As the rhythmic beat of the Damba drums echoed along the banks of the Black Volta, a powerful message of peace, unity, and cultural pride took center stage at the 2025 BUDAFEST, delivered on behalf of Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area and Vice President of the National House of Chiefs.
In a passionate address read by his Secretary, Neripewura Panfia Kipson, the Buipewura urged all citizens of Gonjaland and the Savannah Region to reject conflict, embrace education, and uphold peace as a sacred duty.
“Peace sets the tone for balanced development and is the prerequisite for unity in diversity. Its price is valueless and granite,” the Buipewura stated.
The Buipewura warned that no region can thrive in the absence of peace. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of ancestors who built kingdoms through cooperation, not conflict, he urged today’s generation to follow suit:
“Let no wind scatter Savannah Region. Without peace, we have nothing to boast of and nothing in our sleeves.”
He described peace not just as a cultural virtue, but as the foundation for economic growth, educational advancement, and interethnic harmony.
Linking peace to progress, the Buipewura emphasized education as the transformative bridge to a better future and therefore calling for a collective push toward literacy, skills training, and inclusive development:
“For Savannah to be described as a beacon of development, we must embrace education in its diversity. The world’s opportunities are proudly found in education.”
Buipewura’s speech blended ancestral wisdom with modern realities, reminding citizens that true celebration is not only in dance and music but in values upheld.
“Let us carry this charge into our homes: uphold peace as our footrest, nurture culture as our soul, pursue education as our sword, and banish drug abuse as the enemy it is.”
The event was graced by a host of dignitaries, including: Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Dr. John jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor, Director General of GTEC, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo, Hon. Salisu Bi-Awuribi, Savannah Regional Minister, Dakpemaa Naa of Tamale, Nana Fanyinama Masaba II, Acting President of the Zongo Community Chiefs, Regional and constituency executives of both NDC and NPP, religious leaders, and security agencies.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
