Vunania holds smock night to promote culture and tackle substance abuse
The youth have been encouraged to prioritize education and vocational skills to secure a better future. He also stressed the crucial role parents, especially mothers, play in community development.
Vunania, a community in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region, has held a Smock Night celebration to promote culture, tradition and youth development while addressing the growing challenge of drug and alcohol abuse.
The event, held under the theme “Reuniting Through Culture and Youth Enforcement,” brought together community members, youth, traditional leaders and opinion leaders to celebrate cultural heritage and discuss social issues affecting the area.
Speaking at the event, one of the lead organizers, Godfred Apolala, explained that the program was organized to help curb the rising abuse of drugs and alcohol among the youth.
“Drugs and alcohol have become one of the major challenges in our community, hence the need for this program. Tramadol, Red and Akpeteshie are what is killing the youth of tomorrow,” he said.
Representing the youth, Kingsford Akampie emphasized the cultural importance of the smock and the need to reconnect young people to their roots.
“Our parents used to wear smock, but it has been forgotten by today’s generation. This is the reason for the Smock Night,” he stated.
The chairperson for the occasion, Dr Joseph Aketemah, encouraged the youth to prioritize education and vocational skills to secure a better future. He also stressed the crucial role parents, especially mothers, play in community development.
“Your children are your future, so take very good care of them,” he advised.
On substance abuse, Kelvin Abem expressed concern about the increasing involvement of young people in drug use, describing it as a major threat to the future of the community. He called on chiefs and opinion leaders to work together to curb the sale and use of illicit drugs, locally referred to as “canka,” and urged the youth to focus on their education.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Vunania, Roland Atogseke expressed appreciation for the initiative and assured residents that traditional authorities and the assembly member are working hard to address the sale of drugs in the community.
He further advised the youth to remain focused and committed to building a brighter future for themselves and the community.
The Smock Night celebration featured traditional attire, cultural displays and educational talks.
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