By Maltiti Sayida Sadick
Residents of Sagnarigu thronged the area to witness the launch of the maiden Sagnarigu Youth Festival, a week-long event aimed at empowering young people and promoting community development.
The festival began with a health walk, setting the pace for activities scheduled from December 20 to December 27, 2025. The launch featured cultural performances by Dagomba, Gruni and Fulani groups, alongside the display of indigenous cuisines.
Speaking at the event, the Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, Atta Issah, said the festival’s theme, “Celebrating heritage, empowering tomorrow,” encourages young people to take active roles in addressing community challenges through creativity, innovation and leadership.
He expressed concern about the increasing incidence of drug abuse among the youth, describing the situation as worrying, and pledged support for initiatives aimed at addressing the problem in the Sagnarigu Constituency and the Northern Region. He noted that activities such as tree planting and recycling exercises were included in the programme to tackle environmental degradation caused by indiscriminate tree felling for charcoal and poor plastic waste disposal.
The Northern Regional Minister, John Ali Adolf, reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting drug abuse, citing ongoing operations by a special police task force in Tamale targeting suspected drug hideouts. He also announced plans for a major operation to address the growing number of street children, warning that parents deemed irresponsible would face legal action before reclaiming their children from police custody.
Chairman of the occasion and Chief of Tugu, Tugulana Naa Bapira Andani, stressed the need for collective responsibility among stakeholders to advance development in the Northern Region, particularly through sustained youth empowerment.
The Mayor of Tamale, Abu Takoro, called for a unified approach to addressing drug abuse, sanitation challenges and irresponsible parenting. He urged the youth to shun violence and work together to promote peaceful coexistence.
Representing Members of Parliament from the Northern Region, the MP for Mion, Misbawu Mahama, congratulated the Sagnarigu MP for initiating the festival. He assured the youth of continued support from MPs in the region for hardworking and innovative young people striving to succeed in their chosen fields.
The Sagnarigu Youth Festival is expected to promote unity, cultural appreciation, environmental awareness and a renewed sense of responsibility among young people throughout the week-long celebration.
