The Tamale Metropolis is embracing its cultural roots with the launch of the “Dance for Youth Empowerment” project, a year-long initiative aimed at rekindling the youth’s interest in traditional drumming and dancing. The project, which is set to be implemented across four key communities—Changli, Banvim, Gumbihini, and Kalpohin—seeks to empower young people through cultural preservation while fostering community development.
Funded by the KGL Foundation, the project is being led by the Tamale Youth Home and Cultural Group. The official launch, which took place in Tamale, drew attention to the urgent need to address the decline in cultural practices among the youth and was held under the theme: “Empowering Youth to Preserve and Promote Traditional Drumming and Dance Heritage while Fostering Sustainable Community Development.”
Project lead, Mr. Abdul-Basit Abdul-Rahman, highlighted the project’s mission to reinstate drumming and dancing traditions through partnerships with local schools and cultural organizations. The initiative will create drumming and dancing clubs in selected schools, where students will also take part in educational workshops to better understand and appreciate their cultural heritage.
The project culminates with a community-wide cultural exhibition in Tamale, where participants will showcase the skills they have developed.
In his address, Mr. Abdul-Rahman emphasized that this project not only aimed to preserve cultural identity but also create employment opportunities for the youth, thus contributing to local economic empowerment.
Other stakeholders, including traditional authorities and civil society organizations like Activista Ghana, expressed their support for the initiative, urging the youth to embrace the opportunity to connect with and enhance their cultural roots.
Northern Regional Director for the Centre for National Culture, Mr. Abubakari Iddrisu Saeed, praised the project as a critical step towards preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage while offering avenues for economic growth through traditional arts.
The project is expected to significantly impact the youth in these communities by helping them rediscover the value of their cultural heritage while fostering a sense of pride and unity.
