The 18th annual Buipe Damba Festival (BUDAFEST) has climaxed with a strong call from traditional and political leaders for Ghanaians to embrace peaceful coexistence, dialogue and tolerance as foundations for sustainable development.
The festival, which began on October 1, climaxed on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Jinapor Stadium in Buipe under the theme, “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence as a Path to Sustainable Development.”
In his welcome address, His Royal Majesty Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area and Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, commended the people of Buipe for their efforts to promote peace and restore dialogue as the preferred means of resolving disagreements.
He urged residents to continuously utilise appropriate traditional and local mechanisms for resolving conflicts, stressing that peace is essential to sustainable development.
Buipewura Jinapor II noted that conflict does not only destroy infrastructure but also undermines relationships, confidence, businesses, education and the prospects of future generations.
He therefore called on traditional leaders, religious leaders, parents, teachers, the media and individuals to recognise peacebuilding as a collective responsibility.
The Buipewura also cautioned the public to exercise restraint in the use of social media and artificial intelligence, warning that false information can spread rapidly and turn misunderstandings into conflicts.
He urged people to verify information before sharing it and to use technology to promote education, constructive engagement and peaceful dialogue.
The Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, commended the Buipe Traditional Area for demonstrating the spirit of peaceful coexistence through its celebration.
He said the participation of different cultural groups, including Sisala and Bobobo dancers, demonstrated that peaceful coexistence was being practised and not merely discussed.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s cultural, ethnic and religious diversity should not become a source of division.
He encouraged citizens to treat others with the same respect and consideration they expect for themselves, regardless of ethnicity, religion or traditional affiliation.
Hon. Muntaka also outlined measures being undertaken by government to strengthen Ghana’s security architecture, including the provision of security equipment and infrastructure for the security services.
He said the government was working to improve the capacity of the police, military, immigration and fire services to protect citizens and support economic activities.
The Chairman of the 18th Buipe Damba Festival, Obrempong Kru-Takyi II, Omanhene and President of the Abease Traditional Council and Vice President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, described his role as an honour reflecting the strong friendship between Buipe and Abease.
He said the theme of the festival was particularly significant because peace creates the environment for people to invest, educate their children, farm, conduct business and develop their communities.
Obrempong Kru-Takyi II highlighted the peaceful relationship between the Abonofour people and their Gonja brothers and sisters in Cheremo and Kamampa, describing it as an example of how different ethnic communities can live, work and build a common future together.
He assured the Buipewura and the people of Gonjaland of the continued support of the Abease Traditional Area in strengthening the bonds between the two traditional areas.
The Chairman also urged Ghanaians to separate political differences from family and social relationships, noting that people can belong to different political traditions while maintaining respect, friendship and unity.
The speakers at the festival collectively called for greater tolerance, dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation among Ghanaians.
They stressed that peace and development are mutually dependent, with sustainable economic and social progress requiring a stable and peaceful environment.
The celebration was attended by several government officials, traditional rulers and community leaders, including Damongowura Seidu Kelly Boresa I, the President of the Gonjaland Youth Association and other dignitaries.
The 2026 BUDAFEST featured a series of cultural and traditional activities from October 1 to October 3, culminating in the grand durbar at the Jinapor Stadium.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
