By Gifty Amofa
Accra, Nov. 17, GNA – Major Dr Joseph Kunyo, Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has urged Ghanaian musicians and content creators to prioritise entertainment programmes in rural and remote communities during the Christmas season.
He said many rural residents had limited recreational activities and fewer job opportunities, leaving young people vulnerable to idleness and, and in some cases, manipulation into criminal or violent acts.
Such outreach, he said, would boost community inclusion, reduce crime, promote peace, and bring joy and hope to young people.
Major Dr Kunyo made the call when the executive and members of the Defence Press Corps paid a courtesy call on him to strengthen cooperation between NADMO and the media.
He said regular social activities, including concerts, community events and creative arts outreach, helped to keep young people positively engaged.
“When people are occupied with productive activities, they have less time to plan conflict or engage in negative behaviour,” he said.
The NADMO Boss noted that the lack of jobs in many rural areas made it easier for some residents to be recruited for acts of violence.
He appealed to musicians including Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Black Sherif, KiDi and Kuami Eugene to consider hosting more holiday events outside major cities during the Yuletide.
“These creative arts events will also stimulate local economies, benefiting vendors, transport operators, artisans and small businesses,” he added.
Major Dr Kunyo noted that increased activities in rural areas would also ease pressure on capital cities, where large events often led to traffic congestion and sometimes disaster risks due to overcrowding.
Mr Joseph Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey, Dean, Defence Press Corps, commended NADMO’s efforts in 2025, including early dredging and desilting of major drains in Accra, which contributed to a significant reduction in flooding.
He, however, raised concerns over the weak media collaboration in some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), saying limited information flow hampered public awareness during disasters.
The Dean called for consistent media engagement to ensure timely and accurate communication.
The Defence Press Corps presented a citation of honour to Major Dr Kunyo, who in turn presented a plaque to the Corps.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe