Buipe Damba Day 3: Buipewura Calls for Peace as Festival Continues

The 2026 Damba Festival in Buipe has entered its third day with traditional rites, a colourful Damba dance procession and a strong call for peace and good conduct from His Royal Majesty Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II.

The day's activities began in the morning when the Buipewura led his subjects to the Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II Sports Stadium, where a bull was slaughtered as part of the traditional rites marking the festival.

Following the rites, chiefs, subjects and celebrants took part in a Damba dance procession from the stadium back to the palace.

The procession provided another opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the traditional music, dance and cultural expressions that form an important part of the Buipe Damba celebration.

The Buipe Damba Festival is rooted in the cultural life of the Buipe Traditional Area, with traditional rites and Damba dances forming part of the community's annual celebration.

Buipewura urges youth to maintain peace

As is customary on Fridays, the chiefs later sat in council at the palace.

Addressing the gathering, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II admonished the youth to be of good behaviour and to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the festival.

The traditional ruler expressed concern over a misunderstanding that occurred during the bull-slaughtering and procession activities.

He reminded the youth that peace is priceless and urged them to comport themselves well, stressing the importance of protecting the peaceful atmosphere of the celebration.

His message comes as Buipe continues to receive visitors from different parts of the country and beyond for the annual celebration.

The Buipewura has previously placed emphasis on maintaining order and protecting the character of the Buipe Damba celebration.

Buipewura appeals for patience from visitors

The traditional ruler also appealed to visitors who travelled from far and near to celebrate Damba in Buipe to exercise patience regarding accommodation challenges.

He acknowledged that Buipe is still developing and assured visitors that efforts are being made to ensure that everyone who has travelled for the festival is comfortable.

He further announced that food has been made available at the White House for visitors who travelled from outside Buipe.

The gesture is expected to provide additional support for visitors as the town hosts people from different communities during the festival.

Day Two rice-picking ceremony

The Day Three activities follow a major Day Two programme that featured the traditional rice-picking ceremony at the palace of Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II.

That ceremony brought together traditional leaders, political figures, religious leaders, members of the royal family and visitors from across Gonjaland.

Read: Buipe Damba 2026 Day Two rice-picking ceremony

The Day Two programme also featured a Damba dance display, with the festival continuing into evening cultural and entertainment activities.

Cultural performances continue

Following Jumu'ah prayers on Day Three, a cultural troupe performed for residents and visitors, adding another layer of traditional entertainment to the celebrations.

Attention now turns to tonight's live band performance as Buipe continues its 2026 Damba celebrations.

For residents, chiefs, visitors and the younger generation, the festival remains an important opportunity to celebrate Gonja heritage, traditional leadership, music, dance and community life.

As the celebrations continue, the Buipewura's call for peace also places responsibility on participants to ensure that the festival remains welcoming and peaceful for everyone.

Gonja Pulse will continue to follow the 2026 Buipe Damba Festival and bring readers updates from the celebrations.

Report by Abdul Qudus, Jakpa Radio 96.1 FM.

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