2025 Kakube Festival ends with caution against substance abuse

December 4, 2025

1 minute read

• Dr Rashid Pelpuo (right) exchanging pleasantries with Naa Prof. Edmund Delle Chiir VIII

The 2025 Kakube Festival in Nandom concluded with a vibrant blend of cultural celebration, government advisories, and renewed appeals for youth discipline and community vigilance. Addressing the grand durbar, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, who represented President John Dramani Mahama, cautioned the youth against the rising abuse of tramadol, marijuana, and other harmful substances. He stressed that substance abuse was destroying lives, weakening families, and hindering community development, adding, “Substance abuse is not a sign of strength; it is a path to destruction.”

While the government is enhancing sensitization and support services, Dr Pelpuo urged parents, teachers, traditional authorities, youth groups, and religious bodies to work collectively to safeguard young people. He also highlighted government programmes such as YouStart, GhanaCARES (Obaatanpa), the proposed 24-Hour Economy, and the Big Push infrastructure agenda as opportunities that communities like Nandom could leverage to support entrepreneurs, farmers, and artisans.

The festival featured lively cultural displays, including a moving performance by visually impaired singer Maria Milli from Hamile, which drew tears from patrons. The Gyirgagn community won the fiercely contested Bewaa dance competition, while artistes such as Gifty Dery entertained the crowd. Environmental issues were also emphasized, as the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Anthony Ziniyel, warned against bush burning and announced that NEDCo would no longer replace electricity poles destroyed by human-induced fires.

Additionally, the MP for Nandom, Mr Richard Kuuire, pledged ongoing support for development and disclosed contributing GH¢49,000 to the 2025 festival. The Paramount Chief, Naa Prof. Edmund Delle Chiir VIII, called for unity and appealed for increased government appointments for natives of Nandom.