By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Aug 07, GNA – Mrs Eleanora Portia Baffour-Agyei, the President of The Kid Patriot Club-Ghana, has urged parents to be committed to teaching their children the Ghanaian traditions.
She said it was important to preserve and pass down cultural practices, including songs that embodied essential virtues and values, rather than discarding these important elements of the Ghanaian heritage.
Mrs Baffour-Agyei said the Ghanaian tradition encompassed a rich tapestry of history, customs, and values, such that by teaching these traditions, they helped preserve their cultural heritage and ensured that it remained vibrant and relevant for future generations.
She said understanding and participating in traditional practices helped children develop a strong sense of cultural identity, and that this connection to their heritage could foster pride and self-esteem, helping them navigate their place in both local and global contexts.
The President of the Kids Petro Club-Ghana was speaking to the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of an event dubbed “Kids Discovering Ghana” which was held in Accra.
“Kids Discovering Ghana” is an annual event designed to provide children with an opportunity to disconnect from their screens and engage in a hands-on exploration of Ghanaian culture.
This event facilitates learning about various aspects of Ghanaian traditions, including its rich culinary heritage, traditional clothing, and indigenous games, fostering both cultural appreciation and social interaction.
Mrs Baffour-Agyei said Kids Petro Club-Ghana is a Non-Governmental Organisation dedicated to preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage and values among children.
She said the Club recognised the growing influence of Westernisation, which posed a challenge to maintaining and appreciating Ghanaian culture, and that their mission was to ensure that children remained connected to and value their cultural roots.
“We achieve this by organising both in-person events and online virtual forums which allow us to engage children in learning activities that impart essential virtues and skills necessary for responsible and ethical behaviour.”
“We incorporate traditional games, once enjoyed by our parents and ancestors, to foster unity and connection among participants. Additionally, our programs feature storytelling sessions that impart important values such as integrity, commitment, and mutual respect,” she added.
She said exhibition stands were mounted to promote the Ghanaian indigenous products and monuments, adding that, “interestingly, when the children meet and see these products they appreciate them a lot.”
Mrs Baffour-Agyei said engaging children in traditional games was essential, as these activities fostered creativity and facilitated significant learning experiences.
She said by participating in such games, children were exposed to valuable cultural practices and developed innovative thinking skills.
Mrs Baffour-Agyei said there was a need to shift mindsets regarding Ghanaian culture, recognising that it was not outdated but rather a vital component of national identity.
She said a nation could not achieve development without focusing on and building upon its own cultural heritage and resources.
GNA