Mr Abubakari Saeed, Administrative Officer of the Centre for National Culture (CNC), had said that, this year's National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) was development oriented, with emphasis on job creation and skills training, to curb the unemployment rate in the country.
He said the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture is finalizing proposals on job creation opportunities within the cultural sector, to actively involve the youth in building and creating the better agenda for the country.
The message of job creation was key in Mr Saeed address, during his visits to some districts of the Northern Region, to mark the zonal celebration of the NAFAC and also to sensitize them on the upcoming NAFAC celebration, which would be hosted by the region.
It was under the theme; "Promoting unity, technology and wealth creation for a better Ghana: the role of the youth in nation building".
Mr Saeed said the culture sub-sector has been observed as having the potential to reduce poverty and that stakeholders in this sector should exploit its economic potentials, especially tourism, to the benefit of the people.
He urged the districts to use the upcoming event to showcase their investment opportunities, by encouraging individuals and groups to exhibit
all that they have to sell the region.
Mr Alhaji Seidu Sampson, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bole said the Bole, Sawla, Kalba, Central and West Gonja districts were abound with several tourists sites, including the Mole National Park, the Laribanga ancient mosque, the crocodile pond and the Sonyor local architecture.
He said art and culture plays a crucial aspect of humans and urged the youth to try and understand and appreciate their culture.
Mr Adam Mutawakilu, the DCE for West Gonja, said festivals of art and culture affords the people an opportunity to take stock of their rich
cultural practices and urged the general public to take advantage of the numerous tourist attractions in the area and visit the place.