His Royal Majesty Buipewura Jinapor II, President of Buipe Traditional Council and Vice President of Ghana’s National House of Chiefs, announced a groundbreaking tourism partnership between Harlem and Northern Ghana during the 2025 Harlem Tourism Board’s Tourism and Hospitality Conference on Thursday 14th August 2025 in the United States of America.
Speaking at the Harlem Renaissance Marriott, the traditional leader whose speech was read on his behalf by Dr. Abutu Kapori unveiled the Harlem–Northern Ghana Partnership, a collaborative initiative designed to foster cultural exchange, promote sustainable tourism, and create economic opportunities spanning both sides of the Atlantic.
Dr. Abutu Kapori speaking on behalf of Buipewura Jinapor II emphasized the deep historical ties between Harlem and Ghana, particularly Northern Ghana. He noted that the African Burial Ground in nearby Manhattan serves as the final resting place for many enslaved Africans who began their tragic journey at the Salaga Slave Market in the Gonja Kingdom of the Savannah Region which was once the largest slave market in Northern Ghana during the 18th century.
“Their spirits remind us of the unbreakable bond between Africa and its diaspora, a bond we are here to strengthen today,” the traditional leader said, after revealing he had visited these sacred sites during his New York visit.
Buipewura Jinapor II also highlighted Harlem’s significance in Ghanaian history, noting that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, lived in Harlem during his time in the United States, where he encountered influential figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey who shaped his pan-Africanist ideals.
Central to the partnership is the Cultural Oneness Festival, organized by The Taste Of Afrika Limited and launched in 2023 with over 2,500 attendees. Buipewura Jinapor II extended a warm invitation to the 2025 edition scheduled for December in Tamale and other parts of Northern Ghana.
The festival will feature a Grand Durbar of Chiefs, Fusion performances blending traditional and contemporary arts, “The Strength of the Strands” fashion show highlighting Northern Ghana’s designers, The vibrant Amaraba Street Carnival, Curated tours of historic sites including the 1421-built Larabanga Mosque and Mole National Park
The partnership involves key stakeholders including the Harlem Tourism Board, The Taste Of Afrika Limited, the African Tourism Board, Ghana Tourism Authority, Northern Development Authority, and the National Commission on Culture.
Harlem Tourism Board President Mr William Anthony Rogers, who has been given a chieftaincy title by Buipewura Jinapor II as Manwulewura attended the 2024 festival, and was quoted as saying, “This was my first trip to Ghana, but it will definitely not be my last,” reflecting the transformative impact of the cultural exchange.
During his speech, Buipewura Jinapor II also announced that the JIRAJINAPOR FOUNDATION is prepared to partner and collaborate with all stakeholders in this cultural tourism initiative.
The traditional leader called upon governments, private sector organizations, development partners, and individuals to join the transformative journey, emphasizing that the partnership seeks to create pathways for the African Diaspora to reconnect with their roots through cultural exchanges, educational programs, and business opportunities.
“Today, we are creating a future where Harlem and Northern Ghana stand hand in hand, united by culture, driven by purpose, and bound by love,” Buipewura Jinapor II concluded, bringing greetings from Ghana’s H.E President John Dramani Mahama and other traditional leaders.
The announcement comes as the world celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, with the partnership aiming to build on the legacy of cultural luminaries who shaped both communities’ rich heritage.
In a show of respect, the Harlem Tourism Board has handed over the key to Harlem to His Majesty Buipewura Jinapor II, a symbolic gesture of partnership or friendship between the Harlem Tourism Board and His Majesty Buipewura Jinapor II, as a traditional leader or monarch from another region.
Given the Harlem Tourism Board’s recent collaborations with African regions, including Senegal and Ghana, for tourism development, this gesture signifies a new partnership and agreement between Harlem and Northern Ghana.
The 2025 Cultural Oneness Festival is scheduled for December in Tamale and other parts of Northern Ghana, with Harlem’s artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors invited to participate in this cross-continental celebration.
