Tindonsobligo (U/R), March 02, GNA - The People of Tindongsobligo near Bolgatanga on Wednesday celebrated their annual "Yagle-Kuure" festival with a call on the people of the area to desist from indiscriminate bush burning especially in sacred grove and shrine areas. The Yagle-Kuure Festival is organised annually by the people of Tindongsobligo as a family ritual for thanksgiving to God and their ancestors for blessing them with abundant food and also for protecting them throughout the year.

Speaking on behalf on the "Tindaanas" (custodians of the land), Tindana Agongo Abosommo expressed dismay at the extinction of animals and plants species that were found in the forests and groves within the communities.

He said in the past it was only the Tidanas who were the sole keepers of the forest reserves and therefore could effectively and efficiently manage and preserve the environment. Tidana Abosommo appealed to traditional authorities as custodians of the land to stop certain inimical cultural practices such the female genital mutilation, tribal marks, widowhood rites, forced and early marriages, saying such cultural practices were dehumanising to the individual.

Mr Boniface Gambila, the Upper East Regional Minister, appealed to the people to embrace the National Health Insurance Scheme and register since it was the cheapest means of accessing healthcare. He assured them that the government would disburse some credit facilities to women in the region to help them undertake viable ventures.

Mr Gambila said the Pwalugu tomato factory would be revamped and that tractors would also be provided to facilitate farming activities in the region. This, he said would boost food production in the region and serve as employment avenues for the people of the area, especially the youth.