
It is about Buluk development, not personal interest.
Together We Stand, Divided We Fall.
Conveyed by:
Pastor Richard Alafiisa
Bulsa Youth Forum
Tel: 0543338810
