NADMO DG urges musicians to take holiday events to rural communities

The Director–General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Major Dr. Joseph Kunyo, has urged Ghanaian content creators and musicians to take their programs and entertainment events to rural and remote communities, particularly ahead of the Christmas season.

Dr. Kunyo explained that residents in these areas often have limited recreational opportunities and fewer jobs, making young people more vulnerable to idleness and, in some cases, recruitment into criminal or violent activities.

“When people are engaged with productive activities, they have less time to plan conflict or involve themselves in negative behaviour.

Many rural communities lack adequate jobs, so it becomes easy for some residents to be hired to engage in violence,” he said.

He appealed to top Ghanaian musicians, including Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Black Sherif, KiDi, and Kuami Eugene, to host more holiday events outside major cities. According to him, such initiatives can foster inclusion, reduce crime, promote peace, and bring joy to young people.

Dr. Kunyo also highlighted the economic potential of creative arts in underserved communities.

“Entertainment events create opportunities for vendors, transport operators, artisans, and small businesses, while also reducing the pressure on capital cities that often experience congestion during major events,” he said.

The call was made during a courtesy visit by executives and members of the Defence Press Corps, led by Dean Joseph Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey.

The Corps commended NADMO for early dredging and desilting in Accra, as well as its swift disaster response, but noted gaps in media collaboration at some MMDAs.

“We need consistent and continuous media engagement on disaster preparedness to ensure the public receives timely and accurate information,” Gold-Alorgbey urged.