GRi Arts & Culture 15 – 04 - 2003

10th edition of NAFAC ends

Fijai (Western Region) 15 April 2003- The 10th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) hosted by the Western Region ended on Sunday after a Concert Party show at the uncompleted theatre complex at Fijai, near Sekondi.

A press released signed by Samuel Nkrumah-Gyimah, Vice Chairman of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people in the region, as well as, the Regional Co-ordinating Council, exhibitors, cultural groups and individuals for their contributions towards the success of the festival.

The 10-day festival was on the theme: "Culture, Development and the Ghanaian Identity". The statement cited the children's day, mock durbar of chiefs, women's entrepreneurial day and the regional days as special occasions that brought the various cultures of the country to the fore and "left an indelible impression on all those who attended."

Thought provoking issues that were raised are expected to influence and sharpen Ghanaian social policy direction for the years ahead, the statement added. Efo Kodjo Mawugbe, Western Regional Director of the NCC, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said though the festival was superb, the lack of funds, coupled with the hosting of the festival at three separate locations, made movement difficult and did not guarantee the patronage of the goods and services that were on display.

He said the NCC had learnt its lessons and in future, would hold all NAFAC festivals, exhibitions and programmes at one location, to reduce movement and enhance the total success of the festival.

Efo Mawubge said the discovery of new talents, ideas, hidden cultural practices, food varieties and indigenous beverages, has re-focused the country's attention to its cultural heritage.

He urged all stakeholders to work hard and preserve such heritage. Efo Mawugbe called on parliament to expedite action on the national cultural policy to safeguard the Ghanaian culture and identity and protect it against foreign influences.

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