Kuoro Manoh Babon-mira IV, the Divisional Chief of Billaw in the Lambussie District, has expressed concern over the increasing migration of young people from northern Ghana to southern parts of the country in search of menial jobs, describing the situation as a result of neglect of agriculture and traditional values.
According to the chief, many young people have wrongly developed the perception that farming is a punishment or an occupation for the uneducated, despite its enormous economic value and ability to provide sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the 2026 Parahpero Gbero Festival at Billaw on the theme, “Leveraging Climate Resilience Practices for Food Security,” Kuoro Babon-mira urged the youth to embrace farming as a profitable and dignified venture capable of transforming lives and reducing unemployment.
“If farming were sold in the market, it would have been an essential commodity,” he stated, while encouraging young people to take advantage of agriculture to build meaningful futures for themselves and their communities.
The chief lamented what he described as the erosion of traditional values among northern youth, warning that the situation had contributed significantly to rural-urban migration.
“Northerns have lost their values, and we must look back to correct our neglects and mistakes. We are far behind in everything, and this is why many of our younger ones are forced to go to the south to seek slavery rather than greener pastures,” he said.
He appealed to chiefs and elders to intensify education on traditional practices and cultural identity to inspire the younger generation to return to farming and community development.
The Parahpero Gbero Festival, celebrated annually by the people of Billaw, marks the beginning of the farming season. The festival originates from an ancestral practice where community leaders announced “Parahpero” — a Sissali expression meaning “farming has started” — to usher residents into the new agricultural season.
The Nathaniel Nambie Zim-meeweh described the festival theme as timely in view of the growing impact of climate change on farming activities.
He urged residents to support environmental protection efforts by creating woodlots and collaborating with the District Assembly to address deforestation.
Also addressing the gathering, Professor Titus Kofi Beyuo called on residents to maintain peace and unity, stressing that development in the district could only be achieved through collective responsibility and social harmony.
The celebration featured cultural displays, traditional dances by the Billaw Gbiello Group, music performances and exhibitions showcasing local farming practices and cultural heritage.
