BUIPE, Savannah Region: The Buipewura, Jinapor II, has appealed to the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, for a well-equipped Ghana Fire Service station and stronger police resources for the Buipe Traditional Area. The Minister, for his part, commended the area for its spirit of peaceful coexistence during the 18th Damba Festival, held as BUDAFEST 2026.
The Buipewura’s speech was read on his behalf by his secretary, Jewuasewura Nyanchebre. It was delivered under the theme “Promoting peaceful coexistence as a path to sustainable development.”
The Buipewura applauded the people of the Buipe Traditional Area for choosing dialogue over violence and destruction in resolving disagreements. He described peace as a commodity that must be jealously protected and urged the people to use lawful mechanisms for redress.
He said peace is more than the absence of war. It is the presence of justice, tolerance, mutual respect, dialogue and understanding. No society can develop amid persistent conflict, hatred, mistrust and division, he said, because violence destroys schools, businesses and investments and robs young people of opportunities.
He said Ghana’s diversity should be an opportunity to learn from one another and not a reason for division. Peaceful coexistence, he added, is a necessity for sustainable development and not a luxury.
The Buipewura said peace is everyone’s responsibility: governments, traditional and religious leaders, parents, teachers, the media and individuals. He cautioned against false accusations, discrimination and inflammatory messages. In the age of social media and Artificial Intelligence, he said, people must verify information before sharing or acting on it.
The Buipewura also warned against growing drug abuse among the youth. He said it contributes to poor academic performance, school dropout, unemployment, family conflict, violence and crime. He called for the combined efforts of parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, health professionals, civil society, law-enforcement agencies and the youth themselves. He said silence must be replaced with positive conversation, and addiction with recovery and rehabilitation.
The Buipewura commended the Buipe District Police Command for its work against highway armed robbery, kidnappings and attacks on the Buipe–Kintampo, Buipe–Tamale and Buipe–Lito-Damongo roads. He said the Police had carried out intelligence-led operations that dismantled illegal drug gangs in the district.
To support security efforts, he said he had released two acres of land to the District Assembly for a new District Police Headquarters. He is also building a police post at the Buipe Cattle Market, one of the biggest in West Africa. He called for another police post between Lito and old Buipe.
He told the Minister that police highway patrols remain ineffective because of inadequate personnel, vehicles and motorbikes.
The Buipewura described Buipe as the industrial hub of the Savannah Region, situated between the Tamale and Kintampo highways. He said it needs a well-equipped Fire Service station. The township hosts factories including the BOST Energies sub-station, Savannah Diamond Cement and a shea-nut processing factory, yet has only one fire tender.
He also disclosed that he has released five acres of land to the Ghana Immigration Service for offices and accommodation. He appealed to the Minister to use his office to address the issues raised.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Muntaka said the participation of different cultural groups, including Sisala, Fulani, Wangara, Hausa and Bobobo dancers, showed that peaceful coexistence was being practised and not merely talked about.
He said Ghana’s cultural, ethnic and religious diversity should not become a source of division. He urged citizens to treat others with the same respect and consideration they expect for themselves, regardless of ethnicity, religion or traditional affiliation.
Hon. Muntaka outlined government measures to strengthen the country’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 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 was particularly significant because peace creates the environment for people to invest, educate their children, farm, do business and develop their communities.
He pointed to the peaceful relationship between the Abonofour people and their Gonja brothers and sisters in Cheremo and Kamampa. He described 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 Abease Traditional Area’s continued support.
He 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 festival was also attended by Alhaji Yussif Adam Ibrahim Daraa Salaam as Guest of Honour along with Members of Parliament, MMDCEs, chiefs and queen mothers.
