The Buipewura Jinapor II, Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Council in the Savannah Region, has been elected as Vice President of Ghana’s National House of Chiefs.
The election, held last Friday in Kumasi, saw Buipewura Jinapor II emerge victorious, polling 54 out of 72 votes.
Other contenders in the election, supervised by the Electoral Commission, included Nangodi Naaba, who garnered 4 votes; Okotwasuo, who received 6 votes; and Nana Soglo Alloh IV, who secured 9 votes.
Meanwhile, the incumbent President of the National House of Chiefs, Sefwi Anhwiasohene Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, retained his position after defeating Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeayo Agyemang Badu II by 42 votes to 30.
Establishment of the National House of Chiefs
The National House of Chiefs was established under Article 274 (1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 1 (1) of the Chieftaincy Act 2008 (Act 759).
It is tasked with exercising appellate jurisdiction in chieftaincy disputes determined by the Regional Houses of Chiefs. The House also has original jurisdiction in some chieftaincy matters under Article 273 (5) of the 1992 Constitution.
As Vice-President of the National House of Chiefs, Buipewura Jinapor II is expected to play a pivotal role, including serving on the Research and Traditional Affairs Committee and helping to direct the affairs of the institution alongside the President.
Profile
Early Life and Education
Buipewura Jinapor II, born Mahama Abdulai Jinapor on April 6, 1948, is the son of Jira Buipewura Chilipulima I and Kewurche Meyama Ayuwa.
He was one of the early beneficiaries of colonial education in East Gonja, Salaga, where he completed Stanza 4 (Sixth Form).
Teaching career
After completing his education, Buipewura Jinapor II taught at Damongo, present-day Kurabaso JHS, and Gindabor.
Among his students is the current Kongwura Jinkuriga I, Paramount Chief of the Kong Traditional Area.
Family life
While pursuing his teaching career, he met his lifelong partner, Madam Alice Azara Achulo. They are blessed with five children.
Transition to public service
Political career
In 1969, Buipewura Jinapor II ventured into politics, becoming the Wenchi West Party Secretary and later serving as secretary and personal aide to former President Dr. K.A. Busia.
Service in the Ghana Police
In the 1970s, he joined the Ghana Police Service, where he served for 39 years, rising to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
Traditional leadership journey
Buipewura Jinapor II’s journey in traditional leadership began in the late 1980s when he was enskinned as Gbemasewura.
In 1992, he ascended to Salimanwura and, on June 13, 2008, became the Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area.
Significance of the Buipewura title
Under the 1930 Constitution of the Gonja Kingdom, the Buipewura is revered as the traditional father of the Yagbonwura, the Paramount Chief of the Gonja Kingdom.
The Buipewura holds a critical role, including serving as the caretaker of the royal burial grounds at Buipe, where the mausoleum of Ndwura Jakpa is located.
By custom, the Buipewura and Yagbonwura do not meet face-to-face after the latter’s installation, a tradition that underscores their mutual reverence.
Career achievements
Buipewura Jinapor II has excelled in various capacities throughout his career:
Classroom Teacher (1967)
Ghana Police Service (1970–2009)
Over three decades as a traditional leader/ruler
Member of the National House of Chiefs Standing Committee
Chairman of Eminent Chiefs, Savannah Region House of Chiefs
Immediate Past Vice President, Savannah Region House of Chiefs
President of the Buipe Traditional Council
Legacy
Buipewura Jinapor II is the father of five children, including the renowned Jinapor brothers in Ghana’s Parliament:
John Abdulai Jinapor, MP for Yapei/Kusawgu
Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, MP for Damongo Constituency and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
With his election as Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, Buipewura Jinapor II is poised to bring his extensive experience in public service and traditional leadership to this esteemed role.
