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| Buipewura Jinapor II |
Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, Paramount Chief of the Buipe traditional area and Vice President of the National House of Chiefs of Ghana, has expressed concern over a looming threat with severe consequences for the country's development: drug abuse.
Buipewura Jinapor in a speech read on his behalf during the 2025 annual Damba festival dubbed BUDAFEST 2025 held in Buipe in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region cautioned that Tramadol, Red 225, solution, and general drug abuse is a huge threat to the future of the youth of Ghana country and called on lawmakers and the security services to critically assess the situation and enforce laws to control it.
On the need for peace, Buipewura Jinapor mentioned that Peace is the shield and the protagonist for the development of the country and the Savannah Region.
“Let no wind scatter Savannah region. Without peace, we have nothing to boast of and nothing in our sleeves, Buipewura Jinapor emphasized.”
He appealed to Savannah Region to reject conflict and emulate the wisdom of the forebearas who divided the kingdom in shared purpose, not strife.
On education,the Paramount chief stressed the importance of education, describing it as a fertile ground for development and economic enhancement. “For Savannah to be described as the beacon of development, then we must embrace education in its diversity,” he said.
Chairman for the occasion, Nyab Tamale Dakpema, emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence, unity, and sustainable development. “We are one people with a shared destiny,” he stated, highlighting the significance of festivals like BudaFest in promoting unity and celebrating heritage. The festival’s theme, “Promoting Peaceful Co-existence: A Path to Sustainable Development,” resonated deeply with attendees.
Nyab Dakpema expressed concern over recurring land disputes and drug abuse. “As traditional leaders, we bear a sacred duty to ensure that land becomes a blessing and not a curse,” he said, urging dialogue, mediation, and customary arbitration to resolve disputes peacefully. Regarding drug abuse, he warned, “If we lose our youth to drugs, we lose our future,” and advocated for collective efforts to educate and support the youth.
Dakpema renewed the commitment to peace, unity, and development, saying, “May the spirit of Damba inspire us to walk together as one people, to confront our challenges with courage, to embrace peace, the surest path to sustainable development.” This call to action underscores the importance of unity and collective responsibility in addressing social challenges and promoting sustainable development.
The minister of trade, industry and agribusiness who doubles as the special guest of honor for BUDAFEST 2025, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare in a speech praised the Buipewura for bringing modernity to present chieftaincy.
She indicated that Buipe and the Savannah Region is very strategic in the industrialization sector of the country.
She said Buipe and it's surroundings will see more industries being established in the Central Gonja District.
She indicated that the Buipe Market the biggest market in the Savannah Region,would soon be made into an everyday market.
Member of Parliament for the Yapei-Kusawgu constituency, Hon Abu Jinapor assured the people of the Savannah Region that he is tackling the issues of drainage and water in the constituency and he is for now very much focused on the provision of portable drinking water for the people.
He said very soon, water and its related issues will become a thing of the past especially in Buipe and its surroundings.
The 2025 annual BUDAFEST was graced by a host of dignitaries, including: Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, 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.
