GRi Arts & Culture 22 – 03 - 2003

 

 

Let's recapture our cultural identity

 

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 22 March 2003- Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie, Apagyahene of Kumasi, has said that it is necessary for Ghanaians to recapture their cultural identity. He noted, "colonial rule has influenced our way of life" and said one way to achieve cultural rejuvenation was through the celebration of cultural and artistic festivals.

 

Speaking at a pre-National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC) organised by the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Kumasi on Friday, Oheneba Kyeretwie said Ghanaians must be proud of their rich cultural heritage.

 

He was optimistic that the festival would enable the country to achieve its cultural and artistic emancipation since it would provide the platform for the exposition of Ghanaians indigenous dances, music, drama and other literacy works as well as arts and crafts.

 

"Unless our craftsmen and artistes take up the challenge to be creative and innovative, the inroads being made by foreign artistic designs will re-captivate the Ghanaian's imagination", he stressed.

 

The Apagyahene hoped the occasion would infuse cultural awareness into the people especially the youth and make them live up to their cultural responsibilities. He called on the cultural centres to make efforts through its programmes to ensure that the youth are not unduly influenced by foreign cultures through its numerous programmes.

 

Samuel Francis Adjei, acting Director of the Centre, said the programme was a preparatory one geared towards the main national event, which is scheduled to take place in Sekondi-Takoradi from 4-13 April.

 

He explained that NAFAC 2002 could not come on due to some problems and that it will be celebrated this year to maintain its grandeur. Adjei thanked the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and all those organisations and individuals who contributed in diverse ways to make the 50th anniversary celebration of the centre a success and hoped they would help in the region's participation in this year's NAFAC.

GRi.../

 

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