The economist and influential elite of the North West has made a powerful appeal for an end to ghost towns, calling them self-destructive and a major obstacle to the region’s economic recovery and youth development.
He was speaking at the launch of the 6th Peace and Unity Tournament last Sunday in Bamenda I of Mezam Division of the North West Region. Despite being one of the few communities in the North West Region that has managed to push back against violence, Dr. Peter Taniform says peace in Bamenda I is not enough.
“Ghost towns are like shooting ourselves in the foot and expecting to wear a shoe afterwards,” he said. “As an economist, I can tell you this practice is costing us dearly and jeopardising the future of our youth.”
Dr. Taniform, a globally respected engineer and development expert, called for the community to embrace full normalcy and use peace as a tool for growth, productivity and social cohesion.
He has demonstrated that peace is possible, and has made steps further through sporting activities to end this bad practice that continue to hurt the) economy and limit opportunities.
His remarks come as the municipality hosts two major youth-focused events: the ongoing Peace and Unity Tournament and the upcoming Mega North West Regional Youth Rally, which he is also convening and sponsoring.
Paradigm Shift
The rally is scheduled for this Thursday, 26 July, at Proximity Stadium in Bamenda I. Organised under the theme “The Beginning of a New Dawn and a New Narrative,” the gathering is designed to inspire, empower and unite young people across the region.
It is being hosted by the youth of Bamenda I Subdivision, in partnership with the Cameroon National Youth Council – North West Region (CNYC-NWR).
The rally is expected to bring together youth leaders, civic actors, development partners and government officials. Dr. Taniform will be joined by key stakeholders including Bamenda City Mayor Achombang Paul, Bamenda I Mayor Mbigha Felix, and Rev Mekom Samuel T., president of the CNYC-NWR.
Meanwhile, the Peace and Unity Tournament launched last Sunday at Bujong Community Field has drawn wide praise for its role in promoting reconciliation and community spirit through sport.
First held in 2015, the initiative has grown into one of the most anticipated grassroots events in Bamenda I, featuring football, handball, and, for the first time, basketball, volleyball and indoor games like draught and snooker.
The Tournament
At the opening ceremony, held under Olympic-style traditions, athletes and organisers took a symbolic oath pledging fair play and respect of the rules.
Dignitaries including the Divisional Officer of Bamenda I, the City Mayor, and the Regional President of the Youth Council attended the event. Ntahgang Youths edged past Bujong United 1–0 in the opening football match, setting the tone for a competitive and festive tournament.
The competition will run for a month, with matches taking place on the grounds of the newly inaugurated FCFA 6 billion Liquefied Gas Filling Plant now doubling as a sports and youth development hub.
Long-time partner the Douala Ports Authority has maintained its backing, with Director General Cyrus Ngo’o reaffirming support for the tournament. Dr. Taniform expressed gratitude for the collaboration, describing it as a model of living together.
Speaking to the crowd, Dr. Taniform reflected on his own childhood in Bamenda I, emphasising the power of community-led initiatives to transform lives. “More than 50 years ago, I was playing here. I gained a lot of wisdom through activities like this, and now I’m impacting nations around the world,” he said. “I want peace not only to remain here but to multiply.”
He added that the vision behind both the tournament and the youth rally is to bridge the gap between citizens and the administration, foster civic engagement, and build a culture of resilience.
“My expectation is that this becomes a family space. One that allows us to grow, exchange ideas, and pass down values from one generation to the next,” he said.
As Bamenda I becomes a reference point for community-driven peacebuilding, Dr. Taniform says it is time to expand the momentum. Ending ghost towns, he believes, would be a bold step toward healing, rebuilding and preparing a brighter future for the region’s youth.
By Bamenjo Petronilla