Birthdays are a very special day in everybody’s
life. More so for a revered paramount
chief in Gonjaland, His Royal Majesty Buipewura Abdulai Mahama Jinapor II. It is
an important occasion to celebrate the life and achievements of an esteemed
chief. The Chief is recognized for his sterling leadership as traditional ruler
and for promoting the customs and tradition of the chiefs and people of Gonja. Born on April 6, 1948, the Buipewura is a
Ghanaian traditional ruler.
To celebrate his 75th birthday, there was a
Christian prayer session for him at his palace on Thursday, April 6 led by the
Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, Catholic Bishop of Damongo,
Most Rev. Peter Paul Angkyier and members of the Buipe local council of
Churches.
Then on Friday, the 7th, the Imams of Buipe
led Islamic prayers for him at 5pm. The highlight of his 75TH
birthday celebrations was observed on Saturday, April 8 with a dinner and the
Tamale Police Band providing entertainment at his residence.
It was no wonder that the preparations for the program
prepared by the outgoing parish priest Fr. Hilary Anadu was intense. The
practice of the choir, one of two of the best in the Diocese was also intense. Fr. Michael, the incoming parish priest
supervised the rehearsal making sure that everyone swayed in the same direction
and that the clapping was in sync. I was privileged to join the choir for the
prayer service celebration. I am grateful for the invitation to be part of said
group.
On the day of the Christian Prayer service, the
Archbishop surprised everyone by addressing the Chief by his Christian name,
Michael. Unknown to a lot of people, the
Chief was a baptized and confirmed Catholic but because of his title and social
norms he uses his traditional name.
Bishop Peter Paul for his part praised the Chief for
raising children with a heart for service.
Prominent among his children are his two sons representing two constituencies
from Gonjaland on the ticket of two different political parties. The elder brother, John Abdulai Jinapor is
the NDC MP for the Yapei-Kusawgu. The
younger brother, Samuel Abu Jinapor is the NPP MP for the Damongo
constituency. Not to be outdone are
their siblings who serves in various capacities of the government and private
sector.
After the prayer service guests were invited to one of
the residences where we were honored with an array of local food and drinks. Everybody was welcomed and guests continued
to come as we were leaving for home.
Once again I am grateful and truly blessed to have
another cultural experience – the celebration of a paramount chief’s special day.
To the Buipewura, Happy 75th Birthday and
may the good Lord continue to shower you with His blessings as you continue to
lead and serve the people of Gonjaland!
