Tamale: Phase II of the 'Dance for Youth Empowerment Project' has been launched in Tamale to promote cultural heritage, empower young people, and enhance skills development through traditional music and dance.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project is an initiative of the Tamale Youth Home Cultural Group (TYHCG), supported by funding from the KGL Foundation. It aims to train and build the capacity of 40 deprived youth in cultural dance programmes within the Tamale Metropolis by December 2026.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to leverage the creative arts sector to drive youth empowerment, skills development, and sustainable community development in the Northern Region. Mr Abdul Rahaman Mohammed Takoro, Director of TYHCG, highlighted that the group has grown into one of the most vibrant cultural performing groups in the country since its establishment in 1985.
Mr Takoro explained that the group emerged when the then National Youth Council allowed musicians from the Centre for National Culture in Tamale to use the Youth Home for rehearsals. This development evolved into the formation of TYHCG. The group specializes in traditional dances such as Baamaya, Tora, Takai, Jara, and Damba, contributing significantly to skills development. Many members have secured employment as dance and drumming instructors in schools, while others have traveled abroad to teach or further their studies in music and arts.
He added that the group also provides free training in handicrafts, including tailoring, smock weaving, and drum making for vulnerable groups, contributing to livelihoods and economic empowerment. Mr Abdul-Basit Abdul-Rahman, Project Lead, emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance the capacity of 40 deprived youth in cultural dance programmes within the Tamale Metropolis by December 2026.
The project will create platforms for the youth to showcase their talents through public performances and educational videos while promoting traditional dance in schools and communities. Mr Abdul-Basit outlined key activities under the project, including the establishment of dance clubs in four junior high schools, training teachers and students in cultural arts, organization of cultural competitions, and community engagement programmes.
Participating schools include Choggu Demonstration Junior High School (JHS), Excellence Academy JHS, Kalpohin Anglican JHS, and Ansuare International JHS. The project will be implemented in communities such as Changli, Bamvim, Gumbihini, and Kalpohin. Mr Amankona Ampofo, Northern Regional Director, National Youth Authority (NYA), commended the initiative and underscored the importance of cultural identity in national development.
He noted that in the face of globalization and rapid technological advancement, many young people are gradually losing touch with their cultural roots. He emphasized the need for deliberate interventions to preserve and promote Ghana's rich cultural heritage. Mr Ampofo assured the NYA's readiness to collaborate with cultural institutions and groups to expand opportunities for young people through such initiatives.
Madam Akolgo Immaculate Mary, Acting Administrator, Northern Regional Centre for National Culture, expressed that the project would help rekindle interest among young people in Ghanaian cultural heritage and preserve indigenous knowledge systems. She urged all beneficiary communities and schools to take advantage of the initiative to improve their knowledge and skills in their culture for sustainable development.