Deputy Registrar of the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), Professor Vida Nyagre Yakong, has cautioned young people against creating fake identities and chasing imaginary lifestyles in an attempt to fit into society.
She said the growing pressure among young people to project lifestyles they cannot afford was not only creating false identities but could also cost them genuine opportunities.
Prof. Yakong made the observation when she delivered the keynote address at the 4th Tamale Youth Summit held at the GNAT Hall in Tamale on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
“Be authentic. In this era, the majority of the youth attempt living imaginary lifestyles leading to the creation of fake identities,” she said.
According to her, such lifestyles could undermine the trust others place in young people and ultimately make it difficult for them to secure opportunities.
“Living such lifestyles would only lead to missed opportunities as it would be difficult for anyone to trust you and give you an opportunity,” she warned.
Prof. Yakong urged the youth to resist the pressure to become people they were not and instead build their lives around honesty, character and their real capabilities.
Her message formed part of seven key principles she presented to the youth, including education, resilience, integrity, service, peace, authenticity and responsible political participation.
She said young people must also be mindful of the choices they make as they pursue success, stressing that a credible reputation was an important asset in building a sustainable future.
The Deputy Registrar’s warning comes at a time when social media has become a major platform for young people to display their lifestyles, achievements and aspirations, often creating pressure to match images that may not reflect their actual circumstances.
Prof. Yakong, who recounted her own journey from a humble rural background in the Nabdam District to becoming a nurse educator, medical anthropologist, public health researcher, professor and senior public-sector administrator, encouraged the youth to remain grounded while pursuing their ambitions.
She reminded them that their background should not define the limits of what they could achieve.
“Your background is not your prison. It is your platform,” she said.
The 4th Tamale Youth Summit, organised by the Dream Big Foundation, was held under the theme “Breaking Limits: Empowering Youth for Leadership, Innovation and Impact.”
The summit brought together young people to engage in discussions on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and their role in shaping the future of Northern Ghana.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
