Muntaka Praises Buipewura Jinapor II for Peace-Building Efforts at Buipe Damba 2026

BUIPE, SAVANNAH REGION — The Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has commended His Royal Majesty Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II for his contribution to peace, security and peaceful coexistence in Ghana.

The Interior Minister made the remarks during the grand finale of the 2026 Buipe Damba Festival at the Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II Sports Stadium in Buipe.

The colourful celebration brought together chiefs, queen mothers, government officials, traditional leaders, youth groups, cultural performers and thousands of residents and visitors from different parts of the country.

VIDEO: Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak Speaks at Buipe Damba 2026

Watch the Interior Minister's remarks on peace-building, Buipewura Jinapor II's leadership and the importance of peaceful coexistence.

Speaking at the ceremony, Muntaka conveyed greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and praised the Buipewura for his leadership and contribution to national peace-building.

He said the country's peace and security could not be taken for granted, particularly at a time when misunderstanding and conflicts continue to pose challenges to communities.

The minister expressed appreciation to Buipewura Jinapor II for his work in promoting peace and supporting efforts aimed at keeping Ghana stable.

“I am not surprised at what I am seeing here today. We want to thank you for all your contributions ... to ensure our country is safe,” he said.

Muntaka also highlighted the Buipewura's previous career as a police officer, noting that his experience in law enforcement and his current position as a traditional ruler give him valuable knowledge and wisdom that can contribute to national development and peace.

“You served diligently as a police officer until you retired, and now you are the Overlord. We want to thank you for the service you have rendered,” the minister said.

He added that government would continue to draw on the Buipewura's experience and counsel in matters concerning peace and national security.

Buipe Damba theme puts peace at the centre

The Interior Minister described the theme of this year's festival, “Peaceful Coexistence,” as timely and appropriate.

He said the festival was not merely preaching peaceful coexistence but demonstrating it through the participation of people from different traditional, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

According to him, the presence of different cultural and dance groups at the celebration was evidence that the message of peaceful coexistence was being practised in Buipe.

Muntaka urged Ghanaians to respect one another despite differences in ethnicity, tradition and religion.

He referred to the principle of treating others as one would want to be treated, noting that similar teachings exist across different faith traditions.

He stressed that peaceful neighbours are not limited to people from the same ethnic or religious background.

“Neighbours are not only Gonjas,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of living peacefully with people from different communities, ethnic groups and religious backgrounds.

The minister said he was therefore not surprised that the Buipe Traditional Area continues to record comparatively fewer conflicts, attributing the situation partly to the area's culture of peaceful coexistence.

Government commitment to development

Muntaka Mubarak also reiterated government's commitment to delivering development to the people.

He appealed to chiefs, queen mothers and residents to continue supporting the country's development efforts and to pray for the government to successfully deliver on its mandate.

He further encouraged traditional authorities and community leaders to continue playing their role in maintaining peace, saying development could not thrive in an atmosphere of conflict and instability.

Buipe Damba celebrates unity and culture

The grand finale of Buipe Damba 2026 provided a colourful display of Gonja culture, tradition and community unity.

Traditional leaders, cultural groups, youth and residents participated in various activities as the festival reached its climax at the Jinapor Stadium.

The celebration also offered an opportunity to promote Buipe and the Buipe Traditional Area as a community where culture, tradition and peaceful coexistence remain central to social life.

Muntaka commended Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II for his leadership and urged visitors and communities across Ghana to learn from Buipe's example.

The 2026 Buipe Damba Festival was held under the theme “Peaceful Coexistence,” with the message of unity and tolerance running through the celebrations.

Report by Abdul Qudus Fireman, Jakpa Radio 96.1 FM

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