By Naa Shormei Odonkor
Kumasi, Nov. 12, GNA – Nana Yaw Akuoko, the Otumfuo Assinhene (a traditional ruler) has called on Ghanaians to be proud of their identity and patronise their local music, dance and food to actively stay in touch with their culture and traditions.
Nana Akuoko who made the call, pointed out that, Ghanaian culture, traditions and customs were unique and gave the country’s indigenous people identity.
He, therefore, acknowledged the tireless efforts of the management of the Ashanti Regional Centre for National Culture (CNC) to preserve and promote the Asante culture, traditions, and customs.
Nana Akuoko was speaking at a durbar to climax of the 75th anniversary celebration of the Ashanti Regional CNC in Kumasi.The event was characterised by Adowa, Anwenesem, brass band performances as well as Fontonfrom, Kete, Nyomkro, palmwine music and traditional cooking festival.
He said by organising cultural festivals, the CNC was intentionally carrying out its duty to safeguarding and promoting the Ghanaian culture, tradition and customs.
He called on Ghanaians to always remember their roots and identify themselves with their native and cultural traditions.
Mr Peter Kofi Marfo, the Ashanti Regional Director of the CNC, said the programme was to create a platform to deepen and appreciate the understanding of the Ghanaian cultural heritage.
The objective was to help foster unity, strengthen cultural identity, and appreciate the diverse traditional expressions of the Ashanti Region and Ghana as a whole.
Additionally, Mr Marfo said the program was to provide a moment of reflection and remembrance in honour of the life and enduring legacy of Dr Alexander Atta Yaw Kyerematen.
He said Dr Kyerematen was the founder and first Director of the Kumasi Cultural Centre, who died on November 4, 1976, 50 years ago.
“His vision, dedication, and invaluable contribution to the preservation and promotion of Ghanaian culture continue to inspire generations,” Mr Marfo said.
He said this vision and sacrifices to preserve and promote the Ashanti culture, tradition and customs served as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the cultural heritage for the future.
Some of the programmes for the year-long event included Batik, Tie and Dye training, women empowerment workshop, artisanal workshop, inter-secondary school drama festival, and artisanal arts and craft exhibition.
The anniversary celebration was on the theme: “75 Years of Cultural Excellence: Preserving the Past, Empowering the Future,” and was attended by chiefs, security officers, students and other dignitaries.
Among the artists who performed at the ceremony were Akusika the poet, Amammereso Agofonma, Asanteman Kete Kuo, Manhyia Kete and Fontonfrom, Armed Forces SHTS Brass Band, and Prisons Regimental Band amongst others.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Naa Shormei Odonkor
Email: [email protected]