The Chief of Pelungu, Naab Sierig Soore Sobil IV, has used the 8th celebration of the Yagle Kuure Festival to advocate for a sustained and collective fight against the growing menace of drug abuse among the youth in the Nabdam District.
Addressing chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth groups, and guests during the colourful ceremony at Pelungu, Naab Sobil IV stressed that reversing the alarming trend of substance abuse requires the combined efforts of traditional authorities, parents, teachers, students, and other key stakeholders.
According to him, the increasing use of illicit drugs among young people poses a serious threat to education, public safety, and the future development of the district and the Upper East Region at large.
He warned that without decisive action, drug abuse could derail the potential of many talented youths and undermine community cohesion.
“This fight cannot be left to one institution alone. Traditional leaders must speak up, parents must monitor and guide their children, teachers must educate, and the youth themselves must make responsible choices,” the chief stated. “If we all play our roles, we can reduce and possibly end drug abuse in our communities.”
Naab Sobil IV further called on security agencies, civil society organisations, and health professionals to intensify public education on the dangers of drug use, while encouraging schools to strengthen guidance and counselling units to support vulnerable students.
The Yagle Kuure Festival, which means “festival of thanksgiving,” is celebrated annually by the people of Pelungu to mark the end of the farming season and to thank God for a successful harvest.
Over the years, the festival has evolved beyond a cultural celebration into a platform for dialogue on critical social and developmental issues affecting the community.
Since its establishment, Yagle Kuure has been deliberately positioned as a tool for advocacy for social change, with previous editions focusing on education, peacebuilding, sanitation, and community development.
This year’s focus on youth drug abuse reflects growing concerns among local leaders about its social and economic consequences.
Participants at the festival, including divisional chiefs, youth leaders, and educators, welcomed the chief’s call and pledged their support for initiatives aimed at sensitising young people to the dangers of drug abuse.
Some parents also appealed for more community-based programmes to engage the youth positively, especially during the dry season when farming activities are reduced.
The celebration, held on the theme “Drug-Free Nabdam,” was marked by traditional performances, libation, and cultural displays, reinforcing unity and shared responsibility among the people of Pelungu as they recommitted themselves to safeguarding the future of their youth.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
