The Paramount Chief of Buipe, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, has presented an elephant tusk to the King (Yaa Naa) of Dagbon, Ndan Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari Gariba II, as a symbol of respect, unity, and enduring traditional bonds between the two traditional areas.

The presentation, made during a visit to the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, was described as “a royal gift rooted in custom and history”. In Dagbon tradition, the elephant tusk represents strength, authority, and loyalty to the skin.

Buipewura Jinapor II stressed his allegiance to the Ya-Na and emphasised the importance of peace, mutual respect, and cooperation among traditional leaders in Ghana.

“The Ya-Na is a lion; we all know that, but he is also an elephant. He supersedes everything,” he said.

Receiving the gift, the Ya-Na expressed appreciation to the Buipewura for the gesture, noting that such acts reinforce unity, cultural heritage, and the longstanding relationship between the Dagbon and Gonja kingdoms.

“This reinforces unity, something I have been singing to everyone. I’m very happy for this visit,” he said.

The event was witnessed by chiefs, elders, and courtiers from both traditional areas, adding significance to the occasion.

Buipewura Jinapor II also visited the construction site of the new Gbewaa Palace, where he donated 100 bags of cement to support the construction.

The historical context of the relationship between the Dagbon and Gonja kingdoms is rich and complex.

In the mid-17th century, the Gonja Kingdom expanded its territory by conquering lands that were previously part of the Dagomba Kingdom.

This expansion led to significant cultural and political interactions between the two kingdoms.