Buipewura Jinapor II calls for stronger unity among African traditional leaders
The call was made when a high-powered delegation of traditional authorities from Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, and Congo, together with Diasporans from the Harlem Tourism Board in the United States, paid a courtesy call on the Buipewura at his palace on Saturday, December 14, as part of activities marking the 2025 Cultural Oneness Festival.
The Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, has called for deeper unity and structured cooperation among African traditional leaders, describing it as critical to the continent’s cultural survival, peace, and development.
The call was made when a high-powered delegation of traditional authorities from Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, and Congo, together with Diasporans from the Harlem Tourism Board in the United States, paid a courtesy call on the Buipewura at his palace on Saturday, December 14, as part of activities marking the 2025 Cultural Oneness Festival.
Welcoming the delegation, the Buipewura emphasized in a speech read on his behalf that the time had come for African chiefs to move beyond symbolic engagements and build enduring partnerships that address shared challenges across the continent.
“We must move beyond ceremonial solidarity. I propose a stronger, more formalized network of cooperation among African Traditional Leaders.”
According to him, traditional leadership remains one of Africa’s most trusted institutions and must be harnessed to promote peace, cultural preservation, and grassroots development.
“By sharing best practices in dispute resolution, cultural preservation, and local economic development, we can create a powerful, unified front.”
Buipewura Jinapor II further called for joint initiatives among traditional authorities, particularly in areas where African communities face common threats.
“I urge the initiation of joint initiatives focused on shared challenges, be it climate change adaptation, the protection of common historical sites, or the promotion of intra-African trade through cultural exchange.” He said.
Touching on the role of traditional leaders in continental governance, the Buipewura stressed the need for a collective voice that can shape policy discussions at the highest levels.
“Together, we must use our collective moral authority to form a unified voice to influence continental policy discussions at bodies like the African Union, especially on matters of peace and our shared cultural identity.” He noted.
The visit formed part of broader engagements under the 2025 Cultural Oneness Festival, which seeks to strengthen cultural ties among African Kingdoms and the diaspora, while promoting unity through heritage, tradition, and shared history.
Key among the delegation was King of the Wanga Kingdom in Kenya, His Royal Majesty King Mumia II of the Wanga Kingdom, Senior Chief James Puta of Zambia and Congo, Chief Martin Glin of the Tolon Traditional Area, Naba Yelzoya Kosom Asaga II, Paramount Chief of the Nangodi Traditional Area, Tony Rogers, President of the Harlem Tourism Board.
The Cultural Oneness Festival was organised by The Taste of Afrika in partnership with Kacstone Record’s.
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