By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi
Accra, Dec. 19, GNA – The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA), together with its allied agencies, has held its annual Nine Lessons and Carols Night, blending rich Ghanaian culture, music and Christian praise
The event which was hosted at the National Theatre in Accra, and ushered in the Christmas season, opened with stirring musical performances by the National Symphony Orchestra, setting a solemn and celebratory tone for the evening.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister, MoTCCA, said the annual Carols Night was a cherished tradition that offered a moment of reflection, celebration and unity, while preparing hearts and minds for the Christmas season.
She said the theme: “Life of the World: A Culture and Creative Christmas Experience,” reflected the Ministry’s mandate as custodian of culture and facilitator of creativity.
Madam Gomashie said Christmas was not only a religious celebration but also part of Ghana’s cultural history, expressing values of hope, unity, compassion and peace.
She commended the National Theatre for hosting the event, the choirs and performers for their dedication, stakeholders for their continued support and staff of the Ministry and its agencies for their resilience and commitment, particularly as the country works towards recovery and growth.
The Carol’s Night began with song ministrations and a theatrical play recounting the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the serpent in the Garden of Eden, reminding patrons of humanity’s fall and God’s redemptive plan.
The First Lesson was read by Mr Seth Yeboah Ocran, President of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), followed by song ministrations from solo artists and the Holy Family Choir.
Prof Kobby Mensah, Executive Director of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), took the Second Lesson, while the Third Lesson was read by Mrs Kafui Danku, Executive Director of the National Film Authority, with hymns from the Accra Mass Choir.
Dr Collins Rawlings Nunyonameh, Executive Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, delivered the Fourth Lesson, and Mrs Yvonne Donkor, President of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana, read the Fifth Lesson, accompanied by musical performances.
The Sixth and Seventh Lessons were read by Mr Otto of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Naa Ashiorkor Otoo, an industry player, after which the National Dance Company thrilled patrons with an Agbadza dance.
Mr Bessa Simons, President of MUSIGA, read the Eighth Lesson, while Nanahemaa Adwoa Awindor, Development Queenmother in the Afigya Kwabre District took the Ninth Lesson, with the Lapaz Community Choir ending the night with jubilant gospel songs and a call for unity and teamwork.
The event attracted key players in the tourism and creative arts sector, as well as traditional leaders, including Nana Amponsah Adu Gyemfi, Kyidomhene of Assin Akyeanse, and veteran actress Dzifa Glikpoe with Henry Herbert Malm, Executive Director National Theatre giving it the needed support.
The Carols Night ended on a hopeful note, with a call for teamwork, empathy and service in the coming year, as the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to using arts and culture as drivers of sustainable livelihoods, innovation and national development.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie